Within the coronary heart of the Copenhagen Harbour, a two-story fashionable houseboat now floats serenely between the opera home and the revitalized Paper Island. This architectural feat belongs to Danish designer and craftsman Søren Hvalsøe Garde, founding father of the esteemed design firm Garde Hvalsøe. Merging progressive dwelling with timeless craftsmanship, the 1,507-square-foot dwelling represents a private {and professional} milestone for Garde, who spent almost two years perfecting the mission.
The journey started when Garde was impressed by his son’s transfer to a floating neighborhood in Refshaleøen, identified for its eco-conscious design and inexpensive pupil housing long-established from transport containers. That have sparked a deeper curiosity within the potential of water-based dwelling. Garde, a lifelong maker and designer, noticed a chance to assemble one thing that fused his love for practical magnificence together with his fascination for various dwelling areas.
Discovering the right spot proved to be probably the most elusive a part of the plan. With town’s harbor area in excessive demand, it took months of persistence earlier than Garde secured a perfect location with scenic views and architectural status. From there, the imaginative and prescient took form in collaboration with architect Anders Halsteen, leading to a houseboat that blurs the road between residence and design object.
Inbuilt Poland and floated to its everlasting web site in Copenhagen, the construction options expansive glass partitions that invite the harbor in, whereas rigorously positioned terraces provide out of doors sanctuaries above the waterline. The outside is sheathed in darkish wooden cladding paying homage to Garde Hvalsøe’s signature wardrobes, making certain each privateness and concord with the city panorama.
Inside, the area is a showcase of bespoke particulars and high-end supplies. The kitchen, a focus for Garde and his spouse Rita, options handcrafted Garde Hvalsøe cabinetry, a dramatic stone countertop, and open shows of culinary instruments that talk to the couple’s ardour for cooking. Classic furnishings by Bruno Mathsson and Hans Wegner anchor the eating space in Scandinavian heritage, whereas up to date lighting and minimalist design add a refined edge.
“I like the method of making one thing new, and by constructing from scratch, you get all the things precisely as you need,” says Søren, who took the identical strategy to this mission as he does his cabinetry firm.
Supplies all through the houseboat replicate each luxurious and longevity. From brass lavatory fixtures that can develop a pure patina over time to wonderful oak flooring by Dinesen and concrete surfaces, the palette is restrained however richly tactile. Even the bathe, tiled in smooth impartial tones, exudes a quiet magnificence.
Regardless of downsizing from a bigger dwelling, the couple prioritized shared areas over personal rooms. The format maximizes openness and movement, with communal areas taking middle stage. A sheltered deck backyard, good for summer season dinners, completes the setting – an area designed for dwelling slowly and savoring the water views.
A spotlight function is the custom-designed wine cellar, lined in oak and temperature-controlled through a system that attracts on the encompassing seawater. This mix of kind and performance exemplifies the meticulous planning behind each element of the house.
Reflecting on the arrival of his floating dwelling, Garde remembers the emotional weight of seeing it towed into place on a peaceful summer season night. Since then, life on the water has supplied a renewed sense of serenity. The mild movement of the house and the ever-changing gentle over the harbor have turn out to be a part of each day life – an embodiment of Garde’s perception that considerate design can elevate the on a regular basis.
For extra data on Garde Hvalsøe, go to gardehvalsoe.dk.
Pictures by Birgitta Wolfgang Bjørnvad.
