Nordic Health House

NOR: Nordic Health House, a multipurpose health and lifestyle improvement center, opened its new site in November 2016, on a quiet corner in the midst of the hustle and bustle in Nørrebro, Copenhagen. The 1464 square-meter project site spans three stories and has a variety of functional areas including cafe, kitchen, one educational conference room, two big yoga rooms, 16 small therapy rooms, several changing rooms and showers, and two outdoor patios. Among the many characteristic features at the site, two specific design focal points are the rich color palette and the naturalistic-themed interior, both reflecting the spirited and lively valence of the health center.

Contrary to the usual appearance of white in most Scandinavian design, color pattern at NOR: goes rather “wild and sexy”. The resting area painted fully in coral color is definitely one of most eye-catching spots. Situated on the top floor right across from the sunny patio, the vivid and colorful area gives people a warm and cozy feeling and thus naturally attracts them to sit there and enjoy themselves alone with a cup of coffee, or have a nice chat with friends. During night times, the area emanates some extra energetic feeling as the lights are dimmed and the vigorous coral color stands out. Such color choice is not coincidental; it differs strikingly from other themed hues of NOR:, such as the calming lavender, refreshing mint and temperating curry. Indeed, the contrasting but complementary color palette displays the moral of NOR:, welcoming professionals and clients from various backgrounds and providing services with all approaches to health and healing.

Since the center provides services ranging from dynamically challenging workouts and yoga to cathartic therapies and massages, the design of its interior has to contain both elements, too. The diverse color pattern mirrors the energetic side of the center, while the naturalistic theme emulates the soothing components. All the yoga and therapy rooms were built with creamy colored walls, and the floors were left as muddy concrete or paved with wooden materials. Furnitures and interior decor also display elements from the nature: just right next to the cafe on the first floor, three bamboo chairs are hung from the ceiling and a big tree trunk is “planted” in the middle of the open area. The retro, earthy and rather funky look of the interior pillars are carefully done by dissolution of the original wall paint. The surface of the pillars is soaked with special wall paint glue, wrapped by soft plastic material and settled overnight. All the effort paid aims to create a natural-looking appearance of the pillars that blends in with all the other organic elements in the center.

At the Grand Opening of the NOR:, Mikael Kyneb, owner of the center, thanked Underdog Studio for completing the new look of the center and planning every square meter of the space right according to his and his clients’ needs. He was glad that his team could also participate in the design process, contribute their ideas and actually realize their vision. To him, the completion of the site was surely a reflection of the center’s philosophy and a dream come true.