Hotel Sanders | Lind + Almond

Sanders in Copenhagen is a new landmark hotel located on a charming neighborhood street directly behind the Royal Danish Theatre. The façade is actually a combination of two townhouses that have now been fused into one exceptional property that houses 53 guest rooms, Sanders Kitchen, Living Room, bar TATA and a Roof Terrace. A former hotspot for the city’s cultural cognoscenti in the 1970’s, owner Alexander Kølpin looks forward to continuing that legacy in an entirely new era.

Kølpin is a former ballet dancer, director and gadabout who has taken design references from the theatre as well as his broad range of travels. Working in collaboration with the design team Lind + Almond, the intention was to create a hotel that represents a rich tapestry of these experiences.

The overall palette is subtle and understated – there was a distinct intention to shy away from the latest trends. The public spaces are generally earthy tones whose colors are timeless. The hotel has further embraced natural tones of timbers and stones as much as possible. Bolder statements of color can be found in the red velvet curtains at TATA, giving a wink and nod to Kølpin’s theatre days.

You will also find dark green leather seating in Sanders Kitchen and golden velvets in the lounge area furnishings. Rattan and bamboo represent a bit of a colonial edge, the golden age of travel and exploration of new places and new cultures. Add to that a touch of English eccentricity and flamboyance in the printed fabrics and furnishings and it adds up to a chic, sexy, urban hideaway.

The Courtyard serves, food and drinks within ivy covered walls where you can cozy up with a blanket near a roaring fireplace. The Roof Terrace is a rare space for both residents and the public atop the hotel overlooking Copenhagen’s rooftops. Here, guests will find an oasis amid colonial inspired furniture and a garden of exotic plants.

Materials / Lighting
Like the color palette, materials were chosen in classic tones, lots of stained timber, honed marbles, velvet and rattan. Sanders feels entirely embedded in the city, yet it takes on a more cosmopolitan ambience - it is something intriguing, yet it clearly belongs. While the woodwork is very much of Denmark, exotic marble comes from Italy, Portugal and Greece, while slate comes from the British Lake district and limestone from Croatia.

As an art director, lighting sets the scene and it was particularly important for Copenhagen’s long dark winters. The idea was to not over illuminate but emit a beautiful warm glow to enhance the atmosphere of each space which is very layered and detailed. The idea was not to focus on one particular thing, but to take in the entire scene a whole.

One piece of lighting that stands out above all others in the spectacular 1940’s vintage chandelier which hangs above the reception desk which casts a soft glow greetings guests as they arrive. Designed by iconic architect Carlo Scarpa, often referred to as the Frank Lloyd Wright of Italy, it is one of three that were originally housed in a Zurich bank. It is comprised of over 300 beautiful glass prisms, handmade by the Murano glass masters of Venini.

Artwork

The artworks were sourced by Lind + Almond and commissioned by Kølpin in collaboration with Dais Contemporary to compliment the historical context and new design scheme. Built in a classical 19th century building in the heart of Copenhagen, and a stone’s throw away from The Royal Danish Theatre, some of the collection connects with Alexander's personal experience as a former ballet dancer: movement, music, dance and the human form. Others highlight Copenhagen’s waterfront context as well as the modernist and expressionist periods of art – two periods synonymous with important works of Danish art and design. The collection brings together the work of emerging artists from a wide range of countries including; America, Britain, Germany and Greece; emphasizing the international outlook of the property.