Reference Project
Located in Kedelhallen, one of Copenhagen’s most iconic industrial buildings, ÅBEN brings a contemporary expression of Danish craft beer culture to the former Carlsberg brewing district. Defined by its four towering chimneys, red brick façades and distinctive arched windows, the former boiler house retains a strong connection to the area’s industrial heritage while embracing a new purpose.
ÅBEN began as an independent brewery in 2017 and since then, it has expanded its location across Denmark developing an approach to beer that embraces experimentation, openness and a strong sense of community. Its location in Kedelhallen brings this philosophy into a setting deeply rooted in Danish brewing history, connecting the site’s industrial past with a contemporary and open approach to beer culture.
Designed by Pihlmann Architects, the bar interior explores an open-space with restrained interplay of materials and textures. Warm timber furniture, alongside muted palette, bring softness to the space, while steel surfaces introduce a tactile contrast. The defining feature of the space is a series of long, slender taps showcasing diverse selection of beers - both functional and sculptural, they create a distinctive rhythm along the bar, making the beer selection an integral part of the interior expression. The result is a carefully composed setting where material contrasts and considered details shape the character of the space.
In the bathroom, the SP faucets in polished chrome stand against warm, amber-toned wood panelling, introducing a reflective metal finish to the retro-inspired color palette. The polished surface brings clarity to the composition, while its durability supports the demands of everyday use and helps preserve the distinctive appearance over time.