An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home

A central glass atrium brings natural light and glimpses of nature to all three floors.

A few years ago, photographer Peter Krasilnikoff asked Studio David Thulstrup to create his new Copenhagen home from an old pencil factory and incorporate a green space. Taking inspiration from urban rooftop gardens and "innovative green zones in buzzing cosmopolitan cities," the firm's resulting design, finished in 2015, features a three-story glass atrium at the home's center. According to Dezeen, Thulstrop called it "the central green heart of the house." 

An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 1 of 12 -
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 2 of 12 -
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 3 of 12 -
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 4 of 12 -

Now, every floor benefits from the natural light the atrium brings, as well as views of the grasses, plants, and the tree planted inside. Strategic mirrored panelling further encourages light into the interior. 

The architects derived additional inspiration from the building's former life, and "worn-out warehouses and factories." They preserved three brick walls from an old garage on the site and combined them with concrete floors, steel feature walls, bathrooms enveloped in terrazzo, and staircases shaped from perforated blackened steel.

Shop the Look
Lzf Lamps Nut Pendant
The LZF Nut Pendant uses the most minimal twist and turn of a ribbon of wood veneer to create an elegant, intertwined silhouette. The simplicity of the shade's design creates an airy appearance, while the overlapping wood grain texture confers a pleasant warmth and glow.
The Citizenry Beso Pillow
Handcrafted from durable sheep’s wool, this accent pillow brings a cozy, luxe feel to any space. With its deep charcoal base and hand-knotted detailing, it strikes the perfect balance of subtle color and bold texture. If you ask us, this beauty is everything a mix-and-match pillow should be. Each...
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 5 of 12 -
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 6 of 12 -
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 7 of 12 -
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 8 of 12 -
Shop the Look
Lightyears Orient Pendant Light
Designed by Jo Hammerborg in 1963, the Orient Pendant Light is a flawless light design with good luminous efficacy and made from the finest quality materials. This pendant was created by Jo Hammerborg in 1963 for one of the most important Danish lighting companies of the time, Fog & Mørup.
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 9 of 12 -

Wide boards, the HeartOak line from Dinesen finished with a natural oil, clad walls and floors to bring a natural warmth to the more industrial elements. Additional wood, in the form of vertical strips of Brazilian hardwood, lines the building's exterior, while a rooftop seating area overlooks the atrium. 

An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 10 of 12 -
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 11 of 12 -
An Old Factory in Copenhagen Is Now a Photographer's Dream Home - Photo 12 of 12 -


Project Credits:

Ideation, planning, concept and design development of architecture and interior, follow up on construction site, and furniture selection: Studio David Thulstrup

Contractor: Egeberg Enterprise 

Photography: Peter Krasilnikoff

Melissa Dalton
Dwell Contributor
Melissa Dalton is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon, who has been writing for Dwell since 2017. Read more of her work about design and architecture at melissadalton.net.

Published

Last Updated

Get the Renovations Newsletter

From warehouse conversions to rehabbed midcentury gems, to expert advice and budget breakdowns, the renovation newsletter serves up the inspiration you need to tackle your next project.