Vipp’s Newest High-Design Hotel Outpost Is in a Water-Pumping Station
For its third hospitality outpost, Danish design brand Vipp has transformed the ruins of a century-old water pumping station in Copenhagen into the Vipp Chimney House. In keeping with its predecessors—the plug-and-play prefab Vipp Shelter in Sweden and the Vipp Loft above the company’s Copenhagen headquarters—the newest Vipp Hotel branch offers guests the chance to experience the brand’s high-end furnishings before they decide to purchase.
The Copenhagen landmark is easily identifiable by its 115-foot-tall chimney.
The company teamed up once again with local practice Studio David Thulstrup, the same firm that designed the Vipp Loft as well as the interiors of René Redzepi’s new Noma restaurant. The challenge this time was to turn the ruins of 1902 pumping station near the Copenhagen harbor into a two-bedroom guesthouse with a sleek aesthetic befitting the brand’s image.
The original arches were turned into doors with steel-framed glass that let in ample natural light. Custom terrazzo lines the floors.
Vipp pendant lamps ($500) are suspended over the sleek and modular Vipp kitchen. The iconic pedal bin occupies a corner.
"The Vipp Hotel is a concept hotel," explains Frank Christensen Egelund, vice president of Vipp USA. "We like to call it a 'deconstructed' hotel because each location is a stand-alone suite. There is only one reservation at a time for each 'room.' The aesthetic sensibility and the Vipp lifestyle experience is cohesive from property to property, but the locations are unique. The Chimney House, which is room number three, is exciting because we revitalized a historic structure and added our imprint."
Named after its towering 115-foot-tall chimney, the 2,153-square-foot Vipp Chimney House has been exquisitely detailed to honor the industrial heritage of the structure while adding a more contemporary energy. To achieve an elevated take on a home-away-from-home setting, architect David Thulstrup appointed the modern interiors with a carefully curated selection of Vipp products that include the brand’s new furniture collection.
The fully appointed Vipp Kitchen also comes with a fridge stocked with bottled water, champagne, and a limited-edition American Pale Ale by Mikkeller x Vipp created in celebration of Vipp’s 80th birthday.
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The modern steel staircase adds a striking architectural element to the space and leads from the ground-floor living spaces to the bedrooms upstairs.
"The Vipp Hotel concept is our take on haute-couture in the design business," says Kasper Egelund, CEO and third generation Vipp owner. "Our newest outpost is custom-fitted and executed by David Thulstrup with a great attention to detail, in a way that explores a modern way of living and showcases Vipp’s brand universe."
The light-filled living area is dressed with a Vipp Shelter lounge (available in Fall 2019), the Vipp Loft Sofa ($6,795), and a Vipp Floor Reading Lamp ($600).
Lime-washed brickwork matches the cool gray tones that define the Vipp Chimney House.
The debut of the Vipp Chimney House coincides with the global design brand’s 80th birthday. To commemorate the anniversary of when Vipp founder Holger Nielse crafted their iconic pedal bin in 1939, Vipp unveiled its first-ever chair, the Vipp451, the black version of which has been used to furnish the Vipp Chimney House’s dining room.
Six new versatile Vipp451 chairs are used in the dining room.
Built with a powder-coated aluminum frame and rounded armrests, the Vipp451 ($950) is available in fabric and leather upholstery in either black or cognac.
The pumping station’s lower level was renovated to house the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas. A contemporary extension above comprises the private areas and creates the opportunity for a lofty atrium that soars to a height of 28 feet with skylight views of the old chimney.
A modern steel extension was stacked on top of the historic brick architecture to expand the living space to 2,153 square feet.
In addition to new furniture as well as modular kitchen and bathroom units, the third Vipp Hotel outpost also showcases Vipp’s growing expansion into lighting, accessories, and even textile designs.
A peek into the master bedroom that connects to a walk-in closet.
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The master bedroom also enjoys access to a private terrace through sliding glazed doors. A privacy curtain can be pulled along the ceiling track.
"For me it was a dream architectural project, from the strong gestures of the building to the finest interior detailing," explains Thulstrup. "I was encouraged to make it edgy, and with that I wanted to add the personality, comfort, and aesthetics of a private residence. I wanted people to feel at home."
The guest bedroom features integrated wood cabinetry and 15-foot-tall frameless glass panels.
The Vipp table lamp ($259) features a perforated metal lampshade and pull string.
A peek inside one of the two bathrooms fitted with Vipp bathroom modules and accessories that include everything from the tap and soap dispenser to the bin and guest towels.
A stay at the Vipp Chimney House starts at 2,000 Euro for a minimum of two nights.
Related Reading: An Experimental New Hotel Includes a Steel Prefab and a Copenhagen Loft
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