High ceilings and waterside location

The IT company Monstarlab has moved into Pakhus 54 on the Copenhagen waterfront, where it rubs shoulders with architects and other creative enterprises. And with ample space for developing and exploring new ideas.

The building was formerly a warehouse for goods destined for the Far East, hence the name of the quay – Orientkaj. Today, however, the products being sold to the Far East do not require warehousing.

Monstarlab is located on the first floor, and you enter the offices directly from a walkway running along the quay and step into the large space punctuated by numerous pillars. The high ceiling creates a fantastic atmosphere, with beautiful daylight flooding in, particularly from the side of the building overlooking the water and from the skylights above. There is a strong sense of coherence despite the meeting and canteen box in the middle of the room.

The design was inspired by the industrial history of the building and, in particular, shipping containers. Black-painted steel structures with visible joints and surfaces clad in wooden strips in a precise design reinforce the identity of the place, while optimised functionality has been ensured through the location of the canteen on a mezzanine level and meeting rooms at floor level.

Room for ideas

H+ARKITEKTER has been responsible for the conversion and the interior design of Monstarlab’s Copenhagen office. Among other things, the architectural practice specialises in the transformation and renovation of older buildings.

Monstarlab wanted the furniture to contribute to the creative process. H+ARKITEKTER therefore added a number of open wooden boxes and a special conference table with space to use LEGO as part of the workflow.

Thought was given to the acoustics at all stages of the interior design, with large-format, white Troldtekt acoustic panels installed on the ceilings to match the scale and history of the room.

In the conference rooms, circular moss pads in different colours have been used on the walls. Moss is sound-absorbing and also regulates the indoor climate. In the choice of décor, furniture and surfaces, a delicate balance has been struck between looking after this unique building and at the same time creating a welcoming feel with a strong focus on employee well-being.