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Case Study: Historic Copenhagen Adaptive Reuse Projects for Multifamily
Two projects in Copenhagen featuring SynSisal® Medina Mesquite wall-to-wall carpeting for landings, corridors, stairwells, and common areas.
Once serving as a waterfront warehouse, Det Blå Pakhus stands as a notable example of adaptive reuse, blending centuries-old architectural character with contemporary residential design. From 1978 to 1980, architects Flemming Hertz and Ole Ramsgaard Thomsen converted the landmark neoclassical structure into premium condominiums. Image by Hanlu Cao.
Project Details:
Category
Location:
Toldbodgade, 1253 København, Denmark
Request
Sisal-look carpet with greater durability and ease of maintenance for a historic adaptive renovation.
Solution
SynSisal® Medina in Mesquite installed throughout shared spaces.
The Design Challenge:
Preserving historic character while meeting modern commercial standards.
As part of a recent multifamily refurbishment, Vejlsgaard, the Det Blå Pakhus project design team, sought to maintain the building's historic charm while upgrading communal spaces to withstand heavy foot traffic.
The design vision initially called for natural sisal carpet, valued for its texture, warmth, and timeless appeal. However, concerns were raised about how natural sisal would perform in the building's high-traffic communal areas, particularly the stairways and common areas used daily by residents.
The Solution:
Balancing residential appeal and commercial functionality with SynSisal
While researching synthetic sisal alternatives, the decision-makers at Vejlsgaard discovered SynSisal®, which offered the best sisal look while addressing concerns around durability, maintenance, and long-term appearance retention.
Working closely with our Danish agent, Vejlsgaard tested SynSisal® and eventually specified Medina in Mesquite throughout the building's shared spaces.
Originally built as a grain silo on Copenhagen's harbour, Frihavns Tårnet has been transformed into a landmark residential tower in the city's revitalized Nordhavn district. The project preserves the building's industrial heritage while creating contemporary waterfront homes, making it a standout example of adaptive reuse in modern Copenhagen.
Project Details:
Category
Location
Frihavnstårnet, Helsinkigade 18, 20, 2150 København, Denmark
Request
Sisal-look carpet with greater durability and ease of maintenance for a historic adaptive renovation.
Solution
SynSisal® Medina in Mesquite installed throughout shared spaces.
The Design Challenge:
Transforming an industrial grain silo into a welcoming multifamily environment.
The conversion of Frihavns Tårnet presented a different design challenge compared to Det Blå Pakhus: rather than preserving the character of a former warehouse, the design team sought to create inviting spaces for modern residents in a former grain silo.
One way to soften the industrial architecture (exposed concrete, long corridors) was to specify natural-look carpet.
The Solution:
Warming up the corridors and common areas with SynSisal carpeting.
SynSisal® Medina in Mesquite was selected for the building's communal spaces across all 11 residential floors, including lift lobbies and apartment corridors.
Medina provided the warm, woven bouclé look of natural sisal flooring while offering the durability, cleanability, and long-term appearance retention required for shared residential environments.
The definitive synthetic sisal for adaptive reuse.
Selected for both Det Blå Pakhus and Frihavns Tårnet, SynSisal® demonstrates how thoughtful flooring specification can support both design intent and long-term performance.
Specifically designed to recreate the natural texture and character of traditional sisal carpet, SynSisal® delivers a warm, woven appearance to complement a wide range of architectural styles while meeting the needs of commercial spaces: durability, fire resistance, cleanability, and sustainability.
Working on an adaptive reuse project?
These twin projects show how thoughtful material choices can help historic spaces evolve without losing their character.
By pairing the timeless, woven look of sisal with the durability and performance of SynSisal®, Curran offers a flooring solution well suited to adaptive reuse, honoring what came before while supporting how a space will be used next.
We're ready to work with you.
Image: Leif Jørgensen
