Gallery of Paul Clemence Captures Ingenhoven Architects’ Kö-Bogen II and Its Landmark Green Facade - 1

Rikke Baumgarten, creative director and cofounder of Danish fashion brand Baum Und Pferdgarten, found her dream home in Copenhagen's historic Carlsberg neighborhood in 2021. She and her husband sought "romantic, architectural homes" with a sense of history, a preference that ultimately secured their current 3,800-square-foot villa. During a bidding war, despite offering a lower price, the couple was chosen by the previous owner because the competing bidders intended to remove the home's historic glass ceilings, which Baumgarten cherished. Built in the late 18th century by architect Oscar Kramp, the villa features Italian and South European architectural details that Baumgarten found particularly appealing. The property includes a substantial garden, where she enjoys spending time during warmer months. Having previously resided in an apartment, Baumgarten describes the move as akin to a permanent vacation, particularly in the summer, where she experiences a holiday-like atmosphere at home. Baumgarten's approach to interior decoration balances the home's historical elements with modern design. While her husband wished to preserve traditional features like the mahogany staircase and kitchen cabinets, Baumgarten revitalized them with vibrant colors and contemporary furnishings. For instance, a friend suggested painting the staircase, leading her to adorn it in vermilion and complement it with a fringed textile piece. Her design philosophy revolves around color, which serves as her initial point of interest for art and textiles, allowing her to blend modern art with vintage furniture seamlessly. In the primary bedroom, the ceiling, distinguished by its geometric pattern, is considered the most beautiful in the house and provides daily inspiration. Upon waking, Baumgarten's attention often turns to a set of bookshelves, a sleek system she installed after being inspired by a visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York. She finds that having bookshelves in the bedroom, an unconventional choice, brings her a sense of calm and peace. Having settled into her new home, Baumgarten's older children have moved out, and she has focused her attention on enhancing her outdoor space, primarily investing in garden flowers. She envisions a future expansion to connect the kitchen to her adjacent atelier, allowing her to cook and engage in creative pursuits like painting or flower arranging simultaneously. Regardless of how often she rearranges art or changes sofa pillows, fresh flowers remain a constant element in her home, reflecting her appreciation for the magic of growing things from small seeds. #CopenhagenHome #FashionDesigner #HomeTours #InteriorDesign #HistoricHomes #ArchitecturalDetails #ModernEclectic #GlassCeiling #GardenLiving

The Danish National Archives Green Roof Garden, also known as Rigsarkivets grønne taghave, was completed in the summer of 2009. This expansive 7,200 m2 publicly accessible roof garden serves as an urban green space situated at the junction of Bernstorffsgade and Kalvebod Brygge in Copenhagen. It forms an integral part of a larger 1-kilometer elevated green pedestrian and cyclist park street, offering city dwellers a unique area for recreation, including cycling, skateboarding, and enjoying nature. The project originated from a local plan adopted in December 2005 by the Copenhagen Citizens’ Representation, which facilitated a public-private partnership for the construction of a new building and the roof garden on the former freight station site at Kalvebod Brygge. Initially, the partnership OPP Pihl Arkivet A/S was responsible for financing and operation, but following E. Pihl and Søn's bankruptcy in 2013, the facility's administration transferred to the Danish Agency for Castles and Cultural Properties. The development encompassed the construction of a new storage facility for the Danish National Archives and the conversion of the Danish National Railway’s former Freight Terminal into new offices on its lower floors. The roof garden was conceived as a new recreational urban amenity, providing a green space in a bustling part of Copenhagen, with future plans to connect Bernstorffsgade and Knippels Bro. Known as “The Green Strip,” it is located near the harbor, offering views of the harbor bath. The design interprets the architectural reliefs of the new Danish State Archive walls, creating an ornamental pattern of paths, lawns, and planted areas. These varied fields contribute to a diverse aesthetic in terms of color, texture, and function, visible both from the garden level and surrounding buildings. The primary functions of the Danish National Archives Green Roof Garden are to offer a public pedestrian thoroughfare and establish a tranquil garden environment in central Copenhagen. It also acts as a green buffer between large buildings, enhancing urban biodiversity, managing rainwater, and helping regulate the temperature of the archive buildings. Schønherr, the landscape architecture firm behind the project, paid particular attention to the growing media and drainage systems to maximize water retention. Special soil, layers of crushed brick, and water reservoir plates are used to significantly reduce or delay the amount of rainwater entering the sewer system. The garden features a rich variety of over 40 plant species, including ground-covering perennials, sedum, ornamental grasses, bulbs, and climbing plants. It is estimated that 60-80% of the rainwater on the roof garden either evaporates or is absorbed by the plants, minimizing the building's impact on the sewer system during heavy rainfall. A significant challenge during construction was managing the weight load, which was specified between 250 kg/m2 and 580 kg/m2. This constraint dictated the choice of vegetation types. Approximately 3,000 cubic meters of material were lifted by crane and manually distributed. All elements within the garden are designed as freestanding and are not secured to the structure, influencing the design and installation of the roof garden's components and fittings. In recognition of its design, Schønherr received the Beautification’s environmental diploma for the project in 2011. While sometimes likened to “Copenhagen’s High Line,” the Danish National Archives Green Roof Garden differs conceptually and operationally. Unlike New York City’s High Line, it does not generate pedestrian traffic from adjacent architectural uses due to the impermeable walls of the Archive Building. The northern section is a canyon-like space, while the southern entrance features a gradual ascent via ramped concrete platforms lined with planting beds. Further along, the route broadens, revealing restaurants, housing, and playgrounds. #GreenRoof #UrbanGardens #CopenhagenArchitecture #SustainableDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #RainwaterManagement #Biodiversity #PublicSpace #Schonherr

The Private Brussels Residence features an innovative design by architect Philippe Samyn and botanist Patrick Blanc, located on the outskirts of Brussels. This four-story house is distinguished by its comprehensive integration of vegetation, covering three of its facades and its entire roof. The project, which took eight years to construct with an additional year dedicated to refining plant selection, represents Patrick Blanc’s first opportunity to envelop an entire house in vegetation, including the rooftop. The residence serves as both a home and workplace for a cinematographer and his family. The design philosophy centers on creating privacy and a natural aesthetic on the north, east, and south elevations, which are adorned with curved, vegetated facades. In contrast, the west facade is entirely glass-walled, providing extensive views and exposing the interiors of the ground, first, and second floors. The initial concept for the vegetated facade involved ivy and a patinated copper roof, but it evolved to incorporate a diverse selection of exotic plants chosen by Blanc, extending seamlessly to cover the roof. Construction involved a standard process for vertical gardens, utilizing scaffolding to install a metal structure, attach PVC panels, staple irrigation fabric, and set up a hydroponic irrigation system before planting. The same methodology was applied to the green roof. Patrick Blanc carefully curated numerous plant species to suit the lush, semi-circular facade, considering sun exposure patterns and microclimates. The plant palette for the rooftop was more selective, primarily featuring Aubrieta, Cerastium, Delosperma, Iberis, and Sedum. The house also incorporates a sustainable water management system, collecting rainwater from the rooftop edges for irrigation, supplemented by a well, with any runoff being recycled. The interior layout includes the entry hall, a family room, and a kitchen on the street level, an existing small house incorporated into the design. The living room and stairway are part of a new extension. The second floor accommodates the master bedroom with its bathroom, along with five children’s rooms and sanitary facilities. These children's rooms are designed with mezzanines protected by textile netting, leading to the glass-walled facade. The vegetated roof spans approximately 360 square meters (3,875 sq ft), and the living vertical garden wall covers about 2,100 sq ft. This project highlights a significant advancement in residential green architecture, showcasing how a private residence can be transformed into a living ecosystem. The collaboration between architecture and botanical design creates a unique aesthetic and potentially offers environmental benefits such as improved insulation and biodiversity. The Private Brussels Residence has been featured in various publications, including dezeen magazine, designboom, and AECCafe.com, and was notably on the cover of the 2012 Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ 12 Month Wall Calendar. Patrick Blanc's work on this residence is also documented in his book, "The Vertical Garden: From Nature to the City." #GreenArchitecture #VerticalGarden #GreenRoof #SustainableDesign #PatrickBlanc #PhilippeSamyn #BrusselsResidence #BotanicalDesign #EcoFriendlyHome

Architect Philippe Baumann has transformed a former parking garage in Gowanus, Brooklyn, into a three-bedroom modernist home, elevating utilitarian materials into an elegant contemporary design. The project, featured in Dwell, showcases an innovative approach to urban living by utilizing the entire lot of the original structure. Baumann served as the contractor for the majority of the two-year renovation, which began with preserving the garage's foundational elements. The interior spaces feature high ceilings and a central courtyard, which is framed by open glass walls connecting the living room and a den. The renovation was a multi-stage process; after the initial two years of interior and structural work, Baumann and his family moved into the unfinished home in 2011. An additional two years were dedicated to completing the exterior and other intricate details. This later phase involved installing a distinctive cedar and steel-mesh facade, meticulously placing cement pavers in the courtyard, and establishing a roof garden planted with native flora and vegetables. The home's design aesthetic is characterized by a deliberate use of steel and cement, which serve as primary interior textures. These materials contribute to a cool, minimalist atmosphere, yet are balanced by carefully integrated elements designed to add warmth. For instance, the floors throughout the home are equipped with radiant heating, a feature that extends even to the sidewalk outside, ensuring a snow-free pathway. Wood accents are strategically placed to soften the industrial feel, injecting a sense of comfort into the predominantly gray palette. Baumann's personal touch is evident in various custom-designed elements, such as the plywood bed frame in the master bedroom. The design emphasizes functionality and an understated elegance, demonstrating how common and often overlooked materials can be reimagined for sophisticated residential architecture. The home's transforming bathroom is another notable feature that highlights the architect's creative problem-solving and innovative use of space, further elaborated in the Dwell article. This project stands as an example of adaptive reuse and modern design in a dense urban environment, showcasing how an architect can integrate contemporary living with sustainable practices, like a roof garden, while maintaining an aesthetic that is both avant-garde and livable. The transformation of a former industrial space into a habitable and visually appealing home reflects a growing trend in urban redevelopment, where existing structures are re-purposed to meet current housing needs while pushing the boundaries of architectural design. #Gowanus #ModernistDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #PhilippeBaumann #RoofGarden #UrbanLiving #AdaptiveReuse #InteriorDesign #BrooklynHome

George Covin, a Portland-based interior designer and principal of House of George Design, specializes in transforming residential spaces into personalized and vibrant environments. His design philosophy emphasizes the integration of color, texture, and individual personality into every project. A notable example of his work involves the interior design of a condo in Northwest Portland, where he successfully implemented these principles to create a distinctive living space. In this particular condo project, Covin meticulously selected elements that contribute to a cohesive and dynamic aesthetic. The dining area, for instance, features a prominent chandelier that, according to Covin, would be overwhelmingly conspicuous if not balanced by a rich palette of surrounding colors. This highlights his strategic use of color as a foundational element to harmonize diverse design components. Moving to the kitchen, Covin incorporated a bold design choice with red lacquered lower cabinets, contrasting them with white upper cupboards. The integration of wood panels on the refrigerator and pantry doors further adds to the kitchen's sophisticated and personalized appeal, demonstrating a thoughtful blend of modern and natural materials. This combination creates a visually striking yet functional space that deviates from conventional neutral kitchen designs. For the living areas, Covin utilized carpet tiles from Flor, ingeniously assembling them to form a custom rug. This rug serves as a central design element, drawing together and reflecting the various colors present throughout the home, thereby enhancing visual continuity and comfort. The living space also features a practical innovation: a hide-away Zoom Room bed seamlessly integrated into a bookcase. This multi-functional furniture piece addresses space constraints common in condo living while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the room. The primary bathroom was redesigned to evoke a spa-like ambiance. A key feature of this transformation is the inclusion of a soaking tub enclosed within a narrow glass structure. This design choice not only adds a touch of luxury but also aligns with emerging trends in interior design, with experts like Houzz predicting such features to gain popularity in the coming year. The guest bathroom, though smaller in scale, showcases Covin's ability to work with a defined color scheme. Here, he utilized a quartet of colors—white, black, turquoise, and natural wood—to create a visually appealing and well-balanced space. The intentional use of these distinct colors demonstrates his skill in crafting unique environments even within more compact areas. The overall project illustrates Covin's talent for converting initially bare or standard condo interiors into personalized, colorful, and texturally rich homes that reflect the unique tastes of their occupants. #InteriorDesign #GeorgeCovin #HouseOfGeorgeDesign #PortlandDesign #CondoInterior #ColorTheory #HomeDecor #ModernLiving #DesignTrends

Ilan Cohen, a finance professional and avid art collector, transformed his Manhattan Chelsea apartment into a museum-worthy space designed by the architecture and interiors studio BoND. Cohen's collecting journey began in 2009, evolving from buying any contemporary work to cultivating a distinct personal taste, influenced by artists like TM Davy. His collection, which includes over 45 pieces on the main salon wall and approximately 100 artworks throughout the apartment, features works by artists such as Nash Glynn, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Louis Fratino, and Mark McNight. BoND, founded by Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger, had previously collaborated with Cohen on his modernist beach house in Fire Island. For the Chelsea loft, the challenge was to create a space that not only reflected Cohen's personal history and extensive art collection but also provided room for its continued growth and appreciation. Cohen was already familiar with the building's structure, having lived in another unit there in the early 2000s, and recognized the apartment's potential upon his initial viewing with Dvir and Rauchwerger. The project, which commenced in late 2021, involved reorienting the apartment's simple rectangular main living area to maximize natural light and integrate functional elements without compromising wall space dedicated to art. Inspired by Donald Judd's minimalist aesthetic, the designers implemented built-in furniture pieces and maintained a restrained material and color palette. A key design principle was to keep all furniture 36 inches tall or under, a deliberate choice by Rauchwerger to ensure that the eye level remained completely open, allowing unobstructed views of the artworks. The dining area, for instance, features a custom square dining table fabricated by Bill Zuerlein, complemented by Room & Board chairs, with artworks by Johnathan Lyndon Chase, Salman Toor, and Alex Olson adorning the walls. Cohen himself plays an active role in arranging his collection, often experimenting with multiple layouts before settling on a final display, stating that the fourth or fifth iteration typically sticks. This apartment serves as a testament to living with art, where the design thoughtfully supports and enhances a significant personal collection, transforming a residence into a dynamic gallery space. #ArtCollector #NewYorkLoft #BoNDArchitects #InteriorDesign #ArtCollectionDisplay #DonaldJuddInfluence #ChelseaApartment #ModernLiving #SpaceOptimization

Sydney-based artist Jake Henzler, known as “Boy Knits World” on Instagram, uses knitting to create vibrant, quilt-like panels that capture the essence of urban landscapes he encounters during his travels. Unlike traditional journaling, Henzler translates his experiences and observations into large-scale, hand-knitted art pieces. One notable work, “Copenhagen Building Blocks,” emerged from his year-long residency in Copenhagen. This significant piece is a hand-knitted blanket panel that pays homage to the distinctive and internationally recognized architecture of Denmark’s capital. The “Copenhagen Building Blocks” piece is meticulously constructed from a series of six individual grid-like patterns. These patterns are then expertly sewn together to form a cohesive and larger artistic composition. Each architectural block within the artwork is specifically named after a different district within Copenhagen, signifying a unique facet of the city's urban fabric. The districts represented in the piece include Nørrebro Studios, Østerbro Studios, Hellerup Apartments, Nyhavn Hotel, Nørreport Offices, and Frederiksberg Apartments. A defining characteristic of Copenhagen’s traditional architecture is the widespread use of painted brick and woodwork. This practice results in a rich diversity of colors throughout the city, which plays a crucial role in establishing a strong sense of place and identity. Henzler’s artwork effectively captures this architectural distinctiveness. Each block within “Copenhagen Building Blocks” incorporates the traditional color palettes, structural frameworks, and intricate patterns that are emblematic of these vibrant city districts. Through his unique medium, Henzler not only records his travel memories but also highlights the aesthetic and cultural significance of Copenhagen’s buildings. The knitted panels serve as a tactile and visual representation of the city's architectural charm, offering a fresh perspective on urban design and traditional craftsmanship. The artist’s work invites viewers to appreciate the beauty in everyday urban environments and the intricate details that contribute to a city’s unique character. Further examples of Henzler's work can be found on his Instagram, and the pattern for the “Copenhagen Building Block” is available on his Ravelry page. #CopenhagenArchitecture #UrbanLandscapes #KnittedArt #TextileArt #JakeHenzler #Craftsmanship #BuildingBlocks #TravelArt #ArchitecturalRepresentation

Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), in collaboration with developer Rabina, introduces 520 Fifth Avenue, a 1,000-foot (305-meter) residential tower poised to redefine the Midtown Manhattan skyline. The skyscraper's facade draws inspiration from New York City's architectural heritage, incorporating Beaux-Arts elements such as glazed terracotta arches that frame expansive ten-foot by ten-foot glass windows. Tiered terraces spiral up the tower, adding a dynamic architectural feature. The project recently launched residential sales, unveiling luxury interiors designed by Charles & Co. The building aims to blend historical grandeur with contemporary sensibilities, establishing a welcoming yet glamorous presence in the city. The interiors, curated by Charles & Co., extend from the 24-hour attended lobby to the private residences and amenity spaces. The lobby features a custom arched mosaic floor and elegant reeded walnut walls, setting a sophisticated tone. Vicky Charles, founder of Charles & Co., emphasizes that the design objective was to create unique atmospheres within the residential spaces that align with the overall ethos of the building, while also capturing the glamour of New York City's past with a modern touch. The design avoids traditional expectations for urban high-rise living, aiming for spaces that are both inviting and luxurious. Residential units at 520 Fifth Avenue are characterized by abundant natural light, facilitated by KPF's large arched windows. Ceilings range from ten to over fourteen feet, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The interiors feature wide-plank white oak floors, providing warmth and a refined aesthetic. Kitchens are equipped with high-end appliances, ribbed walnut islands, and quartzite slab countertops and backsplashes. Bathrooms are designed to offer a spa-like experience, featuring marble countertops, herringbone marble flooring, and polished nickel fixtures. The tower offers one- to four-bedroom homes located across its top forty stories, ensuring residents on these highest floors benefit from panoramic views of both the East River and the Hudson River. An exclusive amenity floor for residents is situated on the 88th floor. This area includes a glass-walled solarium, a lounge, a dining room, a library, and a game room, providing diverse spaces for relaxation and social engagement. James von Klemperer, KPF President and Design Principal, notes that the tower's design integrates residential and office spaces above a club function. He highlights that the building's massing, with its setbacks, follows zoning regulations while echoing the architectural visions of 1920s New York, as seen in Hugh Ferris's works. The arched window modules are a direct nod to iconic neighborhood landmarks, contributing to a sense of warmth that complements the inviting nature of the building's interior spaces. This architectural approach creates a cohesive and historically-sensitive yet modern residential experience in the heart of Manhattan. #KohnPedersenFox #520FifthAvenue #ResidentialTower #NewYorkCityArchitecture #BeauxArtsInfluence #LuxuryInteriors #CharlesAndCo #SkyscraperDesign #ManhattanRealEstate

The historic 1876 Collins House, located at 1363 N. Prospect Ave. on Milwaukee's East Side, is undergoing a significant restoration of its vintage leaded glass windows by Cobalt Glassworks. Designed by architect James Douglas for grain broker Gilbert Collins, the cream city brick house has been converted into office space but retains much of its original architectural integrity. The current focus of the restoration project is on the unique arts and craftsy floral motif windows, whose maker and originality to the house remain unknown. Cobalt Glassworks' Jon Schroder describes the design as distinct from other artists' signature styles he is familiar with. The restoration process began last summer, with Cobalt Glassworks addressing the challenging condition of these nearly 140-year-old windows. Each window requires an intensive two to three weeks to complete. A primary challenge involves replacing badly broken glass pieces, which necessitates using a combination of antique glass and newly manufactured glass designed to mimic the older style. The windows have also suffered from bowing due to their considerable weight and age, requiring careful flattening and the addition of reinforcement bars to prevent future distortion. The restoration procedure involves several meticulous steps. Once the windows are flattened and any broken glass is replaced, they are re-puttied to secure the glass, as much of the original putty has cracked and fallen out over time. Following this, the old lead frames are removed and replaced with larger, more rigid zinc frames. The original window sashes are then routed to accommodate these new, thicker frames, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the restored windows. In addition to the Collins House project, Cobalt Glassworks is actively engaged in creating new custom windows and panels for other residential projects. A notable ongoing project involves designing and fabricating approximately 30 new custom windows and door and cabinet panels for a home on Terrace, which has undergone restoration and expansion in recent years. This work demonstrates Cobalt Glassworks' expertise in both preserving historical architectural elements and crafting new, bespoke glass features for contemporary homes, ensuring that the beauty and functionality of intricate glasswork continue to enhance architectural spaces. #CobaltGlassworks #CollinsHouse #WindowRestoration #LeadedGlass #HistoricPreservation #MilwaukeeArchitecture #StainedGlass #JamesDouglas #ArtsAndCrafts