Arne Jacobsen’s “Hvide Fabrik”
Oak fire doors with curved frames.
In 1934, the young Arne Jacobsen designed what would become an iconic building for Novo Nordisk on Nordre Fasanvej, located on the border between Frederiksberg and Nørrebro in Copenhagen. The building, today recognized as one of Denmark’s most important industrial monuments, stands as a reminder of a building characterized by visionary architecture and functional design.
After five years of careful renovation by Byggeselskab Mogens de Linde, “Den Hvide Fabrik” has been transformed into an exclusive rental property. The architectural and historical heritage has been preserved and the property is ready to house new, visionary businesses.
In the oldest section of the building, the stairwell is actually as it was when it was built. It is here that Vahle has contributed specially made double doors with curved oak frames that function as fire doors and are also customized to be exactly as in the original design.
The old Arne Jacobsen staircase
with new fire doors integrated into the original design.
A fire door in a curved frame
where you can enjoy the frame made from the most beautiful oak wood.
Hinges in brass
creates the perfect context.
The curved frame is made of solid oak
and perfectly matches the door’s oak veneer.
The old Arne Jacobsen staircase
with new fire doors along with original travertine and railings.
New double fire doors in oak exactly like the original ones designed by Arne Jacobsen.
Protecting the original
The curved double doors could easily have ended up as standard modern solutions, but thanks to the construction company’s insistence on preserving the wood craftsmanship and original design, it was possible to maintain the original look of the door.
Only in Building B, also known as “The Tram”, can you find this special staircase, where the management used to have offices on the top floor. The travertine-clad staircase is now called “The old Arne Jacobsen staircase” by users.
“Everyone is really happy with the old Arne Jacobsen staircase and the new doors there – not least the users. It’s simply something that people talk about, because there’s something very special about all the beautiful materials, which are largely original, and then the insanely beautiful new doors, which together mean that the entire original expression has been preserved.”
says construction manager Jesper Hebjørn, Byggeselskab Mogens de Linde.
Fire doors with special requirements are our specialty
“When renovating, you can compromise on design in some cases, but never on fire requirements. We were therefore anxious to see if the original Arne Jacobsen door solution could be maintained. The process was a rewarding dialog with Vahle, where each step brought us closer to a solution that met both fire requirements and aesthetic considerations,” says Jesper Hebjørn.
At Vahle, we see it as our job to preserve iconic architecture. In a building like this, with such strong historical roots, it was obvious to work closely with the carpenter on site. Together we measured the original doors to ensure the new ones would fit perfectly.
Bo Elkjær Vejen, Sales Manager at Vahle, says: “For us, custom dimensions are not the exception, but the starting point. It’s an honor to contribute to the preservation of Danish building history, especially when it comes to masterpieces by Arne Jacobsen. We are delighted that both the building’s users and visitors notice the value that the doors add to the overall impression.”
Project details
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See more options with flush doors
Flush doors have a modern and minimalist look that lends itself to contemporary architecture. With a flush door you have almost endless possibilities to use the door as an architectural element in your interior design.
