Nikolaj Kunsthal, located in Copenhagen, Denmark, recently underwent a renovation to their cafe and boutique designed by MEE Studio. The newly renovated spaces at St. Nikolaj Church in Copenhagen have a storied history, having been used for various purposes since the 1980s, including art installations and other temporary uses. However, these past uses have left remnants of ad-hoc electrical wiring, bricked-up arches, blocked-off windows, and arbitrary lighting throughout the space. Additionally, the lack of water supply and plumbing required significant updates for the new cafe. To revamp the space, the studio reestablished the grand door and window openings, replaced the old acrylic paint with breathable lime-based paint, and added acoustic plaster to improve the acoustics. The designer also incorporated furniture that references the robust architecture of the church, using fumed oak with visible joinery and tectonics for a chunky and heavy look. Decorative inlays were added to the bar counter and boutique shelves, symbolizing the beauty and sustainability of repair. To match the existing material palette of the church, raw untreated copper was used for the kitchen’s worktops, sinks, and backsplash. The copper will age beautifully over time, much like the traditional copper roofing on the church.

Photography by Paolo Galgani