Studio KO Transforms Vipp’s Copenhagen Guesthouse: Desert Sensibility Meets Urban Style!

By Michael Reed

Studio KO Brings Desert Sensibility to Vipp's Copenhagen Guesthouse

Collaboration Between Vipp and Studio KO: A Fusion of Cultures and Designs

The Danish design company Vipp teamed up with the Marrakesh and Paris-based Studio KO to create a unique guesthouse for the 3daysofdesign event. This temporary retreat blends the distinct North African flair with Scandinavian simplicity. The project is more than a mere cultural fusion; it represents a transformative blend of materials and traditions, combining the ancient artisanship of North Africa with the renowned design principles of Denmark.

Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty of Studio KO embarked on this project with a deep appreciation for architectural innovator Jean Nouvel, inspired by his reflective Louisiana Manifesto. Their journey to Denmark was marked by a desire to explore new creative territories. In their design, they replaced the typical Parisian use of painted metal and glass with wood treated using the traditional Japanese shou sugi ban method. This technique, which involves charring the wood, renders it both resistant and beautifully ephemeral, capturing the essence of both permanence and transience in its finish.

“Working with Vipp, a company we’ve long respected, has been an honor,” stated Karl Fournier, co-founder of Studio KO. “Delving into their rich history that dates back to the 1930s and exploring their portfolio of iconic products has been extremely inspiring.”

The interior features the Vipp Loft sofa, which dominates the space with its streamlined form, complemented by Pierre Frey’s textiles that echo ancient weaving techniques. The Vipp Swivel chair, usually dressed in smooth leather, is reimagined with Pierre Frey’s textured, hand-woven fabrics, turning what might be seen as imperfections into highlights of the design.

Creating a Multisensory Experience

Kasper Egelund, the third-generation owner of Vipp, explains the vision behind this collaboration: “We wanted to redefine what people expect from a Danish design brand. By partnering with Studio KO, whose work we’ve admired for a long time, we aimed to engage a conversation between our different design philosophies. This project brings together diverse materials and ideas to form a new kind of aesthetic harmony, complete with elements of surprise and playfulness. We designed the space to appeal to all senses, incorporating touch, sound, scent, and striking visuals to fully engage visitors.”

Photography provided by Vipp.

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