KHR Architecture has just signed a contract with a private developer for a restaurant building in the centre of Nuuk.
KHR Architecture has just signed a contract with a private developer for a restaurant building in the centre of Nuuk. The project has been on the drawing board for some years, but now the contract has been signed and will be realised in the form of a building of approximately 1000 m2, which in addition to a restaurant with a roof terrace will also accommodate retail premises.
"Things take time in our industry, but it's great to see our focus on Greenland materialising in projects out in the physical world. Soon we will have two construction sites in Nuuk alone, and KHR will have a project apartment in the process, so we can get even closer to current and potential projects," says technical manager and partner Henrik Danielsen, who is looking forward to spending more time in Greenland. "In fact, we are already working both in the design office, where we are designing, and on the construction site, where our main contractor Nurepa is preparing. Inuplan is the consulting engineer on the project."
The owners, Rikke and Jørgen Pedersen, already run three restaurants in the city and will also manage the new restaurant, which will be in a prime location in the centre of Nuuk, with a newly built hotel next door.
Architecture that reflects Greenlandic nature
The exterior of the building will be divided into three themes inspired by Greenlandic nature, taking advantage of nature's level differences in the architecture.
Creative director and partner Janina Zerbe, who is heavily involved in KHR's Greenlandic projects, explains: "The architecture is based on the differences in level that already exist on the site and is used inside the building to create a varied spatial flow, where the restaurant, bar and kitchen are located in connection with each other, yet functionally and spatially separated. This helps to create a natural division, but at the same time a good flow and cohesion."
"In addition, it is a structure that allows great flexibility in the use of the building in both the short and long term. Something we always focus on because it is crucial for the economy and sustainability of the project."
The building's exterior materials will be divided into three thematic layers inspired by Greenlandic nature: stone, ice and wood.
"Nature has created a foundation of rock, and we are building on this aesthetic by cladding the plinth in black concrete with a clear staggered pattern, as an interpretation of the Greenlandic bedrock. Above this is a glass section that takes its inspiration from the sea and ice. The upper part of the building becomes almost like a wooden box floating on top of the transparent glass."
In 2023, the international airport in Nuuk will open, allowing international tourists and business people to travel directly to Greenland's capital. This will increase the number of visitors to the town and, in turn, the customer base for a new restaurant.
About KHR Architecture
KHR Architecture is one of Denmark's oldest architectural firms and is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. KHR has been building in Greenland for the past 20 years and has made its mark on Nuuk with a number of significant buildings, ranging from schools, a natural institute and a university park to a main street, a swimming pool and a shopping centre with an office tower, where the Greenland Self-Government is based. The firm has led a number of award-winning and acclaimed projects such as the Copenhagen Metro, Bang & Olufsen's headquarters and Copenhagen University on Amager. A new circle of partners ensures that KHR is growing rapidly these years and entering new markets and business areas. KHR Architecture is based on Holmen in Copenhagen and is owned by director Lars Kragh, creative director Janina Zerbe, creative director Mikkel Beedholm and technical director Henrik Danielsen.
