Commercial building for a restaurant and shop in the centre of Nuuk. Designed by KHR, the building houses both a beautiful restaurant with a fabulous roof terrace and a retail space for rent.
KHR has been the architectural consultant for the entire project, which in addition to the architecture also includes the design of customised furniture and interior design of the restaurant.
Nuuk
Greenland
Rikke and Jørgen Pedersen
2023
1000 ㎡
Main contractor Nurepa Aps with Inuplan as engineer
Inspired by Greenlandic nature
The exterior materials of the building are divided into three themes inspired by the beautiful 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," explains creative partner Janina Zerbe.
The large glass windows mean there are good views in and out, and the restaurant will have a large roof terrace where the view can be enjoyed in the warmer months.
Architecture and space planning in close interaction
KHR Architecture was also responsible for the interior design of Nuuk's new restaurant in close collaboration with the client. Architecture and space planning have been closely intertwined: the main architectural approach utilises the different levels of the landscape to create different zones in the restaurant. This provides a dynamic and a possibility to naturally divide the restaurant according to different functions and guest preferences. At the same time, the open flow brings life and cohesion to both guests and staff.
Coherence between the exterior and interior architecture
The references to the Greenlandic landscape of stone, wood and ice are echoed in the interior design, where wood panelling serves both the expression and acoustics of the open space.
The levels of the landscape create spatial division and flow in the building
The building is based on the existing levels of the surrounding landscape and uses the level jumps to create a varied spatial flow, where restaurant, bar and kitchen are located in connection with each other, yet functionally and spatially separated.
"The open structure not only provides a good flow, it also means that there is great flexibility in the use of the building in both the short and long term. Something we always focus on because it's crucial for the economics and sustainability of the project."
Janina Zerbe
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Restaurant Nivi features Nuuk's first rooftop terrace with one of the city's best views and outdoor seating - weather permitting.
