RAVN Arkitektur A/S

Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen

Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen

RAVN Arkitektur

Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Søren Ravn, Poul Henning Sørensen

MANUFACTURERS
Cupa Pizarras, Cupa Danmark, Dinesen, Bøjsø, Ecophon

ENGINEER
Hundsbæk & Henriksen

CLIENT
Kirk & Thorsen

CONTRACTOR
Ove Larsen

PHOTOGRAPHS
Adam Mørk

AREA
690 M²

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
Vejle, Denmark

CATEGORY
Adaptive Reuse, Offices Interiors

Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk

Text description provided by architect.

Originally built as the home of shipowner Carl Hansen, the building marks the location of Vejle’s earliest harbor front. In 1931 the building was transformed into a ship chandlers’ warehouse and shop and functioned as such until recently.

RAVN Arkitektur was given the task of converting the historic building into a modern high-end office space, catering to the needs of an ambitious investment company.

Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk

The brief was to preserve and restore the building’s east-facing facade, whilst creating an interior suitable for a contemporary office.

As has been the case for nearly 100 years the ground floor and basement are occupied by a shop. The Eastern facade is characterized by the carefully restored columns, cornices, and parapets.

Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen

The original bricks and tiles were restored to their original splendor, adding bright color to the exterior.

Towards the back of the building, a new private courtyard provides an enclosed parking space and a place for private contemplation for those working in the building.

An entrance portal clad in tombac marks the transition from old to new.

Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk

The ornamented and highly decorated facade is contrasted by the rawness and simple lines of the interior. The original brick walls have been left exposed, whilst the new interior walls stand crisp and white.

The project was nominated for the 2017 RENOVER award - Denmark’s most prestigious architecture award for renovation and transformation projects.

Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk

The panel of judges was particularly impressed by the project’s attention to detail and the high quality of the architecture and craftsmanship of both the interior and exterior.


Skibshandlen - RENOVER Prisen


Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
© Adam Mørk


Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
Front Elevation
Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
Rear Elevation


Ship Chandler’s Warehouse, Skibshandlen
Floor Plan

RAVN Arkitektur A/S
T +45 75 834077
RAVN Arkitektur A/S
Toldbodvej 1, 7100 Vejle, Denmark