Danish studio Spacon has brought a fresh perspective to the historic Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen by completing a thoughtfully designed welcome pavilion. This space is geared towards enhancing the visitor experience with its multifunctional features, including a unique table that marries function and artistry through hidden pull-out display drawers and inviting decorated stools.
Originally a summer house for Royal Danish family members in 1606, Rosenborg Castle has transformed into a museum showcasing the Royal Danish Collection, including the revered Danish crown jewels. Nestled prominently on one of the main paths in the picturesque King’s Garden, the pavilion serves as a vital gathering point where guests can engage with curated artifacts from the collection.
The Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces sought to renovate the pavilion, which had previously functioned as a public restroom but sat disused for years. While the agency focused on the restoration of its exterior, Spacon was tasked with reimagining the interior, utilizing the existing proportions as a foundation for their design.
Malene Hvidt, a founding partner at Spacon, emphasizes the project’s unique charm in its smaller scale and rich historical context. “Those are often the projects where small decisions and details really matter, and where you can create something that people connect with quite directly,” she explains. The renovation prioritizes functionality while attention to atmosphere invites a welcoming environment for ticketing, storytelling, and guided tours.
At the heart of the pavilion lies a central table, inspired by the octagonal shape of Rosenborg Castle’s stair tower and the surrounding Renaissance-style gardens. Collaborating with the carpentry studio Gilbert Gilbert, Spacon crafted the table from solid cherry wood, which brings warmth and tactile appeal to the space. This adaptability makes the table both a social gathering point and a versatile exhibition platform, allowing for the incorporation of integrated stools and storage drawers.
The stools themselves exhibit craftsmanship that pays homage to the castle’s identity, featuring carved reliefs that depict Rosenborg’s emblem and its historic silhouette. Shelves and cupboards lining the wall subtly echo the pavilion’s facade, providing a cohesive aesthetic design that aligns with Rosenborg’s commitment to celebrating craftsmanship.
Color plays a crucial role in this revitalization, as Spacon opted for a traditional palette that frames openings and articulates varying spaces within the pavilion. This choice not only enhances the tactile qualities of materials but also accentuates architectural features, making the environment both legible and inviting.
The transformation of this compact, heritage-listed building showcases a delicate balance of honoring its historical significance while integrating modern design elements. Hvidt notes her fascination with the garden’s iconic pavilions, describing them as “small wunderkammers,” rich with stories within their compact confines. The aim was to create a space that feels approachable yet intimate—a setting that might catch a passerby’s eye and encourage lingering exploration.
The architectural journey taken by Spacon extends beyond the pavilion design; the team approaches a diverse range of projects, from spatial design to brand identity, consistently emphasizing narrative, materiality, and function. This holistic perspective drives their work, aiming to evoke unexpected outcomes that resonate with users.
From their previous exhibitions to innovative showroom designs, Spacon continues to redefine spaces that not only serve a functional purpose but also foster a deeper connection between the public and architectural heritage.
Photography by David Stjernholm.