Home Away from Home at The Audo [Copenhagen]

There’s no way of getting closer to a Scandinavian dream than stopping by Copenhagen’s The Audo. This beautiful concept not only feeds all aesthetically senses but also responds to individual quests for balance and harmony. In a truly Scandi’ way.

Imagine all you know about hygge and multiply it at least 5 times. Well, that’s exactly what you can experience at The Audo. This boutique residence meets a concept store, a café and the library. Plus, the freshly opened restaurant Loui. Located in Denmark capital’s up-and-coming district of Nordhavnen, it’s a post-industrial waterfront area with soft energy bustling between its minimalist new buildings. A perfect spot for a hybrid space cherishing arts, design and human connections.

The Audo occupies an old merchant house dating back to the beginning of the XX century. Conceived by a specialist in the domain of creating lifestyle spaces, Bjarne Hansen, the founder imagined a concept that responds to very contemporary needs for greater authenticity, serenity and community. That’s why when you step into The Audo you won’t find a classic reception desk but rather groups of people working by beautiful wooden tables, surrounded by literature, magazines and design objects. A place where you can easily execute a business call to stretch in a textured armchair ten minutes later with a cup of coffee in your hand.

The atmosphere of utmost tranquility was achieved in a collaborative effort between Hansen and Norm Architects as well as Nathan Williams, co-founder of Kinfolk magazine, as the creative director for The Audo’s brand identity. In fact, the name turns out to be an acronym of a Latin phrase “Ab Uno Disce Omnes” – From One Learn All. The metaphor reaches beyond mere co-working, it follows you to every corner of this multi-faceted space.

Lesson number one? Design can inspire cultural encounters. The architects gathered an absolute crème de la crème of interior design brands – from Kronos Ceramiche through Sørensen Leather to Bang & Olufsen alongside a selection of niche retailers on sale in The Audo’s concept store, including leather goods brand Inabo, luggage specialists from Projectkin and art from Atelier Plateau. A very cohesive yet diverse combination contests visitors’ preconceptions about an ideal space. As The Audo illustrates, connections can be built through genuine interactions with people, ideas and design.

This enlightening process continues in the residence part of The Audo. With its 10 unique rooms reminiscent of Nordic landscapes, they aim to become a home away from home. Indeed, that’s how they feel. The amalgamation of bespoke furnishings and decoration elements from partner brands make rooms cosy and comfortable. It’s the kind of comfort that is not only synonymous with a soft bed but a space you could imagine yourself living in day-to-day. As if your life could instantly blend in with The Audo’s private atmosphere – your own gateway.

Things get even better (and tastier) once you try The Audo’s original restaurant downstairs. Loui is a modern, Mediterranean bistro combining the culinary goodness of the sea with urban food. Topped with original cocktail recipes, a dinner at Loui is definitely a highlight.

For those with relentless design curiosity, visit in the library is strongly recommended. Filled with great magazines, albums and swatches of materials used throughout the space, it’s a mecca of inspiration and interior design ideas where you can also brainstorm over a cup of coffee. Who knows, maybe you’ll run into one of the amazing community events that happen regularly at The Audo?

Upon leaving, the urge to come back soon seems irresistible. Just for a night, a lunch, one coffee. Through architecture and design, the concept successfully reflects values that are not merely expressed but felt once you step inside. These kinds of places are the ones you’ll surely miss and dream to return to.

www.theaudo.com