The Audo’s entry is nothing short of grand, featuring an arresting staircase that can be used to create an auditorium in the reception and cafe area. “When first entering The Audo, we wanted to reflect the hard, industrial tone of the area. But as you walk through the building it becomes softer, more domestic until you reach the residence.” Peter says. “This shift works throughout the building horizontally and vertically.”

The heritage restrictions only applied to the building’s facade, so Norm Architects were able to open the building up, while introducing larger, lowered windows. “We tried to open the building up, but at the same time, create these different zones,” Peter affirms.

“Every time you turn a corner there’s a new cosy area you can sit, but you always have this visual connection to people; wherever you are, except for when you’re in the hotel suites, it’s really about seeing people interacting,” Peter says. The cafe and reception area lets guests enjoy a coffee or breakfast while seated among MENU’s objects, where as Peter says, guests and MENU’s team can work in an immersive, fluid environment.

The Audo Concept space is a beautiful compilation of premium Nordic brands, where one can peruse everything from stationary to cushions and crockery. Designed as a living gallery, the curated selection of brands, products and art pieces spans both established and emerging creative work that exude quality, innovation and craftsmanship. “The concept store is constantly changing, curated with new and old objects. We change the furniture according to the seasons and the artist exhibiting,” Peter says. 

The Audo Concept collaborators include Aiayu, APPLETREES, Kinfolk, August Sandgren, Lineaire, Livrest, OFR. Copenhagen/110, SWY Studio and Telka Fabrics. All of these collaborators can be experienced in The Audo Residence, in addition to the custom art pieces by artist Benjamin Ewing, a multidisciplinary artist based in Portland, Oregon. 

Above the staircase is The Audo’s material library; a source of inspiration for guests, architects and designers. As the little black book of The Audo’s brand partners, the material library includes a collection of fabrics, Sørensen leather, Dinesen timber and stone samples, in addition to Axor bathroom fixtures and St. Leo paint swatches. “The idea is for designers, writers or anyone who is interested in MENU furniture can use the material library space as a reference and to work,” Peter explains. Close by is the soon-to-open restaurant space and the courtyard; a setting for events, meetings and hangouts.

The Audo Residence comprises of 10 unique guest rooms, varying in size and each designed with a unique colour story. As an extension of the MENU showroom, no two suites are the same and reminiscent of a collector’s home.

Each suite is designed with specific wall colours, furniture arrangements, soft furnishings, bathroom finishes and hand-picked art pieces. Original timber beams, rich wall plaster colours and tactile finishes characterise these design sanctuaries, ranging from terracotta to sand; all closely connected to the Danish landscape. 

“Our use of colour has slowly increased, but as we’ve shown through The Audo Residence, we always take inspiration from natural materials, sticking to an earthy, warm palette,” Peter outlines. With exception to the cathedral-like penthouse, the spacious suites are marked by wooden box panelling that extend from the Dinesen boards – an outstanding exhibit of craftsmanship – concealing the bathroom.

A testimony to the future of design, The Audo is embedded in the true power of authenticity, community and creative collaboration through its revered Danish design patrons, Norm Architects, MENU and Kinfolk.