Created for VIPP, Chimney House incorporates bold architectural interventions that honour the original structure of the heritage-listed former water pumping station but add a cutting- edge contemporary overlay. Chimney House takes its name from its distinctive 35-metre high minaret shaped chimney, added to the 1902 building in 1928, and restored during this yearlong project.

The main structural change was a new upper level in steel that follows the gabled roofline of the original brick building and acts as a modern counterpoint. Existing arched windows were extended to ground level and turned into steel-framed glass doors, and a deep cut was made into one façade leading to a new external terrace. To turn the building into a two-bedroom residence, Thulstrup and his team added a second floor and set a monolithic concrete box within the old brick frame, opening up the building with big windows through the original arches.

Northern Lights were instructed to realise Thulstrup's eye-opening design concepts for the contemporary interior. The real challenge was to create a lighting solution that met the purpose of practicality and would span across two floors, as well as adding a uniquely modern twist on residential lighting. The pitched roof of the new level is left exposed, and its generous height is accentuated by three identical five-metre long pendants comprising of tiered sandblasted Perspex discs, housed upon polished stainless steel poles. Our skilled artisans manufactured the showstopping pendants precisely so that they could suspend in harmony from the exposed roof.

The Chimney House will become the third outpost of VIPP Hotel, immersive spaces available for short-term stays that show the evolution of the iconic Danish brand.