Hotel Hans has officially opened its doors as the newest addition to the Brøchner Hotels portfolio, introducing a bold and immersive design universe crafted in close collaboration with Norrøn Architects.

Housed in an original 1900’s red-brick building designed by architect Emil Blichfeldt, the boutique hotel stands between Nørrebro and Frederiksberg, reimagined as a living narrative of the two neighbourhoods.

On the Nørrebro side, the lobby design centres around a grey terrazzo floor, referencing the surrounding streetscape, sculptural aluminium wall elements reflecting motion from the street, and a series of bespoke light fixtures, produced by Archii, inspired by vintage car headlights and urban street lamps.

At the centre of the lobby, a sculptural, high-gloss black lacquered oak piece functions simultaneously as a sofa, a table and a social anchor. Crafted on site, its reflective surface responds to the natural and artificial light around it, changing tone gently throughout the day.

The linear lighting element developed for the lobby extends into the stairwell as a five-storey chandelier before reappearing horizontally in the guestrooms, establishing a single continuous visual thread across the entire building.

On the Frederiksberg side, Norrøn designed an interior that operates as an extension of the southern courtyard. An Alpi Verdi green terrazzo grid visually unifies the inside and outside spaces, while floor-to-ceiling openings maximise daylight and views. Mirrored wall panels reflect light deeper into the lobby, a deep green cassette ceiling establishes spatial identity and polished steel elements introduce an architectural rhythm.

A monumental courtyard sculpture by Pettersen & Hein anchors the outdoor space, which is designed to shift seasonally as wisteria climbs the surrounding walls.

“Hotel Hans sits where two worlds meet,” says Poul Høilund, co-founder and partner of Norrøn Architects. “We wanted Nørrebro and Frederiksberg to coexist under one roof – their contrasts shaping a single, coherent identity

The hotel’s lighting system is entirely custom-designed by Norrøn and produced by Archii – a signature element that sets Hotel Hans apart on the design scene. Inspired by the street lamps of Nørrebro, the fixtures are formed from folded aluminium panels joined by simple mechanical connections, resulting in a raw yet refined expression.

“The lighting became a guiding thread throughout the hotel – almost like a soft choreography of light,” explains Høilund.

With an emphasis on craftsmanship, the hotel also features custom furniture created by Norrøn, alongside works and further interventions by Pettersen & Hein including a selection of bespoke tables. By the entrance of the hotel, a neon portrait – sketched by Laura Brøchner and produced by Archii – honours the Brøchner ancestry. Pieces from Fredericia Furniture, Carl Hansen & Søn and Møbel Copenhagen sit comfortably beside these custom elements, creating a layered interior identity anchored in Nordic material sensibilities.

The 91 guestrooms and suites at Hotel Hans continue the narrative of duality and craftsmanship. Dark green ceilings, sage-green tonal walls and bespoke lacquered side tables, desks and cabinets reinterpret 19th-century craft traditions with contemporary clarity. Custom carpets developed with Ege Carpets mimic the movement of sunlight through leaves, while the softly curved bathrooms – clad in vertical sage tiles – create an inviting and quietly luxurious retreat.

Norrøn’s approach to Hotel Hans focused on reimagining the interiors and enhancing the spatial flow through zoning, lighting and courtyard transformation, ensuring contemporary functionality while honouring the building’s historic character. The result is a destination that feels distinctly Copenhagen: layered, crafted, atmospheric and deeply connected to the city’s cultural fabric.