Hotel Ottilia: A showcase of architectural reuse and historic preservation
Hotel Ottilia is a great example of how old buildings can be used for new purposes. Two historic buildings have been carefully transformed into a modern luxury hotel, with great respect for their original characteristics and history. The result is a contemporary hotel that reflects the building’s past as a brewery, telling its story through preserved detail and historical character.
Transforming old industrial buildings into a modern, historically rooted boutique hotel
In a time when reusing the existing is more important than ever, Hotel Ottilia illustrates how heritage can be transformed into contemporary value. Two of the most distinctive buildings in the Carlsberg City District in Copenhagen, Maltmagasinet, initially designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup in the 1880s, and the listed Lagerkælder 3, designed by Svenn Eske Kristensen in the 1960s, now provide the setting for Hotel Ottilia after an extensive transformation.
Starting with a thorough analysis of the existing structures, Arkitema’s transformation architects set out to preserve as much as possible while still accommodating the facilities required for a modern hotel. The result is far more than new concrete behind old façades; it’s a true transformation from the inside out.
With their distinctive façades, the former storage buildings are monuments to a time when even industrial architecture prioritised aesthetics. The architects retained the unique, radiant façade with 60 circular golden discs. Behind each disc lies a hotel room, so to preserve these while allowing daylight in, the team inserted vertical window sections – like elegant zippers – that serve as discreet light inlets. On the opposite façade, the hotel distinguishes itself with circular window sections that mirror the golden discs, adding a cohesive architectural rhythm.
Inside, great care was taken to identify and preserve the buildings’ original DNA. The hotel’s interior maintains an industrial expression: exposed concrete structures and steel beams remain raw and unpolished. Original silos, machinery, and building elements are also integrated, contributing to the historic, authentic character that defines a hotel with truly special soul.
“It’s thought-provoking that, while many newer buildings quickly lose their value and may even be torn down, these old structures have been reused for something new and entirely functional.”
About Arkitema
Arkitema stems from collectivism, with a strong focus on quality of life and humanity. The studio creates architecture for the many and the common good. By utilising competencies across offices and borders, Arkitema delivers buildable, usable, and aesthetic projects with sustainability initiatives that create value for clients and users. Through team spirit, knowledge sharing, and close collaboration, the architects help shape the cities of tomorrow.