Proving once again that beauty and art are in the eye of the beholder, an old coal crane that was last used 73 years ago has just been transformed into a 50-square-meter luxury hotel and meeting sanctuary in Nordhavn, a harbor located in Copenhagen, Denmark. Owner Klaus Kastbjerg and architect Mads Møller from Arcgency first unveiled this beauty back in 2017, and now “THE KRANE” is officially open to the public.

Four Magnificent Stories

Upon entering THE KRANE, visitors are greeted by a reception area on the ground floor. Right above that is a meeting room called the “GLASS BOX,” which offers a 360-degree panoramic view that’s sure to inspire magnificent ideas and make them soar. Atop this think chamber is an inviting spa that boasts a glass wall and two tubs for visitors to relax and absorb the enchanting vistas in. Møller once described the environment around THE KRANE as “an immersive, multi-sensory experience…the integration of sensations – sight, sound, and stemning (the Danish word for ‘atmosphere’).” The fourth story, which has simply been dubbed the “KRANE ROOM,” is comprised of a lounge and terrace covered in Dinesen Douglas outdoor planks.

Black On Black

Few designers have the vision or courage to create art that only focuses on one color — especially if it’s a non-color like black. But Kastbjerg and Møller insisted that the crane’s coal-loading history be reflected in the redesign so that visitors would give the exterior just as much attention and appreciation as they’d give the interiors. Furnished with handcrafted furniture and accessories by local artisans, THE KRANE’s high-end decor is nothing if not a master class in craftsmanship, style, and quality. Commenting on the minimalist black-on-black interior, Møller states: “Black plays a pivotal role in muting and minimizing visual distractions so people feel almost enveloped in the interior. There are hundreds of different shades of black. Depending on the time of day, you can see so many subtle nuances.”

Awesome Accents

To complement the black beauty of THE KRANE, a mixture of leather, wooden, stone, and steel embellishments have been scattered throughout its interiors. The furniture on each level was made-to-order to match the structure’s theme and dimensions. Dinesen Douglas planks cover most of the floors, ceilings, and walls, all of them finished with an exclusive mega-black oil, which itself adds an air of intensity to the atmosphere. Only in the conference room are the planks lightly colored and refined with lye and white oil.

Perfect For Work & Play

Each floor of THE KRANE was specially constructed to meet various needs. Business transpires in the conference room, with a breathtaking view of the ocean and harbor outside. The sleeping quarters accommodates two and features the best and most lavish Danish designed furniture. Visitors receive a personal concierge, who personally picks them up at the airport and remains on call throughout their stay. A personalized assortment of wines and bubblies are sure to end the evening on the ideal note. The spa, which is lined with stone from top to bottom, sports two large baths and a marvelous glazed glass wall for a window on one side. Luxury amenities include Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV, air conditioning, heating, and a projector.