One of Parla’s most significant projects to date, 1 Hotel Copenhagen, opened its doors last summer. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel features 282 rooms and 30 suites, offering a distinctive eco-luxury experience that sets it apart.
We were honoured to be part of a project of such scale and ambition, and we delivered what Parla is known for: exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to design excellence. The process also fostered a close collaboration with Arpe Kjeldsholm, AvroKO, Norm Architects, Synergy Architects Limited, and Starwood Capital Group.
As Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels said, “Copenhagen is the epicentre of conscious living, leading the world in urban innovation, cycling culture, and green living.”
In accordance, 1 Hotel Copenhagen’s mission is to use energy-efficient systems, wasteheat recovery, and recycled materials throughout the building, carrying out their strong environmental ethos.
Yet this sustainability mission does not define itself solely by function, but also by design. This project stood out not only for its scale but also for its meticulous attention to delivering the most sustainable outcomes possible in line with the client’s vision.
Parla was responsible for both loose and fixed furniture across the rooms and public areas. Working primarily with solid wood, our team tackled the challenges of craftsmanship and logistics to achieve impeccable results. The wooden headboards, TV units, and coffee tables were designed and produced by Parla, blending seamlessly with the hotel’s biophilic design and Nordic touches, resulting in a minimalist yet cosy feel.
As a supplier we needed to be fully aligned with the circular goals of the project, and for this we started off with providing an estimated carbon footprint at the start of the project and ensured our clients were satisfied with the results. In addition certifications such as FSC, COC, IS014001, C2C, BES6001, EPD, Greenguard were requested as a priority for the materials and processes we utilised and where appropriate we worked in line with these. In some cases materials the architects & designers had chosen were specified and we included them in the creation of pieces; for example we used sustainable materials from Søuld, whose acoustic products are crafted from carbon dioxide-binding eelgrass, to create pleasant indoor environments that promote human health and well-being. The
material’s organic properties create warm, sensory-rich indoor environments.
Sustainability also defines the building’s very structure. Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, the developers preserved the original 1928 framework of a once department store and later the Skt. Petri Hotel, transforming it into a modern landmark that respects its past.
Over 1500 live plants breathe life into public spaces and guest rooms, forming living walls that purify the air and soften the mood. On the rooftop and in the courtyard, bee hotels and pollinator-friendly gardens were created in partnership with local urban ecology groups, reinforcing the connection between nature and the city.
Over the one-and-a-half-year process, Parla remained fully aligned with 1 Hotels’ sustainability mission, providing unwavering support and collaboration to realise a project that merges luxury, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.
We can’t wait to be involved in another project like this in the near future!
