One Hotel Copenhagen, Denmark

The bar and restaurant spaces at 1 Hotel Copenhagen are defined by scale. With expansive volumes and generous ceiling heights, the challenge was not simply illumination, but the creation of intimacy within a large architectural envelope. Lighting became the primary tool to humanise the space, drawing guests inward and shaping a layered, atmospheric experience.

Developed in collaboration with Artin Light, Dernier and Hamlyn designed and manufactured a series of bespoke luminaires that respond directly to the material and sustainability ethos of the hotel. The scheme spans multiple elements across the restaurant and bar, establishing cohesion while allowing each zone to maintain its own character.

Above the bar, three substantial feature shades were hand woven in the UK using natural willow. Their sculptural presence anchors the space, introducing organic texture and softness against the architecture. The woven structure allows light to filter through subtly, casting gentle shadow and enhancing depth without glare.

Within the restaurant, large scale fabric pendants were developed to bring warmth and acoustic control to the expansive interior. Each shade incorporates hand stitched textile elements, introducing tactile detail at both macro and micro scale. These pendants lower the perceived ceiling height, helping to create a more intimate dining environment while contributing to improved sound absorption in a lively hospitality setting.

Wall lights incorporating rock crystal add a contrasting layer of refinement. The natural inclusions within the crystal interact with the warm light source, producing a nuanced glow that shifts subtly throughout the day. This interplay of woven natural materials and mineral elements reflects the broader interior narrative of authenticity and material honesty.

All luminaires were manufactured in the UK with full material traceability, aligning with the sustainability principles central to the 1 Hotel brand. Durable construction and serviceable components ensure longevity within a high traffic hospitality environment.

Together, the bespoke elements form a lighting language that balances scale with intimacy, texture with clarity and expression with restraint. Through close collaboration between designer and manufacturer, the lighting transforms a vast architectural volume into a warm and immersive setting, reinforcing the identity of 1 Hotel Copenhagen as a space rooted in craft, material integrity and contemporary hospitality.