Restaurant Tårnet in Copenhagen
Christiansborg Palace in the heart of Copenhagen is an imposing building and a symbol of absolute power. It is the centre of democracy, housing the Folketing (Danish parliament), the Prime Minister's Office and the Supreme Court.
The previous Palace burnt down in 1884 and the current building was built between 1906-1918. The 106 metre tall central tower is Copenhagen's highest point and an indispensable part of the city's beautiful skyline.
The tower exterior was renovated by 2009, when the copper cladding was replaced and part of the basic concrete structure repaired where it was heavily corroded . During the restoration, architects Henrik Levinsen and Dorthe Andersen became aware of the potential for the large tower room. This amazing space has an 11 metre high ceiling and was used to store statues, historical architectural models and gigantic lion figures, all layered with years of dust.
Mogens Lykketoft, the speaker of the Folketing, became enthusiastic about the architects' discovery and the idea that it might be possible to establish a public restaurant in the tower. Consequently, the financial resources were allocated and the major task of transforming the room, ready for its new role, commenced. The project faced many technical challenges and workmen had to meet stringent controls to minimise disruption to the Parliament.
In June 2014, Tårnet opened as an extremely popular restaurant for 100 diners with renowned chef Rasmus Bo Bojesen in charge. It also provides free access to a viewing platform offering panoramic views of Copenhagen's rooftops. In clear weather, Sweden can just be seen in the distance.
About 130 sqm of special Troldtekt 60 x 60cm panels in natural grey with coarse structure have been used on the ceiling to improve acoustics and reverberation from the hard walls and noise from the diners.
