The Evolution of Audo: Crafting Community Through Design

In the heart of Copenhagen’s ever-evolving Nordhavn district, Audo House stands as more than just a design destination, it’s a living, breathing intersection of architecture, hospitality, and creative culture. Since opening its doors in 2019, this thoughtfully curated space has become a sanctuary for design lovers and curious minds alike —a place where objects spark conversation, form and function live in harmony, and every corner invites you to pause and feel. Founded by Bjarne Hansen and now guided by his son Joachim Kornbek Engell-Hansen, Audo is both a tribute to Danish design heritage and a bold step into its future.

 

Audo is the brainchild of Bjarne Hansen, a visionary carrying forward the design legacy of his father, Simon Hansen, founder of MENU. Today, it flourishes under Joachim Kornbek Engell-Hansen, Design and Brand Director of what is now Audo Copenhagen. The brand has evolved, but its soul remains rooted in enduring values: simplicity, functionality, and a reverence for detail.

 

Formerly known as MENU, the company embraced its new identity as Audo in 2019. The name is derived from the Latin phrase “Ab Uno Disce Omnes”—“From one, learn all”—reflecting Audo’s philosophy of creating spaces and products that are not only functional and beautiful but also educational, collaborative, and deeply interconnected. The name also nods to the sensory, immersive nature of their spaces, where design is not just seen, but felt, heard, and lived. The building itself carries its own rich narrative. Originally constructed in 1918 as the headquarters of the Russian Trading Co. Ltd., it has been lovingly transformed into a hybrid cultural hub by MENU in collaboration with home decor brand By Lassen. Today, Audo House brings together a residency, restaurant, café, concept store, and work space, all under one artfully designed roof.

 

The Audo Residency offers more than just rooms; it offers respite. With interiors crafted from natural materials, sustainable craftsmanship, and a Nordic sensibility that favours calm over clutter, each room reflects Audo’s commitment to balance and presence. Staying at the Audo Residency felt like slipping into a slower, more thoughtful rhythm of living. My room was a serene haven, bathed in natural light that poured through large, elegant windows overlooking the busy courtyard below. The sun would drift across the space like a gentle spotlight, warming the muted tones and soft textures. The bed, easily the largest and most inviting I’ve ever slept in, felt like its own landscape of comfort, impossible to leave in a hurry. The bathroom was a sculptural dream, floor-to-ceiling marble, with deep sinks and rainfall showers, all stocked with subtly scented soaps and body washes that turned even the most routine moments into small luxuries. Every detail was designed to soothe, to slow you down, to make you feel held.

 

A new aroma now drifts through Audo’s sun-filled café, marking a delicious evolution in its culinary story. Beloved Copenhagen-based eatery Wulff & Konstali has taken over the café and restaurant, bringing with them a thoughtful, sensory approach to food that mirrors Audo’s design ethos. Known for their health-forward menus and beautiful presentation, their presence at Audo feels like a seamless alignment, where nourishment and aesthetics converge. Whether you’re enjoying a slow breakfast among soft wood tones or sipping espresso beneath sculptural lighting, the experience is both grounding and elevated.

 

Formerly known as the library, Audo’s newest transformation is the Audo Work Space, a serene series of curated nooks designed to explore the rhythm of the modern working day. Each setting balances function and beauty, structure and softness, allowing guests to experience Audo’s own designs in action. Work flows naturally between café tables and lounge corners in this live showroom, where collaboration is encouraged and contemplation is welcome. Whether you’re sketching ideas or simply soaking in the calm, the space proves that thoughtful environments shape thoughtful work.

 

As 3daysofdesign, Copenhagen’s most anticipated design festival, returns this June, Audo House is set to be one of its brightest stars. In anticipation, the space has undergone a complete interior transformation, preparing to unveil new furniture launches and a refreshed expression of what modern Scandinavian design can be. This is no ordinary showcase. Stepping into Audo during the festival is like entering a dreamscape of tactility and emotion, where furniture hums with intention, materials whisper of nature, and objects invite you not just to look, but to live. It’s an invitation to slow down, stay awhile, and experience design in motion.

Audo House is not standing still; it’s stretching, unfolding, and becoming. With fresh culinary voices, evolving design landscapes, and a heartbeat that echoes with generations of Danish craftsmanship, it continues to redefine what a design space can be. Here, past and present don’t just coexist; they collaborate. This isn’t just a house. It’s a home for creative souls. A living archive of ideas. A love letter to beauty, intention, and belonging.

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Book your memorable stay at Audo House here, and stay up-to-date on their current offerings through their Instagram.