Why Authentic Details Matter So Much
In property renovation, it is not just about creating modern homes — it is about preserving the architectural heritage that makes a building unique. When we restore plasterwork and original wall panels, we invest in far more than aesthetics.
Authentic details offer several advantages:
- They create unique character that cannot be replicated in modern construction
- They add history and narrative to the home
- They can significantly increase the property's value
- They appeal to buyers seeking something special and distinctive
Preserving these elements requires careful planning and experienced craftspeople. Each detail demands a specific approach — from cleaning and repair to possible reconstruction of missing elements.
The Balance Between Preservation and Modernisation
The greatest challenge in renovation of classical properties is finding the right balance. Modern residents have different functional requirements than previous generations, yet the building's character must be preserved.
In the Classensgaard project, we solve this by concentrating modernisation in specific areas — such as kitchens and bathrooms — while preserving the character-defining elements in the main living spaces. This requires a thoughtful approach to room function and flow.
Flooring as a Connecting Element
Flooring plays a central role in creating coherence between old and new. Here, the choice of materials and execution is crucial to whether the renovation feels authentic or artificial.
We have previously described the challenges of floor renovation, and in classical buildings, additional complexity often arises. Uneven floors and irregular surfaces require specialised solutions that respect both the building's history and modern requirements.
The Investment Logic Behind Quality
From an investment perspective, it can be tempting to take shortcuts in renovation. However, experience shows that meticulous restoration of authentic details often yields the best returns over the long term.
Buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties with preserved character. This is especially true in the Copenhagen market, where authenticity is increasingly valued in a world of uniform new construction.
Craftsmanship Tradition as Value
The plasterwork and wall panels we restore in Classensgaard represent craftsmanship traditions that have nearly disappeared today. Preserving these elements is not merely an aesthetic decision — it is an investment in rarity and heritage.
Modern construction can deliver functionality and energy efficiency, but it cannot recreate the depth and character found in masterfully executed details from a bygone era.
The Final Phases: Where Everything Comes Together
As we enter the final phase of the Classensgaard renovation with flooring and kitchen, our approach to transforming older apartments is truly tested. It is in these phases, where modern demands meet classical architecture, that true craftsmanship is demonstrated.
The kitchen must function perfectly for modern cooking while respecting the room's original proportions. The floors must create connection between spaces while managing practical challenges such as piping and insulation.
The Result: More Than the Sum of Its Parts
When all elements come together — the restored plasterwork, the newly renovated wall panels, the thoughtfully designed floors, and the functional kitchen — something emerges that neither pure preservation nor complete modernisation can achieve alone.
This balance creates the most attractive and valuable homes on the market. Properties that both tell a story and function perfectly for modern living, combining historical authenticity with contemporary comfort.
