The apprentice and the experienced carpenter are challenged during renovation
Twenty craftsmen spend six months renovating two historic buildings into hotel apartments and double rooms. There is one challenge in particular that they face time and time again.
Spring is in full bloom, and the water sparkles behind 19-year-old Jacob Justesen, an apprentice, and 59-year-old Kim Olsen, who has twenty years of experience at DN Tømrer. They enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the view of both forest and water while renovating Granly and Fjordglimt, two historic buildings from the early 1900s. The age of the buildings creates challenges, they say.
“The buildings are old and handmade, and everything is a little crooked, so it's our job to adjust all the materials and make it look straight,” says Kim Olsen.
Hotel Koldingfjord wants to preserve the historical details of the buildings. Therefore, the management has chosen to hire specialist companies to make handmade doors and windows that match the style of the buildings.
“It's fun to do something that's a little different, and where someone really puts in the effort,” says Kim Olsen.
As a newbie in the profession, Jacob Justesen prefers to do some of the tasks that are more straightforward, he explains.
“I think it's cool to make floors, moldings and ceilings,” says Jacob Justesen.
This is not the first time that Kim Olsen has been involved in renovation projects at Hotel Koldingfjord. The biggest experience he has had was during the replacement of the roof on the main building. Here, the old copper spire was hoisted into place with a large crane, he says.
“We were all excited to see the finished result,” says Kim Olsen.
The latest renovation of Granly and Fjordglimt cost 25 million kroner and is expected to be completed during the summer holidays. The hotel will welcome its first guests in August.
Hotel Koldingfjord A/S
Fjordvej 154 - 6000 Kolding
+45 75 51 00 00 - hotel@koldingfjord.dk
CVR no 12101899
