GamFratesi Channels Antiquity at Copenhagen’s Epicurus

Design studio GamFratesi has reimagined the interiors of Epicurus—a new culinary and musical destination in central Copenhagen—by drawing on the enduring aesthetic of ancient Greek pottery.

Housed in a former military gymnasium, the 400-square-metre venue is split into a restaurant and a jazz club, unified by smoked oak panelling, handcrafted finishes, and subtle historical references.

GALLERY  

Named after the Greek philosopher Epicurus, the venue was conceived as a “culinary and musical house”, according to the designers. GamFratesi preserved and repainted the restaurant’s original timber wall panels while introducing new smoked-oak panelling in the jazz club. Produced locally, the oak was custom-smoked with a Danish craftsman to achieve a lighter, more organic appearance. Rather than using industrial lacquers, the designers treated the wood with oil—an approach rooted in traditional Danish woodworking.

In the jazz club, panelling soars to three metres high, its upper edge meeting tall windows that recall the space’s past life. The timber is adorned with expressive inlays inspired by ancient Greek vases—dancers, musicians and festive scenes echoing the shared joy of food and music. These motifs, based on hand drawings by the studio, were digitised and rendered in wood veneer using classic marquetry techniques.

The interiors also incorporate a series of framed vase illustrations, with subtle variations in each silhouette. “We experimented with the handles, the mouth, and the overall shape of the vase to create a more free and expressive language,” said GamFratesi co-founder Enrico Fratesi.

Further anchoring the project in antiquity is the use of travertine—selected for its timeless visual texture and subdued elegance. Three different varieties were chosen to distinguish yet connect different zones: a white-and-grey travertine console marks the transition between the restaurant and the jazz club, while a wood-and-travertine bar anchors the club itself.

Acoustic performance was also prioritised. An acoustic ceiling, upholstered furniture—including GamFratesi’s own Violin and Beetle chairs—and custom lighting created in collaboration with Lyfa ensure both comfort and atmosphere.

By weaving classical references into contemporary craftsmanship, Epicurus is a striking example of layered, historically sensitive interior design with a Scandinavian soul.

Images by Emil Vendelbo Stegemejer via Dezeen

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