Our Story
Based in Ebeltoft, Denmark since its foundation in 1968, Kvadrat’s current headquarters were commissioned from architects Poulsen & Therkildsen of Aarhus in 1980. The red brick of the building’s construction echoes the local architectural vernacular, while the low profile of the structure sites it comfortably in the surrounding coastal landscape. The building’s early spatial colour scheme was created by the lithographer Finn Sködt who later designed the classic Kvadrat textile Divina.
Under the direction of Anders Byriel and Mette Bendix – offspring of founders Poul Byriel and Erling Rasmussen – Kvadrat remains not only a family business but also a cornerstone of the local community. Since its inception, Kvadrat has worked closely with artists and designers, from its early association with Nanna Ditzel, Gunnar Aagaard Andersen and Verner Panton, through to significant contemporary artists such as Rosemarie Trockel and Pipilotti Rist and ongoing relationships with the likes of Thomas Demand and Peter Saville today.
On the redesign by SevilPeach
London-based architects SevilPeach transformed Kvadrat’s head office in 2017 creating visual connections with the surrounding landscape throughout the complex. A spectacular 320 square metre showroom was built to allows clients to explore the company’s full range of textiles and products on site. Freshly opened up office spaces encouraged collaborative working practice between departments. A new welcome area, social spaces and an inviting library were created to extend Kvadrat’s familial ethos.
The landscape that has so profoundly influenced Kvadrat’s use of colour was brought into the building through new floor-to-ceiling windows. Opened-out offices and studios offer long lines of sight. The canteen where all company employees gather for ecologically home cooked meals was afforded proper status as the heart of the site, its function bolstered by the library, meeting and soft social zones opened alongside.