Gasoline Grill in Copenhagen by Studio David Thulstrup

Famed Copenhagen burger destination Gasoline Grill has a new restaurant designed by Studio David Thulstrup, countering burger-eating conventions with its refined and elegant expression. Set in the atmospheric French quarter of Værnedamsvej, the new store adds a minimalist and contemporary overlay to a building and street rich with character.

“The client wanted an unusual look for a burger place, not standardized that was polished and elegant, but unpretentious and welcoming,” says David Thulstrup.

Revered for their simple typologies, 60s LA gas stations and American diners provided inspiration for Gasoline Grill, as well as referencing the chain’s beginnings in a former petrol station. The client requested an open kitchen and sense of minimalism without the interior feeling cold. Studio David Thulstrup achieved this by using alternate galvanized steel and LED lights with a warm, light brown and red terrazzo countertop and flooring. The open kitchen and counter are freestanding away from the perimeter walls, highlighting an existing plaster ceiling with small arches.

A stainless-steel logo inset into the terrazzo floor welcomes diners across the threshold, while a 25-seat counter wraps around the open kitchen. Glass walls allow brave diners a glimpse into the meat grinding room, intent on driving home the freshness of the product. Other custom elements include a galvanized steel ceiling suspended over the kitchen, terrazzo basin, metal cabinet for the meat grinder and a backlit menu box and beverage display unit.

In partnership with e15, David Thulstrup designed a new stool for the project, capturing the clean lines and warmth of the interior. Made of solid European oak treated with matte wax oil, the ‘Tank’ stool is named so to reflect its simple geometry of strong vertical lines and a circular seat and base. The simple and robust form is suggestive of its purpose, a stool for consuming fast food.

“By making it essentially a mono-material stool we wanted it to look solid and be stable but still have a sculptural profile,” explains Thulstrup.