Where Art and Guests Converge
Essen's first concierge hotel at the fairgrounds captivates with comfort and ambiance
Mintrops Concierge Hotel offers its (extended-stay) guests 52 contemporary apartments with functional design, an innovative check-in and check-out concept, and an impressive art experience featuring large-scale video installations in the glass-enclosed stairwell and paintings by the renowned artist couple Anne and Martin Müller, based in Berlin.
Essen-based architects Holger Jesberg and Frank Bitting designed the hotel to fit seamlessly into a gap site in this densely developed neighborhood, allowing the varying building heights to harmonize gracefully with adjacent structures. A barrel vault roof marks the transition, arching elegantly from the lower to the higher section of the building. The façade is articulated by a fully glazed stairwell, which visually divides the structure into two distinct components. On the left, adjoining the tall neighboring building, the façade is clad in high-quality clinker brick—a reference to the architectural heritage of the Ruhr region. An oriel structure extending from the first through fifth floors is wrapped by a spline, whose dynamic form emerges from the solid brick mass. The right side functions as an independent volume, cantilevering above the access drive leading to 16 parking spaces and extending toward the rear of the property. Here, the façade comprises fiber cement panels, with the apartment oriels echoing the design element of the left side. The floor plans reflect the varied needs for apartments ranging from 20 to 50 m², including one barrier-free unit. The design encompasses both compact studio solutions and larger apartments with separate bedrooms. Nine apartments feature balconies, while two offer generous roof terraces. Interior architect Klaus Schulte prioritized guest comfort throughout the apartments. Warm color palettes define the variably-sized units, creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere for visitors. The classical functional separation of living, dining, and sleeping areas applies to both studio apartments and those with integrated sleeping alcoves, which are accessed via space-efficient glass sliding doors. Despite the tight budget, the Iserlohn-based interior architect successfully maintained high standards in both design and functionality. Beds exceed standard dimensions, mattresses are premium quality and exceptionally comfortable, and television sets are provided in both sleeping alcoves and living areas. Comfortable sofas and armchairs complete the living spaces, and each apartment is enhanced by an individual painting by artist Martin Müller. The integrated kitchenettes feature minimalist design and top-tier equipment. The apartments are finished with generously proportioned shower baths in classic gray and white.
www.mintrops-concierge-hotel.de
Photography Credits:
Ferdinand Graf Luckner
www.graf-luckner.de
Oliver Heimers
(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 02|20)