The name of the Hotel Gaijin on Nollendorfplatz is borrowed from the Japanese and means "person from outside", according to Wikipedia. The naming of this property is no coincidence: it was once owned by the Japanese Empire. Jim Knoepfle Architects used this historical background as inspiration for the interior design. A Japanese understanding of spaces is characterized by clarity and reduction, as is also known from Japanese gardens, which radiate calm and concentration. The material and color concept includes different shades of grey as well as black and brownish tones, such as in the natural oak, which creates a sense of comfort in the rooms.

Organic shapes in the entrance area are designed to relieve visitors of the stress of travel. The wall in front of reception is adorned with a colorful wall relief by Berlin artist Frank Öhring. The 85 rooms and suites are very appealing with their purist ambience and Far Eastern touches. Some rooms from the Superior category upwards are even equipped with a kitchenette or kitchen. All materials used are of high quality, whether floors, textiles or furniture. If you like, you can sit on comfortable Japanese-style cushions on the floor. Chairs and armchairs are also available and offer further cozy seating options. The beds are not hard futons, as some guests might fear, but comfortable mattresses in partly floating beds with integrated bedside tables. This is just one example of the interweaving of function and aesthetics that has been taken into account in the custom-made furniture.

For example, each room has a tokobashira, a real, naturally grown, typically Japanese tree trunk. It creates identity and also serves as a sideboard and desk with the two inserted shelves. The "Kit-Chin" restaurant is equipped with clear, functional furniture and adds a contrasting rose to the color palette. Paper lights in various shapes hang from the ceiling. An additional highlight is the suite with roof terrace and views over the city.

www.jimknoepfle.de

Photos:

Gerrit Meier
www.gerritmeier.de

(Published in CUBE Berlin 03|20)