It is considered the historic heart of Baden-Baden: the listed Kurhaus, which dominates the cityscape with its classicist architecture and elegant appearance. The ensemble, which houses restaurants and shops covering an area of more than 600 m², was extensively renovated by DIA – Dittel Architekten. Schatz + Lichtdesign finely tuned the lighting to showcase the newly designed interiors.

Modern elements play with history, and the room's composition exudes cosiness, zeitgeist and exclusivity. The Heritage bar catches the eye in the entrance area: its counter is elegantly clad in brown round timber and features multi-layered lighting. Surrounded by a lounge, restaurant, confectionery shop and private dining room, the bar offers exciting visual connections. In the Hectors restaurant, the coffered ceiling has been refurbished and fitted with indirect light sources. Plastered light profiles emphasise the distinctive elements of the room and provide soft basic lighting in the open dining area. Integrated between the ceiling elements, swivelling recessed lights in the form of miniaturised coffers illuminate the seating areas. The interplay of indirect and direct lighting gives the restaurant area an unmistakable ambience and, at the same time, a strong external impact. The cosy lounge area, whose colour scheme is reminiscent of the Black Forest, is characterised by atmospheric lighting. Narrow-beam accent lights emphasise the selected materials. Warm light cubes and gently staged room dividers made of textured glass provide additional framing without restricting the openness of the areas. Colour nuances with accents in gold introduce the entrance area to the shop and continue the colour scheme of the restaurant and café. An increased lighting level attracts attention and draws the eye to the homemade confectionery products. Decorative lighting elements such as magnetically attachable battery-powered table lamps, light sticks specially manufactured for the project and filigree ring pendant lights add dynamism to selected areas with their harmonious surfaces and shapes. The lighting control system with pre-programmed lighting scenes ensures harmonious lighting at any time of day.  

Hectors has earned a nomination for the German Lighting Design Award 2023 in the Hotel and Gastronomy category.

www.schatz-lichtdesign.de

Photography:

Dittel Architects Ltd | Martin Baitinger
www.selectedviews.de

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 04|23)