Interior Design Sense

There’s something ultra modern and spa-like about a bathtub with lights – such as the Ergo bathtub by Hoesch. No matter which Ergo style bathtub you choose (corner, rectangular, square or oval…) you can enrich the bathing experience with LED lights. The bathtubs are designed to hold up to four tub spots and a light strip that is integrated into the overflow groove. You can choose from seven different colors to set the mood you desire. With an ergonomically designed bathtub such as this one, you can create the perfect ambiance in order to fully enjoy the relaxing properties of a bath. Check out Hoesch for more details.

Think of it as a luxury spa retreat without ever leaving the comfort of your bathroom – the new SenseSation steam bath with shower system by Hoesch soothes your body and mind. While you can’t deny the benefits of steam, the full spa experience comes with the whole – the integrated MP3 player plays soothing sounds while the built-in illumination provides chromotherapy through its ever-changing colored lights. And it’s all at your fingertips. The panel let’s you control all these functions with the touch of a finger. All that’s left to do is relax, and soak it all in. More on the SenseSation steam bath with shower is available at Hoesch.

Architects: Barkow Leibinger Architects - Frank Barkow & Regine Leibinger
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Design Phase Team: Jason Sandy, Johanna Doherty, Christina Eickmeier, Klaus Reintjes
Construction Phase Team: Lukas Weder (Project Architect), Philipp Heidemann, Caspar Hoesch, Christina Möller, Mathias Oliva, Dagmar Pelger, Jason Sandy
Project Year: 2006-2008
Constructed Area: 5,400 sqm
Client: TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG
Structural Engineer: Werner Sobek Ingenieure
Electrical Engineer: IBB Ingenieure
Landscaping: Büro Kiefer
Photographer: Christian Richters

Neither a factory nor an office building this freestanding pavilion introduces a new typology to the factory campus. Urbanistically, the new restaurant helps to complete the entrance courtyard spatially. Formally, its crystalline pentagon plan is a continuation of the crystalline ground plans of the new (existing) office building it is adjacent to. This structure is low lying and integrated closely with the campus landscape.

A floating roof hovers over the central dining space and mezzanine that are located in an excavated hollow. Of paramount importance is the formation of the roof. A series of studies investigated natural biological forms including leaf structures, sponges, spirals and webs. After a planning workshop with the structural engineer a preferred scheme emerged for a triangulated folded plate whose primary structure is steel. Within these triangular fields polygonal cells are inserted providing skylighting and natural ventilation.

Nearly 700 seats are available during regular operation in the restaurant area and on the south-facing terrace. If necessary, the interior can be transformed into an auditorium for events with up to 800 participants.

Publication material thanks to Barkow Leibinger Architects and some pictures from Below the Clouds