Elegance in a new guise

In this interview, Rudolf Bachhuber (53), Managing Director of Bachhuber Contract, describes the special features and challenges of the renovation and new construction of the Steigenberger Europäischer Hof Baden-Baden project.
Bachhuber Contract, describes the special features and challenges involved in the renovation and new construction of the Steigenberger Europäischer Hof Baden-Baden project.

Mr. Bachhuber, what exactly do you do for the Europäischer Hof Baden-Baden project?

We are responsible for the interior design and, as general contractor, for the interior fit-out of the new Luisenflügel building.
In addition, we are realizing the execution and coordination planning of the dry construction in the old building rooms and in the public zones, with the exception of the spa area.

Surely the cooperation with the European Court is anything but ordinary?
Would you like to briefly describe it?

The project is characterized by its high quality requirements in terms of planning and execution.

What are the biggest challenges for you?

For me, it is important to stay within the set financial framework and at the same time meet the high quality standards.
Another challenge is to combine the existing situation of the old building with the requirements of the hotel business in terms of technology, design and quality of today.

What is the basic idea behind your approach to the rooms in the new building?

A completely unique, unmistakable room experience is intended to reflect the character of the hotel in the form of elegance in a new guise.
The staging begins when the guest enters the room, with a large, light-filled hallway.
The sleeping area is then accessed through a portal: A long room that is given a dynamic effect by the sloping window front.
This is supported and reinforced by space-creating measures: the interplay of furniture, wall, floor and lighting elements radiates lightness and spaciousness.

What criteria did you use to create the design and color concept?

We have paid particular attention to the surfaces of the furniture fronts: All large wall and ceiling panels are painted in a warm matt truffle brown.
High-gloss surfaces in white and black are combined with this.
An elegant sideboard with a filigree brass frame thus attracts attention as a stand-alone piece of furniture.

Exciting and what was your inspiration for the textiles?

All textile surfaces have a glossy, shimmering texture – they remain predominantly muted in color so that the wallpaper with its delicate, ornamental surface comes into its own.
Indirect lighting, so-called light coves, emphasize the silvery sheen of the wallpaper.
Velvety, rust-red upholstery fabrics were chosen for the comfortable upholstered furniture – as a stylistic device of tradition and luxury.
The color scheme of the rooms is warm and harmonious.
Strict, uncluttered structures in the furniture design, paired with colors in earth tones, convey an atmosphere of calm and relaxation to the guest.

And how can we imagine the bathroom?

In the bathroom, the oversized, dark washbasin with stone top takes center stage.
Wall mirrors and niches are finished with elaborate details.
Bright wall and glass surfaces, a wide entrance and the warm lighting also emphasize the size and elegance of this room.

To what extent were you influenced by the history and location of the building when designing the concept?

The luxury hotel traditionally accommodates guests who have high cultural expectations in terms of lifestyle and ambience.
Modern design can also do justice to this.
The regional cultural themes of Baden-Baden such as the Kurhaus, thermal springs, casino and racecourse are incorporated in the form of light objects designed as wall panels in the corridors.
As a graphic element, the hotel emblem was integrated into the furniture design as a symbol of the reconstruction of the historic Luisenflügel.