Designer Werner Aisslinger revamped a lakeside hotel in Germany’s Sauerland region, incorporating hydroponics and locally sourced materials like wood and terrazzo to create interiors inspired by the natural surroundings. Hotel Seegarten, owned by TV chef Olaf Baumeister, has been transformed from a traditional inn into a modern boutique accommodation.
Aisslinger‘s studio drew inspiration from the hotel’s location overlooking Sorpesee lake to develop a “nature-loving” concept for the guest rooms and public spaces, including Baumeister’s Seegarten restaurant where hydroponic shelves are used to cultivate kitchen ingredients. The design team emphasized the friendly and nature-centric atmosphere, with materials processed in their purest form to enhance the connection with nature, further fueled by Baumeister’s dedication to using local produce in his culinary creations.
The hotel’s design, described by the studio as an “oasis in the Sauerland,” is characterized by a casual and modern aesthetic that prioritizes promoting wellbeing. To achieve this, the studio utilized two main materials: terrazzo and wood. These materials were chosen to evoke the pebble beaches of the nearby lake and the trees of the surrounding forest. Additionally, elements such as curtains, carpets, plants, and rattan screens were carefully selected to complement the terrazzo and wood, while also adding diverse tactile surfaces to the interior.
In order to incorporate a sense of locality and reduce the project’s carbon footprint, the studio incorporated stones from a nearby quarry into the grey terrazzo. These stones were processed by a local firm and are prominently featured in the bathrooms. By utilizing local materials and working with regional manufacturers, the project minimized the need for shipping, further reducing its environmental impact.
The bedrooms showcase bespoke shelves that house planters filled with herbs, allowing guests to enjoy the freshness and aroma of these plants. Additionally, the studio commissioned custom-made towel rails in the shape of swimming pool ladders, which attach to the bathtubs in the bathrooms. This unique design element adds a playful touch to the space.
In the Seegarten restaurant, traditional wood panelling creates a contrast with the metal hydroponic troughs and their bright LED grow lights. This combination of materials and lighting creates an intriguing visual dynamic.
The hotel’s wellness area features flat and curved rattan screens that are suspended from the ceiling. These screens can be adjusted in height to provide privacy as needed. This design element adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to the space.
Throughout the hotel, furniture designed by Aisslinger for various design brands is utilized. This includes the Geometrics pouf for Cappellini and the Wood Bikini chair for Moroso. These carefully selected pieces contribute to the overall design concept and enhance the guest experience.
In the public areas, solid oak Cep tables, geometric Urban Jungle rugs, and Addit sofas designed for German furnituremaker Rolf Benz in collaboration with Studio Aisslinger’s design director Tina Bunyaprasit are featured. These furniture pieces not only provide comfort and functionality but also contribute to the overall aesthetic coherence of the hotel.