design et al are delighted to announce that BWM Architekten have been shortlisted for Restaurant Within a Hotel – Europe Award in The International Hotel & Property Awards 2019.
Designed by BWM Architekten, Hotel am Konzerthaus in Vienna is located in the immediate vicinity of such cultural institutions as the Akademietheater, Konzerthaus and Musikverein. This exclusive location provided the inspiration for the new design concept of the restaurant and lobby. With its decidedly theatrical flair, this extraordinary hotel concept was developed under the fitting motto of “Backstage on stage”.
Looking beyond the newly designed roof projecting over the entrance, visitors already feel the lure of the hotel’s enticing new interior. The first thing they notice when entering the lobby is the “Cloud of Light”, a scintillating glass object consisting of countless hand-made elements – a modern take on the classic chandelier. The eye is then immediately drawn to the elevators, which are surrounded by a dramatic red velvet curtain and fitted with shiny brass doors. From here, a left turn will take visitors to the reception and lobby, while the entrance area merges smoothly into a lounge area on the right.
BWM Architekten designed the bar and restaurant areas which merge into each other, drawing on elements that can be found in typical Viennese houses as well as in the nearby theatres. BWM included parquet flooring, brass, marble, velvet, and spherical lamps within the design. Which are complemented by new, exciting ideas with great charisma such as the bar, a centrepiece with an enormous stage presence that is clad in shiny, pleated brass and features a red velvet “show-time curtain”. This curtain not only conveys theatrical flair but can also be opened or closed in accordance with the bar’s opening hours. Pillars encased in conical tiles enhance the overall look.
On the otherwise open ceiling, BWM Architekten created coffered ceiling panels to define separate areas and zone the room, with a suspended mirrored ceiling marking the lounge area. Private booths or loges reminiscent of the theatre are tucked away behind a long panelled wooden wall that covers the entire length of the room. A long bench made of golden-coloured velvet runs along the full length of the window side. An anthracite-coloured velvet curtain separates the so-called “free-flow” seating area in the middle of the restaurant from the open show kitchen. A brass frame draws attention to the kitchen and allows guests to observe the chef at work.