Login
Registered users
Inside the 25hours Hotel in Cologne the circle is a recurring symbol and it is found even in the Kartell by Laufen basins.
The 25hours Hotel „The Circle“ is housed in a significant and historic building in Cologne. The unusual semi-circular building, built in 1966, was originally the administrative headquarters of the Gerling insurance group. Today, the Gerling Quartier is one of the most important neighborhoods from an architectural point of view in Cologne.
The renowned architectural studio O&O Baukunst – based in Cologne – was charged with the refurbishing and redesign of the entire building, and Studio Aisslinger from Berlin took care of the interior design of the hotel. The 1960s inspired Studio Aisslinger to deal with the era of the economic miracle and its technical utopias. This resulted in a holistic design concept that follows the guiding principle of “retro-futurism” and also refers to the Gerling Quartier.
The circular foyer is considered heritage of historic interest and forms the remarkable entrance hall of the 25hours Hotel. The black marble niches which hosted the cashiers in the past, have now been converted into relax areas, a reception and a kiosk. Studio Aisslinger designed two categories of rooms: smaller, in the Inner Circle, where the atmosphere is characterized by dark and soft shades, while rooms in the Outer Circle are larger and brighter. Influences of industrial architecture can be found in the rooms where ceilings were not covered to show their structure. In all rooms, there is no separation between the night area and the bathroom. The Inner Circle rooms have a bathroom completely open, with the washbasin near the bed and a curtain that separates the rest of the environment to guarantee intimacy. In the rooms of the Outer Circle, the bathroom area is located behind the bed and is separated by wooden lamellas to offer privacy.
Rooms have been furnished with discreet bathroom accessories in perfect harmony with the spatial effect. For “The Circle” the team led by Werner Aisslinger has chosen the Kartell by Laufen round bowls, designed by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba, which ensure a high degree of elegance and sophistication. The bowls made in Saphirkeramik are characterized by very thin walls that give visual lightness and reminiscent of centerpieces instead of bathroom furnishings. Their round shape, which resembles that of accessories and mirrors, is in perfect harmony with the design language of the hotel.
Outside renovation: O&O Baukunst
Interior design: Studio Aisslinger
Location: Cologne - Germany
Photography by © Steve Herud
courtesy of Laufen
