Bronze Winner 2022 – Kurierhaus Hannover - Architecture Collection
Bronze Winner of the Architecture & Design Collection Awards 2022

Kurierhaus Hannover

Design
Hotel Interior Design Built
Professional Category

Architect / Designer:

Sebastian Peetz

Studio:

le peetz design

Country:

Germany
In a prominent location in the middle of the Georgstraße promenade, the new Motel One Hannover-Oper opened in April 2022. Diagonally opposite the eponymous opera house, Motel One is moving into the former press and publishing house of the Hannoversche Kurier. In the extensively renovated, landmarked building with 171 rooms, guests can expect echoes of the building’s history. The building, which dates back to 1927, is dominated by its history, as evidenced by the lettering above the entrance, which is based on the original. This design theme continues when you enter the hotel: the diamond ceiling in the entrance area has been faithfully reconstructed and the One Lounge is also all about newspaper publishing and printing. In order to convey the spirit of the Golden Twenties to visitors, playful Art Deco elements meet metallic black steel surfaces throughout the interior, which emphasize the industrial character of the newspaper printing plant. Floral shapes paired with geometric elements are found on the wallpaper in the breakfast area, in the meeting rooms, as well as on the fabrics of the lounge furniture. The material mix of velvet and gold components represents 1920s chic and contrasts with the iron elements. Decorations, such as antique typewriters and cameras, are also reminiscent of the bustling workplace of the publishing house. The four-meter-high mural by local artist Sebastian Peetz, which is emblazoned next to the bar, is also in keeping with the style of the time: with his typically striking stroke, the Hanoverian depicts a newspaper-reading “courier couple,” which keeps the historic location gleaming in a completely contemporary way and with memorably reduced means. A special highlight can be found on the back wall of the bar: here, metal plates with letters are reminiscent of movable printing letters. The combination of historical letters with new and futuristic letters builds a bridge to the present and the future. The reflective, black high-gloss ceiling sail creates additional exciting effects. Guests are invited to enjoy a drink at the bar while constantly finding new words related to newspaper printing or Hanover. Optimally located in the Mitte district, the idyllic alleys of the old town with its historic half-timbered buildings, inviting cafés and boutiques are within easy walking distance. The nearby Markthalle offers culinary variety for refreshment while exploring the surrounding sights. The exhibition center is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Those who like even shorter distances will find a green oasis to relax in the Motel One HannoverOper’s two courtyards – either on the spacious wooden terrace or the separate terraces of some rooms. Additional art by Sebastian Peetz is installed in all 171 rooms. Meter-sized half-mirrors were made in stylized newspaper form of the Hannoversche Kurier, which let the sky photographed in saturated colors shine over 171 sights of the city. Guests can relax in comfort in all rooms, which feature comfortable box-spring beds and walk-in Raindance showers.

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