Root (Hotel Telegraphenamt)
Berlin, Deutschland | 2022
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Berlin, Germany | 2022
One of the major updates to the existing structure of the Hotel Telegraphenamt building was the transformation of the two former courtyards. One of these courtyards now house the restaurant “Root”, and is characterized by an elaborate glass roof that spans the entire space. One of the main challenges facing the design team was how to create an intimate, cozy space underneath the imposing height of the metal-and-glass structure.
The design team drew inspiration from the concept of a greenhouse; lush plants and greenery scattered throughout the interior mentally transport guests to more tropical climates. A large checkerboard pattern characterizes the floor space, drawing the eye down from the glass ceiling to the various seating areas. Spread out over multiple wooden platforms, a network of seating areas emerges throughout the space. Each area is characterized by a different mix of finishes and upholstery, while still harmoniously flowing into the overall design scheme. The backrests of the banquette seating form half-height dividing walls with an eye-catching detail: segments of coloured acrylic tubes are integrated into the structure, enclosed in glass and backlit with a warm light – a nod to the building’s historic pneumatic tubes. Warm fluted wood, green marble, bronze tinted mirrors, and upholstery webbing are among the finishes that add an extra level of detail to the seating areas and tables.
Around the perimeter of the space, the exposed brick walls of the existing structure were extensively restored. One of the green upholstered banquettes wraps around the circular brick wall, accentuated by an array of industrial wall sconces. Elegant metal columns delineate the outer circulation paths and support the new ceiling structure. Above the diners, custom-painted globe pendant lights create the illusion of a starry nightscape hovering below the glass canopy.
Set back slightly from the busy buzz of the guests, the glass-and-mirror-fronted show kitchen // and shielded by a glass-and-mirror partition, the show kitchen offers diners a glimpse behind the scenes of the meal preparation. Other eye-catching features along the outer walls include striking artwork, such as handmade textile art by Vanessa Barragão and an imposing, 3D-printed octopus. The art in the Telegraphenamt is an essential part of the overall concept, as it connects the historical with the contemporary. In contrast to the modern methods used to create the octopus piece, a painstakingly restored selection of components from the original pneumatic tube system graces the rear staircase leading to the downstairs washrooms and Member’s Club; these historical excerpts serve as a reminder of the buildings’ origins and the unnerving, unrelenting progression of technology.
In conclusion, the design of the restaurant “Root” has been a huge success; it has already made a name for itself and certainly marks the beginning of a new era for the building. The space sets the stage for a dynamic interplay of hotel guests and locals, young and old, reminders of the past and bold visions for the future.