Baur au Lac in Zurich has completed a complete renovation of its lobby lounge.
The renovation has taken the space back to its original, light-filled design, spearheaded by noted architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. Rochon was also responsible for the Baur au Lac's recent re-imagining of the Pavillon restaurant and the interior decor of the hotel's meeting rooms.
"In the 1950's, 'Le Hall's' original glass roof was covered to install air conditioning," says Andrea Kracht, sixth-generation owner of the hotel, "but now, with a new generation in mind, we decided that 21st-century technology would enable us to restore my ancestors' original glass-roofed splendor and still keep the space air-conditioned."
After research into the architectural history of the building, and in cooperation with Pierre-Yves Rochon and interior designer Frédéric d'Haufayt, an entirely new design concept was created.
The new design combines classical touches - wooden paneling, mirrors and natural stone walls - with contrasting modern elements, like the new polished mahogany and black granite bar. In addition to the rebirth of the glass dome, the entire ceiling of "Le Hall" was raised and an Empire period chandelier installed.
Porcelain Chinese table lamps, gilded Art Deco sconces and floor lamps, concealed spot lights, hand-made wool and silk carpeting, elegant seating areas, historic paintings and an Art Deco fireplace were also added.