Mammertsberg | Space Copenhagen

Space Copenhagen, the Danish design studio founded by Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou, has completed work on the interiors for the new Mammertsberg hotel and restaurant in Freidorf, Switzerland, including a light refresh of six adjacent guestrooms. Silvio Germann, the talented Swiss Chef has taken over the leasehold of the historic property alongside the esteemed chef Andreas Caminada, who has gained an international following for restaurants such as the three Michelin star Schloss Schauenstein.

Mammertsberg is housed within a classic Swiss Villa built in 1911 with direct views of Lake Constance and stretching further out to the magnificent Vorarlberg and the Appenzell Alps. Space Copenhagen has sought to compliment the original chalet architecture of the building with an interiors scheme that juxtaposes the past and future. The studio has worked with the existing classical proportions of the space, with its high ceilings, generous openings and panelled walls, to create a warm and embracing restaurant to enjoy Germann’s vibrant culinary talents. Space Copenhagen has also had to adapt their design around restrictions imposed by the building’s historic status and existing features such as a monumental spiral staircase by Architect Tilla Theus that connects the restaurant on the ground floor to the bar & lounge on the first floor. 

The challenge in working within a historical building and the very tight schedule of only six months, provided Space Copenhagen with the opportunity to find solutions to embrace the things that needed to remain untouched. Commenting on the design process, Signe Bindslev Henriksen says: “We normally love to play with all parts of the puzzle, but sometimes these defining rigid frames can end up becoming a great directional tool for the whole design direction.”

Bespoke elements within the dining space, include freestanding furniture in collaboration with local Copenhagen-based carpenter Malte Gormsen who provided an exquisite level of execution, detailing and quality within the tight timeframe afforded by the project. The restaurant tables are solid oak and the sofas and low tables for the lounges in the lower level are upholstered in a robust leather in petrol blue suitable for daily use. The Ren Dining Chair designed by Space Copenhagen for Stellar Works, is used throughout and is presented in a combination of soaped walnut and light linen upholstery from Swedish textile manufacturer Astrid.

Throughout the different spaces, lighting has been handpicked for their sculptural qualities, including mobile chandeliers by Michael Anastassiades that add drama to the main dining room, an Ingo Maurer Pendant in the reception area and a Mathieu Matégot sculptural wall light by Gubi in the restaurant bar.

For the lounges at the lower level, Space Copenhagen has used their Wonder Sofas and Stay Chairs designed for Gubi in both fabric and leather variants and lighting from Gubi’s Gravity Collection. Given the location of the project, Space Copenhagen also wanted to make use of some Swiss furniture and turned to the iconic manufacturer DeSede, which is used to great effect alongside the Space Copenhagen Loafer Chairs by &Tradition. The breakfast area, for the suite of adjacent rooms, features the Mater dining Chair by Space Copenhagen together with a coloured rattan chair from Bonacina 1889.

As part of the project Space Copenhagen also undertook a few carefully considered updates to the restaurant’s small selection of guestrooms, incorporating the Private Desk with a sculptural desk light from Kalmar Werkstätten and Gravity floor lamps from Gubi. By continuing the understated Nordic touch from the public spaces, Space Copenhagen incorporated softly shaped lounge pieces such as the Fly & Loafer Collection from &Tradition in subdued color tones and warm materials. Each of the six rooms have been individually decorated, yet share a common design language, with the aim of providing guests with comforting surroundings to recharge after a day exploring the Alps.

While the impressive exterior of the historical building lends itself to a grand and stately first impression, Space Copenhagen wanted to also elicit a relaxed atmosphere for diners once inside and each public space has been curated for different parts of the gastronomic experience. By introducing greenery to the interiors and focusing on an organic palette of materials throughout such as wood in various subdued tones, leather, warm metals, wool and linen - the atmosphere aims to invite dinner guests into a comfortable environment to enjoy the culinary experience which unfolds.

The original windows and openings in the space are tall and generous, allowing light to flood in. Space Copenhagen wanted the flexibility to manipulate the light and views to suit various occasions at different times of the day and night. For this, the studio utilised floor to ceiling curtains in a tactile heavy linen, allowing for a greater sense of intimacy and providing a protective respite from the harsh climate of the Swiss Alps. The curtains also serve to provide a sense of rhythm and design layering on the walls, while also affording sound and heat insulation.

The art displayed throughout the restaurant has been hand selected by Space Copenhagen from Andreas Caminada’s personal collection and over time, pieces will be added to and swapped within the spaces, alongside objects such as books, ceramics, glass and other decorative elements.

Technical details:

Covers in restaurant:

24 seats breakfast / bistro 42 seats restaurant

Areas in sqm:

Breakfast room: 66
Restaurant: 116
Bar & Lounge: 100
Terracce: 100
Guest rooms: 200
Smoking Lounge: 50
Wine Cellar: 55
Arrival Lounge: 64
Reception: 15
Kitchen: 110

Mammertsberg
Bahnhofstrasse28
9306 Freidorf
Switzerland