February 4, 2016

Sebastian Herkner’s Take on the Ideal House Embraces Smell, Touch, and Even Taste

Das Haus 2016 by Sebastian Herkner at IMM Cologne. Photo by Lutz Sternstein/courtesy of Koelnmesse.

Even with a detailed architectural model, we can never quite visualize the final result. Highly ambitious could sum up Sebastian Herkner’s plan for the 2016 edition of “Das Haus—Interiors on Stage”, revealed to a group of journalists in September of last year. Inspired by a friend in a wheelchair and the structure of yurts, Herkner’s take on the ideal home followed a complex, ring-based geometry—but the question was, would it work?

Unveiled at IMM 2016, held this year from January 18-24, Herkner’s “Das Haus” is packed full of creature-comforts, and perhaps the most seductive of the pavilions showcased over the last few years on the 2,600-square-foot stage in the middle of Hall 2.2 (Pure Editions)—among them the 2015 edition by Neri & Hubased on Shanghai’s lane houses, and the 2014 edition by Louise Campbellcomplete with an extra-large bed.

Das Haus 2016 by Sebastian Herkner at IMM Cologne. Photo by Lutz Sternstein/courtesy of Koelnmesse.

“Make sure to use your nose,” Herkner told Interior Design, and a deep breath revealed the crisp and clean smell of soap in the bathroom, where the designer used soap tiles. Meanwhile, a ring-based system of transparent and moveable curtains “inspired by architecture,” the designer notes, evoked sense of touch, and a bar offering herbal- and fruit-infused water enticed the taste buds. “Design is also about touching senses,” he says.

Furnishings included 19 new products by the prolific Herkner, among them the Bell light for Classicon, Mbrace, a rocker for Dedon, and the Slot wardrobe system for Schönbuch.

The designer also paid tribute to favorite designers including Patricia Urquiola with her Cuna tub for Agape http://www.agape.it and Jamie Hayon, with his Formakami lantern for &Tradition. While the rings and a rectangle of etched glass zoned living areas, the inner courtyard was left open and filled with vibrant green plants. Herkner concludes, “It’s not a museum, it’s really a place to stay.”

Das Haus 2016 by Sebastian Herkner at IMM Cologne. Photo by Lutz Sternstein/courtesy of Koelnmesse.

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