Studio De Schutter: Sustainable lighting design that brings architecture to life

Sustainability and flexibility as guiding principles: lighting design by Studio De Schutter at the Coreum Hotel

Since its opening two years ago, the Coreum Hotel in Stockstadt am Rhein has been setting new standards in sustainable architectural lighting design combining innovation with environmental awareness. The Berlin-based lighting designers from Studio De Schutter have created a lighting concept that impressively emphasises the striking architecture of the hotel and at the same time impresses with forward-looking, resource-saving solutions.

‘I appreciate partners who are not only creative but also pragmatic. The collaboration with Studio De Schutter was exactly that – clear, efficient and with great attention to detail.’– Kathrin Kiesel, Coreum Hotel.

The Coreum site in Stockstadt am Rhein is a unique centre for innovation, training, further education and events in Europe. It connects specialists and leading companies in the construction, handling and recycling industry on an international level. Based on this brand DNA, Sabine De Schutter and her team created a sophisticated concept that is also reflected in the lighting design for the neighbouring Coreum Hotel.

Lighting design for functionality, well-being and sustainability

When planning the lighting for the hotel, the designers consistently focussed on sustainable technologies and efficient concepts. Only luminaires with replaceable light sources were integrated on the upper floors – a solution that simplifies maintenance and significantly reduces waste. These luminaires are complemented by energy-efficient LED technology, which minimises electricity consumption and helps to reduce the environmental impact. All the luminaires in the hotel are round and softly shaped – as a deliberate contrast to the robust materiality of the architecture with concrete, metal and stone. At the same time, their warm lighting effect creates a cosy atmosphere in the clearly structured rooms.

‘For us, sustainable lighting design means thinking holistically about architecture, function and atmosphere – durable, flexible and always in harmony with the location.’– Sabine De Schutter, Studio De Schutter

Designed in collaboration with the architects from Atelier 522 and the landscape architects from Freiraumconcept, the Coreum Hotel offers a total of 129 rooms on five floors, including 20 junior suites. In addition to the guest rooms, various retreats invite guests to linger and relax: a stylish lounge area with piano, a modern working area and a well-equipped gym offer guests a pleasant balance to the dynamic surroundings of the Coreum complex.

On the ground floor, dust-resistant luminaires with reduced surfaces were also chosen in order to minimise maintenance costs in the long term. This decision was particularly important to the lighting designers as the Coreum Hotel is part of a training and exhibition centre for construction machinery and is therefore exposed to exceptional environmental conditions such as high levels of dust.

Innovative lighting concepts for the entrance area and bar

The impressive ‘Josie’ monolith makes a strong visual statement at the entrance to the hotel. Together with the adjoining lobby, which creates an inviting atmosphere with warm woodtones and soft lighting accents, a successful combination of striking details and cosy warmth has been created here.

A circular light sculpture made of black pendant luminaires crowns the reception desk, serving as a striking focal point and emphasising the minimalist architecture of the hotel. In front of the wood-panelled wall and ceiling, this elegant installation blends harmoniouslyinto the room, which extends over two floors,and also creates an impressive external effect.

A striking eye-catcher was required for the bar area to emphasise the hotel‘s identity. A customised lighting installation was created in visual dialogue with the reception area: black metal and glass pendant luminaires are arranged along curved tracks at three heights. This customised design combines sculptural presence with functional flexibility – it adapts to the different requirements of the room and creates an impressive, lively atmosphere under the rough acoustic ceiling.

Inviting light zones in the open-plan space

One of the biggest challenges of the project was to create zones for retreat within the spacious, open-plan space. Studio De Schutter met this challenge by creating specific islands of light that support the furnishings and define areas that appear calm, inviting and cosy. In the lounge area in particular, decorative lights with paper shades create atmospheric accents. Inspired by the combination of warm wood, black stone and metal, individual lighting moods were created that serve as peaceful retreats.

The lighting and ceiling design was developed as an integrative concept. The technical lighting is embedded in acoustically effective ceiling elements, creating a calm, uninterrupted ceiling surface. This not only reduces acoustic disturbances, but also directs the guests‘ attention to the lounge areas and makes the room appear more open.

‘Light is so much more than just brightness. It influences how we perceive spaces – whether we would like to arrive, relax or stay. This is exactly what Studio De Schutter‘s work in the Coreum Hotel reflects.’

Dynamic lighting design for any time of day
Particular attention was given to lighting flexibility: whether during breakfast in the morning, quiet work phases throughout the day, or evening dining, the ambience adapts seamlessly to each moment. This is achieved through dim-to-warm technology, adjustable lighting direction, and preset lighting scenes. This creates a lively lighting mood throughout the day, which always remains in the background and emphasises the character of the room. ‘The beauty is that the lighting mood lives with the hotel. It adapts – to the time, the season, the use. And yet it remains in the background. For me, that‘s good planning.’

Sustainability through forward-looking planning

Sabine De Schutter and her team also placed particular emphasis on conscious and environmentally friendly lighting in the outdoor area: warm light colours in the range of 2,200K to 2,700K help to reduce light pollution and minimise the impact on wildlife. An intelligent timer system also synchronises the exterior lighting with the lighting scenarios in the interior, thereby optimising energy consumption.

With their well thought-out, functional and stylish concept, the lighting designers at Studio De Schutter have set new standards in holistic architectural lighting at the Coreum Hotel. Combined with natural materials, the result is an inviting retreat where elegance and cosiness flow harmoniously together – and design and sustainability are seamlessly integrated.