Atmosphere and technology in harmony at Van der Valk Breda

Atmosphere and technology in harmony at Van der Valk Breda

At Van der Valk Breda, design and technology go hand in hand. The hotel's recent renovations, from the Princeville restaurant to the suites, combine interior architecture and ambience design. dEP de Sfeerontwerpers provided the lighting, sound and home automation solutions, resulting in a luxurious and inviting ambience for guests and staff.

In the renovated restaurant, Robert Burgstad, designer at dEP the Atmosphere Designers, talks about the collaboration. "Studio Hugo worked on the new design for the bar, restaurant and lobby. They approached us to match the lighting and sound to their vision."

Hugo Broeders, owner of Studio Hugo, explains: "The Wohrmanns Bar has been around for four years now and the restaurant was renovated a year and a half ago. We expanded the grand café and extended the front. Differentiating between decorative and technical lighting was essential, and dEP masters that like no other."

Innovative design and smart lighting

When dEP embarks on a new project, a thorough analysis is the starting point. "Here, we look at the desired atmosphere and the technical possibilities to realise it." Technology plays a crucial role in lighting and home automation. "We don't sell products, we sell atmosphere. We aim for a seamless integration so that lighting complements the interior design naturally."

When realising the bar, Broeders says the low ceiling was a challenge. "Nevertheless, we deliberately chose a dark, mirrored ceiling, accentuated by dEP's lighting. This gives a surprising spatial effect, which impressed many visitors. This shows how lighting is not only functional, but can also be an aesthetic statement."

When renovating the restaurant, it turned out that the ceiling could not be removed. Distinctive disc-shaped luminaires were already attached to it. dEP and Studio Hugo integrated these into the new design. "The RGB colours and LEDs were in need of replacement. We chose a warmer light colour and Studio Hugo provided the discs with a new surround and cloths," says Burgstad. "By upgrading existing elements, the budget can be put to better use elsewhere," adds Broeders. "We always strive to make sustainable choices without compromising on appearance and functionality."

Multifunctional lighting and flexibility

Jessica Wohrmann of Van der Valk Breda appreciates the cooperation: "dEP knows the market and thinks along creatively. We want to keep renewing our hotel and lighting has to be multifunctional. Thanks to dEP, we can set different atmospheres. At night, the grand café effortlessly transforms into a club with DJ lighting, while a warm ambiance is maintained during the day."

Technology has also been integrated into the (meeting) rooms. "Users can easily connect their devices to the video systems, and during presentations, the lighting in the front rows of the room is automatically dimmed for optimal visibility. Smart solutions like these make a room not only more pleasant, but also more functional for a variety of purposes." Besides aesthetics and convenience, sustainability is also an important aspect of the renovations. Energy-efficient lighting and smart control systems contribute to this.

Unique suites with special lighting

"In our new suites, we wanted something special," explains Wohrmann. "We invested heavily in that." dEP contributed to this with creative lighting solutions. "We layered the ceilings with coves and special lighting effects," says Burgstad. "In the Ocean Suite, we created a luxurious look with coloured LED lines, a starry sky and sophisticated mirror lighting. Even a gumball vending machine in the Pink Suite incorporates lighting." This suite proved to be a great success and has been fully booked for months.

Wohrmann stresses the importance of innovation: "Guests expect innovation. Within Van der Valk, we inspire and compete with each other, and cooperation with specialists helps us take our service to the next level. By continuing to invest in ambience and technology, we can offer our guests a unique experience."