At REWE Markt GmbH in Hürth near Cologne, the company cafeteria was due for a renovation. The conversion at the head office of this supermarket chain involved the modernisation of existing spaces and an extension of the kitchen. The main challenge for brandherm + krumrey in redesigning the cafeteria was its location in the building’s basement – especially considering the client’s desire to create a refreshing look for this area.

First of all, brandherm + krumrey had to adapt the existing room structure to accommodate the expansion of the cafeteria kitchen and meet new functional requirements. The redesigned space was intended for not only meals but also meetings, coworking and events. This versatile usage was achieved by creating open areas and individual seating options. To enhance the quality of stay, the existing acoustic grid ceiling was removed to increase the ceiling height. The distinctive ribs of the exposed ceiling structure lend the room a unique character, further emphasised by rows of pendant luminaires. To improve room acoustics, acoustically effective elements were integrated into newly designed room dividers and wall coverings. Moreover, new furnishings allow for different usage options and create subtle colour accents with muted shades of red and green. Padded benches, hanging plants and wooden slat cladding on the serving counters ensure a homely atmosphere. An extended table along the window front, also in a wood-like finish, is suitable both for dining and working with a laptop. The rather functional former canteen has thus been transformed into the REWE Casino, offering employees an equally pleasant and stimulating environment for exchange and relaxation or working together.