rolf sachs' saltz restaurant artistically references the swiss landscape

rolf sachs’ saltz restaurant artistically references the swiss landscape
all images © nico schaerer

recognized for his conceptual approach in art, photography and sculpture, swiss artist rolf sachs has unveiled his interior fit out for the dolder grand hotel’s new restaurant called ‘saltz’. translating his approach in art into interiors, the restaurant constantly references the swiss landscape by combining distinctive materials including neon lights, salt, rock and felt to manifest a theatrical yet intimate setting. the materials result in an unexpected palette that invites diners to respond with their own thoughts and reactions.

the 280 sqm restaurant seats 102, with a terrace seating for 80

first opened in 1899, the hilltop hotel was renovated and converted back in 2008 by foster + partners. the restaurant – wrapped in an electric palette of blues and reds – is a playful, yet contemporary homage to switzerland. the room in red references the swiss flag and the wall interrupted by an undulating neon light of a mountainscape.

a solid rock hangs from the ceiling from pink rope that links to climbing

sculptural elements emerge in the form of a hanging rock swing that hangs to the web of pink rope that intertwines across the ceiling. referencing the restaurant’s name, a feature wall made of salt adds texture and breaks up the otherwise, refined surfaces.

neon lights, salt, rock and felt are used in an unexpected way to form artworks and custom made furniture

the room in red references the swiss flag

a wall made of salt breaks up the smooth materials used around

sachs used elements of the surrounding swiss landscape and its cultural references as inspiration

the restaurant interiors fuse the use of smooth and textured materials

a series of mondaine clocks show the time of different locations