neri&hu erect das haus - a home vision with dinesen at imm cologne 2015

neri&hu erect das haus – a home vision with dinesen at imm cologne 2015
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

on the occasion of this year’s fair, imm cologne was looking to bring forth a creative view from outside of europe to realize its annual feature ‘das haus’. shanghai-based architects neri&hu took to the challenge, realizing a home vision that utilizes the fine wood products of danish company dinesen. ‘with neri&hu, we have found a pair of architects who have long been experimenting with giving the buildings they design their own characteristic inner dimension, by filling it with furniture and fixtures they design themselves,’ says dick spierenburg, creative director of imm cologne, of the decision to invite neri&hu as guests of honour for 2015. ‘and it’s in a way which we find really inspiring: atmospheric and pared down at the same time, with refined details and twists. with ‘das haus’, they are free to develop their own experience even further and discover new directions. we have reason to hope that something extremely exciting might develop from this‘, he continues.

the ‘das haus’ installation offers visitors alternative views into architecture, design and living
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

what defines the 240 m2 large house is a solid bridge made of dinesen douglas fir — a bridge that offers a choreographed path in which visitors can take in the domestic space from a heightened position, while at the same time appreciating the lumber employed in the installation’s construction. the elevated walkway guides people through ‘das haus’ in a way that offers curated views of the various rooms, providing a renewed perspective on architecture, design and living.  

ground floor view into the multi-level installation
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

neri&hu’s contribution to the ‘das haus’ feature is considered to be half a portrait of themselves, and half future-focused concept that is practical, workable and of above all authentic. their vision expresses their own world and creative personality, envisioned through lighting and furniture pieces they have selected to furnish the housing simulation, as well as the colors and materials employed throughout, including dinesen granddouglas used for the flooring. at its core, the 2015 installment of ‘das haus’ sees the chinese architects utilizing a range of dinesen’s products — from classic flooring solutions to more experimental elements like the wooden bridge — in combination with a selection of bold wall colors acting as a backdrop to the natural timber, with objects that subtly speak to their cultural roots in a contemporary way.

the simulation of a residential home is furnished by objects that neri&hu have curated themselves
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

‘we have been great admirers of dinesen since we started our practice ten years ago. the depth, texture and quality of each dinesen douglas plank makes wood come alive in a passionate way. it was natural for us to specify dinesen for the ‘das haus’ project at imm cologne.’ – neri&hu

office area
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

aerial view of the office area / classroom space with banners of chinese newspaper draped from the ceiling
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

a view into the complex copper tubing system of the bathroom
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

copper, wood and glass elements furnish the bathing area
image © designboom

the furnishings of ‘das haus’ speak of neri&hu’s own personality
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

suspended clouds drift over the sleeping area
photos by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

photographs adorn the sleeping area
image © designboom

the domestic space is furnished with images and products that speak to neri&hu’s modern chinese aesthetic
image © designboom

dining table complete with robust candle stick spindles
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

the ‘das haus’ rooms and their functions are defined by different colors
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer

approach to ‘das haus’ by neri&hu at imm cologne 2015
photo by koelnmesse /constantin meyer