Unveil the extraordinarily bizarre Philippe Starck hotel
In the heart of Metz's Amphitheatre neighborhood, Maison Heler Metz, a unique hotel designed by Philippe Starck, stands tall as a testament to the fusion of surreal narrative and architectural innovation.
The concept behind Maison Heler Metz is deeply rooted in the imaginative story of Manfred Heler, an orphan who inherits a mansion that rises into the air during a tremor, as if a cookie cutter had sliced a piece of the earth and mounted it vertically. This tale, penned by Starck himself, serves as the foundation for the hotel's distinctive design.
Maison Heler Metz is a nine-storey monolith, with a brutalist base supporting a perfectly preserved 19th-century Lorraine house, seemingly extruded vertically. This design symbolizes an "uprooted root," blending the fortress-like houses of Lorraine with a futuristic skyscraper form, creating an arresting and surreal architectural statement.
The interiors of Maison Heler Metz reflect this joyful eclecticism. Rooms are adorned with whimsical musical elements such as castanets, tambourines, and guitars, fostering a playful and surreal atmosphere throughout the 104-room hotel.
Guests can dine at La Maison de Manfred, located on the ninth floor of the hotel, offering warm takes on French cuisine and scenic views over the city.
Philippe Starck's design for Maison Heler Metz, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, aims to tell a love story, rather than feel like decoration or architecture. This is evident in the warm, tactile details such as natural wood and leather furniture, terracotta tiles, and central columns wrapped in deep green, embossed leather.
Ara Starck, Philippe Starck's daughter, has contributed to the hotel's design by creating 19 stained glass windows for the restaurant, including one monumental piece.
Maison Heler Metz follows Brach Madrid, the first hotel designed by Philippe Starck for the Evok Collection. The hotel can be found at 31 Rue Jacques Chirac, 57000 Metz, France.
In Metz, a city known for its Romanesque to Art Nouveau influences, Maison Heler Metz stands as a bold and imaginative addition to the architectural landscape, bridging the gap between the past and the future.
- The unique lifestyle at Maison Heler Metz extends beyond its architectural innovation, with fashion-and-beauty elements subtly integrated in the whimsical musical elements adorning the hotel rooms.
- For travelers seeking an extraordinary home-and-garden experience, Maison Heler Metz offers a surreal blend of Lorraine's fortress-like houses and a futuristic skyscraper form, creating an unparalleled architectural statement.
- After a day of exploring the city's rich history, entertainment options abound at Maison Heler Metz, with sports enthusiasts enjoying a perfect view of the city from the ninth-floor restaurant, La Maison de Manfred, while savoring the warm takes on French cuisine.
