New construction of a gourmet restaurant — O5, 9-12, 68161 Mannheim, Germany — 430 m² — November 2013 — engelhorn KGaA
Culinary symphony
The Opus V in Mannheim is a restaurant with unusual architecture, stylish interior and unique cuisine. "Opus V is much more than just a restaurant", says Richard Engelhorn, managing partner of the engelhorn group. "It is a setting for people interested in enjoyment, art and culture." The 2-star restaurant as stage and forum for cultural exchange is also represented by the two wall panels that are regularly redesigned by the Mannheim National Theater.
The Nordic-looking atmosphere above the city rooftops is otherwise open, simple and minimal: Natural materials, lots of wood and open space create an unusual and relaxed environment. To achieve a pleasing room height it was necessary to demolish storerooms way up in the sixth storey of the main engelhorn building and remodel the space's outer envelope. The designers covered the facade with glass-fibre reinforced concrete, so it would blend with the rest of the engelhorn acc/es building. Refrigerators and other technical equipment were moved to the basement to make room for the entrance. A special challenge was the statics. Today, the space – refitted for a restaurant – rests securely on a completely new substructure of steel beams.
Kreative Einblicke
The restaurant is connected to the Kapuzinerplanken shopping street via a side street and has its own entrance. Guests reach the sixth floor via a staircase or lift, and walk past a glassed-walled, walk-in wine cellar where fine red and white wines are stored in their own, temperature-controlled zones. Just beyond a cluster of small, standing furniture and a lounge that is ideal for wine tasting or an aperitif, guests enter the restaurant, which seats about 50.
The harmonious interior with its parquet floors, cherry wood furniture and brick walls immediately sets the tone for the enjoyment of culinary delights. Tables are arranged parallel to the panoramic windows and are complemented by ceiling panels of expanded metal in warm brown tones. The continuous parquet flooring and sliding glass elements open out to a six-meter wide passage, ensuring a smooth transition to the veranda. With room for another 50 guests, the inviting terrace – with its array of plants and herbs – is a green oasis in the middle of the city. On sunny days guests can take a seat and enjoy a wonderful view over the city squares of Mannheim and beyond.
