Hans & Werner: A Modern Industrial Restaurant Experience in Berlin

Located on the historic Siemensdam campus in Berlin, Hans & Werner is a striking restaurant designed by van Baal interior design in collaboration with architect Tomasz Budnicki. Completed in 2021, this 480 m² space transforms the ground floor of a former factory into a vibrant hub for social interaction, blending industrial heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Photographed by Yves Sucksdorff, the design demonstrates how thoughtful interior architecture can create a dynamic, human-centered environment.

A Canvas for Human Interaction

Unlike traditional interior design approaches that focus solely on creating self-contained spaces, Hans & Werner embraces the concept of architecture as a platform for social engagement. The design team gutted the existing hall, exposing its raw essence and creating a dramatic horizontal division. The upper section houses technical installations, transforming functional elements into visual features, while the lower segment serves as a neutral, inviting backdrop for visitors to gather.

Warmth and Contrast: Materials and Colors

The canteen ceiling is painted a warm red, echoing the historic red bricks of the building and visually connecting the restaurant to its architectural heritage. Below, the main dining area feels bright and welcoming, designed to encourage interaction. Concrete columns and exterior walls have been stripped of old paint, revealing raw surfaces that contrast beautifully with the soft textures of fabric and the elegance of bespoke wooden furnishings. The combination of steel, concrete, plaster, wood, and textiles creates a unique collage of textures, offering both industrial authenticity and refined comfort.

Functional and Social Layout

The interior revolves around two key focal points: high tables along a gently curving metal counter for quick meals and a long communal table surrounded by a flowing fabric curtain. The curtain’s folds echo the bar’s metal cladding, creating harmony between materials. Bespoke white wooden tables and upholstered benches, supported by oiled steel backrests, fill the remaining space, illuminated by timeless glass globe lamps that emit a warm, welcoming glow. The result is a space that balances functionality with social vibrancy.

Lighting and Design Accents

Lighting at Hans & Werner enhances the restaurant’s layered textures and industrial details. Decorative globe lamps, hidden spotlights, and a central neon installation over the communal table emphasize different zones within the space. Tubular metal lamps integrated between ventilation ducts highlight the counter and preparation areas, seamlessly merging form and function.

Thoughtful Entrances and Circulation

The entrance corridor, finished in a uniform color, serves as a subtle prelude to the main restaurant. Green passageways discreetly conceal functional areas like tray returns behind metal-clad walls, referencing the building’s storied industrial past while maintaining a cohesive modern aesthetic.

All photographs are works of Yves Sucksdorff