When Design Meets Aesthetics
Style-conscious photographer and property owner Rabea Hüppi was looking for a natural, seamless floor covering for the extension to her YARD photo studio that would blend in perfectly with the generous studio space and highlight the raw, industrial look of the building. Hüppi did not want the floor to appear cold, but instead to radiate a warm elegance. Based on these requirements, she decided to choose Naturofloor. We had exactly the right product: the further development of the tried and tested filler compound with a larger grain size of silica sand, which allows a rougher, coarser texture to be created. The floor covering is perfect for studio spaces, and scores points with other positive properties. It is hard-wearing and easy to clean, making it the top choice for commercial or public spaces.
Naturofloor in the YARD
With its 150 m² of loft space and extensive equipment, the studio offers the perfect setting for all types of project. Rabea’s concept is as uncomplicated as she is. Just unpack your kit and you’re ready to go. Anyone who works with such ease needs a well thought-out location as a basis. Rabea has selected her premises using intuition and a great deal of attention to detail. When planning and designing, it was important to choose colours, shapes and materials skilfully and to implement the ideas carefully. Just like Rabea is used to doing in her profession as a photographer.
Some Questions for Rabea Hüppi:
Have you always wanted your own studio?
It has definitely always been my wish to have my own four walls. A base that reflects me, where I can invite, advise and photograph customers. While searching for a suitable studio, the desire to set up a fully furnished rental location for productions arose. Even as a child, I loved redesigning my playroom and creating new spaces. The need to express myself creatively is still with me today. The YARD was definitely a big dream of mine. And I am so happy that it’s finally come true.
What requirements did you have when choosing the location and the extension?
My standards of quality and in terms of the look and feel of materials are extremely high. It’s important to me that materials feel both high-quality and natural, and that colours and shapes complement each other perfectly. Finding a location that met my needs and embodied the same values proved to be a major challenge. As I was looking for a site with industrial windows, I came across the IM DOCK construction project in Rothenburg – an uncompromising industrial building project on the outskirts of Lucerne. This is where movers and shakers come together, where entrepreneurship and drive meet, where small businesses with big ideas find a stimulating environment. A perfect spot for the YARD.
How would you define your personal lifestyle?
I would never want to limit myself to a certain lifestyle. A conscious, sustainable lifestyle is extremely important to me and I endeavour to combine timeless classics with modern design and trends. I feel bound to live responsibly, in line with contemporary demands, and yet still follow my intuition. I love minimalist design, earthy colours and organic shapes and structures. For me, less is more.
What is your current favourite item?
The studio’s pottery lamps in organic shapes, which were gifted to me by my Mum.
Where is your favourite destination?
I love staying in a stylish Airbnb or hotel and enjoying good food. But I also love driving into the countryside in our Land Rover Defender, camping in the wild and cooking over a fire. By the way, my insider tip for stylish accommodation is: www.staysomedays.com.
What influence do materials and colours have on our sense of well-being in interiors?
In my eyes, the look and feel of physical objects, the light, acoustics, shapes and colours always play decisive roles. I find natural and organic materials, shapes and colours enormously appealing and calming.
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Do you have a dream?
I definitely have a lot of dreams and ideas for my future. There’s no likelihood of me getting bored any time soon. I still really appreciate what I have already been able to build up and am currently investing everything in my studio. Step by step.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
To escape the hectic pace of everyday working life, I regularly take time out abroad. During our travels and adventures in different countries, I invariably discover exciting concepts and sources of inspiration. The catering and hotel industry in particular inspire me tremendously. Various online tools and magazines also form part of my free time.
If we could grant you one wish...?
Then I would wish that my creative and innovative fire is never extinguished and that more and more people find the courage to create something new and leave their comfort zones.
As a stylist/photographer or, indeed, aesthete, what do you give your fellow human beings?
The way we design the spaces around us can have a huge impact on our well-being. I hope that more people will become more conscious of their needs in terms of interiors, and invest in their spaces accordingly. I find that you can often create a lot of amazing things with very little outlay.
