Maison Heler – an extraordinary, surreal and literary work of living art from Philippe Starck

Maison Heler has been brought to life through the design imagination of Philippe Starck, who has given birth to a wonderful tale: ‘The Meticulous Life of Manfred Heler’. This novel by Starck is the essence of the hotel through the imagination of the French creator telling us about the adventures of Manfred Heler, its main character, and inspired by the poetic spirit of Raymond Roussel, the writer behind “Impressions of Africa” (1909). Transferred from page to project, Maison Heler is housed in a monolithic metal clad nine-story building , topped extraordinarily, by a house whose architecture is reminiscent of 19th-century Metz mansions.

Image credit: Julius Hirtzberger

“Maison Heler is a game on uprooted roots,” explained Starck, “a symbolic construction of Lorraine whose historical identities create an inspiring intermediate state, where the houses and their fortress-like allure served as the central soil for this project and the surreal story of its owner Manfred Heler.”

Located from the second to the eighth floor are the 104 rooms and suites. Wrapped in functional elegance, the rooms and suites embody a form of refined luxury, characterised by expansive marble panels and sliding mirrors. “An almost Spartan spirit,” explained Starck, “stripped of any superficiality, where each material asserts its own colour: the white of cotton, the grey of concrete on the ceiling and walls.”

Despite–  or perhaps because of – the overwhelmingly detailed thought process behind the design, these are comfortable spaces, enriched by the softness of plush carpets and the warmth of natural leather armchairs. The rooms invite dreams and inspiration, through fertile surprises and little mental games scattered about to awaken both the eyes and the mind. Among them are ancient coins and quotations, a secret alphabet to uncover and decipher, which reveals a little more of Manfred’s literacy and inventive imagination.

Image credit: Julius Hirtzberger

Above the rooms and suites are the Brainstorming Rooms – a series of private lounges and dining rooms. Spanning 300 square metres of versatile spaces, they are designed to bring any dream to life. Here guests can indulge in an unforgettable wine tasting, inspiring literary journeys, sessions of deep meditation, and stimulating brainstorming sessions. Dedicated to conferences, seminars, and private events, these spaces offer businesses companies unique
opportunities to gather as a team, spark brilliant ideas, and ignite creative minds.

Perched atop it all on the ninth floor and overlooking the city, is La Maison de Manfred – a place to come together, whether as a couple, with family, or among friends to share a warm and convivial moment. The rooftop terrace and gardens offer panoramic views of the vibrant life and the houses of Metz.

Also sheltered within the rooftop dwelling is the dining room, designed with an elegant and welcoming family spirit, thanks to natural wooden and leather furniture, and warm lighting. The central columns are adorned with textured green embossed leather, while the walls are warmed by terracotta tiles and stacks of logs. Everywhere, memory-filled photographs evoke the history of a place that has always existed.

For this unique space, the multidisciplinary artist Ara Starck has created 19 stained glass windows, including a monumental one that casts a cathedral-like radiance of colour, illuminating the restaurant’s main hall.

Image credit: Julius Hirtzberger

“This stained glass invites one into the heart of a conceptual and habitable work of art. It creates the atmosphere and theatricalises the space” commented Ara Starck. “Historical and surrealist symbols of the city’s history are etched into it, the whole coming to life with the rhythm of the light, like a series of anamorphoses intersecting throughout the day.”

The story of Manfred continues from the ground to the surreal heights of the hotel, and is also woven into the restaurant, its menu and the bespoke cocktails from the bar – so whether it’s in a sip of the ‘Vous dansez madame?’ cocktail , or you are more tempted to immerse yourself in the pages of Starck’s novel, there is no question that a singular vision comes to life with the opening of Maison Heler in Metz.  A unique, poetic, and extraordinary space, open to all, to gather, dream, and rise above.

Main image credit: Julius Hirtzberger