"The result will be very strong"

Meer AG is responsible for all the furnishings at the future Appenberg. In this interview, Daniel Meer explains why materials must age gracefully, why no room is “off-the-shelf,” and what characterizes their collaboration.

You are responsible for furnishing the entire hotel village. What exactly does this task entail?
Our scope of work is very broad because the Appenberg is not “just” a hotel. We’re talking about an entire hotel village that includes accommodations, seminar facilities, dining options, as well as indoor and, in some cases, outdoor areas. As a full-service provider, we coordinate and supply the entire furnishings package: from beds, armchairs, and tables to seminar and dining room furniture, as well as textiles such as curtains and area rugs.
It’s always about striking a balance between function, aesthetics, and cost—these three factors must work together harmoniously. An important part of the process involves sampling, custom-made pieces, and the careful selection of suitable materials and finishes. And sometimes, a real “trouvaille” from the Appenberg collection can be brought back into use. It is precisely this mix that makes the project complex, but also exceptionally exciting—you don’t come across something like this every day.

How important are materials, texture, and the ability to age gracefully to you in the context of a place like Appenberg?
This plays a central role. The Appenberg thrives on its architecture and atmosphere—and the furnishings must complement exactly that. It is important to us that existing qualities are respected and that new materials blend in harmoniously without appearing out of place.
Especially in a place that’s operated long-term and sees heavy use, the ability to age well is crucial: materials shouldn’t just be “beautiful for a short time,” but should age gracefully and remain robust. At the same time, the result should be something that feels right—tangibly high-quality, authentic, and durable.

How does the future Appenberg differ from other hotels in terms of its furnishings?
The Appenberg is quite unique in its structure and use. Seven houses—both large and small—are being renovated, resulting in very different spatial concepts, atmospheres, and requirements. You can rent an entire house, including the rooms, or use just individual areas along with complementary outdoor activities.
This means that each space needs its own identity while still fitting into an overarching overall concept. It’s not “off-the-shelf” hotel furnishings, but rather a multitude of individual characters. And on top of that, each house has its own color scheme—which makes the design challenging, but also incredibly appealing.

What do you find most appealing about this project?
For me, it’s the interplay of very different spaces and proportions: tall, small, narrow, spacious—each environment poses different challenges in terms of use, atmosphere, and furnishings. That’s precisely what gives rise to such enormous design diversity. And at the same time, you can sense a special team spirit in this project. That shared “feu sacré”—the way everyone pulls together—all for one, one for all. When so many people with expertise and passion work together, a dynamic emerges that you can’t plan for—but that ultimately makes all the difference.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with numerous partners. What characterizes this collaboration?
A project of this complexity involves many specialized disciplines—from function and design to cost, quality, and durability. For this to succeed, three things are essential: clarity, open communication, and a shared vision.
The collaboration is characterized by ongoing coordination, honest discussion, and a commitment to truly getting the best possible outcome for the site. The team of specialist planners was and remains unique in this form—and that is precisely why I am convinced: the result will be outstanding. We really have a lot to look forward to.

And finally, on a personal note: What are you most looking forward to when Appenberg comes back to life?
What I’m most looking forward to is the guests’ reaction—seeing their amazed faces when they experience the place and see what’s become of it compared to “before.” And honestly: When the mood is just right, when we’re sitting together, maybe having a glass of wine, and you can feel that the Appenberg is alive again—that’s when you know why you did all of this.