Location: Kaatsheuvel | NL
At Efteling, every corner hums with story. It’s a place where imagination is law, and reality politely steps aside. So when we were invited to reimagine the ground floor of the Efteling Wonder Hotel, we knew the challenge wasn’t just spatial—it was narrative.
Following the successful transformation of the hotel rooms and corridors, the ground floor needed to match the wonder. More than an entryway, restaurant, or lobby, this level would become the heartbeat of the hotel: the place where stories land, take flight, and unfold in real time.
THE CHALLENGE
The original restaurant served many purposes, yet its identity had not been clearly defined. As a high-volume venue, especially during breakfast service for up to 1,600 guests, the space worked hard operationally but lacked a narrative that guests could connect with. Rather than feeling cohesive, the experience needed more clarity, character, and a sense of place. The opportunity was to reimagine the venue as a dynamic destination that could transition smoothly throughout the day, offering variety while remaining unified. Kalea needed distinct zones with purpose and personality, creating an experience that felt intuitive, welcoming, and memorable for every guest.
Design a space that resonates with both nostalgic charm and contemporary wonder. One that appeals to families, park-goers, and curious travellers alike—without relying on the clichés of fairytales. And all of this had to unfold within a high-traffic environment, operating from dawn to well past midnight.
THE CONCEPT
We anchored our vision in the metaphor of a "castle in the sky" —a poetic, slightly surreal world where fantasy meets function. Drawing from the imagery of a steam-powered airship, the concept blends Efteling’s classic whimsy with a fresh layer of storytelling.
The central narrative? Guests are stepping into the engine room of dreams. Here, the machinery of wonder is visible—gears turn, levers shift, and the extraordinary feels just within reach.
Every space within the 2,000m² footprint has its own tale:
● The lobby becomes a passage between worlds, with grand arches, animated details, and a welcoming sense of movement.
● The restaurant shifts with the day—airy and botanical in the morning, moodier and more intimate by night.
● The terrace extends the narrative outdoors, dotted with nods to nature and time.
● The children’s area offers scaled-down enchantment, where little ones are free to explore, play, and wonder.
THE DESIGN
Working closely with the Efteling team and partners, we translated a robust programme of requirements (PoR) into a fully immersive design experience. Every material, lighting choice, and layout decision was rooted in storytelling—crafted to offer guests a seamless journey from arrival to awe.
Textures evoke storybook pages. Lighting mimics the soft glow of "golden hour. " Graphic details—including thousands of laser-cut symbols and bespoke signage—whisper clues for guests to discover. It's not just a design; it’s a layered narrative that invites exploration.
The Efteling Wonder Hotel ground floor is now more than a threshold—it’s a stage set for every guest's personal story. Whether it’s their first visit or their fiftieth, the space offers moments of surprise, delight, and connection.
This was a project about legacy and reinvention, about designing not just for function, but for feeling. And for us, that’s where the real wonder lives.
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