Shimmering Light and Reflections at Glück in Sicht HafenCity

In Hamburg’s waterfront HafenCity district, Glück in Sicht Hospitality GmbH & Co. KG sought to create a restaurant experience that felt deeply connected to its surroundings. Known for its elegant hotels and thoughtfully designed dining spaces along the Baltic coast, the hospitality group wanted its newest location to evoke the atmosphere of the nearby Elbe River: calm, reflective, and full of depth.

For this flagship restaurant, the team envisioned a centerpiece bar area that would do more than serve guests, it would immerse them in an experience. Working with klm Architekten Berlin, the designers imagined a ceiling installation that would shimmer like sunlight dancing on water, bringing a dynamic interplay of light, surface, and movement.

Achieving that vision came with challenges. Various reflective materials were considered, but none met both the aesthetic and structural requirements, especially weight limitations for ceiling installation.

The breakthrough came with the selection of Homapal® MH141 Lava Natural. Its real metal surface, high-gloss polish, and deep Lava embossing delivered the visual depth and reflectivity the team needed—while remaining light enough for overhead use. The organic, rippling texture enhanced the concept of motion and fluidity, all tied to the restaurant’s riverside identity.

“The Homapal^® elements allowed us to create an impressive ceiling structure that perfectly reflects the theme of water,” said Julian Haug, Managing Director at Glück in Sicht Hospitality GmbH & Co. KG. “Our guests are delighted with the unique atmosphere in the bar.”

To bring the concept to life, the ceiling was lit with a central chandelier and a surrounding blue LED ring. The interplay of warm and cool lighting transformed the ceiling throughout the day. The entire feature was installed by a two-person team in just two days.

Homapal^® real metal surfaces allowed the design team to execute a space that feels immersive, layered and directly tied to its geographic inspiration. The product’s reflective and embossed qualities delivered both aesthetic complexity and installation efficiency.

• Create a sculptural ceiling element above the bar that visually mimics the surface of water
• Reflect ambient and accent lighting for a sense of movement and energy
• Provide a lightweight, code-compliant material for overhead applications
• Complement other metallic finishes, including a copper-look bar front, for a rich, layered palette

This wave-inspired ceiling doesn’t just make a statement, it becomes an experience. Paired with elegant culinary offerings and thoughtful spatial planning, the bar area feels like a moment of escape: luxurious, unexpected and unforgettable.

With its play of metal, light, and design, the Glück in Sicht HafenCity restaurant captures the natural connection between material and meaning. The ceiling feels alive… glimmering, moving, and anchoring the space in its riverside setting. And while guests may first be drawn in by the visual drama, what they remember is the feeling of being transported.

Architect/Designer
klm Architekten Berlin GmbH

Product Used
Homapal^® 470/636 Alu Mirror Polished Lava Natural

Photographer
Jones Art