Salt & Sill Hotel

Project Location: Klädesholmen, Sweden

Project Background Brief

Working with the right brand partner is key to delivering a long-lasting install. The Kontrast Group has proved this as the Rako lighting control system that they installed 13 years ago at Sweden’s first floating hotel, continues to deliver internal and external lighting that highlights the beautiful surroundings of this stunning venue.

The Salt & Sill hotel and restaurant, is located in the old fishing village of Klädesholmen in Sweden. While this internationally recognised restaurant opened over 19 years ago with an aim to provide summer guests and residents with high quality food made from local ingredients, the hotel and conference facilities were added a few years later. In 2008, with limited land available, construction began on Sweden’s first floating hotel, making Klädesholmen a popular year-round destination. In 2013, additional conference and party rooms were added to the hotel.

Particular Challenges

The client brief was to provide an integrated lighting control system for both internal and external areas. Having worked with Rako since 2003 and being involved in this project from the design stage, The Kontrast Group immediately recognised that the manufacturer’s wireless system would suit this project perfectly due to the location and lack of available wiring.

The team designed a full wireless system for use within the hotel and restaurant. Utilising the strengths and benefits of Rako’s wireless system, The Kontrast Group delivered an intuitive to operate lighting control system for both the client and hotel guests.

The system was created using Rako’s RAK4-T and RAK4-F four channel dimming racks as well as RAK4-R controllers to integrate curtains and blinds. Various Rako in-line RF dimmers for tungsten, low voltage halogen and other dimmable loads were installed alongside flexible signal repeaters that enable stable communication and control over the large site. This meant that wireless communication over long distances from reception to all rooms across the site was seamless and wireless control panels were surface mounted, eliminating the need for a back-box.

Favourite Project Features

With this project being completed before Rako introduced its app, The Kontrast Group worked directly with the Rako team and designed a web interface that could operate the lighting system from the hotel reception. This allows the reception staff to switch the hotel rooms into welcome mode ahead of the guests arriving in their room.

The Rako lighting control system has operated reliably, without any issues or complications since its original installation in 2008. The only reason for The Kontrast Group returning to site since this time was to replace some external lighting fittings, due to the effects of saltwater corrosion. This project showcases how Rako lighting control systems are a great option on day one of a project, 13 years later or for even longer.