There are projects where lighting must do more than provide light. It must create emotion, highlight architecture, and support the experience every guest has from the very first moment.
This was also the goal of the MATCA Hotel Relais & Châteaux project, a boutique resort located in Șimon, at the foot of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains. Inspired by Transylvanian tradition and the beauty of nature, MATCA offers an experience where contemporary architecture and the landscape perfectly complement each other.
For this project, the Design Radar team carried out the lighting study and provided technical consulting for the implementation of the lighting solutions, ensuring that each space benefits from the right light, from both a functional and an aesthetic perspective.
Light as part of the architecture
Throughout the project, a color temperature of 3000K was chosen, a warm light that contributes to the relaxing atmosphere specific to a premium resort.
Each area was analyzed individually, and the lighting solutions were adapted to its function and the experience it was intended to provide.
SPA – light that invites relaxation
The SPA area was designed as a space dedicated to tranquility and reconnection. For ambient lighting, LED strips hidden in coves were integrated, creating indirect, uniform, and relaxing light.
General lighting is provided by recessed spotlights with a low UGR index for high visual comfort. The fixtures are dimmable, allowing for light intensity adjustments depending on the time of day or the desired atmosphere.
The reflection of light on the pool surface completes the visual experience and contributes to a sense of calm.
Fitness center: comfort during workouts
In a gym, lighting must provide excellent visibility without causing discomfort. Surface-mounted adjustable spotlights were used, which allow for precise light orientation and reduce glare for users during exercise.
The result is a bright, comfortable space adaptable to different types of activities.
Conference room: flexibility for events
The conference room requires lighting that can respond to different scenarios: presentations, meetings, or events.
The proposed solution combines tracks with comfort linear profiles, which ensure uniform general lighting, with adjustable spotlights used to highlight specific areas or adapt the light according to the event's configuration.
The restaurant: the balance between tradition and technology
The MATCA restaurant blends design elements inspired by local traditions with contemporary lighting solutions.
Artisanal decorative fixtures, inspired by the shape of bells and made locally, create the space's identity and pay tribute to Romanian craftsmanship.
These are complemented by suspended tracks with linear profiles and adjustable spotlights, which offer flexibility and highlight tables, materials, and architecture without competing with the decorative elements.
Beyond choosing lighting fixtures
A project of this complexity involves much more than selecting products. The Design Radar team performed the lighting study, provided technical consulting throughout the implementation, and assisted the construction site team with the installation and configuration of the lighting system.
"In a HoReCa project, the lighting must function flawlessly both from a technical standpoint and from the perspective of the experience it offers guests. For MATCA, we carried out the lighting study, analyzed each space according to its use, and were present on-site to provide support during installation and Smart system integration. Our goal was for the vision established during the design phase to be faithfully reflected in the final experience of every visitor."
Ciprian Radu
Sales Director, Design Radar
Lighting that doesn't draw attention, but makes the difference
In a premium resort, the best lighting solutions are those that go almost unnoticed.
They do not dominate the architecture; they complement it. They do not compete with the materials; they highlight them. And they contribute discreetly to the well-being felt by every guest.
At Design Radar, we believe that lighting is one of the most important components of an architectural project. When designed correctly, it transforms a beautiful space into a memorable experience.
Photo: MATCA Hotel
