EBL Elefantehuus

The EBL Elefantenhuus is a listed building in Liestal, Switzerland, which housed two large elephant-like electricity generators at the beginning of the 20th century and is now used as a multifunctional event venue. The building combines tradition and modernity through its minimalist, high-quality architecture and the integration of state-of-the-art audiovisual technology.

The architectural lighting aims to transform the building into an inviting space whose atmosphere changes dynamically depending on the activities taking place inside.

Looking at the Elefantehuus from the outside, the building appears as a purist rectangular body with an opening in the front center where the entrance is located. This is the only conspicuous part of the building that indicates its current use. For this reason, long, geometric, semi-transparent light panels hang from the ceiling up to the upper part of the glass entrance. The installation is complemented by a color-changing RGBW wallwasher that illuminates the white wall in the background with light in different shades. Spotlights provide the ambient lighting.

The event hall is the room in which the main activities take place. It is a two-storey, closed room with no daylight openings, white walls, a dark ceiling and wooden floor. The aim of the lighting is to visually expand the space and create different lighting moods by illuminating the white walls. The RGBW wallwashers are arranged around both levels of the hall. The light cone of these light lines is very narrow so that the light does not fall on the audience. The ambient lighting is provided by ceiling washlights, which are also RGBW color changers for a high degree of flexibility in the lighting mood. The entire interior lighting is color-changing (RGBW light) and there are defined lighting scenes that can be selected and overwritten by the user. The lighting is controlled via a touchscreen for everyday use or an extensive lighting control panel for lighting control on special occasions. Under the gallery, recessed spotlights provide basic lighting in front of the catering area.

The checkroom, toilets and backstage area are located in the basement. Two large ring luminaires with light edges are suspended very close to the ceiling and create a spacious atmosphere in front of the checkroom, which would otherwise be a blind space. The spotlights for the ambient lighting have smooth surfaces and recessed reflectors so that they merge with the ceiling. In the toilets and backstage area, which have a more private character, high-quality surface-mounted luminaires with glass lenses were used, reflecting the high-quality interior design.

Since May 2024, the EBL Elefantehuus has offered a new opportunity for events, from colorful concerts to corporate events, and has created another lively venue in the city of Liestal.