For many decades the cake shop and tearoom "Aux Palets Or" in Orleans has been an institution for lovers of fine cakes, tarts and confectionary products. The current owners Agnès and Stéphane Manigaut recently modernised the premises in the heart of the city based on plans by the architecture and design office MOMA from Lyon. The planners approach was to give the salesroom behind a glass facade to the street a theatrical, staggered presentation with interior design, furniture and lighting so as to maximise the outward impact.

In a compact space with a difficult layout the planners combined traditional elements with a contemporary, modern design language. In the tearoom the parquet flooring is crossed by a strip of geometric patterned ceramic tiles. Installations are made of brushed stainless steel, painted glass and Corian among other materials. As well as warm grey and brown tones, the company colour pistachio green is used as a highlight colour, for example for painted glass partitions.

Supported by the lighting concept, the planners aimed to emphasise the high quality impression of the interior and also to give the shop a transparent and open appearance.

The desired effect was achieved with transparency and graduated, relatively high illuminances. The luminaires from the EC series in strato silver have a low-key look with their modern and clear design language; the focus is on the lighting effect.

Intara EC semi-recessed spotlights are fitted in the ceiling sail above the front area of the shop and are directed at the built-in shelves along the walls with their confectionary products. The counter with fresh pastries is illuminated with Pendiro EC suspended luminaires that seem to float elegantly above the products on their 2 fine suspension cables. The special light colour PearlWhite is used as an LED light colour; it gives the patisserie specialities with their intensive colours a rich and natural appearance.

The result: the shapes and colours radiate elegance and esprit, effectively emphasise the high quality standards of Agnès and Stéphane Manigaut and create a lasting impression.