# Mansion-Topped Surreal Hotels Philippe Starck Introduces the Maison Heler Hotel with a Story By Amy Duong | Published 2025-04-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marison-heler References: [starck](http://starck.com/)  Designer Philippe Starck introduces a look at the captivating [Maison Heler](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maison-heler) [hotel located in Metz, France](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chteau-la-banquire). The hotel is comprised of nine-storeys and is topped with what looks like a mansion. The entire concept is led by Starck as the hotel works to tell the narrative of Manfred Heler. Heler is a fictional man whose mansion was thrust up nine storeys into the air. This mansion is entirely clad in metal and now rests on top of the tower. Starck explains, "Manfred Heler has inherited his parents' beautiful house. As an orphan, he finds himself all alone, in this [mansion surrounded by a large park](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hollywood-hills-house-1). Everything's going well for him, until he starts to get bored. To cope with this boredom, he tries to invent everything. An extraordinarily rigorous and inventive man, he doesn't necessarily succeed in everything he undertakes, but it's always done with intelligence and poetry, guided by a naive desire to create meticulously at all costs." Image Credit: Julius Hirtzberger ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 37% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Narrative-driven Architecture:** Developing structures like Maison Heler that integrate storytelling into design can create emotional connections and unique branding opportunities. - **Surreal Topography Placement:** Placing traditionally separate structures atop one another, like a mansion on a tower, challenges conventional architectural norms and sparks curiosity. - **Metal-clad Aesthetics:** The use of metal cladding in unexpected settings offers innovative design solutions that merge modern aesthetics with durability. ### Who This Affects Most - **Hospitality:** Introducing narrative elements into hotel design could significantly enhance guest experience and differentiation in a competitive market. - **Architecture:** Architectural practices that break conventional design by stacking disparate elements present opportunities for landmark creation and visual differentiation. - **Interior Design:** Emphasizing storytelling in interior spaces can transform environments into immersive experiences that captivate visitors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Surrealist Story-Backed Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maison-heler.md) - [Obscure Olive Oil Mill-Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-almaraza.md) - [Mountainside-Inspired Bespoke Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bouchardon-hotel.md) - [Whimsically Designed Hotel Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cowley-manor-experimental.md) - [Retro Nightlife-Inspired Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/htel-chteau-deau.md) - [City-Overlooking Tranquil Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bellustar.md) - [Enchanting Folklore-Inspired Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kimpton-bem.md) - [Captivating Stilt-House Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mast-1.md) - [One-Star Hotel Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/one-star-hotel-riklin.md)