When the interior revolves around a rotary switch: reconstruction of the Luminum photo studio

Photographers Lenka and David Raub embarked on a complete renovation of their studio just as the world began to be haunted by the specter known as the coronavirus. Faced with an uncertain future, they suddenly stood before the decision of whether to dive into the renovation in full glory or to rather keep their feet on the ground and save. The story of this renovation ended with a happy ending, and the rotating retro switches from Berker ultimately became a distinctive feature of the entire interior. They also became a frequent topic, breaking the initial shyness of incoming clients.

"Our studio desperately needed a major facelift. We planned to create new facilities, convert the storage area into a bathroom, and modernize the kitchenette,” David Raub begins recounting. "We laid out specific modifications, but the biggest challenge turned out to be the renovation of the electrical installation. Our electrician was literally horrified at the poor condition of the existing electrical wiring. The installation was still original from the time the house was built, which means from the 1930s, and it definitely wouldn’t handle any higher load. The electrician was astonished that it had managed to serve our photo lights and computer equipment until now, but in the future, it could become a limiting factor for connecting additional photo equipment,” David Raub recalls with amusement.

It was therefore clear that first and foremost, all electrical wiring would need to be completely redone. However, the investors had not accounted for this item in their original plans—and the coronavirus had already begun to impact life and the economy. Even though they sensed the risk of potential economic uncertainties in the upcoming period, after a brief hesitation, they decided to include the electrical wiring replacement in the renovation. And so, at the end of March 2020, during the period of quarantine measures, the renovation could officially begin.

"We had no idea how such a renovation of the electrical installation would proceed, and right on the first day, we watched in disbelief as our studio immediately transformed into a construction site full of chipped plaster and debris. At first, I was a bit shocked, but with every new cable and box for outlets and switches, joy began to come,” smiles David Raub. At that time, the photographer contacted Thomas Grund, director of the Czech branch of Hager, which has been a leading European manufacturer of electrical installation devices and switchgear for over 60 years. "I asked him if he could recommend new outlets and switches for us. Since I know Hager products well myself, it would seem strange to me if we had a different company's in the studio. For several years, I had the opportunity to photograph them not just in the studio but especially in interesting locations where they are installed. I know they are truly beautiful and have become very dear to me over the years,” continues David Raub. "We planned to save a little on the switches and choose a nice basic series. However, Thomas Grund was uncompromising in the best sense of the word: 'If you’re doing it, do it right and put in the round Berker 1930 so that it looks nice.' He completely spun my head around,” laughs David Raub. The rotating retro switches from the Berker series 1930 were very familiar to the photographer from shooting reference interiors where these architect favorites often appear.

"The idea of using switches that evoke the 1930s, the time when my great-grandfather built this house, which was the most modern in the whole village at the time, deeply embedded itself under my skin. I played with this idea for a few days and realized that I couldn’t imagine any other series in this space. I nodded and then just looked forward to seeing the first installed outlet and switch. I was immediately thrilled with the resulting look, and I’m very glad for my decision back then. The rotating retro switches perfectly complement the space, which breathes the history of the house and my entire family,” says David Raub. Katrin Grund, the founder of the design store Monobrand, whose portfolio includes Berker switches, helped with the final selection of the color and material of the switches. The choice ultimately fell on switches and outlets made of white bakelite. The interior also managed to preserve other original elements: wooden windows and doors. They underwent well-deserved renovation and will be able to serve on.

The electrical installation in the studio is now managed by Hager's switching and protective devices, clearly and safely arranged in the screwless Hager Volta distribution board. The Volta distribution board is among the most popular residential switchgear in the Czech Republic, although its standard screw version is more widespread. The screwless solution has not been on the market for long. "For our electrician, its installation was a first experience. At first, he approached the screwless solution with skepticism; after all, he was used to classic installation. But after the first connection of the circuit breakers with the terminal block without any screwing, he realized the convenience and speed of the installation. Although he was reluctant, he ultimately acknowledged that this new solution makes sense and has benefits for his work as well. And I’m glad that I have the most modern technology in the studio," smiles David Raub.

The result of the renovation is impressive. "During the afternoon, sunlight penetrates the studio, interestingly illuminating our switches and giving them a unique look. I enjoy watching the light envelop their rounded shapes. I captured it in photographs too. It may sound exaggerated, but I’m in love with our switches, and sometimes I catch myself spinning them just to enjoy their velvety 'click.' I’m even more delighted with the visitors' reactions. Everyone notices the switches right away; the younger generation spins them out of curiosity, and the older ones reminisce about a time when you found them in every house. Their appearance immediately attracts attention and has truly become the main design element of our space in the best sense of the word,” concludes David Raub.

www.hager.cz/vypinac
www.monobrand.cz
www.luminum.cz