RPW Design has announced the extensive refurbishment of the five-star resort, Fairmont St Andrews, which has been designed over the last year. The highly anticipated refurbishment will feature a complete redesign of the Atrium, incorporating a bespoke 60m long ceiling sculpture by award winning artist George Singer, a new restaurant and a refurb of the Kittock’s Bar.
RPW Design will also extend their signature touch to the hotel’s suites and bedrooms, showcasing the deep rooted connection between the history of St Andrews and the exterior landscape, seamlessly relating the interiors to the surroundings. This sophisticated transformation will see all public areas completed by July 2016, while bedrooms and suites will be completed by May 2017.
Reception Lobby
A pair of contemporary velvet wall hangings, inspired by the varying landscape of St Andrews in a painterly manner have been developed and printed by Timorous Beasties, the avant-garde Scottish artistic fabric and textile designers. These have been installed in the double heighted reception space to give a sense of locality and authenticity as soon as guests enter the hotel.
Upholstery fabrics and leathers have been selected from revered Scottish companies such as Andrew Muirhead and Bute Fabrics. Bute, based on the Isle of Bute off west coast of Scotland are providing a number of richly textured fabrics in the scheme influenced by the islands scenery. The company and the island share a unique family history as the 5th Marquess of Bute set up the company in 1947 to provide employment for returning servicemen and servicewomen. The Bute family has been inextricably linked with the island and its development ever since.
The Atrium
George Singer’s outstanding artwork ‘Zephyr’ is an organic, swirling ceiling sculpture sweeping through the atrium, imitating the movement of the water in the North Sea. The sculpture will create a focal point to the room and encourage an intimate atmosphere in this dramatic space.
According to George Singer: “Zephyr is designed to reflect the crashing waves, the flocks of starlings, the long wind-blown grasses, the spring blossom, the shoals of fish, the rolling hills, the clouds and the sheer energy, beauty, and dynamism of the east coast of Scotland.”
A natural colour palette, layered earthy textures and an eclectic furniture collection will create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere in the lounge as well as linking the interior with the views of the coastal landscape beyond the full height window at the north end of the Atrium.
Following through into the restaurant, dramatic lighting and refined materials with a colour scheme of pine and sage greens and hints of golds create a sense of quality throughout the space. Soft velvet wall drapes and bespoke screens reflecting the ripples in the sand dunes soften the architecture of the space and give a sense of intimacy.
The Bar
“RPW Design has drawn on a rich colour scheme with nautical elements that create a warm atmosphere for drinking and dining. A revised layout opens up the space to the lobby and a new copper coffee counter links the reception to the bar area”, explains Heather McLellan, Senior Designer for the project.
A carpet design based on the markings found in the nearby River Tay estuaries, along with the use of materials such as timber, copper and rope strengthen the connection between the interior design and history of St Andrews and its surrounding old fishing villages.
The theme of Scottish suppliers follows through to the bar area where bespoke pendants from Edinburgh lighting manufacturers, RS Robertson create a feature to the space. Elizabeth Lane, Director of Projects RPW Design, said: “It is a wonderful opportunity to be part of the revival of this hotel property which simply has a breath-taking location which we have made a focal point in the renovation. We are extremely happy to be working with Kennedy Wilson and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts on this project.”
