Architextural on elevating the hotel lift

Architectural film is revolutionising hotel lift designs, offering an array of textures and finishes that can mirror the most luxurious materials — from polished wood to elegant marble—all while keeping the budget in check. So, buckle up (or should we say, button up?), and elevate your hotel’s style to new heights!

Image credit: Architextural

Imagine stepping into a hotel lift that whisks you away not just to your floor, but into a world of elegance and luxury. Now, imagine achieving that without having to spend a small fortune or close down the lift for weeks on end. Architectural film from Architextural can provide practical, cost effective solutions to giving the lift a luxury makeover.

The traditional route of renovating lifts can be a daunting prospect. The costs mount up, the downtime drags on, and before you know it, a ‘quick refurb’ has turned into a logistical nightmare. Enter architectural film: the sleek, stylish answer to a designer’s lift woes. This ingenious material sticks right onto existing surfaces, transforming them from drab to fab in hours, not days, and at a price that won’t make the accountant wince.

Every space, function and corner needs to be integrated into the design narrative  Who said hotel lifts have to be boring? With architectural film, lifts can become a canvas for creativity and style. Imagine a lift interior that mimics the lush textures of dark walnut wood or the cool sophistication of Carrara marble—all achievable with architectural film. This innovative material comes in an array of finishes, from matte and gloss to textured patterns that can fool the eye and the touch.

Architectural film isn’t just about good looks; it’s also about durability and ease of maintenance. Unlike natural materials, which may require special care and often come with hefty price tags, architectural film is built to last and easy to clean. It resists scratches and spills, and should a section ever need replacing, it can be done quickly and without the need to redo the entire interior.

Diving into the numbers, architectural film stands out as a beacon of savings. A typical lift renovation can easily spiral into the thousands, especially when you factor in the craftsmen’s fees and the cost of materials. However, with architectural film, you’re looking at a significantly reduced expense. Why? Because this magical material adheres directly to existing surfaces, eliminating the need for extensive labour and the purchase of pricey raw materials.

Beyond the immediate cost benefits, architectural film brings long-term savings to the table. It’s remarkably durable and maintains its appearance over time, which means less frequent updates or repairs. Plus, if a section of the film does receive face damage, it can be repaired quickly and inexpensively, without the need for a complete overhaul. This aspect alone makes architectural film an attractive option for high-traffic areas like hotel lifts, where both wear and tear and the need for impeccable presentation are constants.

Image credit: architextural

Case study: Canary Wharf, London

One of the most compelling examples of the transformative power of architectural film for lifts involves a large-scale project conducted by Omnia Vinyl Ltd, a company that specialises in lift refurbishments and a member of the Architextural Installer Network. This project took place at the Newfoundland apartment building, a prominent 200-meter-high structure located at the heart of Canary Wharf, London.

Omnia Vinyl was tasked with an ambitious project to install 1,536 meters of architectural film in the lifts of the Newfoundland building. The goal was to create a subtle gold effect on the lift entrances from floors 3 to 58. This included wrapping four passenger lift entrances, four indicators, and two full-height call button panels on each floor.

The entire project was completed two days ahead of the initial 35-day schedule, a testament to the efficiency of the installation team and the quality of the product. Architectural film not only met the design requirements with its elegant gold effect and selection from over 1000 finishes but also stood up to the logistical and technical demands of such a high-profile installation.

Implementing architectural film in your hotel lifts isn’t just about choosing a style and sticking it on. To ensure the best results and the most seamless installation, here are some practical tips to consider, including how to leverage Architextural’s Installer Network for expert assistance.

• Selecting the Right Textures and Patterns: Consider the overall theme of your hotel. Are you going for a modern, minimalist look, or a more classic, ornate style? Select a film that complements or enhances these themes.
• Think about the tactile experience. Textures that feel good to touch can enhance guest interaction, making their journey from lobby to room more pleasant.
• Before making a final decision, request samples of different films. Place these samples in the lift under different lighting conditions to see how they look throughout the day.
• Ensure that the professionals installing your architectural film are certified and have experience specifically with lift installations. This will prevent issues such as air bubbles and peeling. Architextural’s Installer Network is a curated group of professionals trained in handling our specific materials.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the lift makeover is not only beautiful and in line with a hotel’s branding but also efficient and minimally disruptive. This approach not only secures a visually appealing outcome but also enhances overall guest satisfaction with attention to detail and care for their comfort.

For hoteliers looking to elevate a property’s appeal and enhance guest experience without the typical costs and complications of traditional renovations, architectural film offers a compelling alternative. By choosing this innovative material, you are not just upgrading the lift,  you are investing in a smarter, more sustainable approach to hotel aesthetics that guests will notice and appreciate from the moment they step inside.

Architextural is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: Architextural