Introducing Brama, a boutique jewel inside Bromley Old Town Hall
Brama, Bromley’s newest and only boutique hotel, is preparing to open its doors in the summer – the new lifestyle hotel is part of the major renovation of Bromley Old Town Hall bringing a new lease of life to the much-loved historical building and surrounding area…
Steeped in history, the Bromley Old Town Hall officially opened in 1907, and has since played host to the wedding of David Bowie, the local seat of government, and even provided shelter in the event of a nuclear fallout during World War II. Its foundations were laid in 1906 and it was extended multiple times before sadly becoming vacant. The re-opening of Bromley Old Town Hall and Brama signals a reinvigoration of the building’s spirit and a renewal of its purpose.
Image credit
From design to delivery, service to sustainability, every detail has been considered in the development of Bromley Old Town Hall, resulting in a space where collaboration and community can come to life. The building’s original art deco design still runs throughout the 23-key boutique hotel which features subtle architectural nods to the era, while incorporating modern elements for a comfortable stay.
Image credit: Brama
Image credit: Brama
The design-led hotel is perfectly positioned for locals, visitors and city workers alike, in the heart of Greater London’s most up-and-coming destination, Bromley was recently named the best area of London to live in. Not only home to Brama, Bromley Old Town Hall has been transformed into a new multi-use destination for the neighbourhood, which is its first proof of concept site with a whole ecosystem of amenities. Brama joins flexible workspace by Clockwise and all-day restaurant Dorothy and Marshall, meaning guests can book a desk for their working day or a table for dinner. The space has been designed to enhance interactions, spark inspiration and cultivate a sense of true belonging.
Image credit: Brama
Image credit: Brama
Dorothy and Marshall is located in the courthouse of the former Bromley Old Town Hall, paying homage to the building’s history with beautiful soaring ceilings and windows that bathe the room in natural light. The restaurant celebrates the combination of nourishing, quality fare and great company in the grandest of settings; whilst soaring ceilings and elegant arched windows bathe the room in natural light and add a sense of drama to the dining experience. Guests are invited to enjoy carefully sourced ingredients transformed into high quality cuisine, prepared by a dedicated team of chefs.
The return of Bromley Old Town Hall is being driven by Alexandra Livesey, Managing Director of Brama and Chief Operating Officer of Clockwise. “Bromley Old Town Hall has such a rich heritage, we discovered amazing architectural details which we’ve worked tirelessly to restore carefully and sensitively while introducing practical modern elements,” expanded Livesay. “We wanted to bring the building back to life, position it once again as a space for the community and local area while welcoming guests from further afield to show all that Bromley has to offer. The opening of Brama Hotel as part of this mixed use scheme is an exciting addition and there’s nothing else like it in the area.”
The inclusion of Clockwise enables guests to seamlessly move from bedroom to office. At almost 6,000 square metres, with beautifully designed dedicated offices, private desks, meeting rooms, a members’ lounge, café and terrace, Bromley Old Town Hall is Clockwise’s newest flagship and one of its largest to date. All memberships are wrapped up in a simple price without any hidden fees or tricky terms, making it the ideal place to work remotely just outside the city.
Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has opened in the heart of Bordeaux’s Mériadeck District. With its unique industrial style, the vibrant hotel is designed to be an inspiring, creative and lively setting to immerse travellers and locals alike with the neighbourhood…
The debut of Marty Hotel Bordeaux marks significant growth of Tapestry Collection in the region as the brand’s third European property to debut in 2023. The hotel boasts a large bar topped with an avalanche of chandeliers which serves as the central hub within the hotel lobby and is decorated in a fusion of classical wood, steel and concrete industrial features interspersed with bright colours, vintage furniture, and multi-textured fabrics.
Image credit: Hilton International
The hotel shelters 61 stripped-back guestrooms, many with terraces and balconies and all providing a cosy atmosphere featuring stocked bookcases, wooden panels, industrial lighting and a variety of textures.
“Now more than ever, travellers are searching for unique experiences and distinctive hotels that enhance their stay,” said Matt Schuyler, Chief Brand Officer, Hilton. “Today, we welcome Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton to our expanding portfolio in France. This hotel will authentically connect guests to the culture and charm of the area and is an exciting addition to our growing collection of Lifestyle properties in France.”
Image credit: Hilton International
“Marty is so much more than an ordinary hotel: it’s a new urban hotel in Bordeaux that inspires guests to explore the local culture. It’s a haven for creative types, where artsy bedrooms and a trendy bar – not to mention a whole host of works of art – converge and interact with each other,” said Aurélie Jadelus, General Manager. “The name MARTY is derived from a combination of the letter “M” of the Mériadeck district and the ‘arty’ concept, highlighting the vital role that art plays in the venue. This new hotel is a genuine incubator, halfway between an art gallery and a living space.”
From dawn to dusk, Marty will be serving cuisine that is firmly rooted in the Bordeaux terroir. A delicious buffet stocked with fine, fresh products is available in the early morning, while guests can celebrate the end of a workday with dishes centred around local products made by artisan partners Bouche and La Cave à Titoune.
Industry insight: how wellness is changing in hotel design
Thought leaders from across the architecture, design, education, engineering and plumbing industries have come together to discuss the future of washroom design in hotel design. The whitepaper was commissioned by Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks…
In a recently published whitepaper study from bathroom brands Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks, nine industry-leading voices cover a range of key themes and topics that are impacting the washroom sector. The report, Washroom Design for Tomorrow, includes a focus on sustainability and the circular economy; looking at more efficient ways to use and re-use water within these spaces, while also reducing their carbon footprint in line with the decarbonisation goals that are so crucial for modern developers.
The research also lifts the lid on the growing conversation around making washrooms accessible for all – and what this means, not just in the context of making beautifully designed spaces for differently abled users, but also around the greater introduction of gender-neutral toilet facilities and self-contained cubicles aka ‘super loos’.
Image credit: Ideal Standard
When it comes to design trends, the report explores the increasing emphasis on encouraging people back to the office by bringing the comforts of home into all areas of a workplace – including the washroom – and the impact on manufacturers, designers and specifiers, while also highlighting key hygiene technology that can be introduced to create more efficient, durable and comfortable spaces.
Image credit: Ideal Standard
Speaking on the whitepaper, Anil Madan, Non-Residential Marketing Manager at Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks, said: “The washroom sector is in a period of transition, with greater scrutiny on making these spaces as well-designed as possible. Sustainability is, of course, central to the development of both new washrooms and the products within them. But beyond this, there are also new rules and regulations to consider around accessibility, infection risk management and grey water, and how these factors can be properly incorporated into washroom solutions.
“By working with thought leaders from across a variety of industries, we were able to create a whitepaper that looks to the future of commercial washrooms, and identified the need for a more holistic approach to the design, specification and maintenance of these spaces. We’re thrilled to finally be able to unveil the finished report and thank all those who lent their voices to such a unique resource.”
Washroom Design for Tomorrow features contributions from Meehan Green, TOT Architects, Inspired Washrooms, CubicWorks, Liverpool John Moores University, ISG, AS Mechanical and Electrical, Crusoe Architects Ltd, and Good and Tillotson.
Ideal Standard 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.
British furniture designer and manufacturer Morgan is expanding its curvaceous Bilbao collection with two sofas and a lounge chair with a timber base. Designed by Tim Rundle, the new additions will debut at Clerkenwell Design Week…
First launched at London Design Festival last year, the Bilbao collection from Morgan was inspired by a desire to juxtapose soft, organic surfaces with crisp, sharp edges. A two-seater and three-seater sofa explore this contrast further, with the latter featuring a distinctive kidney bean shape. Like the original lounge chair, the sofas are fully upholstered and planted firmly on the ground.
Image credit: Philip Vile
“We’re seeing an increased preference for softness in hospitality spaces,” discussed Tim Rundle, Designer. “The Bilbao collection, with its full volumes and primarily upholstered surfaces, will help designers bring warmth to those environments, from the social spaces of hotel lobbies and lounges to the privacy of the bedrooms.”
The new lounge chair offers designers and specifiers a different aesthetic, combining sensuous upholstery and striking timber detail. The base reinforces the fluidity of the other pieces in the collection, giving the appearance of being carved from a single block of wood, with all elements blending into one another.
“Bilbao was well received after launching last year and we’ve since seen it widely specified across all sectors,” said Erin Johnson, Design Director, Morgan. “These new additions offer considerably more options and flexibility to meet clients’ aesthetic and spatial requirements.”
During CDW, Morgan will host a private viewing of a new art installation called ‘Verso’ by British artist Corin Kennington, as well as a lighting display by Bert Frank. Join Morgan, along with live jazz and drinks on the Tuesday evening, in its Clerkenwell showroom.
Morgan 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.
Duravit wins five prizes, including Red Dot Design Award
Duravit has been recognised for its outstanding design quality and has been awarded five prizes at the Red Dot Design Award and iF DESIGN AWARD 2023…
Duravit made its presence felt in the ‘Product Design 2023’ category, winning several awards across its portfolio. Sebastian Herkner’s Zencha designer bathroom collection, the Tulum, faucet range designed by Philippe Starck and Duravit’s own Sustano shower tray all won over the distinguished Red Dot Design Award jury. The 133-member, independent and international jury of experts of the iF DESIGN AWARD was also won over by Zencha and the Duravit No. 1 campaign, handing over another two ‘winners’ to the bathroom brand.
Image credit: Duravit
The accomplished Zencha bathroom collection by Herkner is inspired by traditional Japanese rituals and craftsmanship. Above-counter basins with a gentle outwards slope and generously proportioned bathtubs meet minimalist furniture, all delivered an outstanding design quality that impressed the juries at the Red Dot Award. The collection, already the recipient of a German Design Award, was crowned the ‘winner’ at the Red Dot Award and iF DESIGN AWARD.
Image credit: Duravit
The monolithic design of the Tulum by Philippe Starck faucet series reduces the faucet to its elementary components and skillfully creates accents, while being hugely adaptable. Available in two colour options, Tulum impresses with a balanced composition of round and square shapes to create an impression of visual clarity. Its iconic shape and sheer elegance were also crowned a ‘winner’ in the Red Dot Award’s ‘Product Design 2023’ category.
Image credit: Duravit
The recyclable and customisable shower tray Sustano by Duravit, the first recyclable shower tray, comes in six colours and is very easy to customise and cut to size. The Sustano can be installed flush with the floor, semi-recessed or on the floor tiles depending on structural factors and personal preference. The elegant, calm design language of the shower tray, made from the sustainable material DuroCast Nature, also sufficiently impressed the jury of the Red Dot Award to be crowned as ‘winner’.
The Duravit No. 1 campaign expresses that life does not end at the bathroom door. Not even when you’re just starting out – in your first home or shared apartment. Duravit promises an upgrade for every day and keeps this promise with the Duravit No. 1 complete bathroom series in the entry-level segment. Saint Elmo’s concept convinced the jury of experts of the iF DESIGN AWARD to award the creative product campaign of Duravit No. 1 as ‘winner’.
Duravit 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.
Lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke has announced it will open its sixth Locke in London, Ember Locke, in July 2023, with interiors by Atelier Ochre and House of Dré. We take a closer look at its boudoir style of a bygone era…
The latest aparthotel from Locke, spread across eight floors, will include 121 apartments, ranging from studios to duplex one-bedroom apartments. The lobby and common areas of Ember Locke will be complemented by a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, small stage for live performances, co-working space, meeting room and garden. Additional facilities include a gym and laundry room. Prominently situated on the historic Cromwell Road, the hotel is in a neighbourhood rich with culture and is within walking distance of some of London’s most famous museums, including the Natural History Museum, the V&A, the Science Museum and the Design Museum.
Image credit: Ember Locke
Designed in collaboration by creative and interior design studios Atelier Ochre and House of Dré, the inspiration behind the design was taken from the late Kensington Roof Gardens and the laissez-faire flamboyance demonstrated by the iconic mid-century fashion brand Biba, born in Kensington’s bohemian fashion scene in the 1960’s. The warm and distinctive interiors of the hotel, and the layering of casual and bohemian spaces with soft ambient tones and hues, welcome guests and provide solace from the bustle of Cromwell Road. Elements of warm earthy tones have been combined with maximalist furnishings, while Art Deco styles are combined with 21st century retro futurism, making the interiors a nostalgia-soaked reimagining of over a decade of glamour in Kensington. Bespoke art pieces by House of Dré adorn the walls in the guestrooms and public spaces, while a host of local and up-and-coming artist’s work has been chosen to be displayed throughout the property.
Image credit: Ember Locke
Image credit: Ember Locke
“We’re very excited to be opening our first property in West London, in an ideal neighbourhood for Locke,” said Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer and Creative Director, Locke. “This part of West London has long captured the attention of leisure and business travellers alike – you have some of the city’s best museums and shopping locations on your doorstep and in the last few years the area has had a real spotlight on it, with some of the best restaurants in London opening here. With the buzzing neighbourhood of Notting Hill close by and tranquil Hyde Park moments away, we are excited for Ember Locke to open its doors for guests.”
The interiors of the apartments have been curated as a series of boudoir rooms with colourful tones, luxurious materials, vibrant patterns and Art Deco details. Guests are transported to a bygone, yet fundamentally modern era, through bold character pieces including sweeping rolled banquette seating, deconstructed wardrobes and retro fittings. Elements of glamour are evident throughout with brass detailing, fringes, tassels and heavy dividing curtains ensuring a sophisticated feel to the apartments.
Sneak peek: The Chedi Hegra in Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Chedi Hegra will be the first hotel to welcome guests to a uniquely authentic luxury experience deep in the ancient Nabataean site in north-west Saudi Arabia…
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has partnered with luxury hotel operator GHM to develop The Chedi Hegra. Situated within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and opening by Q4 2023, The Chedi Hegra will offer 35 bespoke guestrooms, each with its own distinct connection to the Hegra landscape, a breath-taking testimony of human expression within the natural environment.
RCU is building the hotel directly into several existing structures, including an old railway station and surrounding buildings, Hegra Fort and others. Structural and exterior walls, some with historical mud-brick construction, are being preserved and integrated with modern architecture. The vast majority of the UNESCO World Heritage Site will remain untouched by construction and will be carefully preserved to maintain the integrity of Hegra’s incredible human and natural heritage.
Image credit: GHM
RCU has also ensured all design and construction efforts align with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, including a light-touch tourism approach, imaginative infrastructure, planting of native flora and an electric mobility system. Where possible, the project will use local construction materials and work with local businesses and labour. The hotel is expected to create at least 120 jobs once fully operational.
Image credit: GHM
The property will feature three fine-dining restaurants, a café and a full-service spa and pool, with many of the buildings connected by an overhead art canopy focused on wind movement and natural light. The on-site restaurants will each offer unique experiences for hotel guests and others visiting Hegra. One of the restaurants inside the old railway station will feature an exhibition of carefully preserved artefacts, including a fully restored train, while another will sit within the Hegra Fort and a third will feature unobstructed views from a sunken water basin seating area.
Image credit: GHM
“GHM is thrilled to introduce this luxurious heritage boutique hotel that will offer authentic, unrivalled lifestyle experience deep within the ancient Nabataean site of Hegra,” said Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer, GHM. “As the first hotel within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, we are committed to preserve the site’s integrity while seamlessly integrating modern architecture and comforts. I am certain that guests will recognise and appreciate the value we place in minimising our environmental impact, through the sustainable efforts of the hotel, in addition to our dedication in conserving the legacy of Hegra – a true GHM hallmark of creating inspired spaces.”
GHM’s exclusive portfolio includes The Chedi AI Bait, Sharjah, UAE, The Chedi Muscat, Oman, The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland, The Chedi Hotel and Residences Luštica Bay, Montenegro, The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar and The Chedi El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt. As part of the brand’s plans to continue its legacy globally, GHM currently has five projects in the pipeline which include The Chedi Wadi Safar and The Chedi Trojena in Saudi Arabia.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the debut of its Vignette Collection to the UK with the signing of The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection in partnership with Molo Hotels…
Vignette Collection is IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first collection brand and is a family of one-of-a-kind properties in sought-after urban and resort locations where guests can indulge in a growing passion for stays that are authentic, experiential and considerate. The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection will open later this year under a franchise agreement with Molo Hotels and will be operated by Lighthouse Hotel Management. The 133-key luxury hotel, designed by Ica, is set in the historic Ropewalks district in the heart of Liverpool, boasting a restaurant, an on-site gym, conferencing facilities and roof top terrace that will further boost the area’s reputation as a gastronomic hub.
Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Vignette Collection to the UK – a new luxury brand in an established market for IHG,” commented Willemijn Geels, VP Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Vignette Collection gives strategic partners and owners, like Molo Hotels, the opportunity to retain their distinctive hotel identity, while benefitting from IHG’s global scale, Luxury & Lifestyle expertise and powerful IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. The brand has shown incredible success across the globe in its first year, with 14 hotels signed or opened, which speaks volumes to its emphasis on delivering one-of-a-kind stays and memorable moments alongside a commitment to more responsible travel. Liverpool’s popularity continues to grow as a hub of culture and I’m confident the luxury offering of Vignette Collection will bring a new offering to the city.”
Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts
“I’m so excited to be opening the first Vignette Collection hotel in the UK,” said Ross Morrow, Managing Director, Molo Hotels. “We see a gap in the market to deliver luxury stays in Liverpool and we’re excited to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to deliver a hotel that celebrates the history of such an important city. Liverpool is a thriving market with growing demand and IHG’s enterprise system will allow us to better serve guests at The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection from later this year.”
The signing of The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection follows a number of signings for the brand across Europe, including in Reit im Winkl, Germany and Budapest, Hungary and the opening of the first European Vignette Collection hotel in Porto, Portugal. More than 100 properties globally are anticipated to join Vignette Collection over the next 10 years.
Case study: TREND take a dive into the Andaz Dubai
The Andaz Dubai Hotel swimming pool mosaic is a detailed example of how modern luxury design can pay homage to a city’s rich cultural history…
Dubai is renowned for its modern and luxurious living, with its trademark towering skyscrapers and record-breaking architecture. However, there is much more to this UAE city than its highly polished exterior and beneath the stainless steel and glass lies a rich and colourful history that spans back centuries. Design by GDS understood this when it was commissioned to decorate the pool area at the Hyatt Andaz Dubai Hotel on the iconic Palm Jumeirah.
Image credit: TREND Group
Instead of opting for the usual glitz and glitter, the design studio decided to delve into Dubai’s artistic heritage and create a design that echoed traditional Arabesque patterns and colours. These complex geometric shapes, intertwined lines and floral motifs date back as far as the 10th century and can be found throughout the Islamic world, adorning palaces, mosques and domes. Over the years, these patterns have been translated and redefined in many forms and can be found on a range of surfaces from tiles to textiles.
Image credit: TREND Group
To bring this unique design to life, Design by GDS utilised TREND 2x2cm glass mosaics into customised CAD decoration, creating a series of interlinked patterns that not only echo traditional Arabesque designs but also add a distinctive 21st-century twist to the space. The pool, which forms a bridge between two buildings at roof level, overlooks the sweeping Dubai coast and the iconic Burj Al Arab, demanding a strong visual identity of its own.
The Andaz Dubai Hotel pool area is a space that not only reflects the stunning beauty of its surroundings but also celebrates the deep artistic heritage that Dubai holds. This unique design is an invitation for guests to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Dubai while still enjoying the comfort and elegance of the Hyatt hotel complex.
TREND Group 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.
Parkside collaborates with artist Lois O’Hara to celebrate 40 years
Celebrating 40 years in the tile specification business, Parkside is collaborating with multi-disciplinary artist Lois O’Hara at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023…
2023 marks four decades of Parkside’s involvement in tile specification. To celebrate this milestone, the brand is collaborating with Brighton-based visual artist Lois O’Hara, launching Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023.
O’Hara’s unmistakably playful patterns and positive visual narratives have graced Wembley Park, Grand Designs Live, Brighton’s seafront and Westfield Stratford. Her work also includes brand partnerships with Adidas and Pantone, as well as the cover of OnOffice magazine.
Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara will see the artist adorn the exterior and interior of the company’s Clerkenwell Sustainability and Design Studio with a one-off design. Bringing colour to the streets of Clerkenwell throughout the festival, it’s a must-see stop for anyone visiting Clerkenwell Design Week. Parkside will also be celebrating with the Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara Party on Thursday evening.
Image caption: Lois O’Hara collaborated with CDW last year. | Image credit: CDW
“We’re excited to be marking 40 years with a collaboration with one of the UK’s most exciting artists, and I can’t wait to see how Lois takes over our Clerkenwell Sustainability and Design Studio,” said James Journet, Sales Design Director at Parkside. “It’s a great way to mark the occasion and we look forward to welcoming the design community to celebrate with us at the Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara Party on Thursday night.”
Since its inception, Parkside has been providing contemporary porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tiles to commercial interiors. Providing design-led and sustainable tiles, including exclusive ranges such as the new Principle mass-produced 91 per cent recycled content tile, Parkside has built a reputation for technical excellence and innovation.
Parkside will also be producing a limited run of Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara totes, so make sure you visit the studio throughout Clerkenwell Design Week to pick up a piece of this exclusive design.
Parkside 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.
Exposing character inside spa at St James’ Court Hotel, London
Emil Eve Architects was open to a lesson in history when its team worked to create a new Jiva Spa and wellness centre inside St James’ Court Taj Hotel London. Editor Hamish Kilburn speaks to Emma Perkin, Director at the studio…
Modern traveller demands for experience-led wellness facilities have challenged the London hotel scene in recent years, where space is understandably limited and building regulations are often restrictive. Despite having to face both challenges, Emil Eve Architects was able to create a new wellness experience for St James’ Court London Taj Hotel, using the building’s foundations to carve a layered narrative into the design scheme.
Located in the Victorian cellars of the luxury hotel, the new spa facilities include a glowing vitality pool which wraps around the hotel’s original brick walls, a steam room clad in continuous milled sections of Carrara marble and a sauna created from solid sections of thermally treated Alder wood. In addition, two single treatment rooms a one couple’s suite incorporate bespoke walnut joinery and a marble-clad bathing area.
Image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel
The brief was to transform the hotel’s Victorian cellar – with its thick, brick and block walls – into a new spa and wellness setting. “Due to the total lack of natural light and the inherent low ceilings, a concept and material palette was developed which aimed to create an atmospheric and richly textured interior,” explained Emma Perkin, Director, Emil Eve Architects.. “This complimented and celebrated the existing character and history of the space.” The architects spent four months developing the unique design, which took nine months to complete on site.
Image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel
In order for modern spas to operate and perform, they require and create high temperatures and humidity levels, which require very tight control. The building, on the other hand, was breathable, badly insulated and vulnerable to the effects of humidity. “Typically a building like this would be fully lined in order to control the effects of humidity and temperature loss,” Perkin said. “In order to exposure the historic brick, and meet the complex technical and services challenges of the brief, we undertook several phases of research and testing to the development of a specification for the works which would adequately seal the bricks, retain an acceptable level of breathability and also express the rich texture and character of the brickwork.”
Terrazzo changing rooms inside St James’ Court London Taj Hotel
One of the many strands of this project, faced by Perkin and her team was to blend both modern wellness facilities into a space that felt timeless. The answer was in the materials. “We used Carrara marble and white terrazzo to create bright and luxurious surfaces for the floors and changing areas, contrasting with darker walls, relaxation areas and treatment rooms,” Perkin told Hotel Designs. “Bespoke walnut joinery and doors have been incorporated throughout along with ambient lighting by Viabizzunno.
“We wanted to create something atmospheric and rich so we started by looking at the existing textures in the space. We discovered that the basement was built from Victorian bricks so we decided to expose these and test a range of techniques for applying a finish. In the end we used a black clay plaster which beautifully reveals the texture of the bricks through its surface.”
Image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel
Image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel
The spa experience is sensory journey. Using lighting to soften the atmosphere enabled the architects to create dramatic moments within the space. “On entering the spa, the light level drops to a warm ambient glow so the brightness of the pool creates real drama in the dark space,” Perkin added. “The pool itself has two discreet bathing areas: the main area leads into a more secluded space where guests can have more privacy.
“The next stage of the visitors’ journey is the steam room, made entirely from milled curving slabs of Carrara marble, giving it a soft but luxurious feeling. The sauna is lighter in design and formed using Alder timber slats, which have a rich smell of the forest. Again, we used an existing space for this, which has an irregular shape ideal for a sauna. The treatment rooms also incorporate marble, dark timber and exposed brickwork.”
Image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel
The team at Emil Eve Architects have been able to sensitively carve a contemporary look and feel into the traditional building, and was a finalist in the Surface Design Awards 2023 in both the Public Building and the Commercial Building Interiors categories. “We worked really hard on the Jiva Spa, trying to achieve something beautiful and technically challenging – combining state of the art services infrastructure with traditional approaches to breathable construction – and to fit all the different areas of the visitors’ wellness journey within a very constrained space,” Perkin explained.
Beyond accolades, though, the studio has given the Victorian cellars in the hotel a new purpose, while also ushering St James’ Court London Taj Hotel into the new era of luxury hospitality, where wellness and wellbeing play protagonist roles – but in a way that gives the hotel its own identity. Put simply, there is nothing quite like it on the London hospitality scene.
Main image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel
Preview: what to expect at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023
Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), now in its 12th edition, will return to London between May 23 – 25. Taking place across the whole of Clerkenwell, a neighbourhood renowned for its high concentration of architects and designers, the festival is set to offer its biggest programme yet – featuring more than 600 events and for the first time, merging with its sister show, Design London. Here are a few of the events and exhibitions that have caught our eye…
CDW 2023 sees a total of 12 exhibition venues across Clerkenwell including Design Fields, Contract, Light, Project, Elements, British Collection, Detail, Platform, Ceramics of Italy, Old Sessions House (the festival hub) and two new additions – Catapult and The Garden. While these unique venues will present over 300 design brands and emerging talent covering furniture, kitchens and bathrooms, materials and surfaces, textiles, decorative accessories and lighting, an extensive network of more than 130 local showroom partners will host product launches, workshops and talks over the three days of the festival. So much to see, so little time…
Image credit: Graphenstone Paints / CDW
Image credit: Ercol / CDW
Headlining this year’s CDW Presents programme is a specially commissioned installation by British artist, Steve Messam – who exhibits internationally and is well known for his large-scale, inflatable artwork reimagining our everyday surroundings. At the festival, the County Durham-based artist will bring his distinctive public art to St John’s Gate of the Order of St John. This site-specific piece, titled Gateway, will feature 27 giant spikes hand-sewn in a striking blue textile. It forms part of Messam’s ongoing art series taking over historic architectural sites – and inviting the public to examine their environment in a new light through its deliberately ambiguous shape and size.
Image credit: CDW
Creating a more sustainable way of living remains a key subject matter for many design manufacturers and makers. Using modern technology and the latest research, designers are exploring new ways to challenge the status quo while tackling these industry-wide issues with a global outlook. As part of the CDW Presents series, SYMBIOCENE LIVING: Mycelium Building Block is an interpretive, artistic mycelium installation that encourages the public to envision and engage with fungi architecture. While the modular feature is made of mycelium blocks with a 3D printed timber shell, the blocks will be arranged to create a different formation incorporating abstract seating and towers on each day of the festival. Set to be situated outside Clerkenwell & Social on St John’s Square, this one-off installation is designed by East London-based PLP Architecture – which has produced some of the world’s greenest and most intelligent designs through a profound commitment to social, economic and environmental values.
Image credit: Heiter X / CDW
At Old Sessions House, Heiter X – a sustainable food design and experience studio founded by Estonia-based Helis Heiter – will launch its first collection of sculptural tableware in collaboration with Krohwin. Crafted using traditional building techniques and innovative 3D clay printing technology, the Mound Collection is made from raw clay and natural carnauba wax – as well as repurposed food industry waste including buckwheat and hemp shells. The collection symbolises the mounds of food wasted every day, serving as a visual reminder of the need for more conscious consumption and waste reduction. The new tableware will be shown alongside Terra Firma, an edible tablescape aimed to spark conversation and inspire change in the way we think about and interact with food.
Image credit: Gareth Gardner
Image credit:
Among some of the headline names this year is London-born-and-bred artist and designer Morag Myerscough – who will open the festival’s talks programme, Conversations at Clerkenwell, in Spa Fields. She will speak with Bethan Ryder, Editorial Director of WGSN, about her unique approach to transforming places and championing community through joyful installations and artworks. On St John’s Square, Myerscough is also responsible for creating the exterior wall of a freestanding installation from leading acoustics specialist, BAUX. Designed by its in-house team along with Form Us With Love, this special exhibition highlights the work of eight students from Scandinavia’s finest architectural institutes.
Keeping things colourful, Domus has teamed up with London-based multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori to create his debut tile collection which will be launched in the showroom at CDW. Drawing on inspiration from nature and sunlight alongside his British-Nigerian heritage, two ranges – Glaze and Screen – capture the dynamic, geometric lines and shapes used across traditional African patterns and architecture.
Continuing the conversation on collaborations and colour, Parkside will be celebrating the Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara collection with the artist adorning the exterior and interior of the company’s Clerkenwell Sustainability and Design Studio with a one-off design. Bringing colour to the streets of Clerkenwell throughout the festival, it’s a must-see stop for anyone visiting Clerkenwell Design Week.
Image credit: Curiosa / CDW
Image credit: Kostas Synodis / CDW
Image credit: Knot My Name / CDW
The UK continues to lead the way in championing the best talent and finest craftsmanship – and visitors to this year’s CDW will not be disappointed by the eclectic mix of independent makers and businesses this country has to offer. Impossible to list all the makers and designers in this sneak peek, but here are a few that we will be looking out for:
Now in its 12th year, Curiousa is renowned for its bespoke hand-blown glass lighting made in its Derbyshire-based old mill studio. At CDW, the brand will present its new Wave chandelier – designed by its founder Esther Patterson – as part of the Light exhibition, which is always top of the design checklist.
London-based furniture designer and sculptor Kostas Synodis will join the festival for the first time. Blending art and design with his signature pared-down aesthetic, the newcomer will exhibit a new foldable low deckchair. Made from three pieces of veneer plywood cut out of the same panels to minimise material.
Fibre artist Livi Hecht of London-based Knot My Name will display her contemporary artwork. Using eco-friendly materials, Hecht produces handmade macramé products and made-to-order pieces. Both Synodis and Hecht will have work on display at the Platform exhibition venue.
Image credit: Hotel Designs
Taking to the stage in the Havwoods showroom, Hotel Designs Editor Hamish Kilburn will be speaking with Hen’a Yadav, Creative Director at HBA and exploring the concept of designing for the future.
And finally, Clerkenwell is as much about people as it is about products and at the end of the day as buyers, designers, architects and developers get to network over variations of cocktails and canapés. Hotel Designs will be hosting a CDW Takeover in collaboration with Sanipex Group in the new Bagnodesign showroom, which is strictly open to designers, architects, hoteliers and developers.
You can find more information about the events taking place during CDW23 here.
Episode 31 of DESIGN POD, the design podcast for all designers and architects, goes off the beaten track. Editor Hamish Kilburn shares a powerful interview with Dereck Joubert, Co-Founder of Great Plains, to understand the emotional relationship between nature and design…
For the latest episode of DESIGN POD, sponsored by Geberit, we are in Africa – or ‘man’s home’, as Dereck Joubert, Founder of Great Plains would put it. Editor Hamish Kilburn is on a journey of discover to understand more about how the brand approaches luxury hospitality; putting people second to nature.
With safari camps in Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe and looking to build properties in Uganda, Great Plans, led by husband-and-wife team Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is seriously and unapologetically changing the game in luxury safari travel.
“As a national geographic explorer and conservationist, studying lions our whole lives, we realised that we needed to not just save one [animal] at a time, but to look at the land that these creatures needed,” Dereck told Hamish Kilburn on the podcast episode. To secure this land, the Joubert’s created Great Plains, a tourism model that funds the selfless conservation work.
This journey started with one camp in Botswana, and soon multiplied. The considered approach at the start of each development always starts the same; with Dereck and Beverly camping out under the stars, exposed to the elements, in order to take conscious steps to ensure that each property, deliberately designed to feel ‘semi-permanent’ – works with and not just in nature’s spectacular setting. “The way we design was to limit impact on environment,” Dereck says. “I also wanted to convey a sense on impermanence. I wanted to give a sense that we, all of our guests are temporary here. We are here for a moment. We are visitors to landscapes like this.”
Redefining luxury through the filmmaker’s lens, Dereck and Beverly’s social approach to luxury travel is just the beginning. The duo and their team are committed not only to wildlife conservation in Africa, but, through many charities and initiatives launched and nurtured by Dereck and Beverly themselves, they also work tirelessly to offer and promote equal opportunities for those living and working in and around their camps. This took on a whole new meaning after one incident, sensitively explored on the podcast episode, that Beverly fighting for her life in hospital.
The full 45-minute podcast episode, which follows episode 30, is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms – just search ‘DESIGN POD’ wherever you get your podcasts. The next episode will drop on May 10 with Alessandro Munge, who will join Kilburn to ‘transforming spaces’.
From the pulsing centre of Manhattan, to the heart of the British countryside, this month’s hottest hotel openings span the globe, bringing with them a glamourous amount of design inspiration in all its guises…
It is always interesting when working on these VIP opening ’roundup’ pieces, how often a theme emerges. Maybe it is a seasonal thing, a trend thing or pure serendipity, but May’s list shows a clear inclination to a layered natural colour palette – from the sweeping gold Lissoni-designed staircase in Hotel AKA, to the warm burnt oranges in the velvet drapes in Villa Ikognito in Oslo, or the Mediterranean terracotta’s that run through the latest Louboutin design, there is a feeling of warmth, an earthed luxury, that runs through all the designs and details of the this months hottest hotels offering.
Hotel AKA NoMad
Image credit: Hotel AKA / Lissoni & Partners
Located in Manhattan’s Design District, the design of Hotel AKA NoMad has been led by Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni. The hotel is distinguished by an atmosphere of tranquility and peace, a place of refuge in the city. The entrance is designed to act as a filter that transports guests from the pulsating heart of New York into a refined and sophisticated oasis.The design concept by Lissoni is expressed through an interior that embraces a range of influences from Japan to Scandinavia. The diffused light generates soft and enticing environments, natural materials such as wood and stone form the backdrop to fabrics of light and neutral tones, while the bespoke furnishings are juxtaposed with contemporary design and iconic objects.
“At our NoMad location, we are working closely with Piero and his team to infuse a tranquil and sophisticated design that strikes the perfect balance between the privacy and contentment of a residence and the hospitality, service, and style of an intimate hotel,” said Larry Korman, President of AKA.
Vermelho Melides
Image credit: Vermelho Marugal
Image credit: Jose Castellar
Passionate for decades about the arts, crafts and cultures of the world, Christian Louboutin, better known for those iconic red heels than hotels, found something unique in a small village in southern Portugal. Inspired by the unique light and personality of the location, it is a place he would retreat to for weeks to design his winter collections. Inviting guests to kick of their heels and relax, he has created a boutique property and as one would expect, the 13 guestrooms are full of designer details, colourful tiles and fabulous frescoes – all with that particular Louboutin luxe and style. The hotel Vermelho Marugal has been sensitively carved around the building’s detailed architecture. The interiors are punctuated with art, antique furniture and full of bold personality, while the guestrooms are slightly more muted to create a sense of place and calm.
Villa Inkognito
Image credit: Sommerro
Following Sommerro’s grand opening in September 2022 as Oslo’s first luxury neighbourhood hotel, the property has launched Villa Inkognito, a private 11-suite retreat located next door. A rare gem offering a mix of luxury and escapism in Oslo’s vibrant West End, Villa Inkognito is unique to Oslo as the only urban villa available to book in its entirety or on an individual room basis. With highlights ranging from thoughtfully designed bedrooms to unmatched personalised service, Villa Inkognito is an elegant oasis meticulously designed to be the ultimate home away from home.
Designed to capture the feel of a very stylish private home, Villa Inkognito comes alive through the vision of GrecoDeco, the New York- and London-based studio that also directed the interior design of Sommerro’s living and social spaces. The design team delved into the historic building’s past to create interior spaces embellished with a mix of antiques, original artwork, decorative details, and classic Scandinavian furnishings.
Birch Selsdon
Image credit: Birch
Staying true to the brand’s personality, the 177-key Birch hotel is expected to bring Londoners and travellers alike, an oasis of calm. The design team from Sella Concept and A-nrd have collectively created a layer of contemporary flair on top of an existing red-brick mansion in South London. As well as creating tranquil guestrooms and suites, the designers have transformed the building to shelter a lido, a wellness space and two restaurants, which will use produce from Selsdon’s own grounds to create the chef’s seasonal, farm-to-fork menus. The hotel will also feature three bars, a co-working hub, family wing and kids club, activity studios and several communal spaces from snugs to the Orangerie.
Hotel Genevieve
Image credit: Bunkhouse Hotels
Situated in Louisville’s growing East Market District, Hotel Genevieve is a new hotel project from the Austin hospitality group Bunkhouse in collaboration with real estate development firm, Mountain Shore Properties. At 122 guestrooms, it is Bunkhouse’s largest hotel to date and melds new architecture with considered touches that reference the city’s one-of-a-kind history. The hotel features an all-day ground floor restaurant, rooftop bar and lounge with expansive city views, vibrant mini market, and intimate secret bar.
Designed in collaboration by Bunkhouse and ROHE Creative, a female-owned and operated Philadelphia based interior design firm, Hotel Genevieve is inspired by a city that is much more layered than bourbon and horses, with design that represents the nuances that make Louisville a destination for all. An intersection of unexpected opposites, the hotel dives into the River City’s history. Richly decorated, each design accent tells a story, from bold usages of colour to a playful mix of vintage and modern furniture.
Capella Sydney
Image credit: Capella Sydney
Located in what was originally the Department of Education building, Capella Sydney, has opened its heritage-listed doors. Balancing storied architectural features with a contemporary design aesthetic, Capella Sydney celebrates the Australian panorama through its interiors, location and experiences. The unparalleled spaces within the hotel showcases curated artwork, sophisticated furnishings and intriguing objet d’art. The 192 guestrooms and suites span eight levels and are anchored by three ground-level food and beverage offerings, including signature restaurant, Brasserie 1930 and McRae Bar.
The ground level also features six meeting and event spaces catering for groups of up to 80 guests, while wellness-seeking guests will make their way to Level Six to discover the world-class health and spa facilities.
Municipal Hotel Liverpool
Image credit: Accor
The Municipal Liverpool hotel is joining MGallery, Accor Group’s luxury boutique-hotel brand and has opened in a Grade II listed heritage building from the mid-19th on the city’s vibrant Dale Street and combines stylish, modern opulence with historic charm. Managed by leading hotel management company, RBH Hospitality, the iconic building will shelter 179 luxurious guestrooms across four floors, with considered design references throughout that pay homage to the building’s rich heritage of French and Italian influences. Design will play a leading role at The Municipal Liverpool – MGallery, with many of the building’s existing materials and features refreshed to create elegant new focal points.
Reminders of the building’s past life as a council building will also remain visible throughout the space, from a series of seven-foot-tall statues on the façade, to vintage phones and library style desks indoors. Reinventing a landmark of Liverpool’s heritage, the high point of the hotel is the building’s iconic clocktower, visible from across the city, that has also been carefully restored to bring it back to full working order and catches the guests’ attention on time.
Selina Dakhla
Image credit: Magdalena Bodzioch
Finally, ending on a laid-back note, Israeli owned hotel chain Selina is opening its second co-working, co-living hotel in the south of Morocco. Selina Dakhla, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the sweeping Western Sahara provides a haven of peace, along with plenty of opportunities for more energetic activities with its position on the northern edge of a vast lagoon making kite-surfing the go-to activity, with sand boarding and buggy rides following closely behind. In addition to a range of beautifully designed accommodation, on-site features include a restaurant, surf and kite surf experiences, wellness facilities, swimming pool and the only coworking space in town.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will debut in the Maldives with Rosewood Ranfaru. Slated to open in 2027, this is what we know about the latest development in the brand’s thoughtful growth pipeline…
One of the most coveted island destinations on the planet, the Maldives are considered by many to be the ultimate luxury wanderlust experience. Now, having achieved worldwide recognition as a preeminent tropical paradise, the Maldives is looking toward the future with an eye on longevity and sustainability, making the destination a natural fit for the unique approach to luxury lifestyle offered by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Rosewood Ranfaru will reflect Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place philosophy through a highly curated experience that emphasises privacy, luxury and a connection to the natural habitat.
Rosewood Ranfaru will offer approximately 120 beachfront and overwater villas, ranging in size from one- to five-bedrooms, all with private pools and a select number located on private islands. In true Rosewood fashion, unsurpassed service and amenities will be central to the guest experience, including a Rosewood Explorer’s Club to spark discovery and inspire imagination among the youngest visitors. At the heart of the property will lie several specialty restaurants, a beach club and an Asaya well-being facility and fitness centre, together offering a holistic wellness escape. A true leisure oasis, Rosewood Ranfaru will also feature numerous swimming pools, both for adults and families, paddle courts and an array of water sports that will allow guests to fully explore the peaceful and crystal-clear waters of the encircling lagoon.
Stretched across a striking chain of private islands around a pristine lagoon in the South Male Atoll, the property will be situated less than an hour away from Velana International Airport in Male. From touchdown to toes in the sand, guests will be able to make the journey to the resort via either a short yacht ride or a ten-minute seaplane hop. Both experiences will exude the same level of luxury that awaits on the property’s shores. Upon arrival to the resort, travellers will be met with endless opportunity to embark on truly restorative getaways, all surrounded by stunning views of the world’s most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Developed by Estithmar Holding, this project represents the next generation of Maldives tourism and elevates the overall luxury offerings available in this sublime corner of the globe.
YOTEL set to make its European YOTELPAD debut in London
YOTEL has announced plans to debut its disruptive aparthotel brand, YOTELPAD, in Europe with the opening of YOTELPAD London Stratford in Q4 2023 – here’s what we know…
YOTEL created YOTELPAD in 2018 to challenge to the traditional aparthotel space. The brand was born in answer to rising guest demand for more flexibility in accommodation type, due to changes in consumer lifestyles and work habits. Staying true to YOTEL’s DNA, YOTELPAD prioritises smart design and technology, delivering modern studios, referred to as PADs, featuring multi-functional live/work/sleep areas, stylish bathrooms featuring amenities from partner Urban Jungle and fully-equipped kitchenettes – all at an affordable price point.
Following a long-term management agreement with owner, Silver Mascot Limited, YOTELPAD London Stratford will be YOTEL’s seventh property in the UK and third in London, joining its London City and London Shoreditch properties. The Stratford hotel will offer a home away from home for travellers, featuring 62-PADs, 24-hour Mission Control (YOTEL’s answer to traditional reception), Grab & Go, laundry facilities and ample storage space. The property will also be home to food & beverage and retail space due to open in 2024.
“We are delighted to announce the news that YOTELPAD London Stratford will be opening this year,” commented Paul Glennon, Director, Silver Mascot Limited. “YOTELPAD stood out as a truly different offering in the aparthotel space and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with YOTEL.”
Image credit: YOTEL
The new build property joins the brands expanding portfolio of YOTELPADs, with all operating properties currently based in the United States. With global growth a top priority for YOTEL, the expansion into new and existing territories is expected to form a crucial part of the brand’s commitment to 50 hotels by 2025.
“We’re incredibly excited to be opening our first YOTELPAD property outside of the US this year, and to be bringing the product to the UK and European market for the first time,” said Rohan Thakkar, Chief Development Officer, YOTEL. “With increased demand for flexible stays that offer more space to live, work and play, whatever the length of stay, whether one night, one week or one year, we’re confident that YOTELPAD is the answer for travellers globally. Committed to expanding our footprint to meet demand worldwide, it will be a key driver in achieving our ambitious growth targets.”
Having received multi-billion-pound investment sparked by the 2012 Olympics, Stratford is now one of London’s leading shopping, restaurant and entertainment destinations with some of the best transport links in the capital, including the new Elizabeth line that connects the area with mainline stations, airports and central London. Located on Broadway, YOTELPAD London Stratford is ideally positioned for non-stop travellers wanting to explore this thriving neighbourhood.
YOTEL is the Exclusive Style Partner for MEET UP North, which will take place on July 6 at YOTEL Manchester.
With a wide variety of colours, shapes, designs and sizes to choose from, Hyperion Tiles Director Richard Skeoch gives his top tips on which materials to consider when adding tiled pattern to a wall or floor…
Patterned floor tiles and wall tiles can be used to maximum effect and make an instant style statement, while additionally being a practical design solution in a hotel or hospitality environment. Aside from colours and surface patterns available from Hyperion Tiles, the material of the tile also needs to be considered when deciding on the appropriate pattern to take up the wall or lay on the floor.
When focussing on the floor, durability and slip-resistance is key, making porcelain a preferred choice. Taking tiles and pattern up the wall, the options are greater. Some patterned floor tiles may be suitable for both surfaces, giving a seamless design and making a strong statement. Additionally, a tile shape, structure and the way it is laid can be used to create a pattern that is not dependant on decorative surface pattern.
“Ceramic versions can make fantastic wall tiles because they are softer and easier to cut,” explained Richard Skeoch, Director, Hyperion Tiles. “They tend to cost less than porcelain and will absorb more water than their porcelain counterparts. Ceramic patterned floor and wall tiles come in a variety of intricate patterns. However, they can be prone to cracking in extremely cold weather. So they may be less suited to patios or garden paths, for example.”
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
The reflective qualities of glass tiles can make a space feel larger and lighter when adding pattern to a surface. “In the form of patterned floor and wall tiles, these tiles can help to bounce light around a room, ” continued Skeoch. ” You’ll also find they’re easy to maintain as you can keep them clean with soapy water. Their non-absorbent properties make them a great choice for a room with high humidity, such as a bathroom.”
A Stone tile is another great choice for patterned floor and wall tiles as it is incredibly dense and hardwearing. Natural stone also tends to age beautifully which gives it its innate charm and inherent beauty. Depending on the stone you choose, the tile will require some form of sealing. Marble, for example, is naturally porous and resealing with specialist products may be necessary from time to time.
Encaustic tiles, otherwise known as cement, come in a host of colours and patterns. Mineral pigments are mixed and poured into a mould and they are cured at room temperature with a coloured layer on top. “These tiles have a high thermal mass so they hold their temperature well,” said Skeoch. ” They are also highly versatile, so you could install encaustic patterned floor tiles, which flow from indoors to outside living areas.”
Hyperion Tiles deliver an exceptional portfolio of products for floors, walls and ceilings which, will stand the test of time and have a highly skilled team available to offer expert advice, such as technical know-how and in-depth product knowledge, to hoteliers, designers, specifiers and architects.
Hyperion Tiles 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.
Flavia Luxury Hotel – a sculptural project by RootStudio
The boutique hotel, Flavia, has been designed in harmony with its Oaxaca surroundings. It celebrates the contrast between the exterior structure and its cosy interior, which enhances the sensory experience…
A precise ratio between ITS natural surroundings, the volumes and the space were the guidelines that defined the design of Flavia Luxury Hotel, whose atmosphere evokes sensations and stories inspired by all the wealth of Oaxaca. The building, designed by João Boto Cæiro for RootStudio, is situated on the flanks of the San Felipe mountain in the natural reserve of the Cordillera de la Sierra Norte in Oaxaca. It was developed in accordance with the rhythms of an organic and sculptural planning method. Boto Cæiro shaped the building in such a manner that it maintained the specific characteristics of the land surface, adapting itself to the natural slope of the terrain and alternating the spaces, proportions, light and shadow with the endemic vegetation and raw materials such as concrete, timber and glass.
Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior
Entering the quintessential RootStudio design, means finding oneself in a dynamic, emotional atmosphere, where the pared-back simplicity is the result of a deep reflection on the mission of contemporary architecture. The result is a unique lodging with a restaurant, panoramic pool and 11 guestrooms each with their own atmosphere and layout.
Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior
Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior
Guests can enjoy the eclectic character of this building with four double-height stories, complemented by the sculptural landscaping by Luis Zárate—renowned for his work on Oaxaca’s Ethnobotanical Garden—that introduces cacti, pochote trees, pitayas, and aquatic plants to the gardens, courtyards, and terraces.
Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior
The hotel façade is dominated by the rustic character of raw concrete, contrasting with the warmth and elegance of the interior. The colour palette of the public spaces and suites was built around five earth hues that harmonize with the tropical timber and the omnipresent force of the concrete.
Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior
A singular characteristic of Flavia hotel is the sensory impression produced by each of its rooms, all of which are unique while maintaining a dialogue with each other. An example of this is Bunker, an underground room that is so well illuminated it becomes the antithesis of its name. Likewise, luminosity is a feature of both Nubes and Copal rooms, the latter dominated by striking picture windows. The Teatro room, as its name suggests, emphasises the dramatic character of a space that invites introspection, while Kundavi, Biblioteca, Cuarto de Máquinas and Xolo embrace the warmth of woods as a leading element. Finally, in Roja, Selva, and Kuni rooms the contrast between textures is the principal theme.
Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior
Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior
The furnishings throughout the hotel were expressly created to project a rich sense of sophistication alongside the works of local artists who bring their aesthetic to the different spaces of the boutique hotel. Included are works by Sabino Guisu, Adán Paredes, Dali Nieto, Jesús Cuevas, Rolando Rojas, Francisco López Monterrosa, and Lucio Santiago. The Flavia experience is complemented by a range of different amenities, such as a wellness zone, a private function room and an organic vegetable garden that reinforce its mission of inviting guests to discover Oaxaca from the singular perspective of a kaleidoscope of emotions, stories, and sensations.
Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior
Based in Oaxaca City and directed by João Boto Cæiro, RootStudio was founded in 2009 as a multidisciplinary studio that encompasses architecture, design, illustration, painting, and sculpture. Over more than a decade of work, RootStudio has forged a unique signature that distinguishes its projects and Flavia Luxury Hotel joins its portfolio, whose common denominator lies in a harmonious integration with the landscape and a total commitment to social responsibility.
In the factory: exploring the weft and warp of Edmund Bell
Exploring the intricacies of the Edmund Bell printed, flocked, blackouts and sheers over multiple floors was a journey that took in the layers and level of attention required to equip a bolt of woven fabric with the qualities demanded by the hospitality industry and as writer Pauline Brettell discovered, there is a lot more to those bolts of blackout than meets the eye…
Edmund Bell has a long history in the textile trade, having started in apparel linings with curtain linings soon becoming the mainstay of the business. The most decisive move toward the interiors textiles range, interestingly, came during the Blitz, in response to the need for a simple blackout – a much less technical item than what is produced today – and social shifts continue to impact the process as the brand responds to both consumer, client and changing market demands.
From evolving fire standards, concerns about hygiene and the demands of the contract industry, suppliers like Edmund Bell have to continually shift and stretch to provide attractive fabrics that, importantly, do the job. Moving on from the Blitz, sustainability and the drive to protect the planet are the more contemporary concerns having a fundamental impact on and driving change. Walking through the factory, it is clear that contract fabrics have to be all things to all people, fulfil fire standards, remain as durable as customers have come to expect, while also including recycled content and finally be recyclable.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Taking in the technical terms of slub and crossweave, weft and warp as we wound our way up and down the production line, the level of both detail and process that transforms bolt upon bolt of unprocessed fabric into a fully functional blackout or thermal contract quality fabric is remarkable. What is equally remarkable is how an industry like this, essentially dependant on chemicals and potions, processes and production is rising to the challenge of sustainability – something which on the surface of things is not necessarily a natural fit.
In conversation with the designers behind the scenes at the factory, another challenge being faced comes from an interesting intersection of economics and aesthetics. A move towards a more minimalistic approach to textiles in many interiors settings is being driven by cost-cutting as well as design considerations and this in turn, has meant that many performance features need to be combined within the same product. For example, thermal, light control and acoustic properties are all important factors in the experience of a hotel guestroom and nowadays a single Edmund Bell fabric article is required to address all of these needs at once.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Image credit: Edmund Bell
What was key in the conversation throughout the day, from machinists to engineers to designers, is the enthusiasm for testing the limits of the process and then coming up with solutions – solutions that allow both the planet and the price point to co-exist. While hospitality brands and designers are increasingly asking more questions about provenance, price remains key and sustainability still frequently takes a back seat to cost by the end of the procurement cycle. Rising to the challenge, the entire team at Edmund Bell are striving to make changes and develop new ranges to achieve what customers are looking for, in terms of both sustainability and price point.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Continuing the sustainability conversation as we went deeper into the factory, this is not a new subject in the company, which started looking in earnest into recycled yarns in 2017/18 when it became clear this was a concern on the customer radar. The parameters of this conversation are however constantly changing as the story takes on an increasingly circular solution, with recyclable being as important as recycled. As provenance comes through the supply chain it needs to include water recyclability and reduction, green energy, as well as recycled yarn. There is no doubt that Edmund Bell is devoting time, energy and innovation to questions of sustainability, but as a business still needing to turn a profit, the challenge to complete the loop on recycled content remains a balancing act.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
The champions of the recycled fabric ranges that have become a core part of the company ethos are LINK and SWAY collections. Both these sheer weaves are made using recycled Repreve yarns, which are in turn made from recycled plastic bottles and so truly fulfil a sustainable message. These fabrics also meet all the strict testing protocols required for contract fabrics, maintaining that balance between practicality and the planet again.
Additional pieces to the sustainable puzzle, are the questions of durability and performance – including recycled content is unhelpful if the resulting fabric doesn’t last as long as it should and doesn’t achieve what you need it to in terms of usage. In all of the new developments, Edmund Bell is working to offer transparent sustainable initiatives like post-consumer recycled content whilst still ticking all of the practical concerns clients have come to expect.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Image credit: Edmund Bell
While functionality may be the driving force in the company, there remains plenty of room and inspiration for design and aesthetics in the Edmund Bell studio. Catching up with the bespoke design process was as intriguing as the production floor, where a tiger and a monkey where being painstakingly removed from an established design at the request of a client – flora without the fauna – a bespoke service provided by the studio allowing designers to change details and colourways. The design possibilities are, quite literally, endless! Continuing to maintain the balance between design and function, the online design-hub is an additional company feature that provides clients with both design inspiration and practical specifications.
What was both exciting and interesting as we were guided through the factory and design studio, was that the changes being made towards both sustainability and creativity are wide ranging – from upholding new requirements for recycled and chemical content with upstream suppliers, to managing production processes and waste, to developing downstream recycling options for clients, right through to taking part in carbon offsetting initiatives. The changes with the biggest impact on both these strands are undoubtedly infrastructure developments to the finishing facility, where efficiencies are constantly being developed, machines updated and even power sources entirely switched out. Considering the many millions of metres of textiles finished and processed here every year, this is no mean feat.
Edmund Bell 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.
How InterContinental Hotel Lusaka ‘re-established’ itself
Designed by Studio Moren, the recently opened InterContinental Lusaka, Zambia is poised to quickly re-establish itself as the destination hotel in the Zambian capital. Here’s how…
The opening of InterContinental Lusaka marks the completion of the final phase of a project where Studio Moren designed the refurbishment of the existing hotel – an important landmark in Lusaka’s Government District – to create two separate and distinct hotels under the same roof: a new 162-key Holiday Inn, which opened in 2020 and the new 106-key luxury InterContinental.
The project is the result of an extensive collaboration between architects (Studio Moren and Prism Architects), lighting designers (Design Omni), contractors (WBHO), project managers (Mace), quality surveyors (Equate), MEP (CKR), joiners (RAM and Design UP) and procurement (IPS Global Procurement).
Image credit: Studio Moren
Studio Moren’s design for the hotel included an extensive meeting and conference facilities, including a ballroom, a large pre-function area, a business centre, a bar, a restaurant with a terrace and improved reception facilities. An elegant new club room on the top floor has become a dazzling venue, unequalled in sub-Saharan Africa, with views across the city.
“Our brief for this project was to refurbish the existing InterContinental Hotel to create a Holiday Inn, an InterContinental and additional meeting facilities,” said Joel Iseli, Associate, Studio Moren. “We have provided a complete design solution with architectural and interior design proposals for all two phases.
Image credit: Studio Moren
“Studio Moren’s experience and understanding of the African market and the requirements of international brands were key to the successful delivery of this scheme. Our design avoided cliches and created a vibrant, urban venue that appeals to a modern, cosmopolitan young Africa. Whilst construction and opening during the global pandemic were challenging, forcing us to do many things remotely, we are honoured to have played a role in the ongoing story of this important and much-loved Lusaka landmark. We are delighted to see its doors open to guests once more.”
InterContinental Lusaka is an important part of the city’s history. Designed by William B Tabler and constructed in time for Zambia’s independence in 1968, InterContinental Lusaka has been the backdrop for significant international political events, as well as the place for important personal celebrations.
With its smaller number of rooms, the InterContinental has the feel of a boutique hotel, emphasised by the high proportion of luxurious suites giving a more sumptuous experience that will appeal to young, cosmopolitan, international guests staying in Lusaka either for business or pleasure. Studio Moren’s architecture and design concepts reflect a contemporary, metropolitan Africa, expressed through vibrant colours and bold graphics without resorting to stereotypes.
Image credit: Studio Moren
To optimise space within the hotel and improve its efficiency, Studio Moren used its hospitality space planning expertise to review circulation within the building, which had become an issue when the hotel was hosting conferences and hundreds of delegates would cross the hotel reception area. Studio Moren’s design resolved this issue by creating separate entrances for the conferencing facility and hotel, as well as providing a new, wide corridor to allow conference delegates to access the restaurant more easily. The separate hotel entrance provides a more intimate and personalised experience for hotel guests.
Improvements to the efficiency of the kitchen area also helped gain space for the front of house, allowing for a more expansive restaurant that can cater for large lunches for hundreds of diners, with movable panels and partitions to create a more intimate feel when required. The space opens onto a generous terrace, ideal for large events, whilst a new private dining room offers a more exclusive eating experience. The bar also faces onto the terrace, with windows that can be opened fully to enjoy the setting, particularly in the evenings.
Image credit: Studio Moren
A new seventh-floor club, created by Studio Moren, has become an exclusive place for meeting and dining whilst enjoying the view over Lusaka from the new outdoor deck. The club is unique in this part of Africa, raising the bar further on the five-star experience and ensuring the InterContinental becomes the most sought-after destination hotel in Lusaka.
Inspired by the rich culture and traditions of its location, JW Marriott has opened its doors onto the picturesque coastline of Vagator in Goa…
Set in an unparalleled location along the golden Goan coastline and close to landmark attractions, historic forts, churches and pristine beaches, JW Marriott Goa is the perfect getaway and an embodiment of the JW Marriott principle of mindfulness. With thoughtfully crafted spaces, transformative experiences and sophisticated style, the new hotel is poised to be an oasis of luxury and warm hospitality, empowering guests to focus on feeling revitalised in mind, body and spirit.
“JW Marriott is at the forefront of the evolution of luxury, blending a legacy of extraordinary hospitality with a contemporary commitment to mindfulness and well-being that continues to be a priority for today’s luxury traveller,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Goa embodies this modern approach to luxury through its thoughtful design, emphasis on serene spaces and connection to the natural world.”
Image credit: Marriott International
“We are delighted to announce the opening of JW Marriott Goa. This opening marks a milestone for Marriott International’s 150th opening in South Asia. It solidifies our commitment in the region and signifies the trust our owners have in us,” said Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “We remain confident in the strength of our brands, our team, and we shall continue to pave the way for aggressive expansion with our strong pipeline of hotels.”
The 151-key JW Marriott Goa reflects the tranquillity and beauty of its surroundings, with an architectural narrative featuring local artefacts such as wooden panelling, mother-of-pearl detailing, intricate glassware chandeliers and water fountains that accentuate the natural marble and stone throughout its serene spaces. The use of neutral colour palettes of grey and light sand, along with soft ambient lighting, complements the abundant greenery of its natural surroundings. Goan cultural references and elements of modern design interweave to create a sense of place in a peaceful sanctuary. Guestrooms feature balconies that open to breathtaking ocean views, and luxurious suites offer private plunge pools.
Image credit: Marriott International
In addition, the hotel features four inviting dining venues to suit all occasions. JW Kitchen is the hotel’s all-day restaurant with a theatre-style open kitchen, serving globally-inspired cuisine and exquisite local dishes, along with indulgent Sunday brunches and a special children’s selection. Pérola is an impeccably-appointed French-style lobby bar with a daily Afternoon Tea service, ideal for casual meetings and get-togethers over a glass of wine, signature coffee or tea and light snacks. Guests can savour Mediterranean cuisine and exotic cocktails at the hotel’s sky-dining Água Bar and Café, perched atop the hotel overlooking the infinity pool and spectacular views of the Goan coast. The luxurious Heliconia serves modern Asian fine dining along with handcrafted cocktails amidst lush natural surroundings. Complementing the resort’s commitment to healthy dining, many of the seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs featured on the menus are grown in the hotel’s signature JW Garden. Guests can also harvest the fresh produce within the garden’s calming spaces as they reconnect in the natural surroundings.
For guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the hotel offers holistic treatments at Spa by JW, which features Goa’s first and only Turkish and Moroccan hammams, or steam rooms. The hotel’s modern gym, JW Fitness, showcases the latest cardio and weight equipment and a stunning outdoor infinity pool with poolside cabanas where guests can enjoy a relaxing swim and lounge in the warm tropical sunshine.
The hotel offers a total of 1,700 square metres of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including two well-appointed meeting rooms as well as the splendid 428 square metre Grande Salão, an elegant ballroom with an outdoor terrace, complete with the latest audio-visual technology, Wi-Fi and a dedicated events team for seamless and memorable meetings, weddings and celebrations.
Keeping it clean – Geberit explores solutions for hotel hygiene
Public washrooms are busy areas in hotels and maintaining a high level of cleanliness is essential to enhance guest wellbeing, which is why bathroom manufacturer Geberit is tackling the challenge of hygiene in public washrooms head on…
Hygiene has always been a top priority in the hospitality industry and with recent events highlighting the importance of public cleanliness, it has become front of mind for guests. Bacteria and viruses can be easily spread through surfaces such as toilet flush buttons, taps, door handles and soap dispensers, so it’s vital hotels maintain a high level of cleanliness in their public washrooms.
Providing a clear solution, touchless technology has become increasingly popular in public washrooms. A range of products developed by Geberit, such as infrared flush controls and automatic soap dispensers, are an effective way to reduce the spread of bacteria and improve overall hygiene in these public spaces.
Image credit: Geberit
Geberit’s touchless infrared technology is at the forefront of developing hygiene solutions in public washrooms and is used in a range of its products, including WC flush controls. The WC flush uses infrared sensors to identify when a user is approaching the toilet and automatically flushes the toilet when they walk away. Alternatively, the user can apply a hand motion near the visible IR sensor. Along with the option for an automatic flush, Geberit’s WC can offer a pre-flush feature that activates when the user approaches the toilet. A regular interval flush can be programmed to prevent stagnant water in the pipes, further improving cleanliness and hygiene levels when rooms may be left unoccupied.
Image credit: Geberit
Infrared taps are a hygienic alternative to traditional taps and can make a minimalist design statement at the same time. Geberit is introducing new finishes to its infrared tap range this summer and will include sleek options, like matt black and stainless steel, to complement the existing gloss chrome finish. The touchless technology reduces water consumption, also making it an environmentally friendly solution.
While touchless technology can reduce bacteria from spreading, it is still essential to maintain a high level of cleanliness in public washrooms by regular cleaning. All surfaces should be disinfected frequently to reduce the risk of germ transmission. It’s also important to make sure that washroom products are serviced regularly, and any malfunctioning items should be repaired or replaced promptly. A broken toilet flush control or soap dispenser can be frustrating for guests and lead to negative reviews. Overall, maintaining a high level of hygiene in public washrooms is essential in the hospitality industry. Paired with cleaning, touchless technology is an effective way to reduce the spread of germs and improve hygiene while looking on-trend and staying environmentally friendly.
Geberit 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.
In pictures: party in the penthouse at MEET UP London 2023
Last night was all about connections and collaborations as MEET UP London took to the rooftop in The Department Store – home to hospitality design studio, Squire & Partners – and reflecting the energy of the industry. Editor Hamish Kilburn and writer Pauline Brettell share the highlights and official photos from the night…
Following Hotel Designs’ first ever international networking event, MEET UP Paris, which took place in January, there was anticipation in the air around how MEET UP London would respond now that it is no longer the brand’s first networking event in the design and hospitality calendar.
Soon after tickets went on sale and the event sold out months in advance, though, it was clear that MEET UP London would not settle for sequel status, as it prepared to welcome more than 250 interior designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and suppliers for a networking event that would capture the energy and spirit of the 2023 on the hotel design and hospitality scene.
The year has continued to be one of significant growth and refocussed energy as the community all rise to the challenge of fundamental change across the industry with conversations and action on net-zero, carbon offsetting and collaboration being the norm rather than the exception.
The industry is engaging more than ever with the broad ramifications of social responsibility, and networking events like MEET UP London have a role to play in amplifying these conversations. It is this increase in engagement, which is possibly the reason why the event became the fastest-selling events ever hosted by Hotel Designs – or maybe it was about the venue being one of the coolest rooftops in Brixton? More likely, it was a bit of both. And just in case you didn’t manage to secure a ticket, here is a bit more about the evening – the content, the conversations and, of course, those captured on camera.
Image credit: MEET UP London / Hotel Designs
Image credit: MEET UP London / Hotel Designs
Once the room was full and the sun set over Brixton, Editor Hamish Kilburn shared delivered his passionate welcome speech. “In the five years I have been the Editor of Hotel Designs, I have seen the MEET UP concept evolve, and in the process I have learned many lessons,” he said. “But the one, above others, that has resonated, and indeed evolved, over the years the most is around humility. We as an industry, as a community, do our best work when we approach projects and challenges collaboratively. We hope, therefore, that our MEET UP networking events have become a catalyst for those early conversations and relationships to develop outside arena.”
Here are the official photos released of MEET UP London 2023.
Alternative accommodation specialist, Bob W, has built a reputation on redefining the hospitality experience by giving guests five-star, contactless service in locally designed apartments within handpicked neighbourhoods. Its acquisition of Charly Hospitality will give the tech-powered hospitality operator a footprint in five German cities…
Based in Helsinki, Bob W currently operates 27 aparthotel and co-living properties across Europe — in the UK, Spain, Finland, Italy, Norway, Greece and Estonia. Its Charly acquisition means it now adds seven properties located in Germany’s Bonn, Munich, Berlin, Lübeck and Cologne, as well as Amsterdam in the Netherlands. All of these properties will move over to the Bob W brand during 2023.
“With Bob W, we have found the perfect home for our team and our portfolio of boutique aparthotels in Germany and the Netherlands,” said Jona Schaeffer, Founder, Charly Hospitality. “We strongly believe in Bob W’s potential to become the market leader in alternative accommodations in Europe and are delighted that Charly will play its part in it.”
Image credit: Bob W
Bob W acquired Charly because the two companies have a similar tech-enabled approach and design ethos, which results in a straightforward integration. Both offer a seamless digital front desk experience backed by robust digital customer service and other fail safes, so guests always feel looked after. Unlike Charly, Bob W has built its own tech platform along with a suite of apps. Both businesses offer short-stay apartments that give guests the best of both worlds — the authenticity and functionality of a private apartment, as well as the dependable quality of a hotel.
Image credit: Bob W
Image credit: Bob W
Bob W wants to continue to expand quickly across Europe but particularly in Germany. It is the largest domestic travel market in Europe, which the company expects will be its largest market by the end of 2023. By then it anticipates operating more than 40 properties in all territories, achieved through a mix of leases (rent-to-rent) and management deals, with the potential for further M&A activity.
“We are super excited about entering Germany with Charly and adopting their world-class team,” said Niko Karstikko, Co-Founder and CEO of Bob W. “The locations and properties are gorgeous. Once we apply our tech and brand standards, the next generation of travellers will have yet another place to call home with the most loved hospitality product on the market.”
Image credit: Bob W
“We’re getting huge traction with our approach to tech and reinvented hospitality,” continued Karstikko. “Guests are responding very positively to the investment we make in their surroundings and in our customer experience, and that is translating into brand loyalty and repeat bookings. We offer travellers the best of both worlds — hotel and apartment — and our formula works. That’s what is driving our growth plans. We will continue to expand quickly but sustainably in existing and new markets where there is high demand for what we offer and the fundamentals add up.”
Image credit: Bob W
Bob W has grown rapidly since being founded just before the pandemic by Sebastian Emberger, who is from Germany, and Niko Karstikko, from Finland. Aside from organic growth, in May last year it acquired Estonishing Stay which, at the time, was the largest short-stay apartment operator in Estonia. The following October it bought Finnish competitor KOTI Hotel, simultaneously securing €21 million in series A funding, led by Elevator Ventures, Verve Ventures, IDC Ventures and Flashpoint.
Hotel Designs’ premium northern networking event, MEET UP North, which this year will take place inside YOTEL Manchester on July 6, has launched its early bird promotion. But hurry, the offer ends on May 19…
Surfing in the wake of MEET UP London, which took place last night in Brixton, the early bird promotion for MEET UP North is now up and running. Designers, architects, hoteliers and developers can get their hands on tickets for the networking event that takes place on July 6 at YOTEL Manchester for just £10 + VAT – and suppliers can purchase tickets for £99 + VAT – between now and May 19.*
Designers, architects, hoteliers and developers, click here to purchase tickets. Suppliers, click here to purchase tickets.
Image caption: MEET UP North 2023 will be sheltered inside YOTEL Manchester. | Image credit: YOTEL
Conveniently located in the buzzy neighbourhood, you can’t get much more central in Manchester than YOTEL Manchester Deansgate. Inside, expect a modern hotel, with innovative design, ethically sound hospitality credentials and a public area that can hold its own when it comes to a networking event like MEET UP North.
The event, which is expected to sell out, will bridge the gap between the community of interior designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and suppliers. In addition to providing a stylish networking arena, MEET UP North will also shelter a meaningful panel discussion on ‘blurring the boundaries between spaces’.
Image caption: The venue for MEET UP North inspired the topic of the panel discussion. | Image credit: YOTEL
The discussion will explore how interior designers and brands alike are creating cohesive design narratives that flow between all spaces of the hotel. Editor Hamish Kilburn will welcome a handful of interior designers who, together, will discuss how to connect different areas of the hotel seamlessly. The aim of the conversation will be to understand how architectural restrictions and budget limitations – together with the growing demand for adaptive reuse – can become projects’ greatest strength, allowing design to play a major role in defining the hotel and brand’s character .
“We are asking attendees to have an open mind for this year’s edition of MEET UP North,” said Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs. “We always try to do something different, and this year this will include a panel discussion between visionaries that will, if you like, kick away the stabilisers and travel around the venue. We have worked closely with YOTEL to create a conversation that will truly be unlike any other.”
After the early bird promotion ends on May 19, tickets for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers will inflate to £20 + VAT and £150 + VAT for suppliers.
*Buyer tickets are reserved for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers. Anyone else wishing to attend must purchase a supplier ticket. If you would like to discuss sponsorship packages for MEET UP North, please speak to Katy Phillips.
London Hilton on Park Lane to be ‘completely transformed’
G.A Design has been named as the studio that will be ‘completely transforming’ Hilton London on Park Lane with an innovative design scheme. Here’s what we know…
Starting with the rooms and suites, the iconic Mayfair hotel, which opened in 1963, will transform its image to unveil a cohesive, contemporary and clean design narrative.
Image credit: Hilton International / G.A Design
A new lobby layout will enhance guests’ arrival at the hotel, providing a breathtakingly open, bright and welcoming space with seating and a brand-new lobby bar. The elegant new bar will be a joyful take on modern London living, celebrating artistry and craft and serving up classic cocktails reflective of the hotel’s heritage.
Image credit: Hilton International / G.A Design
The exceptionally designed rooms and suites will maximise the hotel’s unparalleled panoramic views over London and Hyde Park with natural materials and colour schemes, giving a nod to the glamour of the 1960s with low slung furniture, soft edges and cutting-edge design.
Image credit: Hilton International / G.A Design
The ground floor restaurant will also be renovated and relaunched offering modern British eating and drinking which champions an elevated local, seasonal and responsible approach to dining. In honour of its position on the edge of Hyde Park, the largest of central London’s Royal Parks, the new restaurant’s interiors will reflect the natural world, using noble materials such as travertine and bronze with a colour scheme of greens, natural, and fresh tones.
Image credit: Hilton International / G.A Design
The iconic Park Lane hotel has hosted more than 11 million guests since its opening in 1963. Opened by Conrad Hilton himself, it was the largest hotel in Europe at the time, standing at 100 metres high. Every year, it hosts more than 200,000 guests in its 453 rooms. The refurbishment is the most significant since opening.
What’s more, the hotel is planning to remain open throughout the renovation, which will be completed in stages to minimise disruption to guests. With Park Lane being at the epicentre of luxury hospitality in London, we are expecting quite the transformation.
Squire & Partners unveils new furniture collection for Lema
Squire & Partners has joined forces with Lema to design a new furniture collaboration, which was unveiled during Salone del Mobile Milano 2023. Introducing the Lina Console…
Following the success of Squire & Partners’ collaboration with Lema on a bespoke table as part of a design installation for Surface Design Show in 2020, the British architects and Italian furniture designers have paired up to design an exclusive furniture range.
Taking inspiration from their first joint project, where Lema used a simple and elegant framework of L sections to create trays and legs, Squire & Partners studied and enjoyed the design language Lema employs in its existing furniture ranges, where end users can adapt coffee tables and shelving units by selecting from a range of finishes and accessories.
Image credit: Squire & Partners
Taking this concept of adaptability and versatility, Lina Console – the first furniture piece to launch in the collection, at Salone del Mobile Milano 2023 – is a simple L section framework which can accommodate a range of inserts, from drawers to leather or stone tops and other accessories.
Squire & Partners identified consoles in entrance spaces as an opportunity and starting point to create a customisable piece which can be adapted depending on different needs and styles.
The Lina Console is the first in a family of objects, starting with the console as a base element, with additional elements that will be designed in different materials to combine with the piece, building on and transforming it.
Squire & Partners is the Exclusive Style Partner for MEET UP London, which takes place tonight in at Upstairs at The Department Store, Brixton.
Product watch: lightweight designer baths from Lusso
Luxury lifestyle brand Lusso has launched Lusso Light, its first range of lightweight acrylic baths, mirroring the look of the brand’s renowned stone baths…
Lusso’s new and exclusive collection combines the convenience of a lightweight material with the signature qualities that it has become renowned for, enabling the signature freestanding designs to be enjoyed within homes and living settings of all shapes and sizes. The latest collection of acrylic freestanding baths opens up the brand to wider markets.
“Our stone baths have become the core items of Lusso, however we’re often asked for lighter alternatives for homes that can’t withstand the weight of a stone bath,” explained Wayne Spriggs, Lusso Founder and CEO. “There’s really no difference between the two types of bath except for the material, as Lusso Light has been meticulously developed to mirror the look and finish of our composite stone ranges. These beautifully crafted pieces are light, easy to install and provide an attainable alternative to stone.”
Image credit: Lusso
Drawing inspiration from the brands classic styles, the range boasts seamless innovation and uncompromising quality, offering both traditional and modern options for all themes of bathroom. The collection includes the Mimi, which is modelled on the brand’s popular Picasso bath, as well as the Trocadero, Adler and Maison. The baths weigh between only 33-57 kilograms, compared to standard stone baths which can weigh up to 120 kilograms.
“As with all of our collections, the quality is unmatched, and through rigorous testing and meticulous craftsmanship, this ensures the same luxury experience with our acrylic baths as you would enjoy with our stone baths.” said Spriggs.
Image credit: Lusso
Lusso Light Adler is a freestanding bath, with a traditional and elegant design and a curvaceous, slipper silhouette. It is a modern alternative to a classic Victorian tub.
The Mimi freestanding bath has a signature oval design which echoes the iconic shape of the Picasso, the brand’s signature and first-ever bath, while the Trocadero is similar to the Monaco bath, combining a square silhouette with subtle curves -a structural piece to complement either modern or classic decors.
Lusso Light Maison is a dramatically elegant design. The Maison boasts an enduring oval shape, ridged roll top and detailed base which is inspired by 20th-century chic French heritage designs.
Exceptionally designed to last, all Lusso Light baths benefit from the same tried and tested production techniques and diligence processes that the brand uses for all of its freestanding baths, enabling it to offer a 15-year guarantee across the entire range.
Lusso 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.
Curve appeal – the Luna collection from GRAFF Designs
Luna by GRAFF Designs is a unique brassware collection characterised by a dramatically curved silhouette. ..
The defining shape of the Luna Collection from GRAFF Designs is reminiscent of the crescent moon from which it took its inspiration and which, creates an elegant focal point over the basin or within the shower. Bringing ‘out of this world’ design to the bathroom, Luna delivers water in a beautifully cascading form to the user. This, coupled with its soft organic lines and streamlined form, bring an added layer of wellness for contemporary interiors.
Image credit: GRAFF Designs
Image credit: GRAFF Designs
“The luxury segment of the bathroom brassware market is healthy, especially for GRAFF,” said Ziggy Kulig, President and CEO, GRAFF Designs. “We have witnessed a substantial growth in business over the past years. There is a great demand for wellness in personal spaces and for bathrooms to be personalised spaces to retreat and enjoy some time for ourselves. Trends are reflecting this with the popularity of glamorous brassware finishes, so I think this sector will perform strongly next year.”
Image credit: GRAFF Designs
“GRAFF offers a wide range of precious handcrafted finishes made in a sustainable environment and it is a testament to our strength in the market,” continued Kulig. “Our products are available with a choice of 21 different designer finishes, such as Brushed Brass PVD, Olive Bronze, Brushed 24K Gold, Rose Gold PVD, Polished Brass PVD, Vintage Brushed Brass, and Brushed Onyx PVD.”
Luna consists of 100 refined pieces including basin, bath and shower mixers, thermostatic controls and an accompanying accessories collection. Adding an exquisite touch to the bathroom experience, Luna is available in polished chrome, Steelnox, Architectural White, Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel, Vintage Brushed Brass, Unfinished Brass, Architectural Black and Matte Black.
GRAFF Designs 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.
The Colony Hotel, grande dame of Palm Beach, takes back the crown
A timeless treasure in the heart of Palm Beach, The Colony, is celebrating its 75th birthday this year by reinventing and reinstating itself as the reigning hospitality queen of the block…
A timeless treasure and established landmark, The Colony Hotel sits within walking distance of both the Atlantic ocean and renowned fashion mecca Worth Avenue, the hotel’s location makes it the ideal base for those looking for distraction and relaxation in equal measure. Since the hotel originally opened in 1947, it has known several owners but, as of 2016, belongs to Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall – the latter having known it well as his father had once been a longtime co-owner of the property. Determined to restore ‘the pink palace’ to its rightful position as grande dame of Palm Beach, the Wetenhalls had the property designated as a historic landmark in 2020 and then began an extensive renovation of the hotel, deploying the skills of Kemble Interiors, de Gournay, Farrow & Ball, Schumacher, Brown Jordan and Society Social to transform it into a 21st-century icon.
Image credit: The Colony
Ever mindful of the history and iconic style that have made The Colony the hideaway of choice for guests from Frank Sinatra to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Wetenhalls deployed the skills of Kemble Interiors across all 79 guestrooms and suites as well as the lobby, where an exclusive collaboration with De Gournay now takes centre stage. Farrow & Ball meanwhile were tasked with creating a modern take on The Colony’s signature pink and the result is a fresh powdery hue that lends a contemporary note to the classical tone of the property.
Image credit: The Colony
Reinventing a hospitality darling in her 75th year was never going to be without its challenges, most of which were centred around the hotel’s existing layout. With no two guestrooms quite the same a few design eyebrows were raised, but the team’s solution was to designate four key schemes based on the colours of Palm Beach to create a sense of cohesion and flow. Ocean blue, palm-fringe green, sunshine yellow and, of course, powder pink are all reinforced across each floor in a myriad of patterns from candy-cane striped wallpaper to floral headboards.
Image credit: The Colony
In keeping with the hotel’s quasitropical climate, an abundance of rattan furniture and seagrass finishes complete each beautifully appointed room, which are all stuffed to the brim with the sorts of luxurious amenities that a 21st century traveller can dream of, from Matouk linens to Dyson hairdryers and Gibson & Dehn bath products produced exclusively for The Colony, there are an abundance of pampering opportunities inroom, which can then be further reinforced at the elegant Dr Barbara Sturm pop-up spa downstairs.
Image credit: The Colony
If good design was key to reinvigorating The Colony, then strategic collaborations form part of its glamorous new success. Aerin Lauder was brought in to take care of the hotel’s holiday décor as well as one of its beachside villas. Her timeless style has been applied to Villa Jasmine. Anthropologie’s Mark. D Sikes reimagined another of its dreamy beach boltholes, Villa Aralia. Dolce & Gabbana curated its luxe boutique and Tracey Anderson enjoyed a three month residency bringing her world-famous workouts to ensure guests were both tanned and toned.
Keen to further reinforce The Colony’s reputation as both scene-setter and setting, the Wetenhalls have enlisted the help of some of their most influential friends across fashion and wellness to ensure that it is, once again, the place to be seen. Much more than a hotel, The Colony is an icon – passionate and playful and a place to connect meaningfully and authentically with one of the world’s most storied destinations.
5 minutes with: Vidar Thomassen on tech’s role in a sustainable hotel
Editor Hamish Kilburn speaks to Vidar Thomassen, Director, Zennio, to discuss how technological solutions are supporting the hospitality industry to become more environmentally aware…
In the last few years, hotels have had to work harder to practice what they preach when it comes to sustainability. While designers are putting their focus on sourcing ethical materials, beds, fabrics and lighting, hoteliers are doing what they can to ensure that thew hotel functions and operates smoothly. To do this effectively, hotel brands are calling on companies like Zennio to offer seamless automation systems.
Hamish Kilburn: Let’s cut to the chase. How do your products reflect modern traveller demands?
Vidar Thomassen: Today’s traveller is getting increasingly environmentally conscious whilst still valuing service, comfort, and end user friendliness. Zennio’ guestroom management solutions (GRMS) are to a large extent automated, requiring minimal guest input, thus fulfilling the comfort and end user friendliness aspect whilst reducing energy consumption and CO2 footprint.
Image credit: Zennio
HK: How can technology help hotels become more sustainable?
VT: Starting with the rooms, sharing information between the hotel PMS (such as if the room is booked for that day or if the guest has already checked-in) and the HVAC control system plus the addition of advanced room occupancy control will help reduce energy waste to a minimum. This can be applied to all room controls (lighting, blinds, sockets etc.) but also to common areas, and bearing in mind energy accounts for a significant portion of hotels running costs, eliminating energy waste can really make a difference.
HK: How can your products help enhance guests’ experience?
VT: Zennio’ Hotel Solution combines the outstanding control properties of KNX with the scalability of IP networks and the opportunities of API integration. A great example is Six Senses Ibiza where control of all our systems is embedded into their proprietary guest app ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience.
HK: What designs should designers/hotels avoid when specifying control panels?
VT: Any control panel where the guest needs to spend time figuring out how they are working or worse having to read a manual is a huge ‘no’ from me. Zennio control panels can be customised with icons, text or combination thereof making them intuitive and user-friendly. Furthermore, Zennio touch panels are multilingual hence their labelling and iconography can change automatically based upon guest information received via the PMS.
Image credit: Zennio/IHG
HK: Can you talk to us about some of the hotels you have worked with, and how you have helped to enhance the experience using smart tech?
VT: We have or are currently working with major chains such as Meliá, Hyatt, Hilton and IHG, plus a great number of individual hotels. We have been working with Meliá for many years and where our predominantly automated solutions continue to ensure guest comfort whilst reducing energy consumption. Some significant individual projects I can mention are Meliá White House, London and Six Senses, Ibiza. The Zennio solutions are implemented in individual projects from 20 to over 1200 rooms.
HK: What’s next for Zennio?
VT: The Zennio solutions are currently implemented in more than 90,000 hotel rooms worldwide, a number that continues to grow rapidly. We are committed to provide technologically advanced products and solutions to support the hospitality industry, closely working with our customers all over the world.
Meet the speakers for Interior Design & Architecture Summit 2023
Interior Design & Architecture Summit, which takes place on June 26 at Hilton London Canary Wharf, has just announced its speaker line-up – and it’s full of leading interior designers and architects…
Designed to dynamically bridge the gap between senior designers, architects and key-industry suppliers, Interior Design & Architecture Summit (IDAS) will return this year on June 26 at Hilton London Canary Wharf.
In addition to sheltering pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings with delegates (qualified interior designers and architects) and suppliers, the event also boasts a captivating speaker line-up, which will take place in a seminar room dressed by Blackpop.
This year, the three panel discussions will be divided up into three topics: conscious design, sensory hospitality and unconventional narratives. “We wanted to challenge existing ideas and opinions around these topics, said Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs who curated the line-up. “I think it’s also important to mention that this year’s speakers are no strangers to Hotel Designs. The designers and architects have either joined previous panel discussions, appeared on DESIGN POD as special guests and/or participated in a number of our roundtables. Welcoming familiar protagonists from the industry onto this year’s sofa will allow us, I hope, to stretch and remould these themes further. In short, IDAS will create conversations unlike any other.”
The sessions and confirmed speakers are:
08:45 – 09:20: The green agenda in interior design and architecture
Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs
Rachel Hoolahan, Associate, Orms
Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality, Perksin&Will
Maria Cheung, Director of Interiors, Squire & Partners
The opening panel discussion will be moderated by Kilburn and include Rachel Hoolahan (Orms), Neil Andrew (Perkins&Will) and Maria Cheung (Squire & Partners).
With noise around sustainability getting louder while definitions evolve, the speakers will cast ahead to the next few years with the aim to predict how the green agenda in commercial interior design and architecture will develop. The panellists will discuss innovative ways to ensure interior design and architecture is kept conscious and identify materials and elements that are helping to ensure design is meaningful.
09:30 – 10:05: A deeper sense of meaning in interior design & architecture
Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs
Wren Loucks, Founder and CEO, Be-Kin
James Dilley, Director, Jestico + Whiles
With new technologyemerging daily, how can interior designers and architects add value into commercial spaces using sound, smell and touch? In this panel discussion, led by Kilburn, wellness designer Wren Loucks (Be-Kin) and designer/architect James Dilley (Jestico + Whiles) will explore, beyond the gimmicks, how sensory design is being implemented to add meaning and sense of place in commercial settings.
14:00 – 14:35: Weaving unconventional narratives through design
With more choice and variety on the market than ever before, the products that are launching are allowing designers to create multi-layered interior design schemes that amplify personality, character and soul. This panel, moderated by Kilburn with Kerry Acheson (Ica) and Natalia Miyar (Natalia Miyar Atelier) joining as speakers, will explore how interior designs and architects are challenging conventional approaches to add longevity as well as meaning in commercial projects.
How to attend IDAS:
If you are a supplier and would like to attend IDAS, to take part in the pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings with designers, please email Olivia Jackson, or call 01992 374064. If you are a senior designer and/or an architect and would like to enquire about a complimentary delegates ticket to attend the event, please email Daniella Batchelor or call 01992 374086, or email.
With the guestroom taking centre stage in hotel design, Sofa.com considers design elements that can elevate the experience…
Considering the design of the guestroom and ensuring that everything works effortlessly to create a space that promotes rest and enjoyment is key to any hotel or hospitality project. Working closely with a global clientele, Sofa.com has seen a noticeable shift in how designers are approaching each project, with a strong focus on creating a space of sanctuary.
Each stage of the design process is an opportunity to create an environment that evokes a sense of calm via colours, materials, furniture and accessory choice, all resulting in the perfect room layout. As the centrepiece to all bedroom and guestroom specifications, bed choice is key and comfort is king. Designers need to consider both bed frame and mattress choice, as a deep slumber will be pivotal to guests not only feeling refreshed, but recommending their experience to friends and colleagues.
Image credit: Sofa.com
While interior designers are certainly becoming more experimental with colour, a calming selection of beige, earth tones and off-whites remain top choices across the upholstered bed range, as longevity of design is as important as making a bold statement. Texture can be used as an alternative way to add interest without opting for colour, with tactile fabrics such as sumptuously soft velvets or comforting boucle offering the perfect starting point to create a neutral décor scheme that does not lack in design detail or impact.
Collaborating and working with clients and designers over the years, sofa.com has taken onboard feedback on the importance of all the small details. Its flexibility to fulfil bespoke requests means each element is considered, from bed height to access to switches, sockets and lighting.
Image credit: Sofa.com
Additional furniture in the guestroom should complement the overarching goal to create a calm environment. Whilst acting as a decorative item and adding visual interest to a room, a well-chosen occasional chair at the right time of day potentially needs to be both a relaxing additional space to unwind and somewhere to sit and work. Luxury hotel rooms will often incorporate seating at the foot of the bed, whether in the form of a chaise longue or decorative bench, again combining practicality that is tailored to the desired aesthetic. Bedside tables too, should balance form and function, acting as a space to store personal items during a guest’s stay, while supporting stylistic factors within the room.
As trends in residential design start filtering through to hotel design, incorporating elements of biophilia through the use of natural materials and colours inspired by the outside environment has a multitude of benefits in guestroom specifications. First popularised in the 50s to boost productivity in office design, this is a concept that has crept into hotel planning to promote a peaceful atmosphere. Whether a holiday getaway, busy city break, or a business trip, the benefits of a relaxing environment can encourage separation from day-to-day life. Elevating the experience of the additional amenities, the guestroom, with the bed as the hero, is without doubt the ultimate destination within the hotel.
Sofa.com 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.
In conversation with: Maria Cheung, Director of Interiors at Squire & Partners
Following the numerous exclusive Hotel Designs panel discussions and roundtables that the designer has been part of recently – and before we take over the studio’s HQ for MEET UP London on April 24 and she joins us for Interior Design & Architecture Summit on June 26 – we thought it was about time we really got to know Maria Cheung, Director of Interiors at Squire & Partners. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…
The hotel design and hospitality industry has a situation on its hands. Since studios started to put more emphasis on collaboration – in-house as well as with external brands – and the focus was centred around talent and skill over whom ever could shout the loudest, there has been a shortage of divas. Gaining from the depletion of design dictators (I mean directors) who sit on thrones and a complete change in mindset to see and feel the value of true teamwork, the hotel design industry has ushered in a new, fresh era that is being fuelled by people who much prefer to lead from within the pack of a team.
One of those individuals who finds strength as an interior designer in research, development, data and communication is Maria Cheung who heads-up the interior design team at Squire & Partners. I decided to meet the designer following the studio’s presence at Surface Design Show where the team showcased an impactful installation with Stone Tapestry that focused on exploring locally sourced natural stone. “In line with the show’s theme of ‘shaping communities’, we focused the installation on exploring some of the natural stones that have helped shape and create towns and cities across the UK and Europe, particularly within the British Isles,” she said. “We discovered the wide variety of different stones within the British Isles, with varying colours and characteristics, and how they change when different textures are applied.”
Image credit: Stone Federation/Surface Design Show/Squire & Partners
Our conversation takes place at an apt time, while the studio peels back the layers of its most recent research project and gears up to take part in one of Hotel Designs’ next roundtables, which has largely been inspired by the studio’s openness when it comes to new materials. That roundtable, which will take places hours before MEET UP London, will be sheltered, by no coincidence, inside the same venue as the party itself. Upstairs at The Department Store – a quirky private members’ club attached to the studio’s HQ in the heart of Brixton, was designed by Cheung and her team. “The Department Store is incredibly special to us; it was a dilapidated, former department store built in 1906 which we sought to reimagine as our offices back in 2017,” the designer said. “Our focus was on revealing the beauty and history of the building through craft and collaboration, and with sensitive, contemporary interventions.
Image caption: Upstairs at The Department Stone, the venue for MEET UP London. | Image credit: James Jones
“The Department Store is a great collaboration story between designers, artists, craftspeople and contractors to expose and celebrate the layers of history that were embedded in its fabric. Weaving in a new narrative, the change of use from its original intention as a department store to our HQ comprises the different design departments of Squire & Partners, as well as opening it up for public use through a series of events spaces. These include the new rooftop bar/restaurant and terrace known as Upstairs – where MEET UP London will be hosted!”
And in terms of the conversation that we will be unapologetically putting under the spotlight during that roundtable? Cheung is clued-up on the variety and value of stone in hotel design – more so, perhaps, than any other designer I know. “There has been a development in our understanding that there is a wide variety of stones available, and that applying different finishes can transform the look and feel of the material,” she explained. “For instance, a busy vein-filled stone may be calmed and made more uniform by applying a honed texture. This allows different stones to be used in many more applications, therefore reducing potential waste.”
Image caption: Design studios designed right, inside Squire & Partners’ HQ at The Department Stone in Brixton. | Image credit: James Jones.
What is and what isn’t environmentally friendly is a subjective matter at the best of times in commercial interior design. And with a lot of talk on design studios achieving carbon-neutral (embodied carbon) status in projects, I am keen to understand the role of stone moving forward. “There is a lack of transparency within the stone industry on the carbon footprint of the extraction process,” adds Cheung. “Until this information is provided by quarries, real analysis between different materials cannot be made. However, The Ethical Stone Register has made improvements by providing a tool that offers a single source point for ethically and responsibly sourced natural stone, with requirements that member suppliers must comply with.
“Understanding how selected stones are extracted, the impact on the local environment, as well as the welfare of the workers in the quarries, needs to be part of the selection process. We can rely on bodies such as The Ethical Stone Register and be inspired by projects such as Honister Slate Mine and Tout Quarry, which show that former quarries can be converted into wonderful nature reserves and outdoor adventure destinations, offering employment in the local area and new landscapes for visitors to enjoy.”
Outside of research and development, the projects that are benefiting from this human-centric approach to design and materials are no shrinking violets. Ruby Hotels, which first launched in the UK in 2018, is about to add to its London portfolio of hotels with the arrival of the 173-key Ruby Zoe, which will be located in Notting Hill Gate West. “The six-storey building will provide 173 rooms, along with retail that wraps around the ground floor to activate the streetscape at both the front and rear of Notting Hill Gate.
Image credit: Ruby Hotels / Squire & Partners
“A reception/bar will welcome guests, flanked either side by two large, lively lounge/café/dining areas. The spaces will be focused on lifestyle and music: it is intended that live music will be performed regularly. Drawing upon the Notting Hill neighbourhood – in particular the carnival and its Caribbean roots – we were inspired by the decayed decadence of Cuban interiors. Working closely with Ruby Hotels’ in-house design team, we took some of those textures and patinas into the interiors. Fun installations with musical instruments and speakers, feature pendant lights made from plastic bottles and a patterned floor will all add to the dynamic experience.”
And finally, having teased us for far too long, the studio is edging closer to the completion of art’otel London Hoxton. “Our design of art’otel London Hoxton responds to the cultural identity of the nearby Silicon Roundabout – a hub for many technology companies – with a concept that makes a subtle nod to the development of the computer: without which Silicon Roundabout would not have its name,” added Cheung. “The architectural form and cladding of the building is inspired by the mechanical components of early analogue computers, with a cylindrical shape that rises to 26 storeys – maximising city views in all directions. Alongside 340 guestrooms, the hotel will provide a gym, spa and pool, art gallery, cinema, restaurant, bar and lounge.
New hotel on the block. Art’otel London Hoxton will be sheltered inside a cylindrical building. | Image credit: Squire & Partners
“Also incorporated into the design are two Banksy artworks which were part of the original site, conserved and displayed either side of the base of the tower. We’re really excited to see how our ideas for this prominent site develop into an important part of Shoreditch’s urban fabric.”
With 2023 set to become a milestone year for London’s hotel design and hospitality community, it’s clear that Squire & Partners, quite rightly, is going to have its chapter and moment in the history book. And that chapter will be written by interior designers like Cheung who, time and time again, put the project and people first.
How to attend Interior Design & Architecture Summit (IDAS)
If you are a supplier and would like to attend IDAS, to take part in the pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings with designers, please email Olivia Jackson, or call 01992 374064. If you are a senior designer and/or an architect and would like to enquire about a complimentary delegates ticket to attend the event, to hear Cheug speak on the ‘Green Agenda’, please email Daniella Batchelor or call 01992 374086, or email.
Squire & Partners are Exclusive Style Partners for MEET UP London, which takes place on April 24. The event is sold out, but tickets have gone on sale for MEET UP North, which takes place on July 6 at Yotel Manchester.
GROHE celebrates ‘health through water’ at Milan Design Week
During Milan Design Week, bathroom brand GROHE is showcasing its revitalised premium sub-brand GROHE SPA, which invites users to indulge in holistic water rituals…
Attracting an international audience of interior designers and architects, Milan Design Week is one of the largest and, arguably, the most important annual events for creative minds. The design elite, and young up-and-coming talents, as well as global brands, showcase their work through a series of exhibitions, presentations and events spread around the city.
In this vibrant setting, GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, is presenting its revitalised GROHE SPA sub-brand at the prestigious art museum Pinacoteca di Brera. The broad portfolio ranges from elaborate tap collections, customisable ceiling showers and intricate ceramics to complementary accessories. In addition to showcasing these exclusive products that create uniquely luxurious wellbeing areas, the brand expresses the GROHE SPA ‘Health Through Water’ concept through a water-inspired installation reflecting the stunning architecture of the art museum.
Image credit: GROHE
Entering the courtyard of the Pinacoteca, visitors can immerse themselves in a holistic experience with water at its core. Designed by the in-house design and brand identity team LIXIL Global Design, the immersive installation reflects the art museum, including the statue of Napoleon at the centre by one of the most important sculptors of his day, Antonio Canova. The stillness of the water expands the space and creates a kind of illusion, while representing cleanliness and wellbeing. Four cubes are placed in each of the courtyard’s corners to provide interior spaces where GROHE SPA’s four tiers are showcased. A mirror surface is used on all these cubes to contribute to the infinite look of the installation.
“Our immersive installation celebrates the GROHE SPA concept of ‘Health through Water’, while paying tribute to the artistic legacy of Pinacoteca,” said Patrick Speck, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, EMENA. “We believe that water is the source of vital energy. By appealing to different senses with our installation, we want to create a special experience for our guests – just like our GROHE SPA products do. Transforming the bathroom into a home spa is not about using individual products, but about creating holistic experiences that embrace the positive effects of water on the body and mind.”
Health and wellbeing presented in four tiers
Each of the four physical cubes nestled into the space is dedicated to one of four tiers that bring GROHE SPA to life. First, the GROHE SPA Icon 3D collection: The 3D metal-printed products redefine what is possible, while taking sustainable product design with ultimate customisation options to a new level. In addition to seeing the exclusive products, visitors can hear the sound of the 3D printing, see the process on an LED screen and feel a change in temperature, it gets warmer as soon as the printing simulation starts.
Image credit: GROHE
The second tier is comprised of the bespoke Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private Collections which allow customers to choose from a carefully curated range of colours, materials, finishes and handle designs. In order to enable end-consumers to enjoy an authentic marble style with a high-quality finish, GROHE is partnering with Caesarstone, the global pioneer of premium countertop surfaces, to craft tap handles from the brand’s durable surfaces in timeless designs. The installation demonstrates this partnership perfectly . As the key element, the black and white marble divides the space into two halves, demonstrating the many combinations that the collections make possible.
Image credit: GROHE
The GROHE Colours Collection is in the focus of the third tier. With trend-leading colours for products such as GROHE Allure and Aqua Ceiling Modules, the collection makes it easy to create personalised bathrooms. Cool Sunrise is the main colour used in this cube, and the displayed collections bathe the room in a golden light, while visitors can hear the sound of water and feel its humidity thanks to the elevated temperature. Completing the exhibition, the fourth tier revolves around modular shower solutions. GROHE has created a multi-sensory experience with mist, light and sound modules, as well as an LED screen showing images inspired by nature.
Product watch: Qatego from Duravit by Studio F. A. Porsche
Studio F. A. Porsche has designed a distinctive bathroom range for Duravit that exudes a sense of naturalness with its simple and minimalist design language…
The bathroom is increasingly becoming a place of wellbeing, regeneration and relaxation – an alternative realm to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a private and essential space. A decelerated lifestyle needs a design language that is minimalist and durable while at the same time relying on natural materials with tactile surfaces. The new Qatego bathroom series, designed for Duravit by Studio F. A. Porsche, brings wood, ceramic and natural stone together to create a harmonious bathroom design. The designers see the washbasins and furniture as a single unit of design and functionality.
“With Qatego we took our lead from people’s requirements in the familiar and intimate surroundings of the bathroom,” said Henning Rieseler, Design Director at Studio F. A. Porsche. “That’s why it was important for us to lend the objects a strong emotional quality that goes beyond mere functionality.”
Image credit: Duravit
The furniture of the collection features a linear design language and comes in a range of variants: a console vanity unit with a drawer and an above-counter basin resting upon it, or alternatively a unit that merges seamlessly with a built-in washbasin. Delicately worked and featuring a shadow gap, the panel of the console vanity unit appears to be floating. In functional terms, the storage space of the furniture is managed using an interesting interplay of open and closed surfaces. This runs like a golden thread through all design elements, including the tall cabinets with hinged doors, mirrors and mirrored cabinets with a storage shelf. The open shelves with optional lighting break up the strict, geometric form of the furniture and introduce a homely atmosphere and transparency into the bathroom. They are ideal for the effective presentation of curated items such as perfume bottles, bowls and vases.
Image credit: Duravit
The furniture of the Qatego bathroom range, made from sustainable PEFC-certified wood, is available in eight colours ranging from High Gloss White, natural and reserved nuances such as Taupe Matt and Basalt Matt, as well as strong shades such as Graphite Matt. Additionally, wood tones such as Marbled Oak, Black Oak, Terra Oak and Natural Oak round off Qatego’s colour spectrum inspired by nature. They can also be combined with solid colours and the bi-colour variant represents a special design feature.
The natural stone, deployed by Duravit for the first time, is similarly unique and the design from Studio F. A. Porsche combines the ceramic above-counter basins with stone panels made from Carrara marble, Travertine and Pietra Lavica – a further reference to nature. Here too, a range of customisation options can be selected and the solid stone panel in widths of 1,000 mm or 1,400 mm can be fixed directly to the wall, with the above-counter basin placed directly on it.
The console supports made from anthracite-coloured metal simultaneously act as towel holders. Alternatively, the 1,000 mm wide stone panel can be placed on a wooden console, creating a harmonious symbiosis of two materials and textures. A further design highlight consists of the rounded edges and recesses in the high quality stone panels to the left or right of the above-counter basin, offering space for accessories such as a brush or soap dispenser. Each of the natural stone panels used is a unique piece, which is expressed through the varied shimmering colours and veining. The protective impregnation on the stone surface makes for easy cleaning.
Image credit: Duravit
Image credit: Duravit
The design language of the sanitary objects combines clear geometries with a soft transition to the upper edge, which has been delicately and precisely worked. Water-worn pebbles with a pleasant feel were the inspiration for the design. “At this point we took a path that is more unusual for Studio F. A. Porsche, as the idea was to create something natural, almost soft and consequently also to reinterpret the functional aspect of the design,” explained Rieseler.
Image credit: Duravit
The rectangular washbasins are available in four variants, as a wall-mounted model as well as an above-counter basin with a tap platform that offers adequate storage space. These are joined by a semi-recessed basin and a built-in basin with characteristically arched sides that is available with a matching, seamlessly integrated console vanity unit. The design highlight of the series is the above-counter basin measuring 600 x 400 mm which, in addition to the standard version, is also available in a variant with strongly arched sides. The freestanding bathtub is consistent with this above-counter basin in formal terms and is the undoubted eye-catcher in the space. It is made from DuroCast Plus mineral cast with moulded-in colour and a fine velvety surface. As with the acrylic built-in bathtub, an ergonomically shaped lumbar support supports the lower back area and guarantees pleasant sitting comfort.
A wall-mounted and free-standing toilet and bidet that blend seamlessly into the overall concept round off the sanitary objects. Pre-fitted hinges enable the toilet seat to be quickly and easily installed. All ceramic elements are optionally available with the antibacterial ceramic glaze HygieneGlaze, which achieves a previously unheard-of hygiene standard. After just six hours, approximately 90 per cent of bacteria are eliminated, with approximately 99.9 per cent eliminated after 24 hours. The Wave faucet series designed by Duravit is the ideal companion to sanitary objects and completes the sophisticated design concept with five different finishes.
Duravit 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.
Showcasing the Dedar outdoor collection of fabrics
The outdoor fabric collection from Dedar offers the best of both worlds, with both a radiant spirit and extreme durability…
High performance, easy to use fabrics for outdoors, the Enjoyable Outdoors collection from Dedar finds a common ground in its complete ease of use. Through its design and craftsmanship, the fabrics can absorb any type of strain or impact without being damaged. From bad weather to heavy usage, the basis of use is for fun and relaxation, with the freedom to seize every opportunity without having to worry about maintenance or other practical constraints.
Enjoyable Outdoors celebrates garden parties and relaxed, optimistic sociality. It looks to the Mediterranean and the southern European lifestyle, while also being inspired by other corners of the world that are just as inviting — from the beaches of Brazil to cosy mountain chalets surrounded by snow. The fabrics adapt with ease to a wide range of environments and uses, whether by the pool or on a boat, on the veranda or in the garden, or even in the mountains.
Image credit: Dedar
Image credit: Dedar
Campus is an outdoor jacquard fabric with a geometric motif animating this high-performing polypropylene fabric for outdoor use. It is resistant to UV rays and fading, harsh weather conditions, saltwater and chlorine, as well as being washable and easy to remove stains from.
Basquette is another geometric outdoor jacquard in the collection, with a lozenge motif in solution-dyed polypropylene. Strong, durable and non-allergenic, it guarantees maximum resistance to light, extreme weather conditions, mildew and bacteria, abrasion and chlorinated water and is a fabric for outdoor seating of medium-intensive use.
Image credit: Dedar
Image credit: Dedar
Adding texture to the collection, Libera is an outdoor bouclé. This textured and high-performing fabric has been realised with a special polypropylene yarn which reproduces the irregular aspect of natural yarns, giving a slight motion to the surface. Resistant to light and molds, washable and cleanable with bleach, it is suitable for intensive use seating.
Completing the collection is Strange Loves, a striped outdoor fabric. The traditional two-colour stripes on acrylic fabric with an excellent colour stability is achieved by mass dyeing. Again, this fabric is resistant to molds and weather conditions, washable and water-repellent. The choice of the design and colours will carry you to a fun summer world where you can move freely.
Dedar 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.
Hilton has announced it will be launching its world‑class luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria, in Jaipur, India’s pink city, by 2027. Here’s what we know…
Hilton and Dangayach Group have announced the signing of a branding and management agreement for the launch of Waldorf Astoria Jaipur, marking the debut of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in India. Globally renowned for defining the art of hospitality, the luxury brand continues to strategically expand its presence in landmark locations worldwide. Steeped in history and culture, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a truly unique destination in India’s famed Golden Triangle, making it an ideal location to launch the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in India.
“Having recently announced the entry of Waldorf Astoria to Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, we are delighted to partner with Dangayach Group for the landmark debut of Waldorf Astoria in India,” said Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to working with esteemed local partners to expand our luxury portfolio in prime destinations in the region. India holds a strategic significance for Hilton and we are eager to establish a new standard for luxury in the country. Jaipur, with its cultural richness and remarkable architectural marvels, provides a captivating backdrop for our first Waldorf Astoria in India and we are excited to create unforgettable experiences within this extraordinary setting.”
Image caption: Waldorf Astoria Malaysia | Image credit: Hilton Hotels and Resorts
“We are delighted to partner with a trusted global hospitality company like Hilton to bring Waldorf Astoria to India,” said Atul Dangayach, Managing Director, Dangayach Group. “Jaipur combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis and we are confident that with its distinct brand proposition, this new luxury hotel will provide an unrivalled experience for leisure and business travellers alike.”
Spanning 22 acres overlooking the magnificent Aravalli Hills, Waldorf Astoria Jaipur will be the epitome of luxury in Jaipur. Sheltering 51 expansive pool villas and 174 elegant guestrooms, the hotel will exude a sense of space and grandeur. It will also feature a luxurious spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and five distinctive dining experiences, including the world-famous Peacock Alley, the iconic lounge and bar synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria brand.
Offering 2,400 square metres of meeting space and 3,000 square metres of open lawns, courtyards and gardens, Waldorf Astoria Jaipur will serve as an unparalleled venue for celebrations, lavish weddings and world-class events. The picturesque property will be ideally located off the Delhi – Jaipur Road and within easy access to historical attractions such as Amer Palace, Nahargarh Fort and Hawa Mahal.
Waldorf Astoria Jaipur will join Hilton’s existing portfolio of 24 operating and 13 pipeline hotels and resorts across India.
Product watch: introducing Earth Collection from Red Dog Glass Design
Red Dog Glass Design – a luxury design house specialising in bespoke glass panels featuring original abstract art – has looked to the natural world for inspiration for its new Earth Collection…
The new range of contemporary art panels features original abstract artwork by Red Dog Glass Design founder, artist Sally Coulden, in three nature-inspired colourways: Atlantic Ocean, Deep Forest and Raw Earth. Featuring earthy tones and patterns that are inspired by nature, the Earth Collection offers a visually exciting way to bring the outdoors inside. With its vibrant hues and intricate designs, these glass panels and splashbacks harness the soothing power of nature, while adding a touch of luxury to your space.
Image credit: Red dog Glass Design
“Coastlines and waterways have long inspired my artwork, but the Earth Collection goes deeper and pays homage to our natural world in all its wild, unbound glory,” said Sally Coulden, Founder of Red Dog Glass Design. “From the depths of the ocean to the warmth of sun-baked clay, via the luscious greens of the forest, the Earth Collection will inject a slice of nature into the heart of any hospitality space.”
Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design
The Earth Collection is made to order and Coulden’s original artwork is digitally deconstructed and expertly printed in high-resolution onto 10mm, 6mm or 4mm toughened-glass panels. Premium quality, ultra-hygienic and very easy to care for, each unique piece can be installed as bespoke glass panelling, bathroom splashbacks and tiles or wall art.
Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design
Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design
Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design
With three main colourways, the collection explores the tones and texures of the elements. The Atlantic Ocean Collection takes you on a deep dive into colours inspired by clear blue summer seas and wild Atlantic vistas. Deep Forest transports any interior into a world of towering trees, lush green foliage and an ever-changing palette of colours and textures. The third colourway, Raw Earth, is characterised by the terracotta pigments, warm reds and earthy browns, which subconsciously ground us in our space, helping us feel connected when we’re craving stability.
Red Dog Glass Design 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.
Product watch: a new LVT flooring collection from Hyperion Tiles
Family-run, independent online tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles has diversified its flooring portfolio with a luxurious new vinyl tile (LVT) and plank (LVP) collection…
LVT is a printed vinyl flooring material that looks just like real wood or stone. It’s a highly durable flooring option that is one of the fastest-growing products on the market. Upscale in appearance, LVT tiles are made from a series of layers which, despite their durability, are flexible and thin enough to cut with a knife. The new collection in the Hyperion Tiles portfolio enables designers to achieve a variety of ultra-durable flooring solutions. From the authentic grooves of real wood to the timeless elegance of natural stone, each style has been meticulously designed in luxury vinyl tile or plank form. Designed and produced by innovative Belgian brand Floorify, the range is comprehensive and perfect for hoteliers with longevity in mind.
“Each tile and plank combine stylish good looks with incredible durability and this luxury vinyl is far more cost-effective than the real thing too, which makes this a perfect choice in the current economic climate,” explained Richard Skeoch, Director, Hyperion Tiles. “Ideal for every room in a hotel, including the bathroom, as this luxury vinyl is waterproof – take your pick from stone, concrete, terrazzo and Ceppo-effect tiles and wood-effect planks.”
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
“We can also offer you the chance to choose extra-long planks (2000mm x 240mm),” continued Skeoch, ” this size is a first for the UK and means that installation will be more economical in larger spaces, as less product will be used in the installation process. If you require something smaller, we can accommodate this with two additional sizes (1524mm x 225mm and 1219mm x 178mm).”
The benefit of a luxury vinyl tile includes the ability to combine design and style with durability. The LVT flooring collection from Hyperion Tiles realistically replicates the look of natural stone and real wood, but is also much easier to maintain. Compared with wood and natural stone, it’s also a far more cost-effective option. In addition to being smart, stylish and virtually indistinguishable from real wooden and stone floors, LVT flooring is waterproof, scuff, scratch and stain-resistant, with plenty of strength and stability. But durability doesn’t mean discomfort. The synthetic layers of LVT flooring mean it is more comfortable underfoot than other natural materials and surface sound is minimised.
Hyperion Tiles 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.
In conversation with: Georgina Wood, Founder of Studio Clementine
Studio Clementine might be a relatively new kid on the designer block, but its founder Georgina Woods brings a wealth of experience to the table. Writer Pauline Brettell caught up with the designer to find out a bit more about the studio and her strong personal style…
After graduating Georgina Woods started her career with an F&B interior design firm, which essentially set the course for her future career. Over the next eight years she rose to become Head of Interior Design for a luxury real estate developer, followed by positions with several other leading name practices, including David Collins Studio. With each position came new resources and skills that she has been able to consolidate and use to forge her own path culminating in Studio Clementine.
Image credit: Studio Clementine
Pauline Brettell: What made you feel that it was the right time for Studio Clementine?
Georgina Woods: The trouble is that more senior you become as an employee the less hands-on you are. I found myself sitting in business development sessions, finance meetings, HR meetings and PR discussions, steadily becoming more and more frustrated with how much time these could take up. At the end of the day, I am a creative. So, at the beginning of 2020, I decided it was a new decade and time to do my own thing. Crazy timing as it turned out with a pandemic around the corner, but I succeeded in winning and managing work via Zoom and was soon hiring a small team.
PB: You have developed a strong personal style – can you tell us a bit more about the points and persons of inspiration that have helped you on this path?
GW: My style is simple, it is about harmonious colour, attention to detail and a love of design, history and people. I adapt to each project; no one style or brief fits all, otherwise the interior is textbook and too commercially contrived. Each project, client and location needs to be studied before a DNA for the interior can be created.
My path or skill was influenced by my father who was a carpenter. I often helped (or maybe hindered) his team in the workshop during school holidays. I also love needlework, crocheting and sewing and have had an aptitude for these for as long as I can remember. When I darned my point shoes, they were so perfect I was often asked by school friends to do theirs! My mother owned a haberdashery shop when I was very young, and I would sit and crochet or knit with the old ladies.
Image credit: Astrid Templier
Image credit: Astrid Templier
PB: Detail and embellishment play a key role in your designs – can you talk to us a bit about that and the blurring of design boundaries between theatre, fashion and interiors?
GW: I think the ground was laid for this convergence in my approach when I was quite young. As a teenager, I went to a performing arts school in London. The school was great, but steadily I found myself more interested in the life drawing and the art classes rather than dancing. What really inspired me at the time was the idea of becoming a set designer for film and theatre. Actually, someone said to me recently that my interiors are like stage sets for my clients and their guests to act out their dreams, so it seems that my early ambitions have been translated into the work I do now!
Over the years, I also developed a deep admiration for the values of couture fashion – its apparently effortless style and timelessness as well as the precision and detail with which it is made. These are all characteristics that I hold dear in my work.
Image credit: Studio Clementine
PB: You have dabbled in bespoke furniture design – is there a Clementine range on the horizon?
GW: Maybe [on] the far horizon but, for now, I prefer to design unique furniture for my projects – pieces that reflect the personality of the client. I also like to repurpose vintage items. I love the whispers of bygone times that you feel when you bring old things into a contemporary setting and it’s usually kinder on the environment than creating anew.
PB: What has been your most inspiring project pre-Studio Clementine, and most inspiring project as Studio Clementine?
GW: Pre-Studio Clementine, it was the redesign of the Churchill Bar & Terrace at the Hyatt Regency in London. Firstly, our muse was Winston Churchill and to a lesser extent, his wife Clementine and we drew on the 1930s art deco era for our inspiration – a period of design that I love. More than that, though, we worked very closely with such passionate owners and directors, which made the entire project great fun. Bringing Churchill to life through meaningful, yet subtle, references and celebrating art deco with the use of materials such as ceramic, stainless steel, gold and stone together with lavish ornamentation and geometric patterns was an experience I will always treasure.
At Studio Clementine, I think it was a project for CIT that we completed at the end of last year. This was the first time I had been invited to design a marketing suite to help a developer sell luxury residences off-plan, so the one hand I had a lot to learn, which is always exciting. But on the other, what I was creating was essentially a hospitality experience but with marketing purpose at its heart. Throughout, every element was custom-designed or specifically purchased by Studio Clementine. These included rugs in a design inspired by a Hermes vintage silk scarf to custom designed coffee tables.
The client mentioned he loved the work of fashion designer Tom Ford. So, I found inspiration in Tom Ford’s shop interiors, specifically his flagship store on Maddison Avenue. Studio Clementine’s metal tables embody the richness and darkness of the store, and of course I christened them ‘Tom’! Other highlights included a full-height presentation cabinet in hand cut starburst rosewood, which we designed as a contemporary take on pigeonhole cabinets, a specially designed plinth combining antique mirror, dark stained oak and embossed leather to showcase the model of the development, and accessories sourced from the world-famous Alfies Antique Market.
Image credit: Studio Clementine
Image credit: Studio Clementine
PB: It didn’t take long before you started garnering awards! Talk us through your award winning design for Bonadea and what it is, in your eyes, that sets it apart…
GW: I think of my design for Bonadea, a luxury tableware store in London SW1, as bringing to life the narrative of Bona Dea. She was a Roman goddess known as the protector of women as they go through changes in their lives and I felt a very strong connection to her at this time when I was launching Studio Clementine. Furthermore, Bona Dea would host rituals for women that involved drinking wine and decorating their houses with flowers, so what was not to like! Every detail – and there were many – was designed to connect with the goddess after whom the boutique was named.
Image credit: Astrid Templier
We totally stripped out the existing interiors and created a collection of distinct, yet connected, spaces. New colonnades and bespoke marble floors in the main room gave a sense of walking into an Italian palazzo with a modern-day sensibility where the colour palette was inspired by Italian fashion and photography. A custom-built marble and limestone fireplace provided a relaxed ‘at home’ area for the tableware displays and silk-lined cabinets showcased the hand-crafted object d’art and rare glassware. A striking Cartier chandelier by Mathieu Lustrerie graced a ceiling intricately carved with butterflies and bees. We created a winter garden room, imagined as a place for entertaining, with a hand-painted wallpaper by Fromental and a powder room complete with hand cut pale pink onyx, a crystal vanity and hand-embroidered linen sheers by Pierre Frey. Again, we were essentially creating a hospitality experience, this time with retail at its heart.
Image credit: Astrid Templier
PB: Do you have a standout hotel design that ticks all the boxes for you?
GW: Sorry, I can’t pick just one! I love The Berkeley Hotel in London, designed by Remi Tessier. Whichever room you enter, soft timbers are a perfect complement to dreamy pastel colours. I adore Claridge’s for its magnificent art deco detailing and the grandeur of its arrival lobby, while there is still something so welcoming when you enter. And then there’s Public Hotel NYC – an old new hotel that it works so well. I love the simplicity and unique style of the rooms, and the main entrance up those escalators – wow!
PB: And finally, can you share any exciting projects you have in the Studio Clementine pipeline?
GW: We are currently working on several very exciting projects, including Cambridge House Hotel on London’s Piccadilly. This is the long-awaited redevelopment of the old In and Out Club which is being transformed by Reuben Brothers into an exceptional boutique hotel with residencies. The Grade l listed building is being restored and extended to create a 102-guestroom hotel with fine dining, bars and lounges and spa and function rooms, together with five beautiful apartments and two penthouses that Studio Clementine is designing.
I am also acting as design consultant on a project to create an extraordinary spa at another of London’s luxury hotels, but this remains highly confidential, for now at least!
MKV Design, the interior design studio that was a tasked to bring to life the first W Hotel in Greece, was inspired by natural materials when creating W Costa Navarino…
Located in the beautiful resort of Costa Navarino and on the beach of the historic Navarino Bay overlooking the Ionian Sea, W Costa Navarino is surrounded on land by olive and cypress groves. It is this intoxicating inheritance of nature’s wonders and ancient stories, together with centuries-old artisanal traditions that has been translated by the designers into a contemporary experience where luxury and informality meet. The resulting aesthetic feels pure and genuine; it also reflects the ‘free spirited’ ethos of the W culture.
John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis
The concept of the hotel, imaged by MKV Design, is an alliance of indoors and out in which the buildings are constructed from stone hewn from the site and, inside, all stone, timber and metals are from the region. Reception flows seamlessly from olive groves to a panorama of the sea with the continuum of cobbles underfoot and woven rope panels above, through which plants tumble. The colour palette emerges from the gentle green of the olive trees combined with bursts of bright colour in accessories and soft furnishings.
To one side of reception, the bar anchors library and lounge to form a contemporary and flexible space; the bar opens onto the sea vista while the library closes-down into a cosy, fire-lit space on chillier days. Furniture is modern and organic in style. Contoured forms reappear in the spa, combined with pure geometric lines. Openings in the walls provide sea views and allow sunlight to bathe the space; a custom-crafted artwork of twisted towels set in plaster makes an intriguing statement piece in the spa’s reception. Even the conference spaces enjoy connection with nature with views of the groves and indoor plantings to revive flagging spirits.
Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis
The conventional all-day dining restaurant has been fragmented into a collection of distinct F&B offerings. Each one is intentionally designed not to feel like a hotel restaurant but rather an easy-going venue in a Greek village square, each with its own aesthetic but all offering a seamless indoor/outdoor experience expressed through the continuity of materials, finishes and furniture.
The four venues – the Coffee Shop, the Bakery, the Deli and the Cookery – all showcase regional materials, authentic regional patterns and details of centuries-old craft traditions within a modern vernacular. Warm timber slats articulate the ceilings of the Coffee Shop and Deli, juxtaposed with the grey-green colour palette of the stone finishes and furniture. Artefacts are inspired by the ancient oil jars and pots of Greece, and, in the Deli, terracotta wall tiles draw on the typical designs of old tiles still to be found in local villages. Tables are hand-carved to show off the natural knots and joints of their timber. The design of Bakery also includes generous use of warm timber, here offsetting the mosaic of stone to the floor. Cookery features a huge theatre kitchen around which diners can sit to dine or enjoy lively cooking demonstrations. The craggy stone surround of the kitchen counter, washed with uplighting, glows invitingly as night falls outside.
Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis
However, singular as the interiors of the four destinations are, the exceptionalism of this unusual all-day dining option lies in the Platia where guests can sit wherever they wish, around tables, on sofas or in rocking chairs, and enjoy whatever cuisine they desire at that moment in time. In true Greek style, they can re-arrange the seating for friends who happen to pass by, they can shelter from the afternoon sun under modern pergolas and at night they can find quiet niches for candle-lit suppers. The square is designed as a room outside and, just as in the hotel’s interiors, the natural world beyond the resort is brought in with aromatic and trailing planting and fruit-bearing trees. The Platia is bordered by one of the resort’s pools and, beyond this, captivating views of beach and sea complete guests’ sense of place.
The 246 guestrooms are a journey from the olive and cypress groves to the vista of the sea. Approaching their door, guests experience a sensory awakening as cascading plants create a verdant and aromatic curtain that rustles in the breeze and casts ever-changing shadows on the corridor wall opposite. As the sun sets, this arrival experience takes on new magic.
Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis
Inside, the rooms flow seamlessly from the glazed bathroom to bedroom area and onto an indoor lounge before opening onto the terrace. The result is a sense of spaciousness, transparency and serenity – the guest’s own space between land and sea. The design is a testament to the skills of basket weaving, carpentry, rope-making, leatherworkers, and potters that still abound in the region today and includes subtle nods to the hotel’s coastal location.
Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis
Wooden headboards are intricately interwoven with white rope, sheer curtains sway in the sea breeze like sails on a boat and lamps are designed to resemble a fishing trap with a delicate rope weave that creates a play of light and shadow on the walls. The materiality of the room is simple and honest but elevated into something new and sometimes sculptural – blocks of wood, for example, are playfully translated into a console table and sisal cord becomes an organic surround to the vanity mirrors providing an eye-catching contrast to the rough-hewn stone walls of the bathrooms.
Further creative detail abounds. Room signage is crafted from pebble-shaped forms, linear B writing on pottery is a tribute to the ancient Greek civilisation that once flourished in the region and terracotta sculptures bring a touch of whimsy. The chestnut wood armchairs are a work of art in themselves, inviting guests to sink into their hand-stitched leather upholstery for an afternoon nap.
Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis
The ground level ‘Swim Up’ guestrooms open-up onto a terrace which steps down to the hotel’s main pool. Guestrooms above, on the first and second storeys of the hotel, offer large outdoor terraces with magnificent panoramic views, and two- and three-bedroom villas are located alongside the beach, each one with their own pool, garden and direct access to the beach.
Recognised for its pre-eminence in hotel interior design across Europe, and respected for its sensitive approach to hospitality interiors, MKV Design has injected character, peronality and timeless touches inside a hotel that will carry the W brand into a new design era.
Piero Lissoni unveils FUOROSCALA for Atlas Concorde at Milan Design Week 2023
FUORISCALA is a design collaboration between Piero Lissoni and Atlas Concorde, which has doubled its presence during Milan Design Week 2023, debuting at Salone del Mobile…
Designer Piero Lissoni and Atlas Concorde are revealing the result of a meaningful collaboration this week during Milan Design Week, which comes in the form of two structures that are being displayed at Salone del Mobile and the brand’s flagship store in Brera.
FUORISCALA, Expanding Design Compositions, is a project that stretches four metres tall. But don’t be put-off by its size. The purpose of the installations is to ‘reflect on the ability of large slabs’. “We’ve taken the concept of Atlas Concorde’s large formats to the extreme through two installations where unexpected elements play on the change of scale,” said Piero Lissoni. “It has been a conceptual exercise where architectural forms are reversed to become products and vice versa, tables with a multifaceted shape that practically break the rules for making a real table.”
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
Within the two spaces, Fuoriscala offers visitors two different perspectives that can play off of each other to spotlight the characteristics of porcelain tiles, allowing the large formats to express their full potential.
The large slabs recall the primary and archetypal forms of architecture that, like stage sets, enclose and give life to multiple settings where the earthy nature of the porcelain tiles is always the main focus: kitchens, living and dining areas, bathrooms, and leisure spaces.
In the Fuorisalone circuit, at Atlas Concorde Studio Milano, the company’s showroom in Via San Marco, Fuoriscala flips the usual concept of a ‘table’ by giving life to two elements with large dimensions of an abstract nature characterised by prismatic shapes. Slabs, natural elements, transparency, geometries, and reflections are the tools that project the installation into a future dimension.
The overall aim of the project – and indeed modern design – is to inspire creatives to redesign spaces and furnishing elements, to create atmospheres of emotions that convey wellbeing to those within.
Atlas Concorde 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.
Continuing to lead the pack by investing in new digital technology, commercial wallcovering manufacturer Newmor has a creative edge when it comes to inspired large-scale design that makes a statement…
Newmor is well-known for its expertise in design and manufacturing commercial vinyl wallcoverings and hold one of the largest ex-stock facilities in the UK. Commercial wallcoverings by their nature, are perfect for wayfinding and zoning different areas, whilst withstanding high traffic and daily cleaning and in turn, public and co-working spaces are ideally suited for distinctive large-scale designs to add drama and focal points.
“Wallcoverings can have a huge impact on the atmosphere of different spaces – from calming break-out spaces to inspiring meeting rooms with energising, colourful prints and beautiful welcoming reception areas,” said David Johnston, Managing Director, Newmor. “We’ve significantly advanced our capability using new digital technology and launched our Digital Design Studio catalogue to make specifying designs easier. Being responsive to our clients’ changing needs sits at the heart of our business. Together our stock facility and digital print capability makes us extremely agile.”
Image credit: Newmor
Estilo Interiors selected Newmor Geometrics Lines for its project at 4 Temple Row Birmingham. The design fulfilled both an aesthetic and a functional brief as it directed and defined spaces within the work environment.
In addition to its own iconic custom designs, which range from structured geometrics, textured surfaces, beautiful painterly effects and florals to large scale fresco’s, Newmor also works in collaboration with an array of UK based designers and artists. “We are continually developing new designs, both in our own studio and through our collaborations with designers and artists – this approach allows us to celebrate different design styles and engenders creative thinking in us all,” explained Rose Campbell, Head of Design and Marketing, Newmor. “As well as our rich design resource, our team also work on many bespoke projects to create unique designs to our clients brief.”
Image credit: Newmor
Image credit: Newmor
Newmor has launched a 104-page catalogue of designs to support its Digital Design Studio. “The Digital Design Studio catalogue is a compendium of new and existing collections,” said Campbell. “It’s been created to make specifying easier. All designs in our Digital Design Studio collection can be recoloured, rescaled and digitally printed onto a host of substrates including textures, metallics and window films. We can even create WallArt to complement our wallcoverings by framing designs or printing directly onto canvas.”
And if clients can’t find exactly what they are looking for, then the Newmor design team can create something completely unique for their project.
Newmor 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.
James Latham adds new brand to Washroom Collection
Pfleiderer’s range of high-performance laminates joins the James Latham Washroom Collection….
James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of architectural decors, adds Pfleiderer’s premium Compact Grade (CGL) and High Pressure Laminates (HPL) to its signature Washroom Collection.
Available through James Latham in the UK and Ireland and perfect for any commercial, hospitality, leisure or education washroom project, Pfleiderer laminates are available in 40 different colourways, patterns, and textures, offering specifiers an incredible choice of visually appealing decors.
Image credit: James Latham
This exceptional level of style is also complemented by impressive performance attributes. Robust and durable, all laminates in the collection are able to meet the demanding, high-impact setting of a busy washroom.
Safe and hygienic
Moisture, scratch, and stain resistant, Pfleiderer laminates achieve a very hygienic surface that is easy to clean. This results in lower maintenance and longer-lasting surfaces, futureproofing the washroom by slowing down the refurbishment cycle.
Going further, the range also includes Moisture Resistant Melamine Faced Chipboard (MR MFC) and the innovative Melamine Faced High Density Fibreboard (MFHDF) featuring a black core. This increased durability makes these two products particularly useful for high-footfall, frequently-used environments such as leisure centres and educational establishments.
And that’s not all. These surfaces’ inherent hygienic properties can be further enhanced with Pfleiderer’s proprietary MicroPLUS antimicrobial surfaces. Available across the brand’s entire laminate portfolio, this added protection means the range can be specified for specialist applications in sensitive environments including healthcare, pharmaceutical, and laboratory facilities.
Easy to work with
For fabricators, Pfleiderer laminates are also incredibly flexible. Its availability in four core substrates means they can be specified to the different performance requirements of myriad features across the washroom environment, from toilet cubicles and vanity units to IPS Systems and lockers; all within one product range.
Produced in many different dimensions, sheets can easily be cut to size or applied in their entirety, according to the specification requirement. This variety of formats, including half size sheets, means you can maximise yields and reduce waste and, in turn, the project’s carbon footprint.
Specifiers and fabricators are also making a sustainable material choice when they choose Pfleiderer laminates. Manufactured using recycled materials, all products have a circular lifecycle, delivering uncompromising results with minimum environmental impact.
James Latham 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.
Franklite continues with its 50th anniversary celebrations by introducing two new product ranges – Galaxy and Cosmic – available in a range of design combinations and finishes…
With bubble lighting on trend for 2023 the Galaxy and Cosmic ranges could not have been introduced into the Franklite portfolio at a more perfect time. Bubble lighting, made up from globe or sphere shaped lights, is a round compact design that will never go out of style.
Catalogue 26 and Supplement offers hundreds of ranges that cater for both contemporary and classic design styles. However launched earlier this year in sneak product preview, is the Galaxy, a comprehensive range of single and multiple suspensions in satin nickel with clear cable or aged brass with black cable. The range is available with a choice of clear, amber, smoked or matt opal glass spheres in various sizes.
Image credit: Franklite
The Cosmic range offers a choice of satin nickel or antique gold finish fittings. Available with a selection of matt opal, amber or smoked glass spheres. Featuring nine and 12 light pendants that convert to flush fittings for areas with lower ceilings or single and two light wall brackets that are ideal for hallways and bedside lighting, this range is perfect for hotel settings.
Having successfully supplied its exceptional luminaires for projects, which include the Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Mercure Hotels and the Gailes Hotel just to name a few, Franklite offers products that balance optimal performance with beautiful aesthetics.
Franklite 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.
Bagnodesign is bringing its luxury, Italian-led bathroom design to the heart of London, with inspiration, ideas and creative thinking for interior design throughout the two floors of its Clerkenwell studio. What’s more, it’s the venue – or stage – of our CDW Takeover party this year…
Born in Dubai, Bagnodesign is present in more than 40 countries and is chosen by some of the most acclaimed interior design houses and leading architects for commercial projects around the world. As a brand that offers the complete solution for creating luxury bathrooms, comfort, quality and innovation come as standard. This high-end brand is however anything but standard in terms of design-led thinking and trend-setting product design.
The showroom is an ideal base for designers to see first-hand the latest product launches and presents a ‘toolkit’ to gather inspiration and ideas for their next projects. The perfect space for customers to network, discuss ideas and plan for future projects, the Gallery includes a dedicated meeting room and entertainment area, with a built-in bar.
Image credit: Bagnodesign
Fresh launches on display for Clerkenwell Design Week include a new mixer range, Chiasso. Available in chrome, brushed nickel, soft bronze and PVD gold, the inserts on the handles are customisable and come in six Alpine finishes to suit the corresponding furniture by the same brand. Bespoke inserts can also be produced in the Sanipex Slab Fabrication Facility in Dubai, making Chiasso a fully customisable option.
Image credit: Bagnodesign
Another stand-out product in the Clerkenwell Architecture + Design Gallery is Orology. This brassware range uniquely draws inspiration from stylish watch bezels, with its versatile features offering a sense of understated luxury, allowing variations and combinations to maintain timeless contemporary elegance. With flexibility and functionality at its core, the Orology brassware collection comes in five stunning finishes to offer the ultimate luxury of choice in bathroom design. The versatile options include PVD Gold, Anthracite, Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Soft Bronze, each adding individual perspective and depth to the finish.
Visitors to Clerkenwell Design Week in May can also catch sight of Alpine from Bagnodesign, a versatile furniture range, with a wide range of options to suit any space. Select from 18 slab options to a signature look, with freestanding and wall-hung options, double basins and extended countertop options available. The Alpine collection can be configured in numerous ways to create a distinctive, bespoke look that works across any aesthetic.
Sanipex Group 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.
Roca brought a taste of the Mediterranean to this year’s ISH bathroom trade fair in Frankfurt and on a stand designed to resemble a Spanish plaza, it showcased its latest collections, product innovations and cutting-edge technologies…
After a four-year hiatus, ISH proved it is still a must-attend event for the global bathroom industry and this year’s exhibition was busier than ever. Making a strong design statement, Roca showcased collections that were about both form and function.
The Tura collection made a strong statement, inspired by the architecture of Roca’s hometown of Barcelona and created by Catalan designer Andreu Carulla. Architecture is an essential part of Barcelona’s culture and indeed, the name Tura stems from the endings of two Spanish words, ‘arquitectura’ and ‘cultura’. Andreu’s inspiration for Tura was drawn from several architectural sources, including the graceful curves of Antonio Bonet’s La Ricarda, the geometric shapes of José Antonio Coderch’s Casa Ugalde and the rationalist approach of Josep Lluís Sert in designing the Joan Miró Foundation. The influence of these sources can be seen in the shape of the Tura washbasins, where square and rectilinear lines are met by soft edges and subtle curves.
Image credit: Roca
Image credit: Roca
Andreu was also inspired by the Mediterranean light and the way it interacts with the slats of shutters that cover windows in homes throughout Spain. As a tribute to the shutters that captured his imagination, Andreu incorporated slatted shelves into his Tura furniture. The collection also includes waterproof felt storage boxes (for putting on the shelves) and drawers and comes in a choice of Matt White, Light Noble Grey or Light Terracotta, which recall the soft tones typical of a Mediterranean colour palette.
Sustainability is at the heart of the Tura collection, with many aspects designed to minimise environmental impact. The furniture and bath tray are made with FSC-certified wood, while the sanitaryware is 100 per cent natural ceramic. The height-adjustable bath headrest is made from recycled outdoor fabric and the felt storage boxes feature recycled cork lids. Overall, Tura is a collection that is flexible enough to feel equally at home in the bathroom of a modernist apartment, a family home or a country house.
Image credit: Roca
Another nod to the Mediterranean was the launch of the exciting Nu collection, comprising taps in brilliant bright colours, also reminiscent of the 20th century architecture of Barcelona. Nu is the French word for ‘nude’, which inspired Inma Bermúdez and Moritz Krefter of Studio Inma Bermúdez to simplify the tap design by eliminating unnecessary elements, leaving only what they deemed essential. The result is a slender 35mm diameter body, Roca’s thinnest to date, which comes in Mint Green, Cobalt Blue, Honey Yellow, Titanium Black, Glossy White and Chrome.
Image credit: Roca
Image credit: Roca
The Nu collection includes three different handles – Pin, Dome and Stripes. Pin has a thin, elongated handle that gives it a slightly bird-like form, as though it is ready to take flight. Dome embraces a rounded, organic form, while Stripes is inspired by the grooved knobs on old stereos. Another playful detail of the design is the use of red and blue dots to indicate hot and cold water respectively, discreetly located under the handles. When the handle is tipped back to turn the tap on, the design creates a smiling face, bringing joy to the user’s everyday routine.
Image credit: Roca
Roca’s In-Wash Insignia shower toilet was another brand highlight at ISH 2023 and promises to be its smartest WC yet. Users can program daily functions and adjust operating modes via remote control or the In-Wash Insignia mobile app. These functions include a night light, the opening and closing of the toilet seat lid and adjustable washing features. Users will also receive notifications and alerts for optimum management of their WC. The In-Wash Insignia boasts several technologies to enhance its performance. These include the Roca Rimless Vortex Hygiene Flush, which maximises water flow and ensures effective flushing and cleanliness and a Supraglaze coating that allows microscopic residue to slide off, preventing dirt buildup.
A self-cleaning nozzle with UV-light eliminates 99.99 per cent of bacteria, while a carbon filter eliminates odours. The In-Wash Insignia also has a descaling function to prevent limescale build-up. Finally, a coanda-effect dryer ensures the perfect drying experience by propelling air at the right speed and pressure.
Finally, the In-Wash Insignia incorporates Roca’s exclusive In-Tank technology, in which the cistern is integrated into the bowl. This creates a design that is both more space efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
The Tura and Nu collections and the In-Wash Insignia shower toilet will all launch in the UK later this year.
Roca 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.
Set within a private bay in Fethiye, Turkey, Yazz Collective is a chic, new boutique resort inviting guests to disconnect from everyday life, reconnect with nature and create long-lasting memories in idyllic surroundings…
Designed by Istanbul-based architecture agency FAAR Concept, Yazz Collective is characterised by an innovative organic architecture philosophy, creating structures that appear to be an extension of the bay’s striking natural features. Architecturally integrated into the surrounding landscape, the resort is designed to sit in harmony with nature, seamlessly blending contemporary design and understated luxury with authentic local craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from its Mediterranean heritage and Balinese lifestyle, the resort is only accessible by sea, making it the perfect destination for guests seeking seclusion.
Image credit: Yazz Collective
The 16 spacious guest houses are decorated in serene earth tones, complete with light chestnut furnishings to contrast the resort’s lush greenery, while plush bedding, outdoor showers, colourful art pieces and floor-to-ceiling windows offering ample natural light create an overall feeling of serenity.
Image credit: Yazz Collective
Image credit: Yazz Collective
Clean lines and natural textures can be found throughout the resort, along with unique furniture that exudes a sense of stylish simplicity, crafted by Turkish artisans following traditional techniques and utilising local materials. An on-site art gallery, showcasing works of renowned Turkish painters and sculptors, compliments Yazz Collective’s unique spirit. Guests can also create their very own masterpieces in workshops led by resident artist. Boasting an unrivalled location on the Aegean coastline, the resort is also home to an all-day beach restaurant with menus featuring seasonal ingredients and local produce, a bustling bar and spa cabanas that offer traditional Balinese treatments.
Checking in to Meliá Frankfurt City – a hotel that means business
Editor Hamish Kilburn checks in to review Meliá Frankfurt City, a hotel that is wrapped in an eco-smart building that shelters a sleek hospitality experience…
Business hotels have been given somewhat of a bad reputation in the past. The image of a ‘business hotel’ that many would conger up would often be one that looks and feels clinical; a design scheme that perhaps suffocates the opportunity for colour, texture, art and spaces as a whole to play and perform. “But hey, there’s strong wifi!”
Just like business travellers themselves, hotels that cater for MICE travellers in modern times don’t want to be stereotyped – nor do they deserve to be. Preconceptions are indeed there to be challenged, which is exactly what Meliá Frankfurt City – a 431-key hotel that unapologetically really means business – did in 2021, when it arrived to join some of its relatives in Germany’s fifth largest city, with effortless style.
Image caption: Decorative lighting has been used to add a playful touch in the Level Lounge. | Image credit: Meliá Frankfurt City
Tasked to take design cues from the energy and culture of Frankfurt below – the economical heart of Germany, popular for its art, literary enthusiasts and cider, would you believe – Álvaro Sans of ASAH Studio, who has become the Meliá resident designer in recent years, and jonasplan collectively used the hotel’s statement architecture and its position in the city to evoke a paired-back, yet confident, design scheme that feels elevated in all the right areas. “It was and is one of the most challenging hotel projects in Frankfurt,” admitted Dirk Jonas, owner of jonasplan. “Meliá Hotel International’s vision to create a trendsetting business hotel combined with the building’s own architectural style was a satisfying hurdle to overcome as a designer.”
Image caption: The striking jenga-like building sits opposite the city’s financial district. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
Going against the grain – challenging conventional approaches in hotel design – does not need to be dramatic. It just requires a meaningful hook. For Melià, sky-high thinking resulted in the group pitching up in a new city skyscraper that commands the skyline. I’m told that Cyrus Moser Architects created the building’s façade to be a representation of a rose – personally, I got jenga for giants. What we can agree on, though, is the building’s eco rating. The innovative hotel is exactly that; smart and savvy with sophisticated and hidden energy system and a cutting-edge, self-regulating temperature concept. When guests open a window or a balcony door, for example, the air conditioning unit automatically shuts off to conserve energy. The building is constantly working, behind the scenes, to circulate clean air into all spaces, and its digital lifts make travelling from one level to another hassle-free.
Image caption: A contemporary chandelier emphasises the ceiling height in the lobby. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
Arriving at Meliá Frankfurt City felt like a welcome home. The brand’s signature scent, which I also experienced at Hotel Colón Gran Meliá in Saville, encourages those checking in to take a deep breath in. The lobby’s minimalist design, under a double-height ceiling – emphasised by a striking chandelier of melted bulbs – is commanded by panelled lighting that is seamlessly layered with artefacts, doorstop-like books and pops of art dotted around the space, as well as indoor plants that grounds the whole interior design scheme. “It is a down-to-earth and impressive hotel, with the luxury of having enough space in each direction,” added Jonas. “This is the first impression the guest should get upon entering the lobby and all other areas. It demonstrates the hotel’s luxury – AKA space where guests can both relax and explore.” The ground floor is deliberately paired-back, with low-level seating that makes the start of the hospitality experience feel warm and inviting.
Connected to the free-flowing lobby, with street-level access, a light and bright all-day restaurant and bar that is designed for both guests and locals alike fills the open-plan ground floor with a sprinkle of energy. To create a more intimate setting, the designers have played with materials and lighting on the ceiling to create the apt illusion of a more compressed – I’d go as far to say more inviting – atmosphere.
Image caption: For executive guests, the check-in experience takes place on the 15th floor, inside The Level Lounge. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
Everything about the hotel – from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the balcony views that stretch across the city and as far as the Tannus Mountains – encourage guests to look outside. The unique vantage point over the city frames a magnificent panorama of Frankfurt – it captures the juxtaposition of new and old architecture that the city blends faultlessly. For executive guests – guests staying in suites or who have achieved a Meliá Premium status with the group’s rewards incentive, the check-in experience takes place on the 15th Floor, in The Level Lounge, an exclusive area of the hotel that features plush furniture, soft lines and a artistic lighting scheme.
Adjacent to the executive area is arguably the hotel’s strongest asset: Oben, a popular destination restaurant and bar that serves Mediterranean dishes with a German twist. Its size – smaller than you might anticipate given its hype on the city’s hospitality scene – evokes a snug, cosy and exclusive experience. Personality has been injected with sharp accents of colour on a gallery wall of contemporary art, which are abstract interpretations of popular culture, by Nathali Von Kretschmann, to dominate the space. At night, the bar and restaurant evolves into a spirited hospitality hub – on some nights complete with a resident DJ.
Image caption: Oben is the city’s new destination restaurant. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
The hotel shelters 431 rooms in total, which occupy the first 23 floors. Distinct to Meliá, the rooms are generous in size, and reflect an unfussy take on luxury design – think refined open space with a few hero moments, such as the textured headboard. The ensuite bathrooms, which include premium brands such as Villeroy & Boch, GROHE and Geberit, are connected to the bedrooms through sliding doors. “We wanted integrate the bathroom into the bedroom to avoid the impression of a limited space,” Jonas explains. “In turn, this also evokes a sense of value and quality.” These mini wellness spaces, some with deep, freestanding baths, feature high-pressured showers and customisable light schemes to work for any required ambiance. They feel more like sanctuaries than practical spaces.
Image caption: The large rooms feature hidden tech, with a deliberate lack of art, encouraging guests to look out of the floor-to-ceiling windows and balcony doors. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
Image caption: All 431 rooms and suites feature a contemporary, international design scheme and frame a striking perspective of Frankfurt. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
On the lower level, the hotel’s wellness and fitness area is complete with everything one might need on a business and/or leisure trip, including a fully equipped gym, a large glass-fronted sauna and outside break-out spaces that face the city. Here, lighting channels guests into a different space and mindset – and with it being located below the skyline, the lighting had to work even harder. “Everyone was clear that Germany and Frankfurt are not the typically ‘sunny’ locations – quite a lot of time in the year it is rainy, dark or cloudy,” the designer said. “This resulted in the lighting design taking a central role – the combination of interior and lighting design must distract and make guests forget. For example, at a sunny seaside location, you’d open the windows, the curtains and let sun and breeze in. That’s all you need. But in a large German city behind the windows you need this backdrop to compensate for the occasionally less sunny weather. That’s why interior design does not work without a qualified lighting concept.”
Image caption: The hotel has listened to modern traveller demands, with various break-out areas in-between the gym and the spa. | Image credit: Meliá Frankfurt City
For me, and Jonas it seems, the real impressions that the hotel leaves are the misconceptions it effortlessly challenges. “[While on site], we learned that Frankfurt is not like its reputation,” Jonas added. “Yes, it is big and awesome, but it is equally beautiful and charming. It’s a place to be and a real destination.”
Checking out of Meliá Frankfurt – having embraced juxtaposing architecture around the city, while also having understood how the destination has used design to reinvent itself over and over (look no further than the New Old Town, unveiled in 2018) – it feels like I have been given a crash-course in what a business hotel has become, since the pandemic, in a new era of hospitality and hotel design. Meliá describes itself as ‘leisure at heart, business in mind’. For Jonas it’s, and I quote, “exactly what we’ve designed here in Frankfurt”. Well, it’s not untrue.
Wellness has been high on the design agenda for some time with hotels and the hospitality arena more broadly, having identified it as both a key concern and an important differentiator. Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with six designers in the Dornbracht Design Studio at C.P. Hart Waterloo to uncover the path wellness is taking moving forward…
Recent trends show wellness and wellbeing taking on a much broader meaning and there are no signs of this focus narrowing going forward. It has moved boldly beyond the confines of the spa into the very fabric of hotel design, through to the details of the guest experience. Terms like immersive and personalisation have become key and the challenge for designers, when working on projects that will often come into play several years in the future, is to understand the trajectory that the wellness experience is on.
Image credit: Dornbracht
Bathroom brand Dornbracht has spent time studying forms of water presentation and how it influences well-being while developing the technology around the wellness experience. It is fitting that this conversation takes place in the London showroom surrounded by the products that equally respond to and create wellness trends. From innovating a rain sky with natural drops beyond a horizontal shower to creating new experiences and installations, wellness and promoting health has constantly been a focus of Dornbracht designs.
On the panel:
Una Barac,Founder and Executive Director, Atellior
Wren Loucks, CEO & Creative Director, Be-kin
Jessica Morrison, Associate, G.A Group
John Paul Pederson, Senior Associate, Director of Design, Wimberly Interiors
Connie Chiu, Associate, Bergman Interiors
Lauren Hughes-Glass, Design Production Director at Nicola Harding & Co
Ufuk Pirnal, Specification Manager, International Business, Dornbracht
Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs
Hamish Kilburn: In terms of wellness trends, what would you say are the most interesting and ground breaking changes we have seen over the last two years in hospitality?
Una Barac:Looking at Siro, a new and very different offering from Kerzner International, it is not about over the top luxury but rather a shift to a more mindful approach, which in this case is all about reflecting the pillars of the brand – strength, inclusion, reflection. There is a clear purpose-driven vision in this offering and this is reflected in the design. Working out is taken seriously and is focussed on the individual, there is no gym, there is no spa, it is about fitness and recovery. The design is ultimately about 10,000 square metres of wellness and within that there is a holistic and a personal approach to wellness.
Image caption: SIRO Boka Place, designed by Atellior. | Image credit: SIRO
HK: There is a preconception that wellness trends are expanding primarily in the luxury sector, but as designers how are you seeing wellness being amplified across the lifestyle sector and impacting on wellness concepts more broadly?
Jessica Morrison: I think the definition is expanding all the time – wellness used to be a really niche luxury hotel experience, and now you have brands like 1 Hotels coming into the market being entirely wellness focussed. Lifestyle brands are using site specific elements and location to offer something different, like wild swimming or forest bathing and this opens up the wellness concept to a more experiential element and moving design beyond the confines of the traditional spa.
Image caption: Swissottel Bucharest designed by G A Group | Image credit: G A Group
HK: With lifestyle brands pushing these boundaries, how is the luxury sector responding?
John Paul Pederson: Luxury is becoming more about lifestyle and wellness, less about aesthetics and fittings and fixtures. There is a more holistic approach that is about bringing wellness into the guestroom rather than keeping it within the confines of the spa or gym. Designers need to offer personalised and flexible space as luxury operatives are working harder. We find that clients expect more, are increasingly focussed on personal wellness and expect the hotel to not only meet expectations but increase them.
Wren Loucks: We can also see how the definition of luxury fashion is changing in relation to concerns around a circular economy – this is being mirrored in the realm of luxury hospitality as brands identify that to have a competitive edge, they also need to be sustainable. The definition of wellness is broadening and overlapping with social concerns and is as much about the individual as it is about community.
Image caption: Fairmont Taghazout designed by Wimberly Interiors Image credit: Wimberly Interiors
HK: Would you say that sustainability is working in tandem with a more conscious design approach and is this part of the process of expanding the boundaries of wellness offerings in the hotel environment?
UB: There is definitely an awakening to the increased importance of sustainability credentials for hotels and as designers we are now expected to provide the sustainability credentials of materials we are specifying, so that move is clear and there is a serious level of accountability.
HK: Working on a heritage building, which can often be the casein the luxury sector, usually comes with restrictions. Do these restrictions push the design process to be more inventive, particularly in the wellness sector?
Connie Chiu: Bergman Design has been working on a Fairmont project in a listed building. There are definitely restrictions, which are challenging but the site is interesting and allows the design to open up and focus on the surrounding nature. Instead of having the wellness offering in closed chambers we have made sure it relates to the outside space as much as the interior to make it a truly unique experience. Increasingly, wellness is about utilising the entire location rather than pigeonholing it.
Image caption: Spa Pool design by Bergman Interiors | Image credit: Bergman Interiors
HK: With the demand for increased personalisation in luxury wellness offerings, is there more emphasis on focussed demographics in the design process?
UB: Big brands always understand demographics, but relating back to earlier questions around sustainability, demographics and our understanding of them need to change – millionaires are not grey haired men anymore, they come from a cross-section of ages, interests, genders. As a luxury hotel, if you are targeting this group, you have to understand the people you are targeting, their concerns and the questions they will ask – Gen Z will ask questions about the sustainability credentials of your property.
HK: As designers you develop an understanding of how a space is used, are you then able to challenge a client and push the boundaries in the design process?
JM: As a designer we are always trying to push the client a little bit out of their comfort zone, to see what is unique about the property or offer and develop that into the design. Equally building constraints can push designers out of our comfort zone. Working on the 1 Hotel, where a conscious decision on sustainability grounds was made to refurbish rather than rebuild, the parameters meant we had to work harder to deliver the design vision.
JPP: There is a lot more discussion in the design process on how the guest is going to use a space. As designers we are peeling it back, looking at how guests are going to use the space for mental health, for wellness, as opposed to simply designing because it looks good.
Image caption: Beaverbrook designed by Nicola Harding & Co | Image credit: Nicola Harding & Co
HK: Personalisation appears to be a major trend going forward as hotels and brands look at how to make a space deeply personal to respond to an individual’s needs. Is this counter-intuitive in the hospitality arena where things need to be standardised and does this inevitably lead into the use of technology ?
Lauren Hughes-Glass:We have found clients generally want a simpler and less technical focus in their personal space, although this clearly depends on the type of property. Generally, for our clients, luxury is about simplifying life and stepping away from executive demands. Stripping out anything that requires thought and making design more intuitive is key.
WL: From an inclusive design perspective – things that are intuitive, that can be anticipated – are soothing for people and that definitely relates back to, if not reducing, certainly simplifying technology in our personal space.
JPP: We have done full a circle when it comes to technology – we’ve had the crazy keypads and now we are seeing the simplification.
HK: Connection with nature seems to be one of the key ways in which wellness is being explored outside the bathroom?
JM: Being in nature is apparently the only time that your brain is really stimulated but at the same time calm. Nature provides us with a sense of intellectual stimulation that is inherently different to the visual stimulation we get from a screen for example.
HK: Looking at product development in the wellness arena, how does Dornbracht take all these design demands and package them into products?
Ufuk Pirnal: We are constantly working to understand the needs of clients to inform product development. Spa and spa elements being designed for the bathroom has been key, along with user friendly intuitive solutions as mentioned earlier. As these design demands gain momentum, there is an increase in demand and the products then become more affordable and less bespoke. The last few years, essentially post-Covid, has seen a much greater emphasis on the personal spa and as a result the products have kept up with the demand.
HK: Is there more emphasis on the bathroom in particular now in luxury design than there was pre-Covid? Has that been the defining moment, creating a design shift?
JM: The bathroom has always been an important element in a luxury offering, but it is becoming bigger and with an emphasis on products that deliver wellness experiences.
UB: Going back to sustainability, possibly one of the most fundamental changes facing us as designers is the question around sustainability and product sources. Within the next decade I think this will be the biggest shift and in ten years, this will be a very different conversation.
HK: ESG and specifications aside, taking a look at the range of finishes and materials available now, has this impacted on bathroom design?
JM: Three years ago, working on the bathroom design for 1 Hotel, we wanted a dark bronze finish which immediately limited options, three years on and the market is wide open. There is now a huge range of finishes and colours available and definitely the opportunity for designers to be more creative.
JPP: If anything, there are too many choices but what is becoming important now, the differentiators when making product choices, are the credentials and specifications, both on a design and a manufacturing level. The carbon footprint of a product might become the deciding factor when making product choices in such a competitive landscape.
Image caption: Club Q designed by be-kin| Image credit: be-kin
HK: A lot of the conversation has been about nature and injecting nature into a design through wellness – how does this impact on urban wellness and how can you inject nature when its not on your doorstep?
JM: Its about looking at wellness in a different way and understanding that there is more than one way to approach it. Sometimes, particularly in a more urban area, it is less about being zen and more about vibrant and energised. Offering a different way of looking at wellness and both have their place.
WL: Wellness is definitely not just about being zen and sensory seeking behaviour that is energising is also about wellness. There is more than one look to wellness and they all need to be explored and have a place.
CC: Working on wellness design on all levels from superyachts to a hotel bathroom, we always stress that it is not just about the space, its about the state of mind. This can be injected into the design on so many different levels. It is not simply about reflecting the natural world, but developing a design that can help shape a lifestyle.
Image caption: SWEAT by BXR designed by Bergman Interiors | Image credit: Bergman Interiors
HK: Finally, it would be useful to end on a note from Dornbracht to get an idea of what to expect in product design moving forward into the year.
UP: In terms of product development Dornbracht will be offering new additions to existing ranges. Some of the classic ranges are now twenty years old with designs that remain relevant and we are adding to these ranges to develop the story further. Importantly there will be new rain showers and new finishes across the ranges. Producing in-house is another key change which comes back to to the subject of sustainability that has run through todays discussion. As a brand, Dornbracht is aware that sustainability is key in the specification process, so we are putting energy into this and ensuring that the information is both available and accessible.
Dornbracht 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.
Design in the metaverse explored on latest podcast episode
DESIGN POD, the design podcast for all designers and architects, has just dropped it’s latest episode (and it’s a juicy one). Editor Hamish Kilburn and interior designer Pallavi Dean catch up to explore ‘design in the metaverse’…
Don’t switch off. Even if you are – no, especially if you are – a metaverse sceptic, I urge you to listen to episode 30 of DESIGN POD, which explores the boundless, creative and immersive design possibilities in the metaverse. It is not, by any means, suggesting that the virtual world will replace real-life interactions. If anything, this episode of the design podcast is suggesting that will enhance those real life experiences.
Before HIX 2022, when I chaired an honest, open and entertaining panel discussion on this very topic, the idea of the metaverse, like it does for many others, sent a shiver down my spine. I wasn’t sure how, as an industry, we were ethically allowing ourselves to explore the virtual universe when so much of the good that happens in hotel design comes from celebrating and researching the tactile, real-life nature of materials. And that’s where I was going wrong – changing my mindset to realise that real-life hospitality and virtual experiences can co-exist allowed this episode of DESIGN POD to happen.
Pallavi Dean, Founder of Dubai-based interior design studio Roar, explains on the design podcast episode that the metaverse will not replace physical hospitality. Instead, Dean, together with a cluster of forward-thinking designers around the world who have also purchased property in the metaverse, is encouraging us to think of this connected virtual universe as an extension of a brand. “The metaverse is something that is meant to be an immersive experience,” the designer explains. “What we have to remember, as empaths, is that we are still human. We might be interacting through web browsers or VR headsets, but we still want an experience, a journey, and something that is relatable.”
And it doesn’t end there. On the episode, before talking to Dean – someone who has, in her words, ‘skin in the game’ having purchased four plots in the metaverse – about what designers should consider start in purchasing and designing this virtual world, I wanted to further get to know her and the personality of her studio. In order to understand why Roar is considered, in real life and in the metaverse, one of the leading boutique design studios in the UAE, it was important to start the episode by exploring how Dean approaches design in real life, which, it turns out is no different to her work in virtual worlds. “Putting it in basic terms, the metaverse is 3D modelling, which is what we do every single day when we are pitching for projects,” the designer says.
This episode is about challenging misconceptions, which is something that interior designers and architects have long championed. The metaverse has conjured up so many opinions in recent years – and all of which are valid. This episode subtly asks whether it would be better to be part of the narrative; to shape the future of meta with layers of human-centric design, rather than being a powerless sceptic on the sidelines.
The full 40-minute podcast episode, which follows episode 29, is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms – just search ‘DESIGN POD’ wherever you get your podcasts. The next episode will drop on April 26 with hotelier Derek Joubert, Co-Founder of Great Plains Conservation, who will join Kilburn to discuss hotels in nature.
Just landed: Northern Lights brings texture & nature to SS23 Collection
EXCLUSIVE: Renowned for its in-house finishes, luxury materials and attention to detail and form, Northern Lights has released its anticipated Spring – Summer 2023 Collection of decorative lighting. Hotel Designs was invited to take an exclusive look at the array of new luxury lighting designs on offer, set to light up the industry…
The mix of luxury raw materials and the brand’s attention to detail and finish, brings tactility into focus with the Northern Lights SS23 collection. Design influences draw from nature, texture and art deco to offer an eclectic mix of aesthetics whilst retaining the Signature Collection’s timeless luxury principles.
Designed by Donna Gridley Head of Creative and crafted by their master artisans, the range includes table, wall, chandelier, pendant and rechargeable lights, carefully curated for hospitality, residential and marine markets. As pioneers of British design and engineering, each piece in their new collection is made and finished in-house under the registered Made in Britain mark, in response to the growing demand from interior designers for artisan British-made lighting that’s synonymous with quality.
Looking to the natural world, inspiration has been drawn from the shapes of seed pods through to sustainable material choice, to create a mix of lighting designs inspired by mother nature. Deep greens, wood stains and natural stone colour palettes are combined with organic shapes and textural designs to celebrate the beauty of our natural environment.
Inspired by the organic forms of seed pods, the fins of the Chaco ceramic table lamp have been delicately modelled by pinching out the clay to create softly formed ridges. Finished in a Matt Black Raku style glaze or a Stipple Matt reactive glaze which lend themselves sympathetically to this natural form.
The Sisley lampbase is available in Medium Oak and Wenge finishes. The hand-turned sustainable Alder wood creates an elegant yet striking silhouette that celebrates the simplicity and beauty of natural wood. The design story is completed with a finished with a brushed brass base and a linen shade.
Texture and form bring tactility to ceramic lamp designs, rendering them more than just light forms but exquisite sculptures and works of art. The Denali ceramic table lamp with its cylindrical shape uses fine textural lines carved into the wider decorative details, which soften the straight lines and lend an archaeological feel to the design. The lamp is available in two reactive Matt glazes – Bornite and Vulcanic – and finished with a Pearl or Oyster linen drum.
Another textured base, the ovoid Rondo design allows reactive glazes to collect in the patterned ring effect allowing a concentration of colour. The ivory matt crackle finish creates a subtle yet beautiful effect, off-set by a hand finished brass base and Soho Linen Drum.
Marble, granite, alabaster and glass are utilised to great effect across several new ranges. Referencing the style and lines of the 1920’s are the Deco-inspired Bayreuth chandeliers and wall lights. Inspired by Fritz Lang’s brutalist lines in Metropolis, they epitomise the styling of 1920’s Germany but are softened by the use of beautiful elliptical alabaster and glass shades.
Elsewhere, the off-set arms of the Veris chandelier cleverly creates an asymmetrical feature which elevates ceiling spaces where there is not much room. Although any height drop is available, this works well as a compact, almost flush fitting option and is finished in matt black and brushed brass with opal drum shades.
Additional ceiling options within the collection, Levit, Warner and Romney glass pendant ranges allow designers to mix and match different shapes and tones to create beautiful, custom lighting installations. Mouth-blown Borosilicate glass is available in frosted, opal, clear and reeded options, as well as smoke, green, amber and teal to add a pop of colour and to complement a multitude of interior palettes.
The full SS23 Collection with more than 90 brand new designs is showcased in the beautiful new Northern Lights Lookbook, and on the website.
Northern Lights 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.
Skopos launches new fabric collections for use within contract interiors each year and the textured multi-tonal chenille of Madurai is its latest offering…
Experts in flame retardant fabrics and soft furnishings, Skopos products are tested to ensure performance to the high standards set for commercial environments. With echoes of the Impressionist style of art, the new Skopos Madurai upholstery quality offers a broad palette of 23 colourways, from cosy neutrals to exotic multi-tonal brights.
Focussing in on the Berry colourway with pops of bright Magenta– Pantone colour of the year– and deeper berry tones, the fabric brings a lively focal point to a room. A soft, textured chunky chenille, with a subtle brick-like relief, the tones within the palette provide the opportunity for designers to link to numerous colour cues within interior schemes.
Image credit: Skopos
With Crib 5 backing as standard for full flame retardancy, Madurai performs to 40,000 Martindale rubs, perfect for hospitality and leisure interiors and meets the standard set for severe contract use for commercial furniture. Madurai also performs to the requirements for IMO, confirming suitability for Marine and Cruise interior environments. Available immediately, with short lead-times for larger order quantities, Skopos are pleased to add this collection into its Accents range.
Alongside Madurai, Skopos also offer curtain, bedding and a wide choice of upholstery qualities. In addition designers can take advantage of its Bespoke Solutions, where customers can brief the Skopos design team on specific requirements unique to their scheme or to provide an interior solution unique to their brand.
Skopos 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.
Meet Robert Godwin, Hotelier of the Year, The Brit List Awards 2022
In the third and final video in our series with GROHE X that celebrates the winners from The Brit List Awards 2022, editor Hamish Kilburn meets Robert Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group, the company that opened the world’s first net-zero hometel…
As we heard from Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality at Perkins&Will, going truly embodied carbon net-zero is no easy feat. Robert Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group and winner of Hotelier of Year at The Brit List Awards 2022, took net-zero beyond a blue-sky-thinking concept in hospitality when he and his team opened room2 Chiswick, the world’s first net-zero ‘hometel’.
The modest-sized boutique hotel in West London’s leafy neighbourhood of Chiswick fully accounts for its entire carbon footprint, using 89 per cent less energy compared to other hotels by rolling out various sustainable initiatives.
Aside from the brand’s eco ambitions – room2 is expected to open three new net-zero hotels between now and 2026 – its ‘hometel’ DNA centred around socially and environmentally driven design. “We looked at new and old definitions on ‘what is home’, from east to west, because home is never the same anywhere else,” the hotelier told me in an interview on GROHE X. “When we go to a new neighbourhood, we have to get the flavour of each space.” For Godwin and his team, it is about designing human-centric spaces emotionally, with feeling.
Godwin, who is only the start of his journey in hospitality, has built a strong foundation of a brand – its more than a concept, it’s a hospitality first – that will do as well as feel good each time a guests checks in. The judges of The Brit List Awards 2022 were impressed by the data that the brand had managed to calculate, as well as the hoteliers plans for the future. As part of Godwin’s commitment to being net zero, for example, the company will also be tracking and minimising scope three emissions both within their company as well as encouraging their suppliers, employees and guests to reduce their private emissions. The team at room2 Chiswick are also working with a nature based reforesting partner in Nicaragua to calculate their footprint and offset for the unavoidable emissions.
“The standard was internationally renowned, and I am super honoured, and touched, to have that recognition – it really is for the team to be proud of,” concluded Godwin. “These awards definitely help to nudge our industry to do better, and allow the sustainability movement to to continue.”
Applications / nominations for The Brit List Awards 2023 will open in the summer. The process to apply is free for all designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers alike. This is one of three videos that Hotel Designs has launch in association with GROHE, Broadcasting Partner of The Brit List Awards, to amplify a handful of the winners from last year’s campaign.
Case study: designing a new dining experience inside Harvey Nichols
Less than six months old, Lucarelli is a new restaurant that is sheltered inside Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, London. To add flavour to this month’s feature exploring public areas, we spoke to the designers at Flair Studio to learn more…
In August 2022, a unique opportunity presented itself for FlairStudio to create a traditional Italian restaurant for Lucarelli and chef Aldo Zilli at the top floor of Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge. The space, which was once occupied by Yo-Sushi, was closed a few years ago – by the time it entered the interior design studio’s radar, it was time for a new F&B concept to arrive.
The design team conducted a feasibility strategy together with Lucarelli and Harvey Nichols to redefine the whole F&B area, including a new kitchen, which the studio wanted to keep as open as possible. The aim for the new open kitchen was to add a sort of theatre and movement with a real-flame pizza oven and to celebrate the importance of the cuisine. “The result was a 10-metre opening, which we conceived like a bar but this time the pizza oven with the open flame sits at the centre, where the spirits would usually be,” Federico Schilling of FlairStudio told Hotel Designs. “In terms of materials, we opted for dark green Zellige tiles to the kitchen walls so the light blue of the chefs uniform could clearly stand out. The bar is made in Verdigris patina with brass accents, which again recalls the colour of the uniforms.”
Image credit: Marco Joe Fazio
Like all successful F&B concepts, the focus is to capture people via a strong first impression and for the experience of the design to be layered so that it maintains attention. “We tried to play with the atmosphere of the place to provide a sense of authenticity and familiarity that is enhanced by the open kitchen but then is also filtered down with the use of natural materials, colours and the textures enhanced the natural light coming through the roof lights,” Schilling added. “We tried to build a narrative along the customer route starting from the sense of arrival were you are greeted by the staff in front of the bespoke Italian mosaic, you then walk along the open kitchen and get the opportunity to chat with the chefs before seating down at your table. Screens we also designed so that each table feels protected but has a view into the kitchen.”
While the idea of adding soft barriers in an F&B concept seems simple enough, it did provide the design team with perhaps their largest challenge, as Schilling explained. “Instead of walls, we imagined these screens composed by a timber structure at low level that was carved out to make it appear less bulky, with a metal structure at high level made by a series of arches which have been covered in foliage and sometimes can be used as an opportunity for signage or for decorative lighting. Sometimes they can give a sense of protection, or allow you to watch inside.”
Image credit: Marco Joe Fazio
In addition to designing the space, the studio carefully studied all the operational aspects that included the sense of arrival and the route through the open kitchen as well as the seating area. “These routes are sequenced with a series of arches – sometimes hidden by the plants, sometimes enhanced by decorative lights and artworks, including a mosaic piece that we designed at the entrance that reflect the heritage of the traditional Italian cuisine,” Schilling added.
The main narrative was to create an open garden on the top floor. The idea was to curate the experience to ensure that every detail and operational element plays it part. This was, of course, reflected in the choice of materials, finishes and lights. “To enhance the sense of arrival, we collaborated with mosaicist Giulia Manzoni to design a mosaic piece, a tondo artistico that reflects the Italian heritage of the Lucarelli brand,” explained the designer. “We also designed low-level screens with a series of arches, sometimes hidden by the plants, sometimes enhanced by decorative lights and artworks, to create controlled visions through the main hall while offering privacy and separate areas.”
Image credit: Marco Joe Fazio
The result of FlairStudio’s work, to redesign the top-floor F&B space inside Harvey Nichols, is an immersive experience that has been designed to transport its customers somewhere new – perhaps unexpected – away from the noise of the rest of the iconic department store.
Fritz Hansen has described the new lounge chair as ‘modern lounging at the intersection of art and design’…
This spring, Fritz Hansen is presenting PK4, completing the Poul Kjærholm (1929 – 1980) range of easy chairs. Designed in 1952, the striking, streamlined silhouette was one of Kjærholm’s earliest designs after graduating from the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Its visionary approach reveals an early example of Kjærholm’s continuous research of geometry.
Seven tubular steel pieces are welded into a single frame, the back and seat are of a single length of halyard—the result is a light and sculptural expression that is both ingenious and elegant. The design perfectly captures Kjærholm’s unique ability to distill technically complex ideas into visually arresting, functional objects that are as much standalone works of architecture as they are furnishings that stand at the intersection of art and design.
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
The new PK4 comes with an improved structural integrity and includes the addition of a new seat cushion designed to elevate the seating experience. “Halyard is a beautiful material, but we wanted to create the option for the seat to be slightly more comfortable,” noted Marie-Louise Høstbo, Creative Design Director, Fritz Hansen. “The slim-profile, circular pillow adds to the graphic appearance of the chair itself and the materials borrow from Kjærholm’s tradition of working with canvas and leather. When you add to a historic design it must be done respectfully, and with this loose pillow the chair’s profile remains perfectly defined.”
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
Available in satin-brushed stainless steel or black powder coated stainless steel, with halyard in either natural or black, the PK4 sits in close dialogue with other well-known Kjærholm designs. “I think it’s fair to consider this chair as a further exploration of his studies, the result of an experimental phase where he was full of curiosity, and it certainly has a relationship to the PK25, and later the PK22 chair,” said Thomas Kjærholm, the late designer’s son, who is intimately involved in managing the Kjærholm archive.
Kjærholm’s specific use of tubular steel also lends the PK4 context in the wider design scene that was playing out during the mid-century, nodding to the work of Mathieu Matégot, for example, and the International Modernism movement that was blooming across Central Europe.
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
On display in Fritz Hansen showrooms globally as of end March, the PK4 joins the wider family of Kjærholm designs that has been manufactured by Fritz Hansen, in close collaboration with the Kjærholm estate, since 1982.
“The more you research the work of Kjærholm the more you must acknowledge his immense impact on Danish design,” added Høstbo, “His respectful approach to tradition, his dedication, and his curiosity continue to impress—and we want to share this with a new generation of design enthusiasts by keeping the collection relevant.”
Fritz Hansen 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.
TREND Etherium by E-stone adds a light touch to the dining experience…
TREND’s range of engineered stone overlay surfaces have always been a natural ‘go-to’ solution for restaurants and bars looking to upgrade their customer experience. With a wide range of colours and finishes, it adds an extra touch of luxury that’s not only quick and easy to install, but reassuringly affordable.
These low-maintenance, hard-wearing solid surfaces are not only built to keep their looks for years but also stand up to everyday wear and tear without a scratch, stain or heat-mark in sight. Completely non-porous and easy to clean, they also benefit from having MicrobanÒ anti-microbial protection built-in for life, making them ideal for commercial kitchens as well as customer serving areas.
When premier Asian restaurant ‘Ricebowl’ in Chico, California were looking to give their front-of-house a more contemporary feel, it was no surprise they decided to go with TREND for their feature dining bar. With its big sweeping curve, the bar creates a main focal point for the restaurant that draws attention and needs to stand up to close inspection.
Wanting to create a dynamic statement, the owners chose 453 Dark Blue etheriumÒ By E-Stone for the counter-top. With its deep colour and rich tones, it set the mood they wanted perfectly, but they decided to take it a step further and make a real statement by shaving the material underneath. This allowed the whole counter to be back-lit, creating a subtly illuminated feature that literally emits a welcoming glow.
Another benefit of the material is that it was able to be thermoformed to follow the curve of the bar without grooves or interruption.
To contrast, Liberty Ochre mosaic tiles were chosen for the enormous back wall and front of the dining bar. Reflecting the light with subtle tones of yellows, golds and browns, the tiles add an extra dimension to the whole dining experience.
TREND Group 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.
Case Study: Modieus frames the floors in voco Melbourne
voco Melbourne Central is the first new build voco in the world and Modieus was tasked with designing bespoke flooring solutions to compliment and finish its statement look…
Located in the heart of Melbourne, this originally designed inner-city oasis gives a stunning first impression from the outside in. Part of the 380 Melbourne skyscraper and moments away from Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central Station and the Emporium, voco Melbourne Central has a modern charm with spectacular views of the city.
“The hotel’s colour palette features smokey blues, dove greys and voco’s signature colour of honey gold,” explained Debra Ryan, Design Manager, Modieus. “The finished look is refined with upscale and luxurious qualities. We designed a combination of Axminster and hand tufted carpets and rugs for different areas of the hotel.”
Modieus have injected a refinement not usually seen in standard Axminster carpets. The sophisticated 3D effect in the corridor and guestroom carpets in soft pastels, blue and greys makes a strong design statement and visually underpins the interior.
Image credit: voco Melbourne
The restaurant carpet has touches of voco yellow. For the rooftop Blacksmith Brasserie and Bar, Modieus designed a distressed, texture parquet effect with a neutral grey base and highlights of vibrant blue and orange. This contemporary approach to Axminster design creates the voco look, with all the comfort and ambience a carpet brings to a space.
“We continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable in carpets,” said Xander Okhuizen, Founder, Modieus. “Our meticulous attention to design, colouration and using different yarn types such as shiny nylon takes Axminster construction to different level.”
Image credit: voco Melbourne
Specialists in all types of carpet construction, Modieus created luxurious hand tufted carpets with a low/high pile juxtaposition for the public areas and the library on level six, where this hidden gem provides guests with some quiet time to take in the views of the Melbourne city scape.
The statement hand-cut low/high pile running through the interior, accentuates the subtle lines and curves in the design. The yarns used in the weaving change from blue greys to soft, cool shades to enhance the elegant public spaces. The refreshing hospitality, modern charm and those views to spark conversation, makes voco Melbourne the perfect destination to relax, socialise and enjoy the city. Whether guests want to spend some well-deserved down time in their rooms, get social on the rooftop, or have a get-together at Blacksmith Bar and Grill, voco Melbourne provides a space for every moment.
Modieus 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.
How shower tech is driving new era in bathroom design
Paul Baily, Leader, Product Management at GROHE, discusses how tech advancements are paving the way when it comes to showers in terms of design, sustainability and accessibility…
The bathroom is no stranger to technological innovations and in recent years, such tech advancements have evolved, granting designers and specifiers great opportunities. With solutions now in place to improve personalisation, accessibility, and sustainability and overall user experience, there’s little room to not utilise such options.
The industry is more aware than ever of its impact on the planet and coupled with the global cost of living crisis and the rising costs of utilities, it’s not surprising that conscious consumption, resource saving benefits, and value for money are being prioritised when it comes to specification.
Many shower systems and showerheads now available are equipped with water-saving technology, such as the GROHE ‘EcoJoy’ technology which couples flow regulating mousseurs and a O2 infused spray with technology that allows equal flow of water from each nozzle in the shower head. As a result, water usage is reduced whilst still guaranteeing a high-performing shower experience. By pairing thermostatic mixers with water-saving showerheads, designers can deliver the best in sustainable showering.
Image credit: GROHE
With thermostatic technology, thermostatic bar mixers provide precise temperature control and corrects temperature fluctuations within a fraction of a second, meaning water wastage through running the shower while adjusting the temperature is a thing of the past.
Premium thermostats can go a step further to support with eco-friendly benefits. As technology has advanced, there’s now models available that come with an ‘EcoButton’ that allows users to efficiently switch between eco-flow and full-flow, depending on individual preference.
As trends have shifted, the bathroom is now not just considered as the functional room to keep clean but one that can promote personal health and wellness. While we can all recognise and appreciate the benefits of a high-quality shower, what is considered the perfect shower experience varies from one customer to the next and a focus on personalisation is therefore the most effective way to ensure consistent satisfaction.
Image credit: GROHE
As a digitally connected world, it’s only right that we see digital innovations move into the bathroom and shower market. Many manufacturers have introduced showers that benefit from enhanced personalisation and control thanks to the power of app connectivity and Bluetooth technology. GROHE offers its Rainshower SmartConnect 310 showerhead, a retrofit solution which is Bluetooth connected and comes with a wireless remote control, allowing the user to switch between two luxurious spray patterns. The innovative Bluetooth remote control has up to four years battery life, and being free from mains connection or additional wires, allows it to be placed in any position within the shower cubicle.
Futureproofing hotel designs is also a crucial need when it comes the need of our ageing population and the increase of mutli-generational living. Accessibility and inclusivity are factors that must be considered from the outset of all designs but are particularly of importance for the future of hotels, especially when it comes to the bathroom.
Manufacturers are continuing to focus on thermostats which can balance temperature fluctuations within fractions of a second, as well as providing integrated technology which ensures the outer surface of the mixer stays cool to the touch.
Elsewhere, manufacturers have developed to offer technology that allows users to set a fixed limit for the water temperature. This offers ultimate protection against scalding, giving customers of all generations peace of mind and the freedom to shower independently.
Wet rooms are also becoming an increasingly popular shower design choice, providing more scope for innovation. Alongside the use of large overhead shower heads and responsive wall-mounted body sprays that pop out when the waterflow is turned on, wet rooms have the potential to become a haven of technology with Bluetooth-operated sound, lighting, and steam features for the ultimate shower experience.
> Since you’re here, why not read about GROHE SPA?
GROHE 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.
ME Lisbon will be a ‘destination in itself’, sheltering 213 rooms and a contemporary and clean design scheme that celebrates local art and craft…
Meliá Hotels International has announced that it will be making luxury-lifestyle debut in Lisbon next year with the hotly anticipated opening of ME Lisbon.
ME, which is safe to say the most fashion- and design-savvy within the Meliá portfolio, is a collection of design hotels. Each property within the cluster discovers contemporary culture through the lens of its bold, charismatic personality that continues to grow internationally in some of the global cultural epicentres in the world. Put simply, ME Lisbon will raise the bar for luxury lifestyle hotels in the city, following the success of the brand in other major cities such as London, Milan, Barcelona and Dubai.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
ME Lisbon will be located on the corner of the downtown avenues of Antonio Augusto de Aguiar and Fontes Pereira de Melo, alongside the Eduardo VII Park and Marquês de Pombal Square. Already under construction, the striking semi-transparent, glass-facade building that the 213-key hotel will reside in has been designed by local architect João Paciência.
The hotel design, sensitively conceived by Broadway Malyan, will also employ the most efficient and sustainable technology to minimise its environmental footprint. The heat generated by the cooling systems in the hotel, for example, will be used as a source of energy for the hot water boilers. The design studio is said to have been inspired by the ‘unexpected’ nature of Lisbon. The interiors will feature a fresh and disruptive style that is also influenced by some of the key attractions in the city itself, such as the arches or colour of the trees on the Avenida da Liberdade, helping create a greater bond between the hotel and its local environment and community.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
With 213 rooms, ME Lisbon will offer the perfect combination of design, service and comfort for modern travellers, perfectly complemented by a choice of innovative dining and wellness concepts. It will feature an à la carte restaurant and a choice of international cuisine available throughout the day, together with one of the most popular hallmarks of the brand, Radio Rooftop Bar; a new meeting point for locals and visitors with an elite rooftop ambience and panoramic views.
The luxury hotel will also offer a gym and fully equipped spa and health club, providing guests with everything they need to disconnect and enjoy a total-relaxation experience in the indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath or massage cabins. There will also be more than 600 square metres of space for meetings and events in 11 flexible and adaptable event rooms. The hotel will have all the facilities required to make it a perfect destination for both business and leisure travellers.
Chapi Chapo Design unveils latest design masterpiece, St Regis Kanai Resort
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya is a mystical paradise honouring ancient Maya civilisation with a design by award-winning interior design firm Chapi Chapo Design, which takes its inspiration from the neighbouring nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site along Mexico’s glistening Yucatán Peninsula…
The inspired design of the luxury resort breathes life and magic into the Kanai region with its avant-garde architecture, inviting interiors and enchanted storytelling. Lead by Chapi Chapo Design’s Co-Founder and Partner, Tatiana Sheveleva, the design awakens the wonders of the region, from the luxuriant biodiversity of its natural parks and the mysticism of its cenotes, to the vivid blues of its ocean and the cultural richness of its archaeological sites.
“Chapi Chapo Design is honoured to continue working closely with Marriott International and the St. Regis brand by telling the story of the Mayan peoples and not only protect the land but preserve the rituals and traditions they once practiced through our design,” said Sheveleva, Chapi Chapo Design, Co-Founder and Partner. “The resort awakens a journey to enlightenment through ancient Mayan storytelling and offers an inspiring welcome to one of the world’s most dramatic secluded settings – a sanctuary where time does not exist.”
Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort
The St Regis Kanai Resort shelters 124 lavishly appointed guestrooms including 19 suites with a 200 square metre Presidential Suite, each offering mesmerising ocean views and a private terrace or plunge pool. The spacious guestrooms feature design elements and rich materials evoking the surrounding elements from the mangrove trees and nearby cenotes to the stars above. Storytelling, folklore and superstitions are strongly embedded in Mexican culture and brought to life throughout the resort’s design. The Maya excelled at agriculture, pottery, hieroglyph writing, calendar-making and mathematics and left behind an astonishing amount of impressive architecture and symbolic artwork.
Common threads woven within the resort’s design offer respect to the Maya peoples, renowned for their remarkably accurate system of timekeeping based largely on astronomical measurements that let them time agricultural events and religious observances. Considered one of the most accurate in the world, the Mayan calendar was intimately interwoven with their religion and cosmology, lending it an aura of mystical insight that resonates throughout the resort’s guest experience.
Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort
Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort
Chapi Chapo Design is responsible for all interior spaces including 124 guestrooms and suites, eight incredible culinary venues, The St. Regis Spa with eight treatment suites and a standalone salon, Children’s Club and indoor and outdoor event space spread across six distinguished meeting venues. The resort architecture by Mexican firm Edmonds International, is a design masterpiece, which features an exceptional circular exterior design inspired by the constellation Pleiades, resulting in unrivalled ocean views from nearly every vantage point. Designed with a minimal construction footprint aimed at protecting the natural reserve, The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya is suspended above a mangrove forest with the different elements of the hotel connected by elevated walkways. Enchanted by the spiritual power of nature, the Maya believed the sky was the entry to heaven.
Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort
The resort’s unique landscape pays tribute to Maya astronomer-priests who looked to the heavens for guidance, building ceremonial temples and pyramids which precisely aligned with the movements of celestial bodies in order to protect the gods and help them guide the Sun and Moon across the sky through the night. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the mangroves give way to lush gardens and an expansive outdoor lawn with direct access to two miles of undisturbed white sand beach.
Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort
The Maya were deeply religious, and worshiped various gods related to nature, including the gods of the sun, the moon, rain and corn. At the top of Maya society were the kings, or ‘kuhul ajaw’ (holy lords), who claimed to be related to gods and followed a hereditary succession. They were thought to serve as mediators between the gods and people on earth and performed the elaborate religious ceremonies and rituals so important to the Maya culture.
Throughout the guestroom, design elements draw inspiration from ceremonial garments made by the Maya women and are found on bedside ceramic light pendants and intricate walnut wood-carved headboards with bronze-finished mirrors. The details of the wood also resemble the Maya’s diamond textile patterns which is a key design element for all St. Regis hotels as diamonds were adored by Mrs. Caroline Astor – the matriarch of the St. Regis brand. Like the Astors, who created some of our most beloved signature rituals worldwide, the Maya society also enjoyed practicing rituals and ceremonies to honour the gods. The resort’s restaurant and bar seating and open layouts are meant to bring the outdoors in and be a welcome place for people to come together like the Mayans as well.
Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort
The circular shapes and hanging mirrors and amenity shelves within the guestroom take inspiration from nearby cenotes – a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater which is naturally filtered. The regional term is specifically associated with the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, where cenotes were commonly used for water supplies by the ancient Maya and occasionally for sacrificial offerings. Rich materials imitating the ecosystem where the resort lays include serene marbles with hues of blue, grey and green that mimic the surrounding elements, travertine to resemble local limestone, while walnut wood brings rich warmth and grounding to each area of the resort where design imitates life. The layout of the resort and materials used invite nature in for the guest to metaphysically experience Riviera Maya, sparking curiosity and a desire to uncover Mexico’s rich history and discover the natural wonders of the land and its people.
Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort
The resort invites guests and local luminaries to embark on unique gastronomic journeys with eight incredible culinary venues designed by Chapi Chapo Design. At The St. Regis Bar, the mural’s soothing abstract mosaic pays tribute to Maya astronomer-priests who looked to the heavens for guidance. They built ceremonial temples and pyramids which precisely aligned with the movements of celestial bodies to protect the gods and help them guide the sun and moon across the sky through the night which is depicted in the intricately handcrafted mural. The Maya believed that the heavenly bodies needed human help, which was provided through sacred rituals. To the Maya, offering this help was simply the price to be paid for the continued survival of the universe. The abstract motif cultivates a tranquil atmosphere by combining both the warm and cool colours of Kanai’s enchanting sunrise and sunset. Soothing cloud formations create a unified theme while incorporating complimentary tones which reflect the serene and mystical energy of Kanai – a place where resort guests experience heaven on earth.
Sircle Hotels – a new lifestyle hotel brand from Sircle Collection
Boutique hospitality group Sircle Collection has announced the launch of its newest lifestyle hotel brand, Sircle Hotels, joining the portfolio alongside Sir Hotels, Max Brown Hotels, Park Centraal Hotels, Àterre and private members’ club concept The Cover…
Sircle Collection is an innovative brand within the hospitality arena, creating one-of-a-kind hotels, restaurants, members club, concept stores and spas in some of Europe’s most inspiring neighbourhoods. The addition of Sircle to the portfolio will drive the group’s global expansion and included in its pipeline is the launch of a debut UK property, Sircle London, opening its doors in late Autumn and Sircle Milan, opening in Spring 2024.
Image credit: Sircle Collection
Sitting on the corner of London’s vibrant East End and The City, Sircle London will house a 81-guestroom hotel, The Cover members club, yoga studio and gym, outdoor botanical courtyard and Seven North restaurant by internationally renowned Israeli chef Eyal Shani. Inspired by local craft, Sircle London’s in-house design team will shine a spotlight on home-grown makers and creators, whilst combining custom furniture synonymous with Sircle Hotels’ aesthetic.
Sircle Collection will also see the exciting arrival of Sircle Milan, a restoration project in Milan’s iconic Torre Velasca housing 72 ultra luxury penthouses, Sircle Collection’s private members club The Cover and an impressive spa and gym, spanning over 11 floors of the building. Globally renowned architecture and interior design studio Dimorestudio, will be at the helm of the property’s interiors.
Image credit: Sircle Collection
“We are absolutely thrilled to be expanding further into Europe and at such a pivotal moment for Sircle Collection’s evolution,” said Liran Wizman, Founder, Sircle Collection.” It’s always been a dream of ours to open a property in London and offer something compelling and distinctive to the city, as well as introduce London to The Cover, our global member’s club. Likewise, the opening of Sircle Milan will add a new and exciting dynamic to the ever-evolving brand.”
The brand’s global expansion is set to continue through 2024 and beyond, with further hotel openings in some of the world’s most coveted destinations. In Vienna, located within the Max Brown 7th District, Sircle Collection’s private members club The Cover will open this summer. The clubs focus on the three key areas of wellbeing, work life and community. The restaurant will serve a dedicated club menu and contemporary drinks and a rich cultural programme will be available as well as diverse body and mind classes.
The Cover, Amsterdam is planned for Winter 2023. The Cover is a private members club for entrepreneurs, innovators and the culturally curious set within the centre of Amsterdam inside W Amsterdam. Members enjoy free access to private social spaces, the AWAY Spa & Gym and members-only workspace. Plus exclusive benefits at the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Duchess, hotel rooms in Sircle Collection’s portfolio, spa treatments and meeting spaces.
The first Max Brown property to appear in the Mediterranean area is slated for Winter 2023. This hotel will welcome 103 guestrooms, a rooftop and a variety of community spaces including several relaxed F&B areas, an indoor living room, dining area, open bar, outdoor terrace, and plunge pool. With a modern 70’s feel, Max Brown Athens will sit in the centre of Athens, within reach of major central squares such as Omonia Square.
Another winter opening, Max Brown Vienna is located in Vienna’s 5th District, Margareten and will be Max Brown’s second outlet in Vienna, designed by Sircle Collections in-house team. With neighbours like the historic Margaretenhof and the famous ‘Naschmarkt’, it will offer 117 guestrooms, meeting and event spaces, a local art collection, as well as an all-day F&B concept on the hotel’s ground floor.
Image credit: Sircle Collection
Moving into 2024, Àterre rotterdam is designed for extended leisure and business stays, relying on seamless technology and a space concept that is adapting home routines to guest stays. Àterre Rotterdam will bring the best of a new generation lifestyle hotel and service apartment under one roof. Located in one of the most vibrant culinary streets, Witte de With, Àterre Rotterdam will open with 56 guestrooms, each with a kitchenette, living room inspired public spaces and an open kitchen and a gym.
Completing the pipeline, located within a heritage building with high ceilings and a charming courtyard, Sir Prague will open in autumn 2024 as one of Prague’s newest lifestyle hotels. With 76 guestrooms, Sir Prague will sit in close proximity to the famous Dancing House alongside the Vltava River and will be home to a Seven North restaurant, an indoor courtyard, a speakeasy bar concept, as well as a gym and a library.
In the factory: behind the scenes with Northern Lights
Editor Hamish Kilburn had a ‘day in the life’ with the team at Northern Lights. While at the brand’s headquarters in Chesterfield, England, he was given a tour of the product development process – from laser cutting through to metalwork – and got hands-on in creating bespoke finishes…
It’s not true what they say. You don’t only notice lighting when it is done badly. The lighting schemes inside projects such as Venice Simplon Orient Express, Chateau Denmark, Mayfair Townhouse, Waldorf Astoria, Heythrop Park Hotel, Belmond British Pullman, and a range of superyachts – all featuring statement lighting pieces from Northern Lights – are proof that lighting is (and should) be part of any guest’s first impression.
Image caption: Statement lighting is designed to be noticed inside Galaxy Yacht, designed by Njord by Bergman. | Image credit: Jack Hardy
Exceptional lighting has come to define and, of course, transform interiors in hotels and beyond. But to really appreciate the art and craft of bespoke lighting, designers should take the time to understand the intricate design and manufacturing processes, which is exactly what I was able to do recently when I travelled up to Chesterfield to spend a day with the team at Northern Lights. “We are creators, visionaries and craftspeople,” said Donna Bruce, Managing Director of the company when she started to show me around the factory floor. “We all have a burning passion to transform the sublime into the iconic.” And with that mantra in mind, my journey around the factory floor – delving into the various manufacturing elements, from design to metalwork, polishing to assembly – began.
As we started walking around the site, I caught a glimpse of an enormous lighting chandelier that at the time was in the wiring stages of its manufacturing journey. Just days before I was with the interior designer who, by nothing other than coincidence, was explaining how impactful the lighting inside the project they were referring to was going to be. The designer’s eyes lit up when they mentioned a statement chandelier, the very piece that was being carefully created under the factory roof. Working with Northern Lights and various other specialists, they had designed a bespoke moment in a special area of the hotel – and here it was, resting on a table in a factory, exposed and ready to be assembled.
Projects like these start months before, with various meetings and consultations with the in-house design team, where everything from the form to the finish can be discussed. For Donna Gridley, Head of Creative at Northern Lights, creative problem solving and having an eye for detail allows her to work closely with the in-house manufacturing teams and the artisans. “One of the biggest pitfalls I see is when lighting is not considered at the very early stages,” she explained. “I love that my role allows me pin-point precision thanks to the design and manufacture all being under one roof. No two days are the same. I feel fortunate to work in an area I’m fiercely passionate about, and grateful to continue to collaborate alongside some of the industry’s elite interior designers. They trust us with making their creative visions a reality and I get great satisfaction in seeing the finished projects come to life.”
Image caption: The lighting scheme playing a major role inside Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio. | Image credit: Michael Franke
The bespoke lighting brand has had many milestones since it first launched in 1987 as a small family business designing and hand-making various products from stained glass. Within just a number of years, the company transformed into one of the key hospitality lighting manufacturers, creating bespoke lighting for luxury hotels, restaurants and retail. “We moved into larger premises and invested in new state-of-the-art machinery in the early 2000s,” Bruce added. “This increased capacity and capability was transformational for Northern Lights, springboarding us into opportunities to work with large global hospitality brands and providers such as ACCOR, Hilton, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria and HYATT.”
Today, as well as offering the best quality manufacturing – and metalwork that is, put simply, exceptional, Northern Lights is also able shelter a dynamic design team who are regularly researching future trends while working collaboratively with master artisans and configuring complex manufacturing techniques to consistently deliver spectacular lighting designs. This is where an experienced operations director is needed in order to keep a seamless flow between all aspects of any given project. Cue the arrival of Natalie Shakesheff, who is regularly being welcomely challenged to ensure a bespoke design can be transformed into a physical project. By using her experience and know-how as a senior designer, Shakesheff is able to find solutions for factory processes. Facilitating the company’s myriad of complex projects – especially when many of them are completely new designs – is driven largely by a transparent relationship between manufacturer and designer. “In short, if it’s possible, we will do it,” she said.
Image credit: Northern Lights
The company’s reputation as being a leading and world-renowned lighting manufacturer has led to an impressive and loyal client list. While visiting the factory, I was inspired by the number of active projects I could see being worked – all perhaps at different stages. But in a world that ear-ringingly loud with greenwashing, the environmental and social breakthroughs that the company has achieved in recent years – attaining zero waste to landfill in 2017 being among them – it is refreshing to see that ethics have not been sacrificed as a result of the company’s mission to continue to scale up. On the contrary, the environmental and socially driven attitude of Northern Lights has allowed the designs to be more meaningful. “Over decades we have established close collaborative partnerships with our raw material suppliers,” added Bruce. “These suppliers have been carefully selected and measured against strict criteria, including alignment with our own code of ethics, commitment to workplace equality and green credentials.”
What’s more, I’m told that the team embark on regular supplier visits to ensure the criterion is adhered to and that the quality and, of course, values of the company’s partners continue to reflect what the Northern Lights brand stands for. “We also aim to source as many raw materials as possible within a 60-mile radius to reduce our carbon footprint, support local businesses and localise the supply chain wherever possible,” said Bruce.
Image credit: Oatlands Park Hotel / Northern Lights
It’s amazing to see how far the manufacturing industry has come. While technology has allowed the lighting industry to turn new chapters, so too have the people at the top who are authentically, by example, promoting equality and diversity. Although much more needs to be done to balance the scales, since we have just celebrated International Women’s Day, it is reassuring to see Bruce, a competitive yet compassionate leader in her own arena, surrounded by the respect of her peers. “I am proud to say we have built a strong female leadership team right the way throughout the business, spanning operations, creative, finance, HR and marketing,” she said. “Greater diversity in the workforce attracts and retains talent and broadens lateral and creative decision-making. Sadly, women are still under-represented in manufacturing and the number of women in leadership roles remains disproportionately low.
“As a business we’re committed to changing this and challenging the archaic gender stereotypes still present. We actively encourage women to join our manufacturing team where we ensure they get mentorship and support. It’s important that we continue to increase the visibility of our female leaders and staff, whilst offering real opportunities for career progression. Women can have a tough time climbing the career ladder in manufacturing – we’re here to change the script.”
If you have ever wondered the capabilities of a company like Northern Lights, then look no further. From signature to bespoke, the company rarely – if ever – turns down a project. “If it’s possible, we’ll do it,” is the general mindset from the design team. And with all challenging projects come the juicy stories, such as the Breuer chandelier, 2,200 mm high with five modular tiers with a largest diameter of 1,000 mm, that Gridley designed for the stand at HIX in 2022.
Image caption: Breuer Modular chandelier, part of Northern Lights’ signature collection, that was exhibited at HIX 2022. | Image credit: Michael Franke
“It was initially designed as an imposing, dramatic five-tier chandelier, weighing in at a hefty 250 kilograms,” the designer explained. “The original design was used to show the scaled-up capabilities we could offer. However, the true design approach allowed for modularity, scalability and flexibility across multiple spaces, budgets and visions for a truly versatile installation that also doubles up as a sculptural artistic piece.
“For my showcase piece at HIX 22, I felt that a modular brutalist-inspired design would work well with the rest of the collection I was designing and curating at the same time – I decided Verdigris as an acid finish was also long overdue a revival and my instincts were correct. The Verdigris worked perfectly as a foil to the strong linear form of the Breuer and was further softened by faux alabaster diffusers to the LED lights.”
Image caption: Editor Hamish Kilburn getting hands-on in the finishing department, experimenting with acid finishing. | Image credit: Hotel Designs
Image caption: Before and after acid finishing. | Image credit: Hotel Designs
The highlight of my time with the Northern Lights crew was getting a hands-on experience; learning how to acid finish with the creative chief herself, Gridley. The enthusiastic and immersive masterclass, experimenting and learning the delicate art and chemistry of the acid finishing process – where there are many elements at play – left me with a new-found respect for the team who are regularly asked to ‘match’ finishes. This aptly left me to draw the conclusion that this, what Northern Lights do, is not lighting, it is art, science and innovative design wrapped into one – long may purposeful, British lighting manufacturing thrive.
Northern Lights 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.
In conversation with: Ian Burleigh on 20 years of Ica
Established in 2003, Ica has spent 20 years building both projects and its reputation and is regarded as one of the world’s leading hotel architecture and design practices. Editor Hamish Kilburn caught up with Ian Burleigh, Executive Chairman, Ica, to find out a little more about the story behind the studio…
Ica studio has a 50-strong team of both architects and interior designers based between Glasgow and London with a list of clients that span both the globe and the brands in the hospitality arena. Working from the starting point of designing hospitality businesses rather than merely the buildings has allowed the studio to develop unique offerings with some well-designed results.
Hamish Kilburn: Can you explain the ethos of Ica Studio – what’s its personality?
Ian Burleigh: We love hospitality and thread that through everything we do. It’s the ethos of our studio, the way we treat each other, the way we welcome, the way we serve our clients and relationships across the community. It helps us hold to norms less rigidly, it’s the fuel of creativity. It makes us easy to get along with, find solutions to resolve problems and give candid support to our clients.
HK: One of your team, Kerry, received Architect of the Year last year for her role on Virgin Edinburgh. Just how large a project was that for Ica?
IB: Well, this was certainly one of the longest projects we’ve done. 10 years from initial sketches to completion! Sites don’t get more sensitive, a World Heritage site, a rare gap site right in the heart of the Old Town of Edinburgh. Add to that the presence of three listed buildings and fragile gap sites to thread in new buildings, with a four-storey level difference from front to back and among the oldest archaeology ever found in Scotland. The planning process was incredibly intense and high profile, but we stuck to our guns and delivered a great development return for our client, as well as a building of real architectural merit.
HK: There seems to be a demand among brands to open inside heritage buildings. What would you say is driving this demand?
IB: Hotels and heritage buildings are a great match. First of all is the opportunity. Former public buildings of architectural importance can sometimes struggle to find a contemporary function with a commercial return. Hotels can be more flexible than other building types which might struggle to occupy them with the same sensitivity in conversion and renovation. Heritage buildings also offer great design opportunities and character to a new hotel. The juxtaposition of contemporary interiors and more formal classical architecture creates energy and drama, a great platform for a hotel to develop personality and identity. Working so much in London and Edinburgh has helped us develop considerable expertise in the conversion of heritage buildings, which we are now using globally in locations such as Rome.
HK: Let’s talk about you. What’s your story and how was Ica born?
IB: Good question since this year is Ica’s 20th birthday! Ica was born when three friends with complementary skills got together, Ian, Chris and Alistair, now you know where the name ‘Ica’ came from. We wanted to create a studio specifically shaped around the demands of hotel design. We wanted our studio to define the activity of designing a business and not just designing a building. Blending the skills of design creativity and technical knowledge with commercial, operational, financial and hotel experience, allowed the three of us to design five major hotels in our first year from a small room.
After an initial focus on architecture, we quickly realised the relationship with interior design was key. We established a separate interior team, so they had the freedom to independently establish their style and vision. While we have maintained the two teams, we have grown to realise the strength of having them both in the same studio. Architects learn from interior designers how to think about buildings from the inside out, to better understand the customer journey. Interior designers learn from architects on seeing the bigger picture and how to communicate design information in a commercial environment.
Growth was consistent and steady for the first ten years when we introduced more sophisticated management and appointed, Susannah our MD and Amanda who heads our Interiors team. As hotel specialists, we have always covered all hotel sectors from lifestyle and budget to luxury, and also covered the whole of the UK. Our most recent growth has been in international projects which tend to focus more on upscale and luxury, currently, almost half of our work is overseas, across Europe and the Caribbean.
Image caption: The Gantry | Image credit: Ica
HK: What does luxury mean to you?
IB: I remember when I was a young architect hearing Gordon Campbell Gray (a fellow Glaswegian) speak about luxury hotels. I was very inspired and the takeaway for luxury was ‘Space, Service and Style’. Generosity of space is indeed a luxury today and more often than not compromised by economics. Service is very high on my list. I only really remember a luxury hotel when the service is personal, warm and thoughtful. Style is where we come in and is a real skill to achieve.
Style and design can work on so many levels, overt and subliminal, to create mood, ambiance, place and personality. We added a few benchmarks of our own and one is that a luxury hotel must be better than home, ‘I love the design but how can I watch Formula 1?’ Understanding the guest is key, old style grand hotels with expensive finishes just don’t make the cut anymore. Authenticity, experience, wellness and sustainability are now more relevant components for the discerning traveller, where a luxury hotel is probably the destination and not just part of the journey. Reflecting and curating the customer’s tribe, personality, culture and identity, has allowed new energy and variety in luxury hotels and an almost endless reason for them to exist in new places.
Image caption: Lost Property | Image credit: Lost Property
HK: Another one of your completed projects last year was Lost Property in St Pauls. Where were the design opportunities in this project?
IB:Lost Property is all about the location and the interior, very different to Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. This is a city island, with Ludgate Hill on one side and narrow lanes on the other sides, a new building hidden behind the original façades. Within this wrapper, the interior is accentuated with Art Deco and mid-century design with shots of bold colour, sculptural pieces and luxe materials, a stylish sanctuary in the heart of the city. A destination for those who love travel, art and culture.
Image caption: CitizenM | Image credit: Ica
HK: You work with a lot of brands – Virgin, Marriott, Hilton etc. How, from your perspective have you seen these brands develop in terms of how they use design to amplify their characters?
IB: All the brands offer something different and continue to evolve. Successful brands understand their customers and take care of them. This can be a valuable resource for independent or investor lead hotel developments. At the affordable end of the spectrum brands like CitizenM have a very loyal following and the customer knows exactly what they want and they feel at home.
We recently completed the CitizenM in London Victoria and design is a sophisticated and key element for this brand. Luxury and upscale brands tend to be much more discreet. Lost Property and The Gantry, for instance, are the key identities at their respective locations in St Paul’s and Stratford’s Olympic Park, with a Hilton customer base through its Curio Collection. Right now we are seeing much more fluidity with brands, less standardisation and less hierarchy.
We like a contextual approach, to design the right hotel for the location, market and client vision. For example, The Reach at Piccadilly, set to open later this year, a new upscale Tribute by Marriott Hotel, stands out for its incredible location in the heart of the bustling city of Manchester. More flexibility from brands can help creative opportunity. On some levels brands are best at maintaining standards of life safety, operations, customer touch points and marketing and a lighter hand in design standardisation is often a good thing.
Image caption: The Gantry | Image credit: The Gantry
HK: What is the biggest challenge facing the hotel design and development industry at the moment?
IB: Construction and finance costs have been the biggest challenge for a few years now. I’ve seen these cycles before and there are always compensatory factors such as higher valuations and increased revenue. These trends can drive the type of development such as the balance of conversion and refurbishment to new build. Ica have been pioneers in modular construction for many years and this for many, is part of the solution. Modular was associated with mid-scale for a long time, but we have been pioneering modular in luxury and the cost savings for luxury hotels are higher as well as opening up more remote parts of the world to development.
There has been real growth in RevPAR, allowing recovery to pre-pandemic levels in most markets. With the return of business travel, group travel and China opening up, we anticipate strong demand for hotel development in the medium and long term.
HK: What have we got to look forward to from Ica this year?
IB: Current projects include The Reach in Manchester, luxury hotels in Liverpool and Rome, three hotels in Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean– two of them are luxury, three new prototype – a spa resort in Lancashire, and I know this isn’t a hotel but we are very excited to be designing housing using our modular experience for Ukraine at the end of the war.
Omni Tucson National Resort unveils its reimagined Southwestern look
Long revered as a prime destination for golf, Omni Tucson National Resort has harnessed the breathtaking beauty of the resort’s natural surroundings as the inspiration behind its inspired multi-million dollar renovation…
Omni Tucson National Resort has completed its highly anticipated transformation and has been upgraded with a suite of luxury accommodations, vibrant lobby transformation, indulgent spa experiences, a dynamic mix of elevated dining offerings and refreshed modern meeting spaces to match. Each of the property’s generously sized Deluxe and Premier guestrooms have been reborn with a bright and modern Southwestern residential feel. For a more private experience, 51 Casitas and Hacienda Suites lining the greens have been masterfully redesigned, offering secluded patios with serene views of the surrounding courses and lush landscape to create the ultimate golf-lover’s retreat.
Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts
“This long-anticipated renovation marks a whole new era for Omni Tucson National Resort,” said general manager Michael Maruca. “The entire property has been transformed, inside and out. Guests will be blown away by our Casitas and Hacienda Suites and we cannot wait to welcome visitors and locals alike to experience our new Mokara Spa and differentiated dining outlets.”
Beyond the refreshed accommodations, a relaxed Southwestern ambiance permeates the entire resort. From the moment guests arrive they are welcomed by the colours of the surrounding desert landscape with a palette that reflects the day-to-night transformation of the magnificent scenery. Inside the resort, no expense was spared to redefine the Omni Tucson National experience.
Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts
The calming effect of the desert continues with the addition of Mokara Spa, Omni Hotels & Resorts’ signature wellness offering. Designed with organic and earthy touches, the state-of-the-art facility features 12 treatment rooms and a wide variety of services for individuals, couples and groups, including a sauna and Vichy shower room. A full menu of salon services, expanded manicure and pedicure stations, relaxation areas and an all-new fitness centre complete the destination spa and wellness retreat.
Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts
A fully reimagined dining experience comprises three new restaurant and lounge concepts, several refreshed spaces and local favourites like Bob’s Steak & Chop House – the Arizona outpost of the Texas staple synonymous with fine steaks for nearly 20 years. Additional new venues include The Peak, a dazzling new lounge inviting guests to relax over cocktails. The racetrack-style bar is the centrepiece of the venue, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Sweet Water pool and mountain views – an alluring spot to gather after a day of meetings, golf, sightseeing or relaxation.
Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts
“The reimagination of Omni Tucson National Resort has put food at the forefront so that more memories around the table will be made,” said Executive Chef Jonathan Stutzman. “The additions of Desert Farmer, The Peak, & Terra Cotta Café to our existing Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Legends, & Sweet Water Terrace give us the opportunity to offer a quintessential experience of the Sonoran Southwest from a true Culinary perspective all over the property.”
Completing the project, more than 2,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor meeting space has been remodelled to present a fresh, modern look. Boasting beautiful natural light, extraordinary banquet capabilities and new linen-less meeting tables and banquet chairs, the resort offers customisable solutions for any event, large or small. Thirteen unique meeting offerings include the 266 square metre Papago Ballroom and the Norville Lawn, the resort’s largest outdoor space with an area of 550 square metres.
RAK Ceramics upgrades sustainably sanitaryware manufacturing model
Ahead of putting on a performance in its London showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week, RAK Ceramics is heavily investing in new technology to upgrade its manufacturing process…
RAK Ceramics, one of the leading ceramics brands in the world, has announced a USD 14 million investment in its sanitaryware production line in the UAE, upgrading the facility with the latest cutting-edge technology kilns and elevating sustainably the company’s sanitaryware operating model.
RAK Ceramics aims to begin installation of the new machinery in 2023, with the aim of going online in the first half of 2024. The investment will allow the sanitaryware line to incorporate latest technology into the heat exchanger system of kilns, with the capability for future conversion to hydrogen fuel and waste heat recycling given advanced features. Once operational, the Company will be able to maximize and optimize efficiency during production, enabling the realization of significant savings in both energy consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, the process allows for an enhanced yield during production, reducing as such waste and increasing capacity utilization.
Commenting on the investment, Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics said: “As a responsible manufacturer and as the fourth largest ceramics player in the world, we have an important role to play on the global stage to make the industry more sustainable. This investment and the launch of this project in our sanitaryware business truly anchors our commitment to sustainability and our drive to long-term value for our stakeholders.
“For this year, we aim to stimulate sustainability further through our functions and businesses, as we established a clear commitment to prioritise and support sustainable investments, and we are currently working alongside experts in the field to help us in our sustainability journey.”
Over the years, RAK Ceramics’ emphasis on sustainable production has expanded as the demand for distinctive and sustainable ceramic items develops and as the Company continues to reap the benefits of sustainable long-term investments on the environmental front, especially in terms of energy conservation and waste management.
The Company has outlined in its 2023 Priorities that it is working on defining and implementing a sustainability strategy for the short-to-medium term, incorporating further ESG practices and initiatives and adopting it across all its operations.
RAK Ceramics 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.
Product watch: Harlequin Colour 4 was ‘designed to dream’
Seeing the natural world through renewed eyes, Harlequin Colour 4 is the latest installation in the British interior brand’s successful Colour series…
Featuring original artwork in a range of styles, Harlequin Colour 4 is inspired by nature’s abundant beauty and all-encompassing colour. From atmospheric skies to forested landscapes, the world’s gentle flow is the rhythm that surrounds us. A quartet of essential elements, earth, water, air and fire sustain our everyday existence. Perfectly balanced, yet complex and varied, discover a carefully designed ecosystem that allows all to flourish.
“We wanted to create a collection that had a more mindful approach to design, translating nature in its purest form onto paper, with every piece of artwork hand painted in the studio,” said Flora Daly, Harlequin Studio. “As Cezanne once said, ‘Art is a harmony parallel with nature’. I hope Colour 4 resonates with our customers and they’re able to transform their interiors into immersive, soothing and perfectly balanced spaces.”
Image caption: Retreat | Image credit: Harlequin
A continuation of Harlequin’s signature looks, the collection delves deeper into the concepts Renew, Rewild, Retreat and Reflect, as each look aligns with a classical element in an exciting, conceptual way. Comprising 27 wallpapers and 37 fabrics, this collection is designed for dreaming and creating relaxed, immersive interiors for every style of home while encouraging customers to #OWNTHEROOM in a way that makes them feel uplifted.
Most fabrics in the collection have been produced using the new digital pigment inks, which are considered one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ink options available. Additionally, BCI cotton has been used throughout and the materials are all responsibly sourced and ethically produced, with all wallpaper printed in the UK on FSC certified substrates from sustainable, traceable sources.
Image caption: Rewild. | Image credit: Harlequin
Image caption: Retreat | Image credit: Harlequin
The Retreat design takes its lead from water. Water hydrates the earth, creating beautiful flora and fauna, which is the inspiration for this adaptive look. A tranquil palette of naturally elegant colour, Retreat shares a nostalgic intensity, accented by chalky textures.
Rewild is all about the earth – earth is the perfect biosphere, allowing all life to exist and evolve. Filling our homes with layered bursts of rich pigment, Rewild celebrates the beauty of nature, with joyous uninhibited pattern that refreshes our minds and our interiors.
Image caption: Reflect | Image credit: Harlequin
Cocooning the earth with its airy glow, Renew is celestial, uplifting and regenerative design. Small movements of colour adorn tinted hues, adding perspective to this environmentally inspired look. Elegant and ethereal, soft reflective colours highlight the intricacies of subtly detailed design.
Completing the collection, and inspired by the primal element of fire, Reflect’s simple, strong designs align with obscured organic patterns and architectural influences that harmoniously blend edgy angularity with powerful, traditional design.
Sanderson Design Group 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.
Nammos Hotels & Resorts is born, a new hotel brand born out of 20-plus years on the hospitality scene, will open its first cluster of properties in Mykonos, the Maldives and Abu Dhabi…
Following in the footsteps of other signature restaurants entering the hotel market – but, by the looks of things, poised to add its own flair to the booming hotel scene – Nammos Hotels & Resorts is the new sibling in the Nammos World family, which, until now, has offered an iconic portfolio of beachside restaurants.
The new brand, which is the result of ADMO – a joint venture between Alpha DhabiandMonterock International – will encapsulate the effortless exclusivity and service Nammos built up over the past 20 years. The hotels and resorts around the world will provide a ‘holistic hospitality experience’ befitting of the international jet-set.
Opening its doors on the golden sands of Psarou beach this summer, Nammos Hotel Mykonos will mark the brand’s first property, with resorts in the Maldives and Abu Dhabi on the horizon.
Image credit: Nammos Hotels & Resorts
“Over the last decade we’ve mastered the art of creating a daytime experience like no other, and are delighted that Monterock International and Alpha Dhabi have set a vision to further fortify the Nammos World brand with the launch of Nammos Hotels & Resorts,” said Zannis Fratzeskos, Founding Partner of Nammos World. “The properties are set to embody the lifestyle we’ve created within an unrivalled hospitality experience, and we’re excited for Nammos’ global customers to experience the brand within a hotel setting.”
Catering to the most sophisticated of travellers and stylish sybarites, the brand will provide an unrivalled and genuine hospitality experience that mirrors elements of the existing Nammos offerings, whilst evoking a true sense of laid-back luxury. An establishment that never ceases to evolve, Nammos began as a traditional tavern the beach of Psarou in Mykonos 20 years ago and has since transformed into a world class destination that redefines beach life. The pivot into hotels and resorts marks an ambitious and scalable plan from Alpha Dhabi and Monterock International to extend Nammos World’s reach and global footprint, whilst diversifying its offering, further establishing its reputation as a luxury hospitality brand that provides an unrivalled culinary experience.
“All of us at Monterock International are thrilled to be partnering with Alpha Dhabi via our recent joint venture ADMO and honoured to be building upon Nammos World’s existing lifestyle offerings,” added Alfredo Longo, CEO of Monterock International. “We hope to capture the exclusive ambience Nammos World has created over the last 20 years within a hotel setting and are excited for guests to experience this first hand.”
Nammos Hotels & Resorts is expected to offer an exceptional guest experience, world-class entertainment, signature gastronomy and unfaltering attention to detail. Providing a chic and sophisticated haven, international travellers are invited to escape fast paced city life by reconnecting with the ones who mean the most and forming new connections with an eclectic and hedonistic set. Each property will be designed to the very highest standard, provide the finest service and offer otherworldly experiences that reflect the destination they’re set within. Consider the gap in the market significantly more closed.
JW Marriott’s entry into Spain with JW Marriott Hotel Madrid, offers a serene destination in a storied location, right in the heart of the city…
JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has unveiled its first property in Spain with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Madrid. Located in the cultural charm of the Canalejas zone, next to the dynamic and bustling Puerta del Sol, the luxurious new hotel sits in the heart of the city, moments away from prestigious art institutions and theatres.
“With each new opening, JW Marriott brings a legacy of luxury hospitality combined with the brand’s foundation of holistic well-being,” said Candice D Cruz, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “JW Marriott Hotel Madrid captures the essence of the city and encourages guests to disconnect from stress and distractions so that they can focus on reconnecting with what matters most to them.”
Image credit: JW Marriott
The hotel is designed to offer a new standard of luxury, one that inspires guests to achieve balance and become present in body, mind and spirit. Every detail is curated to encourage guests to reflect and recharge. Whether it’s soaking in the striking views of the city from the privacy of the guestroom terrace, enjoying the botanical oasis of El Patio JW Garden where ingredients used by the restaurant and cocktail bar are grown, or indulging in the city’s gardens with a picnic of local produce arranged by the hotel, mindful moments can be found and created anywhere. Ingrained in the brand’s belief that true luxury is having the time and space to focus on what matters most – oneself – the new 139-guestroom hotel offers guests an inspiring urban retreat in the centre of the Spanish capital.
Image credit: JW Marriott
In addition to the large and fully equipped Fitness Room and Wellness Area, the property has designed special in-room experiences allowing guests to enjoy a personalised wellness journey during their stay. Yoga mats are available in all rooms and complimentary access through QR codes to video workouts and meditation practices allow guests to nurture their physical well-being. The bath menu, with special playlists and customisable light settings for sensory pampering of all five senses, turns each bathroom into a private spa experience.
Previously one of the oldest perfumeries in Madrid, the building itself has a unique legacy and captures the very essence of the city. The hotel’s architecture and design was entrusted to Rockwell Group, who created an elegant concept using natural materials and a neutral colour palette to ensure a relaxing environment. Touches of the building’s historic past remain visible through the preservation of certain elements, such as the wrought iron columns from the 19th century which can be found throughout the property.
Madrid’s essence is tied closely to its history and the evocative aromas of violets, tuberoses, carnations and roses that fill the city. JW Marriott Hotel Madrid has collaborated with the Spanish Academy of Perfume, paying homage to the building’s unique heritage and the city’s sensuous past, to create a fully holistic wellness experience that stimulates the senses.
To start, each guest is welcomed with a traditional violet or rosemary-scented tea in an artisanal ceramic cup upon check-in. Guests then choose from one of five ‘Madrid scents’ which will then be placed in their wardrobe. Stories about Madrid and its aromas are found on the bedside table, designed to relax the mind before sleep. In the Lobby, there is an exhibition featuring antique perfume bottles, books and essences, which guests can explore at their leisure. For those keen to continue their scent journey, there are olfactory ‘scent training’ workshops in partnership with the Academy which offer exclusive opportunities for guests to learn more about the city and their scent preferences.
Partnering with renowned Michelin-star chef Mario Sandoval, the property has crafted a dining and cocktail concept that elevates and subtly reinvents local flavour. Using ingredients grown in the JW Garden and sourced from local providers, ‘QU’ offers the ultimate expression in refined Spanish flavour. Served on dishes inspired by the beauty of perfume containers, each meal nourishes more than just the body, engaging all five senses to create an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Madrid. Visitors can also sip and savour the city’s spirit through an inventive cocktail menu that highlights local ingredients and iconic aromas such as chocolate, rosemary, and lemon.
Dual-personality design: Moxy & AC arrive in Downtown Los Angeles
Two very different hotels, designed at the same time by leading interior design studio Yabu Pushelberg, are about to open in Los Angeles. Editor Hamish Kilburn, who explored the personalities of each hotel on the Marriott Bonvoy Travel By Design podcast, writes…
Soaring 37 storeys above Downtown Los Angeles, 727 guestrooms and suites, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, are divided up into two hotels. Like twins, one, AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, is a refined, paired-back and tailored design experience, while the other, Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, is the playful, loose and rule-breaking sibling.
On Travel By Design, a podcast by Marriott Bonvoy, I was lucky enough to experience both hotels through the eyes of their designers, George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg (listen bel0w).
“One will never sit down to eat at the proper time, and will throw his [or her] dinner across the room,” joked Yabu. “While the other wants to have a great time but will listen to mummy and daddy.” Pushelberg added: “One responds to the introvert, while the other responds to the extravert.”
Designed to draw in travellers and locals alike, the dual-branded hotel is positioned on the corner of South Figueroa and Pico streets. Connecting two powerful and distinct brands under one roof broadens the property’s appeal to a much wider audience of visitors, including business travellers in town for a conference and young nomads eager to explore an up-and-coming part of the city. Making the destination even more captivating is Level 8, the multi-dimensional concept by Los Angeles’ Houston Hospitality, opening later this spring.
Lightstone, developer of six acclaimed Moxy hotels in New York City and South Beach, was tasked to bring the first Moxy Hotels property to Los Angeles. Moxy’s vibrant energy is perfectly complemented by the elevated, residential aesthetic of the AC Hotels by Marriott brand, which was founded in Madrid.
Both hotels are designed to appeal to independent explorers who are conscious of value, travel on their own terms, and prioritise thoughtful and intriguing design. The 380-key Moxy is for those who want a spirited stay with a broad range of options for socialising and dining, and a cosy but smartly designed room. AC Hotel’s 347 guest rooms caters to a modern, design-conscious traveller who wants the essential elements of an elevated hotel experience at an accessible rate, with its signature AC lounge and AC kitchen and other upscale dining and drinking options at their fingertips, including the sophisticated tapas bar La Lo La Rooftop that is situated on the 34th floor with views stretching across the Hollywood Hills.
Image credit: Marriott International
The two hotels will share Level 8, the brainchild of hospitality veterans Mark and Jonnie Houston, known for their immersive and wildly successful restaurants and bars across Los Angeles. Comprising eight distinct dining, drinking, and entertainment venues filling the property’s eighth floor and with its own dedicated entrance, Level 8 channels Downtown Los Angeles’ creative energy, paying homage to its diverse cuisines and cultures while providing a stage for some of Los Angeles’ top culinary talent — and dishing it all up with Houston Hospitality’s signature spectacle.
“For today’s traveller, memorable hospitality means great design combined with the ability to choose from an abundance of experiences,” says Mitchell Hochberg, president of real estate developer Lightstone. “By integrating the two hotels, plus Level 8, into a single building, we’re creating a myriad of experiences never before offered in Los Angeles — and keeping it all affordable. It’s a multilayered, endlessly fascinating destination for both locals and visitors.”
In contrast to its retro and lively lobby space, Moxy Downtown LA’s 380 cosy bedrooms are designed to be sanctuaries, welcoming modern nomads with a thoughtful balance of utility and panache. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the SoCal sunshine to pour in. Distressed leather headboards evoke a well-worn motorcycle jacket, and cryptic markings on the wall reference the ‘hobo hieroglyphics’ used by history’s vagabonds. Adaptable, space-saving furniture and storage solutions allow guests to stake their own claim to the space. Industrial-chic bathrooms, lined in iridescent copper tile, feature a rain shower and an elongated sink carved from lava stone. Hanging on one wall is a sculpture that consists of chrome motorcycle handlebars mounted on a taxidermy-style plaque — a clever amalgamation of the twin desert themes of bikers and wildlife.
Image credit: Marriott International
AC Hotel’s 347 guestrooms, meanwhile, serve as residence-like respites from the energy of the city, with an open-plan design providing a seamless flow. Platform beds are dressed in crisp linens with a rich leather headboard. An integrated bench, closet, and oversize desk along one wall encourages productivity, while a tufted, geometric rug ensures plushness underfoot. Artwork above each bed depicts swimming pools and iconic Los Angeles buildings radically edited to present a new perspective with a splash of colour. Dividing the living area from the bathroom is a full-height mirror and integrated stone sink and vanity that seems to float over the shelves below.
Image credit: Marriott International
“Bringing together Moxy and AC Hotels allows guests to make the most of their stay while experiencing two very distinct personalities,” said Matthew Boettcher, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Distinctive Select Brands at Marriott International. “Guests can take advantage of extra amenities, such as the AC Lounge for co-working during the day, while having more whimsical social options with Moxy in the evening.”
With two unique hotels under one roof, guests at Moxy Downtown LA and AC Hotel Downtown LA have access to an astounding 12 dining and drinking options, each celebrating the city’s creative energy and culinary heritage.
Independently, the hotels – like brother and sister – travel in their own lanes. Working together, and sharing the same design approach – or DNA, if you like – they confidently answer to the demands of tomorrow’s modern travellers.
As a flooring that’s natural and renewable, cork is a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Yet, there is a lot more to cork than its green properties…
For years, we have raved about Granorte and its innovative manufacturing process, producing cork floors and other products in Portugal, where it has been finding new ways to use the waste cork from wine stopper production since 1972. The cork used in Granorte’s flooring ranges is originally harvested from the bark of trees within Portugal’s protected forests.
Portugal produces around 50 per cent of the world’s cork supply and its forests are strictly protected by the government. In fact, the first regulations protecting the country’s cork forests date back to the 13th century. This strict protection, which includes government approval for the removal of trees, ensures that Granorte cork floors come from a sustainable natural resource. These forests also lock in carbon, with a recent study showing that Portuguese cork forests absorbs 4.8 million tonnes of carbon each year.
Image credit: Granorte
Unlike wood, cork is harvested from the bark of the tree and is renewed after nine years for the life cycle of the tree, which can be more than 200 years. This makes cork a rapidly renewable natural resource*, yet by the time it reaches Granorte, it is also a post-industrial recycled material, coming as the waste of the wine stopper industry. The cork industry is highly efficient in its raw material use with every gram used. Even cork dust is harnessed as a green energy source.
Granorte takes this natural material and manufactures a range of highly sustainable flooring options. In its purest form – the glue-down tiles of Tradition – this makes a Granorte floor made from 90 per cent recycled and rapidly renewable natural resources. There are few other floors that are suitable for commercial use that have this status. Even with its engineered floating floors using Uniclic, Granorte achieves up to 80 per cent renewable natural materials status.
Granorte’s range of cork flooring provides commercial interiors with a wide range of sustainable choices, backed by high levels of UK stock.
Granorte 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.
Inside The Dorian – a dandy hotel arrival in Calgary
Vancouver-based interior design studio CHIL was inspired by both Oscar Wilde and the eclecticism of 19th century interiors when designing The Dorian, which mark’s Marriott Autograph Collections’ arrival in Calgary, Alberta…
Texture, colour and geometric forms firm the first impressions for guests checking in at The Dorian, Calgary’s latest design-led hotel. But beyond various design cues effortlessly merging together there is a deeper narrative in Marriott Autograph Collections’ first hotel in the city.
A women-led team of designers and developers came together to forge a new destination out of the new hotel. Developed and owned by PBA Group and designed by interior design studio CHIL, the 136-key hotel carries the wit and style of author Oscar Wilde and the boldness of 19th-century interiors. “What we’ve created is full of surprise, humour, and endless attention to detail,” said Adèle Rankin, Principal and Global Design Lead at CHIL. “From start to finish, we aimed to produce an experience at The Dorian that propels downtown Calgary’s hospitality scene forward.”
Image credit: Marriott International / Eymeric Widling
As the name suggests – taken from Wilde’s iconic 1891 novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray –art and visual identity is at the heart of the design project. But, as we have learned on the editorial design, art comes in more forms than one. Throughout the hotel, eclectic material and colour choices evoke the interiors and fashions of Wilde’s era, along with his hallmark eccentricity and biting humour.
Contrasting materials, bold colours and the reinterpretation of traditional patterns such as tartans, houndstooths and tweeds make for an experience that is richly layered, defined by contrasts and underlined by a recurring sense of surprise.
Image credit: Marriott International / Eymeric Widling
A significant investment in downtown Calgary’s role as a hospitality destination, The Dorian aims to capture the city’s unique spirit. Instead of relying on cliches, The Dorian channels downtown Calgary’s independence of thought through its bold, directional, and unapologetic design.
“With The Dorian, we explored how bringing opposites together can create beauty,” added Rankin. “What made The Dorian such an engaging and exciting project is how unapologetically bold it is from start to finish.”
The Dorian’s lobby represents CHIL’s ability to creatively interpret the hotel’s connection to Wilde. This is most evident via the lobby’s shattered mirror, which references a pivotal moment in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The theme of shattering is carried forward across the lobby’s tiled floor and its check-in desk: an angular block of faceted brass.
Image credit: Marriott International / Eymeric Widling
A recurring material throughout The Dorian, brass exudes a sense of historic character and serves to reference the era of the novel itself. Similarly, the Victorian period’s appreciation for saturated colours and bold patterning is further evoked with contrasting surface materials, like marble, dark wood, and floor-to-ceiling floral wallpaper.
In the guestrooms, custom wallcoverings are designed to match upholstered chairs and sofas, reflecting flair and whimsy, which is contrasted by understated brass accenting and leather headboards.
Image credit: Marriott International / Eymeric Widling
Suites contain expansive, independent lounges that feature hardwood floors, custom-upholstered sofas and unique artwork. The use of smart technology, such as sensor lights on nightstands and bathroom counters, conveys The Dorian’s elevated level of experience and considered attention to detail.
Image credit: Marriott International / Eymeric Widling
Defined by its design, hospitality and quirky personality, the hotel’s F&B experience is the heart and soul of The Dorian, which starts immediately as guests arrive in a café that is aptly called The Prologue. A café by day and an atmospheric lobby bar by night, The Prologue features a wraparound bar, large communal tables, semi-private banquettes, and round café tables.
“The Prologue embodies our ambitions for a hotel that is not only a place to be enjoyed by visitors, but as a destination for Calgarians too,” said Patricia Phillips, CEO of PBA Group. “The Dorian is an important addition to our city’s hospitality scene.”
Image credit: Marriott International / Eymeric Widling
The Prologue is carefully designed to evoke a distinct sense of place and time. Brass is found across light fixtures, seating, and tables. Tartan wallpaper, along with hunter green barstools, nods to the history of British interiors and fashions, while mosaic floor tiles reference both 19th-century English apothecaries and classic Parisian bars.
The F&B experience continues – and is elevated – on the 27th floor, which is home to the The Wilde, an upscale restaurant under the direction of Chef Joshua Dyer. Upon exiting the elevator, guests enter a moody lounge housing low acrylic tables, a cluster of overhead puck- shaped lights, and bold carpeting. Another reference to The Picture of Dorian Gray, a series of digital screens display the movement of a peacock.
Image credit: Marriott International / Eymeric Widling
In the dining space, dark wood floor, tiled pillars, custom lighting, and bespoke art exude a rich sense of atmosphere and depth. Maroon chairs and green benches nod to The Dorian’s historic inspirations, while brass accenting creates a thread of continuity with the lobby and other spaces.
Elsewhere, and truly answering to the modern demands of business travellers, the hotel shelters more than 310 square metres of events space, which has been designed coherently in the same style as the rest of the hotel – think loud carpets and brass detailing in corridor ceiling coves.
Image credit: Marriott International / Eymeric Widling
Fully understanding the assignment of what it takes to make a statement, and an arrival, in a new territory, CHIL have created a home-from-home hospitality hotspot that will be read by both travellers and locals alike from, we hope, years to come. It may be a Marriott hotel, but it certainly stands alone to reflect its own identify on the Canadian hotel landscape.
Travelling the globe to discover colour and texture, Almeria and Tribeca are two new collections from Sekers that will help designers add layers to a project…
Known for its trademark combinations of safety and style, Sekers specialises in the design and supply of furnishing fabrics and wallcoverings to the international hospitality market and is kicking off the season with the launch of two new collections.
Almeria is a FibreGuard collection that includes Granada, a range of luxurious plain velvets and Valencia, a bold jacquard that uses multi-coloured yarn to create a unique textured horizontal design. The extensive 30 colour palette collection includes daring orange and reds to ocean blues and jungle greens. As you would expect, Almeria passes BS 7176 medium hazard along with all relevant UK, American and IMO standards for upholstery. Almeria is a bold addition to any interior and is a collection for the marine, hospitality and leisure markets who love to add colour to their projects.
Image caption: Almeria | Image credit: Sekers
Image caption: Tribeca | Image credit: Sekers
Tribeca is an antique faux leather consisting of two designs – Stanford, a vintage, grainy textured design and Presley, which is a smoother flat grain plain. Both are FR inherent for contract upholstery. Each design is available in 11 colours, from rustic red to traditional tan, as well as a variety of sophisticated browns and naturals. Tribeca meets all relevant UK, USA and IMO standards for upholstery.
Sekers 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.
The motto under which Hansgrohe Group exhibited at this year’s ISH in Frankfurt was Celebrate Change – and this is most evident with the premium brand, hansgrohe’s, expanded product portfolio in the areas of furniture, ceramics and mirrors…
With its new products, hansgrohe has returned from ISH and is responding to a change in consumer behaviour. Consumers no longer want to pick and choose individual sanitary products from different manufacturers, but instead want to design holistic bathroom experiences. Later this year, basins, toilets, bathroom furniture and mirrors will therefore be sold under the premium brand hansgrohe, in addition to basin mixers, shower systems, drains and accessories.
Image credit: Hansgrohe
Timeless product solutions for a holistic bathroom Look
All hansgrohe innovations feature timeless aesthetics, a multitude of clever functions and high-quality materials. This creates well thought-out bathroom concepts for every everyday life and every family situation with hansgrohe’s well-known product quality. The premium brand presents two different bathroom furniture series (Xelu and Xevolos) in several variations for maximum freedom in planning and combining. In addition to vanity units (also with console) available in various sizes and looks, large and small cabinets are also available in both furniture series.
The hansgrohe furniture series merges into a single unit with the matching Xelu and Xevolos wash basins. In addition, hansgrohe’s Xuniva washbasins offer a wide range of other combination options, with different shapes and installation variations. The new wash basin ranges (with and without tap hole) guarantee the smooth installation of all hansgrohe mixer tap lines.
Image credit: Hansgrohe
The Xarita mirror range, available in a square or round design, also create a harmonious lighting concept. Xarita mirrors feature dimming, memory and automatic switch-off functions, as well as mirror heating. Equipped with energy-saving LED technology, the mirrors are available in two technical variations with touch icons or infra-red sensor operation. The atmospheric light scenarios of the Xarita mirrors with touch icons adapt to the personal mood and time of day.
EluPura is the name of the new toilet range from hansgrohe. Here, thanks to two design variations, round or SoftCube, the innovation blends harmoniously into a wide variety of bathroom ambiences. The optimised interior geometry of the toilet also scores points, using just 4.5 litres per flush it can achieve outstanding flushing results (suitable flush tank required) which are good for the environment and the wallet. In addition, the hansgrohe HygieneEffect glaze prevents bacteria from multiplying on the product and the rimless design also makes cleaning easier.
Image credit: Hansgrohe
In harmony with nature
In order to protect the environment careful use of valuable resources is also a focus for all new hansgrohe products, and they are largely made of natural and recyclable materials. The wooden components used in the furniture are from sustainable forestry. Thanks to the plastic-free packaging for wash basins, toilets and furniture, unnecessary plastic waste is also avoided after transport.
For unprecedented design freedom
The bathroom is more than the sum of its parts. Diverse combinations and product variations fitting together perfectly, both technically and visually, create a harmonious ambience from a single mould.
Thanks to the hansgrohe Inspirator tool, bathroom planners can find inspiration and maintain an overview of the wide range of design options available to them. By using the swipe function, the tool enables playful, simple, user-friendly selection and configuration of hansgrohe’s new products, as well as existing product lines in different interior design styles. By using a high-end 3D product visualisation, customers get an exact idea of what their dream bathroom will look like.
The ability to make these design changes in real time allows designers and consumers to experiment with different configurations until they find the perfect look for their bathroom. In the future, this tool will facilitate planning at the point of sale as well, to gradually turn the individual dream bathroom into reality. Driven by the power of innovation and the ambition to put people at the centre of all product developments, hansgrohe enables bathroom designers to design and experience their bathroom in a holistic way, also through trust in branded products.
Hansgrohe 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.
Minimalism done right: Domes opens in Halkidiki, Greece
The Mediterranean’s fastest growing lifestyle hospitality brand, Domes Resorts, opens its latest luxury hotel in Halkidiki, Greece, this month…
When it opens this month, Domes Noruz Kassandra will represent Domes Resorts’ first outpost in Halkidiki in northern Greece, a region known for its peninsulas and sheltered bays. The Greek luxury lifestyle hospitality brand launches this property as the latest addition to its growing portfolio, with properties now in Corfu, Crete, Zakynthos, Milos and further afield in the Algarve, Portugal.
Image credit: Domes Resorts
The new luxury hotel is located on the Kassandra peninsula, surrounded by crystal turquoise waters and lush greenery. Deemed a ‘beach club with rooms’, the hotel will have 182 rooms and suites and a sprawling swimming pool just steps away from the golden beach, where you will find the beach club and bar. This will function as the heart of the hotel, featuring a menu of neo-Greek seafood, designed by Executive Chef Dionysios Pliatsikas. The drinks menu comprises the best the area has to offer, with a lengthy wine list from local Halkidiki vineyards and a selection of expertly crafted cocktails to enjoy while watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Inside, contemporary design scheme plays with nature – it seamlessly fuses the indoor/outdoor spaces with the surrounding landscape. The various room categories are all carefully considered with a harmonious blend of white hues and neutral nuances, plus sophisticated raffia textures and handcrafted local artwork.
Image credit: Domes Resorts
Domes Noruz Kassandra also encompasses Domes’ signature Haute Living Selection, which creates heightened luxury in opulent suites that include a personal mobile phone with a direct line of contact to guest’s dedicated manager, ultra-private check-in, and much more.
Other F&B offerings include Domes’ signature Gustatio restaurant, which presents a decadent menu to tantalise the senses with its artful blend of bold flavours as an all-day creative buffet. Elsewhere, Raw Bar is an elegant cocktail and champagne bar. On the beach is Pita Canteen, where skilled ‘Psistes’, or grill masters, delicately prepare traditional Greek favourites such as gyros and souvlaki, perfect for a leisurely meal on the beach.
Image credit: Domes Resorts
For a holistic approach, wellness is a central element of the hotel and its OpenAir Gym offers guests an invigorating fitness experience where the body, mind and spirit are connected and rejuvenated. Two spacious Spa Suites are set up to host treatments from Domes’ award-winning, signature SOMA Spa, delivering a high-calibre tranquillity through signature treatments that combine ancient Greek rituals and contemporary healing.
“Domes Noruz Kassandra represents the expansion of our Domes Noruz brand, following in the successful footsteps of Domes Noruz Chaniain Crete,” said Dr. George P. Spanos, CEO of Domes. “Noruz is our most vibrant and cosmopolitan offering; an adults-only, design-led brand catering to international trendsetters who seek a balance between relaxed events by day and a chic party scene by night – a truly 360-degree offering.”
Each Noruz location is elegant with immaculately designed interiors and uncompromised comfort and style, with a focus on creating a party vibe. Joyful sounds play all day to complement the magnificent views, but in as sunset arrives, the real magic occurs. With a lively schedule of well-known DJs playing in intimate settings in each hotel, the beach club atmosphere spills well into the evening. Domes Noruz hotels create an electric atmosphere that brings in a sophisticated, cosmopolitan crowd that are seeking an unrivalled and distinctive luxury lifestyle experience with dynamic entertainment.
Image credit: Domes Resorts
The announcement of Domes Noruz Kassandra follows Domes’ news of expansion into the Greek islands of Milos with new property Domes White Coast Milos, alongside completed renovations of flagship hotel Domes Miramarein Corfu, and Domes Lake Algarvein Portugal. Further new openings will be soon announced in popular Greek destinations including Mykonos, Santorini and the Athenian Riviera, whilst the brand also plans to expand even further across Europe.
The Antigua collection from Arte draws its inspiration from traditional crafts that are still valued in our modern society, giving each element its own inherent texture and adding depth and layers to the design…
Traditional crafts and the art of making are, now more than ever, regaining their role in the design process. Classic handicrafts such as sewing, painting and drawing all require professional knowledge that we still greatly appreciate today. Each design in the Antigua Collection from Arte draws on these traditions and offers a warm textile look and feel, with some portraying the pure appearance of linen, while others have the tactile nature of bouclé. The collection has been given an authentic patina, an extra layer, which emphasises the beauty of these timeless pieces.
Image credit: Arte
Stagionato, Italian for ‘weathered look’, takes its inspiration from classical floral drawings. The attractive linen texture comes to life when appreciated close up, whilst from a little further away, it is the distressed faded floral design that stands out. The design is available in three colourways.
Tropicali is based on a tropical scene drawn in the Old English style and is a bold design of exotic plants and birds, on a base with a bouclé textile look. The illusion of fine tears in the drawing accentuates the craftsmanship of this design, which is available in four colourways.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
Tintura is a semi-plain product with the appearance of pure woven linen. The pieces of fabric are arranged casually next to each other and sewn into place with a coarse, clearly visible stitch. The result is a balanced yet lively wallcovering with a textile look and feel, which is available in 14 colourways.
With the soft, tactile appeal of luxurious bouclé, the Pentgono textile was designed with a graphic pattern of pentagons. This sleek geometric design creates an interesting contrast with the typically casual look of bouclé. Pentgono is available in 10 colourways.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
The final thread in the collection, Ritorto is another semi-plain wallpaper with the tactile look and feel of bouclé. The use of uneven yarns, characteristic of this textile, gives it a tactile, soft and casual appearance while still allowing the material to exude pure luxury. Ritorto is available in 10 colourways.
Arte 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.
VIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in April 2023
The hotel development scene is sizzling – upcoming hotels opening include jewels from Burgundy, Japan, Brussels, Rome and Singapore, among others. Editor Hamish Kilburn identifies the hottest hotel openings that are expected in April 2023…
In April, as we creep into the high season for summer destinations, there is always a flurry of hotels that open with the purpose to offer something new, exciting and different. More often than not, these narratives are driven by design. So, as we continue to cut through the noise on the hotel development scene on a global scale, here is our editor’s guide of the hottest design-led hotels that are opening in April 2023.
The Manchester, Lexington Kentucky
Image credit: The Manchester, Lexington Kentucky
Located in the heart of the historic Distillery District in Lexington, Kentucky, The Manchester is the first high-end hotel to open in the horse and bourbon capital of the world. Hoteliers Nik Feldman and Hank Morris, who have worked with numerous celebrated brands across hospitality and real estate, developed The Manchester on the former campus grounds of Central Kentucky’s first registered bourbon distillery. The hotel’s soulful interiors are rooted in Lexington’s historic rickhouses and the rich, earthy tones of the surrounding Bluegrass region’s landscape and rolling hills. The “Rickhouse Revival” facade features dramatic arches that run throughout the property.
The 125-key hotel, which is slightly delayed and will now open in June, boasts two unique dining experiences, sits at the nexus of Manchester Street’s Distillery District, a historic urban neighborhood and developing hub dotted with bourbon distilleries, breweries, bars, restaurants, and event spaces. Paying homage to the rich cultural history of Lexington, while forging its own unique identity, The Manchester seeks to take its place alongside the continually evolving hub of the historic Distillery District.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
Image credit: Ritz-Carlton
Preparing to open its doors, the 257-key Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has already made a lasting impression on the city skyline, soaring 80 storeys high. With its statement architectural design by Cottee Parker Architects, it is opening as one of the tallest hotels in Australia and certainly the tallest in Melbourne. Designed with materials inspired by the unique stories of the city, the hotel presents luxury accommodation, signature dining experiences across both restaurant and bar, holistic wellness spaces and an iconic infinity pool, as well as world-class meeting and event facilities and services.
Arranged across four heritage buildings, 31 rooms and suites will be converted into chic sanctuaries starting with Villa Christine. The phased opening of the hotel will also see a COMO Shambhala Retreat, the first of its kind in France.
Bulgari Tokyo, Japan
Image credit: Bulgari Hotels
Image credit: Bulgari Hotels
Sheltered on the 40th to 45th floors inside Tokyo Midtown Yaesu ultra-skyscraper, Bulgari Tokyo has been designed by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel of ACPV ARCHITECTS. The 98-key hotel will be decorated with Italian luxury touches, such as furniture from the likes of Maxalto, Flexform and B&B Italia. In addition, the hotel will also feature the ‘jewel in the crown’ Bulgari Suite and a 1,000 square-metre spa, complete with a 25-metre indoor pool.
Nobu Seville
This spring (which we consider to mean ‘April’), Nobu Hotels will make its arrival in Seville, Spain. Situated in front of the City Hall at the vibrant Plaza San Francisco in the heart of the Andalusian capital, Nobu Hotel Sevilla features stylish guestrooms and suites over four floors. It will also feature a Nobu restaurant with views of the Roman wall complete with terrace seating, fitness centre and a rooftop with swimming pool and dining area that boasts spectacular views of the Cathedral and the Golden Tower.
Hoxton Brussels
Image credit: Ennismore
Hoxton, the lifestyle-luxury brand brought to you by Ennismore, is about to land in Brussels, which we have been updated will open on May 22. The new hotel will sit inside a brutalist-style tower building and the former European headquarters of IBM – ‘subtle’ is not in the brand’s vocabulary. Despite its bold entrance, the interior design scheme inside the 198-hotel is – in true Hoxton style – a home-from-home, complete with polished plaster walls, vintage and locally sourced furniture scattered around and bold geometric forms.
Not only does Hoxton Brussels feature all the cosy nods that have become signature from the brand, it will also be the home of Hoxton’s third co-working concept, Working From, which will occupy four floors of the building.
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Image credit: Ennismore
From one Ennismore gem to another, Mondrian Singapore Duxton has just arrived on the South Asian hospitality scene. Developed by Craig Road Property Holdings, with interiors by Studio Carter, the 302-room hotel that Hotel Designs first bookmarked back in 2021 takes its inspiration from traditional Singaporean architecture, elevated with a contemporary twist.
The debut of the Mondrian brand in Singapore reflects the strategic expansion of the brand’s international footprint, which will include soon-to-be announced Mondrian properties in the Dominican Republic, Germany, the Maldives, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts
Located in the heart of downtown Tempe, the newest addition to the Omni Hotels & Resorts portfolio will feature 330 guestrooms, including 11 suites, four dining outlets, a spacious pool deck, retail, and around 3,300 square metres of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting spaces with expansive views of the ASU campus and the Arizona cityscape.
The hotel is a $125 million investment and part of a public-private partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and the City of Tempe. Downtown Tempe is thriving with attractions, businesses, residents, and visitors, and Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU will be the incredible completion of an important downtown intersection.
Six Senses Rome, Italy
Image credit: Six Senses Hotels & Resorts
Image credit: Six Senses Hotels & Resorts
And finally… no VIP arrivals story would be complete without a mention of what is becoming the most reputable wellness brand globally. Six Senses, which seems to be on an aggressive yet thoughtful expansion campaign, has just arrived in Rome, which is a significant moment for the brand that has made no vague nods to dipping its toe into urban hotspots.
Six Senses Rome translates its vision around wellness and local connections to offer both an escape and a sensory-rich journey. Layered on to this are little rituals contrasting with the grandiose beauty of the Eternal City. From BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar, the spot where all our paths cross, to a unique Rome-at-your-feet feeling on NOTOS Rooftop, and its take on the ancient art of bathing – the hotel has levelled up to offer both a buzzing hub in the heart of the city and a tranquil escape.
A fireplace might not be the first thing that springs to mind when talking about the great outdoors, however FOCUS has prepared six of its iconic indoor models to make the move…
An evening spent outside around a beautiful fire remains a convivial and memorable moment and FOCUS designs gives extra soul to an unforgettable experience with its range of outdoor fireplaces.
The most recent addition to the FOCUS outdoor range, Bubble, is a wood-burning brazier that immediately won over both the public and the design world by winning the coveted Gold prize at the German Design Award 2022. Its organic spherical shape invites people to gather around, while its compact size and manoeuvrability make it the undisputed model for terraces and gardens, whatever the surface. With a sleek and appealing finish, it is a perfect all-year-round brazier for alfresco entertaining. Bubble is made in France in the FOCUS factory, where it is handcrafted by artisans who have exceptional metalworking skills. It benefits from the same manufacturing criteria and the same high-quality standards as the entire range.
While the Bubble is designed with the outdoors in mind, other iconic fireplaces, originally designed for interior application, have now been adapted to outdoor installation. The six designs which have been developed by the design studio for outdoor use include Gyrofocus, Ergofocus, Domofocus, Bathyscafocus, Emifocus and Paxfocus.
Image credit: FOCUS
Most of the FOCUS outdoor models are in fact multiple award-winning designs in their own right, with some having earned the status of works of art while being exhibited in international design museums. The most instantly recognisable of these, the Gyrofocus, is a true statement of mid-century design. It features in the design curriculum in schools of architecture, was elected among 100 participants as the most beautiful object in the world at the international Pulchra competition in 2009 and was exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 1998.
Image credit: FOCUS
Another design, the Ergofocus, with a sleek aesthetic, earned its place as part of an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm. These credentials should satisfy the most design-conscious heat-seekers who focus on both form and function – now they can add an outdoor version to elevate their exterior spaces.
The outdoor models are available in either a black anti- corrosion or rust finish. Rust is a living material that evolves over time to resemble aged leather or patinated bronze for a natural look.
For more than 50 years, FOCUS has been shaking up design codes with its innovations. It was the first to move the fireplace from the wall to the centre of the room, making it the focal point of the interior and has now moved its statement fireplaces outdoors to continue the story.
FOCUS 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.
As guests increasingly look for sustainable and eco-friendly options in the hotel experience, Geberit explores ways of integrating nature into hotel bathroom design. From living green walls to natural materials, these elements not only appeal to the environmentally conscious guest, but also create a more serene and calming atmosphere…
One of the clearest benefits of integrating nature into hotel bathroom design is the positive impact it can have on the mental and emotional wellbeing of guests. Studies have shown that exposure to natural elements such as plants, natural light and water can reduce stress levels, improve mood and increase productivity. This is particularly important in the context of a hotel stay, where guests may be away from their familiar surroundings and routines or simply seeking escape. At the same time, incorporating nature into hotel bathroom design can also have significant sustainability benefits. Natural materials, such as wood or stone, are often more environmentally friendly than their synthetic counterparts. The use of plants can improve indoor air quality by filtering out harmful pollutants.
Image credit: Geberit
Image credit: Geberit
Geberit is no stranger to the importance of incorporating nature into design and have created a stone range which includes stone finishes that can be used for flush plates and other bathroom accessories, providing both a luxurious and a natural feel to the bathroom. These finishes are available in a variety of colours and textures, making it easy to find the perfect match for any hotel design project.
Interior designer and specialist in Biophilic Design, Oliver Heath, highlighted the significance behind using natural colours, imagery and materials to help ground hotel guests in Geberit’s first Hotel Guest Experience Report in 2020. “Focusing on nature and using elements of Biophilic Design can enhance a multi-sensory design strategy at the same time as bringing in local character,” explained Heath. “Carefully considering lighting, acoustics, textures and biophilia in hospitality environments to create positive sensory environments can improve both physical and mental health and wellbeing.”
Image credit: Geberit
Wren Loucks, Director and CEO of Be-kin, also talks about wellbeing and sensory rich experiences in hotel design in this year’s Hotel Guest Experience Report. She highlights that one in five adults in the UK has a disability and the importance of hotels catering for sensorial, cognitive and physical abilities. “Designing for the mind and neurodiversity is very important,” said Loucks. “The use of biophilic patterns, utilising natural light and circadian lighting wherever possible – and avoiding strong synthetic smells often found in toiletries or cleaning products – are just some ways to design for the mind. Furthermore, a hotel that takes time to build out an inclusive design strategy should publish these design features on their website, providing guests with specific travel requirements clarity and peace of mind.”
There is a real opportunity for hotels to disrupt the market by creating designs that truly stimulate wellbeing through social sustainability and inclusive, sensorial, natural design.
Image credit: Geberit
Nature-inspired bathrooms in hotels can offer guests a unique and memorable experience. By immersing guests in a natural environment, hotels can create a sense of connection and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. This can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling travel experience, which is increasingly important for modern travellers seeking to connect with the world around them.
The use of nature in hotel bathroom design is a trend that is here to stay. As hotels look to create more sustainable and immersive experiences, incorporating natural elements in their design can provide a range of benefits for guests and the environment. From creating a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment to improving guest wellbeing and inclusivity, nature-inspired hotel bathrooms offer a unique and unforgettable experience for hotel guests seeking a deeper connection with the natural world.
Geberit 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.
With sweeping views over the Tagus River, Hyatt has debuted in Portugal with the opening of its first Hyatt branded Hotel, Hyatt Regency Lisbon…
The opening of the 204-key Hyatt Regency Lisbon meets a much-desired demand for luxury accommodation in the capital city of Portugal and marks a significant milestone for Hyatt in Europe, as it continues to prioritise its growth plans in places of interest to its guests. The hotel’s spacious guestrooms and suites all feature modern interiors and high-end finishes, with some including stunning balcony views over the river. Guests have access to a world-class wellbeing concept through its on-site spa, managed by Portugal’s top wellness brand Serenity and for those looking to enjoy Lisbon’s thriving food and drink culture, guests can uncover a new flair of Portugal’s unique gastronomic tradition in one of the hotel’s four restaurants and bars.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
All 204 spacious, well-appointed, and beautifully furnished guestrooms, including 105 suites, offer guests an upscale and modern experience of Portuguese architecture. Inspired by the famous Portuguese Discoveries and the contemporary influences of Lisbon, rooms feature calming blues and blends of oak wood. With river fall showers in each room and balcony views of the Tagus River in a selection of the hotel’s suites, all guests can feel connected to their natural surroundings through the sophisticated details in the space. Ranging from queen bedrooms, all the way up to the Regency 3 Bedroom Suite with its own large private balcony and separate living room with dining area, each room provides guests with a seamless experience and connectivity through the latest technology, in-room amenities and high-speed internet access.
“We’re excited to open Hyatt Regency Lisbon and bring a new charm to our historic capital,” said Hélder Martins, General Manager at Hyatt Regency Lisbon. “We are in a prime riverfront location, ideally situated to help our guests and World of Hyatt members explore the rich history and culture of Lisbon by day and night, safe in the knowledge that they will be greeted with Hyatt’s world-class, intuitive service from our team during their stay, in one of Europe’s most sought-after locations.”
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
For all-day-dining, the grand-café style VISEVERSA restaurant and bar offers fresh, local produce and an abundance of dining options and drinks amongst an elegant, spacious setting. Facing the garden and enjoying natural sun light is ZEST, a bright, relaxing place for delicious healthy meals made with fresh local ingredients. The location makes it an idyllic place to gather for a casual lunch or snack. The hotel will also welcome a fine restaurant, with direct access to the public and a rooftop with a backdrop of panoramic views of the River Tagus. Currently, the lounge space is only available for meetings and events, with the rooftop and bar space set to open to the public in the coming months.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
The hotel’s six meeting areas have up to 420 square meters of function space, which can be easily converted to suit a range of set-ups. The 220 square metre main meeting room can also be divided into four large boardrooms which offer 42 square meters of space each, providing a modern, flexible layout that can be adapted to meet the needs of any event. The property makes the most of its natural surroundings and offers extensive indoor and outdoor spaces. For an event space with a twist, choose the multifunctional and light filled VISTA, a mezzanine with direct access to the garden. The Rooftop Lounge offers picturesque views across the River Tagus and The Garden Courtyard, connected to the main meeting room on the ground floor is the perfect place for mingling and networking into the night.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
‘Serenity – The Art of Well Being’, Portugal’s leading luxury spa and wellness brand, introduces guests to a new concept of wellness through the on-site spa. Guests will have access to a wide range of wellness activities and spa treatments, which have been tailored to their individual needs, creating a memorable and restorative escape. Guests can also choose to benefit from ACTIVE by Serenity facilities and services. A gym and two fitness studios for classes, are fully fitted with the latest Technogym equipment to support those who wish to keep up with their routines whilst away from home.
Why you should listen to Wren Loucks on this design podcast
Editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed sensory and wellness designer Wren Loucks onto the latest episode of DESIGN POD, the design podcast for all design and architecture enthusiasts. Kilburn writes…
When DESIGN POD, the design podcast for all design and architecture enthusiasts, dropped it’s latest series, sponsored by Geberit, our mission was to ‘cut through the noise’ in order to serve our listeners with thought-provoking topics and conversations that really mean something. By doing so, we met Wren Loucks, CEO and Creative Director of Be-Kin, an interior design studio that looks at the process of design holistically, using sensory design and adding elements that stimulate wellness to transform spaces with deeper design narratives.
The mark the launch of episode 29 of DESIGN POD, here are four reasons why you should give is a listen – perhaps even while reading this article (episode embedded below):
1) The power of design – it’s real!
In the episode, Loucks shares her own mental health journey. She honestly recalls the time when she was in hospitality as a child remembers her experience feeling clinical and cold. It was this moment when she started to question conventional approaches to interior design and wondered how, by using design as a tool, she could make spaces feel less clinical and more human-centric.
2) Wellness redefined in DESIGN POD and beyond!
Loucks, who was named last year as one of the top 25 influential interior designers, joined the podcast following her involvement in Geberit’s Hotel Guest Experience Report, in which the designer examines ritual, sensory-rich experiences and social sustainability in hotel design. The award-winning designer looks at how the differences in sensorial, cognitive, and physical abilities can be catered to by designing facilities to suit a range of needs, such as wheelchair accessibility, neurodiversity and an ageing population.
3) A new wellness-focused interior design studio is born!
Since launching Be-kin in November 2020, Loucks has completed six projects, ranging from Grade II listed buildings to a private gym in Fitzrovia. In addition to design, Loucks aims to educate her clients on how they are affected by spaces across their senses and create spaces that stimulate their wellbeing. For the studio’s commercial clients, the designer creates spaces that support social sustainability – designing for a range of cognitive, physical, and sensorial differences. She is, put simply, challenging conventional approaches to interior design, architecture and hospitality with an approach to interior design that puts humans first and gives the entire arena a deeper purpose.
4) Exhale – listen – think – do
Episode 29 of DESIGN POD will, if nothing else, inspire all designers of all abilities to open their mindset to new ideas and concepts. The industry, as a whole, is more open than ever before when it comes to collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Loucks is among a new breed of designers who are proving that science has its place in interior design – we can, as a whole, do better to create spaces that stimulate wellness.
The full 50-minute podcast episode, which follows episode 28, is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms – just search ‘DESIGN POD’ wherever you get your podcasts. The next episode will drop on April 12 with interior designer Pallavi Dean, Founder of Roar, who will join Kilburn to discuss design in the metaverse.
New collection from Perrin & Rowe defines industrial-luxe in the bathroom
The new Armstrong bathroom collection from British manufacturer Perrin & Rowe combines an industrial aesthetic with a designer’s eye for balance and proportion…
The Armstrong bathroom collection offers a luxurious take on a pared-back design trend and is one of the most comprehensive ranges Perrin & Rowe, part of the House of Rohl portfolio, has ever launched. Every piece can be specified in chrome, nickel or pewter along with 24-carat gold, polished brass or satin brass for a golden glow. Perrin & Rowe’s two brass finishes are unlacquered, so will develop a unique patina over time, enhancing the beauty of the alloy. For a true industrial look, English Bronze offers a darker metallic finish that brings out the detail of the knurling.
Image credit: Perrin & Rowe
Each tap is made with the highest quality brass, poured by hand at 1700° fahrenheit into moulds. After machining, specialist polishers develop the deep, lustrous finish. It’s a time-consuming and painstaking task. The freestanding bath-shower mixer, for example, can take over four hours to perfect. Choose a single lever basin mixer or a three-hole tap, either wall-mounted or deck-mounted. An iconic freestanding bath-shower mixer is available, as is a complete Shower Set with hand-shower and overhead rose. Accessories include robe hooks, a paper holder, a towel bar or towel ring, and a matching built-in soap dispenser.
Image credit: Perrin & Rowe
Image credit: Perrin & Rowe
There are 15 new pieces to choose from available in a choice of six finishes, from hand-polished Chrome (electroplated to a thickness beyond industry standards) through to 24-carat plated Gold. The launch follows the recent success of Perrin & Rowe’s award-winning Armstrong kitchen collection, which has rapidly become one of Perrin & Rowe’s most popular ranges. Now, homeowners and designers can choose industrial styled brassware across both the kitchen and bathroom.
House of Rohl 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.
Chelsom has just dropped the exciting news that it will be dropping its latest collection, Edition 28, during Clerkenwell Design Week. Here’s what we know…
Following the lighting company’s 75th anniversary last year, Chelsom is preparing to blind the industry during Clerkenwell Design Week with its hotly anticipated new collection. Edition 28 is about to drop some serious lighting innovation.
The product launched, designed and curated by Robert and Will Chelsom, will incorporate a ‘complete makeover’ of its existing lighting collection as well as a brand new website, new sub-brands and an accompanying new catalogue. The new collections are made up of an array of different decorative lighting styles, designed specifically with global hospitality, marine and residential interiors projects in mind.
Image credit: Chelsom
This is not the first time that Chelsom has dared to launch new aesthetics and tech-savvy products into the hospitality lighting industry. In 2022, the company reacted to global demands and introduced touchless light switching, which was seen as a gamechanger in lighting technology. Two years prior, in the height of the pandemic, the team at Chelsom were undeterred – limited by social distancing restrictions – when they unapologetically launched Edition 27, which introduced new protagonists such as Hybrid, the award-winning LED Eye and Phono.
With very little to go off for now – the collection is being held under lock and key with only a selection of close-ups that have been released – the interior design community is waiting to see which innovations in the new collection will land the hardest as Chelsom continues to be a major player on the hotel design and hospitality scene. One thing we do know – the collection as a whole, as always, is going to be crowd-pleaser.
Chelsom 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.
Adding luxury & wellness into the bathrooms at Bluewaters Island
As Dubai’s exclusive Bluewaters Island evolves into a a vibrant and scenic experience in an exotic location, Sanipex Group was able to meet cost, quality and time constraints across the development without compromising on design…
Encompassing hospitality, residential, retail and entertainment options, the luxury BAGNODESIGN brand, part of Sanipex Group, features throughout the Bluewaters Island project. Developers were initially attracted to the brand’s coloured brassware selection, selecting it for the high-end Caesars Resort & Serviced Apartments.
In line with the hotel’s signature elements of fun fused with out-and-out luxury, Sanipex Group supplied the near 300 accommodations for the luxury hotel with Brushed Copper brassware to offer a warming contrast against modern Statuario marble tiles. Thanks to readily available stock and its close relationships with factories to accommodate exacting demands on stringent time constraints, Sanipex Group helped ensure Caesars Palace was one of the first properties to open on the island.
Image credit: Sanipex Group
The Residences at Ceasars Palace took an alternate styling to the resort while delivering equal impact in the form of a modern monochrome design with BAGNODESIGN Matt Black brassware. The design-led specification for 100 five-star serviced apartments steps away from ubiquitous bathroom décor of dark neutrals in place of a timeless solution, evoking a fresh sense of luxury living with a distinct and dramatic design.
To achieve a contemporary full bathroom solution for 698 apartments, four penthouses, and 17 townhouses that make up the Bluewaters Residences, Sanipex Group worked directly with the designers during the selection process.
Image credit: Sanipex Group
The final specification remained within budget thanks to BAGNODESIGN’s value and style ranges. Savoia mixers are complimented by Smooth accessories, whilst a rain shower and thermostatic shower mixer add a sense of indulgence. The full sanitaryware specification includes wall hung WC’s with either freestanding Bagnotec basin or contemporary countertop basin.
As a luxurious step up for the Penthouses, angular brassware in Brushed Nickel compliments the wooden accents for an organic biophilic feel. The stand-out feature of these award-winning residences is the Bagnotec bathtubs placed in the floor to ceiling windows, for virtuously viewing vistas of the island.
Sanipex Group also supplied the resorts bars, restaurants and public areas with high-grade products including sanitaryware, brassware and tiles, to complete the luxe living vibe throughout the island.
Sanipex Bagnodesign 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.
Locke is preparing to add lucky number 13 to its portfolio in June, with its third German property. Introducing Locke at East Side Gallery…
With breathtaking views overlooking the River Spree and city skyline, Locke at East Side Gallery is situated amongst Berlin’s trendiest inner-city districts Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Mitte. The new opening will comprise 176 sleek studio apartments, which come equipped with kitchenettes and living areas, many of which having access to a private balcony with river or skyline views. The property will also shelter a complimentary co-working area for guests and locals to enjoy, third-wave coffee shop and deli and audiophile bar and restaurant ANIMA, which will introduce new immersive ways of experiencing music in the German capital.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
The aparthotel will also feature a flexible meeting and events space that includes a rooftop terrace, as well as a 24-hour gym on the eighth floor with floor-to-ceiling windows and views overlooking Berlin’s Mediaspree. Designed by Matthew Grzywinski of Grzywinski+Pons, Locke at East Side Gallery takes its design cues from its surroundings – most notably the former Berlin Wall, River Spree, and neighbouring parks. Each apartment combines sophisticated neutral tones, natural textures, and raw concrete with pops of playful colour. Within the rooms themselves, walls are composed of timber panelling, with kiln-formed glass inspired by the surface of the Spree River acting as a partition to the bathroom.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
The furniture in the rooms exude warmth and texture with turmeric chairs, pastel mirrors and heavily braided grass rugs juxtaposed with suede and rattan floor screens and bedheads. The bathrooms feature back-painted black glass, walls and ceilings feature exposed structural concrete, softened with a powdery finish. Hand-scraped wood floors complement the aforementioned wall-as-threshold assembly of timber and textured glass.
“Locke at East Side Gallery is a very special project for us,” said Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer and Creative Director at edyn. “Berlin is a city filled with history, creativity and innovation and we are excited to be bringing Locke to this incredible location. With a partnership already established with concept bar and restaurant ANIMA, we look forward to partnering with more local businesses and creating a space in which guests can fully immerse themselves in the culture of the city. The property itself has spectacular views across the city and over the River Spree, and with East Side Gallery and the neighbourhoods of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg on your doorstep, there really is no better location in which to explore Berlin.”
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
On the ground floor, social spaces comprising of the cafe, bar and restaurant, reception lounge and co-working spaces are connected with the use of non-continuous walls which in a nod to the vestiges of the Berliner Mauer are used as compositional elements, creating implicit ‘neighbourhoods’ in the space. Built-in seating and planters are fabricated from locally sourced bricks comprised of recycled sand and lime while furnishings follow a cohesive palette of timber, cane, fabric and cord, surrounded by verdant vegetation spilling out of planters and cascading from the ceiling.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
On the ground floor, ANIMA, an audiophile bar and restaurant, combines gastronomy with music. Intended as a dedicated space for music lovers and inspired by Japan’s ‘Kissaten’, hi-fi cafes predating affordable home stereos, ANIMA is born from the desire to share, exchange and come together. This concept will be reflected in the food and drink offering, designed for sharing and featuring fresh, local and seasonal products with a selection of natural wines, spirits, cocktails and craft beers.
Ocean Drive Ibiza, the island’s original boutique hotel, is celebrating 25 years with a brand-new look that captures its renowned Art Deco style and glamourous spirit…
Located on the front line of Marina Botafoch overlooking Ibiza’s old town, Ocean Drive Ibiza has long been a favourite of DJs visiting the island because of its proximity to the best restaurants, clubs, and experiences that Ibiza has to offer. The property was the first hotel opened by OD Hotels founder, Marc Rahola and is now part of the OD portfolio that comprises of five boutique, design-led hotels in Ibiza, Madrid and Barcelona.
Taking on the reimagining of this 40-key hotel, the in-house interior design team has drawn inspiration from the building’s Art Deco aesthetic and the hotel’s love of music, art, and hedonism. These elements are combined with flexible spaces that transform from bright and welcoming during the day, to warm and intimate at night. The Sky Bar, with its unique Old Town and sunset views, now has retractable roof panels and doors to create indoor and outdoor areas that can be enjoyed year-round. The palette combines monochrome tones with rich, deep blue and gold touches and the Art Deco influence is seen in the space’s lines, furniture and lighting.
Image credit: Ocean Drive Ibiza
Guests are welcomed into a light, airy lobby with elegant marble and that Art Deco inspiration again running throughout. Making life easy after a less than 15-minute journey from the airport or just steps from the port, the knowledgeable team is on hand to ensure a memorable stay for guests with their insider access to the best that Ibiza has to offer. There’s a lounge, bar and restaurant that flow into each other and can be used at all times of day, from breakfast through to a nightcap after a full Ibiza day.
The guestrooms and suites have also had a refresh with new soft furnishings, decorative objects such as design-led lamps, bathrooms updates and new artworks by Stella Rahola. Rooms are well-equipped offering the best in comfort and style, with Mediterranean influences to give a sense of place. Many share the same marina and old town views, with the four suites occupying the two upper floors of the hotel for unmatched views.
Image credit: Ocean Drive Ibiza
Hotel guests, locals and visitors can meet for relaxed food and drinks, or one of the OD Sky Bar’s many specially curated events, which include a weekly showcasing of different flavourful cuisines with drinks to match, as well as music-focused events from media and music collectives. The events programme will continue downstairs, where the ground floor has been completely opened up to create a more sociable space. OD Live On Tour is a monthly live music event and for analogue music lovers, there will be a monthly event, which will see live music from a vinyl music collection. This space will also host monthly art exhibitions from artists including those who are part of the IbizArt Guide, an annual guide that brings together the best national and international artists who live in Ibiza or who have a direct relationship with the island.
Barceló Funchal Oldtown – a new hotel rooted in history
A stylish city hotel rooted in its sense of place, Barceló Hotel Group has announced the opening of Barceló Funchal Oldtown – a brand-new hotel on the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira…
The newest addition to the Barceló portfolio takes its inspiration from the natural wonders of UNESCO World Heritage site, Laurisilva Forest and from Madeiran architecture and craftsmanship. Comprising a cluster of 17th century buildings that have been sensitively transformed, Barceló Funchal Oldtown has absorbed its rich cultural history into its DNA. The result is a playful balance of modern design and authenticity, a sleek and comfortable base from which to explore the island’s greatest treasures.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
Each building that makes up the hotel has its own story, one being the former family abode of the Blandys, founders of the Madeiran wine trade and another an embroidery factory that supplied the nearby shops. Now under one roof, the hotel remains faithful to the original architecture and the façade has been meticulously restored in homage to the rich cultural heritage of Funchal.
Excavation uncovered vestiges from the past ranging from pottery and coins to remnants of a roadway, which have all been incorporated into the hotel’s décor. The original floors have been brought back to life and natural stone and wood has been restored by artisans, celebrating local craftsmanship from centuries past and present. Interiors follow suit and the building’s 111 guestrooms feature embroidery and wicker basketry furnishings.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
To champion the island’s abundant nature and UNESCO World Heritage site, Laurisilva Forest, a flora-filled courtyard sits pride of place in the hotel, providing a peaceful spot to relax. Floor to ceiling windows and hanging gardens bring the outside in and natural colours and textures have been woven into the design to nod to the luscious landscape.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
Barceló Funchal Oldtown offers two distinct restaurant concepts giving guests a flavour of Funchal. A Bordadeira restaurant – whose name and interiors are inspired by the Madeiran tradition of embroidery – serves an a la carte menu with international influence. Dine alfresco at Noz Café, which transports guests to Laurisilva Forest, to indulge in local-inspired dishes whilst shaded by canopies of trees and Funchal flora and fauna. The all-day dining concept will feel bright and airy by day and transform into a sophisticated gastronomic destination by night. Championing the region’s history of winemaking, Barceló Funchal Oldtown will serve an impressive selection of local Madeiran wines.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
The rooftop of Barceló Funchal Oldtown is the pièce de résistance, boasting panoramic sea views over the marina. The terrace, complete with a plunge pool and bar, is a glamorous spot for sundowners or to marvel at the comings and goings of Funchal’s farmers’ market. If guests manage to tear themselves away from the roof terrace, they can explore the charming market, selling fresh regional produce and radiating the warm spirit of locals. Those seeking a dose of culture can discover the ancient architecture and intricately carved ceiling of Funchal Cathedral.
Ellenborough Park Hotel completes major renovation
Ellenborough Park Hotel, Gloucestershire’s only five-star country house hotel, has unveiled a major renovation. The new, quintessentially English interior design scheme has been created by designer Ilze Reinke…
Sheltered inside a magnificent 15th century English country house, surrounded by 90 acres of parkland in the Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park Hotel has just unveiled its ‘next chapter’ following an extensive renovation.
Image credit: Ellenborough Park Hotel
The new interiors, which includes a refreshed brasserie and bedrooms, have been imagined by South African-born Ilze Reinke. It has been, as the designer described, “a dream job that has required much careful thought and consideration to capture the history and elegance of the building, ensuring that it reflects the same grandeur in these modern times.”
All 61 bedrooms are undergoing an affectionate refurbishment with lavish fabrics, elegant wall coverings, plush carpets, and country chic furnishings. Brimming with personality – Reinke’s designs are masterful and beautifully capture a graceful homeliness.
Image credit: Ellenborough Park Hotel
Reinke’s starting point for each room was something existing – a chair, a piece of wallpaper, or a colour. One of her biggest challenges in working with the existing rooms is the deep research necessary to match or find complementary colours for heritage schemes – allowing the designer to keep as much as possible and avoiding throwing out the existing elements for the sake of novelty.
Image credit: Ellenborough Park Hotel
At the heart of the hotel guests will find the Horse Box, a stylish brasserie that has undergone a complete transformation that now features soft leather brocades, low lighting, tartan flooring and countryside tweed fabrics.
Every room tells a different story with a chic country comfort, and reflects leading suppliers, such as Colefax & Fowler,Nina Campbell. Skopos, Panasse; Brintons, Warwick Fabrics, Lighting from Coach House. Adding apt personality, the rooms have been given their own identities with Cotswold appropriate colour-scheme names that include Blossom, Wildflower, Countryside, Tudor, Chrysanthemum, Gingham and Rustic.
The surface panel made with 90% post-consumer wood
Hive from UNILIN Panels is the striking 3D decorative surface panel made with 90 per cent post-consumer wood…
For ‘instagrammable’ hospitality backdrops to smart workspace finishes in offices and merchandising areas in retail, Hive’s 3D geometric structure captures the light to create a subtle hexagonal pattern. Now available from UNILIN Panels, the decorative panel brings a cost-effective, durable and easy to maintain finish suitable for commercial interiors.
Hive panels are available in a range of solid colours and decorative effects. Everest White and Elegant Black are classics, with Dusty Coral, Oatmeal Beige and Sage Green providing a palette of uplifting natural tones. Brushed Steel Blue combines Hive’s hexagon relief with a smart brushed metal for a futuristic edge. Each colour can be used to add a unique and individual look to areas.
Whatever the look, Hive is made with UNILIN Evola-Belspan 100 per cent recovered chipboard. This is made entirely from recycled wood, with 92 per cent coming from locally sourced post-consumer materials including old furniture. The remaining eight per cent is wood waste produced by activities like roadside maintenance, sawmills and forest management that’s considered no longer usable by other industries. UNILIN has found a way to give a new life to this wood and making chipboard this way saves more than 900,00 tonnes of wood from incineration every year.
The processes developed by UNILIN to recover wood from a variety of sources, also means that once Hive panels have reached the end of their life, they can be recycled back into new panels to complete the loop. This is made possible by an ultra-modern machine that sorts the wood, using a mix of processes including magnets, wind sifters and centrifuges to remove impurities. UNILIN has invested 30million Euros over the past six years to develop the technology.
Hive Evola-Belspan is made in Belgium by UNILIN and is available to order in 15 working days. It can be used for non-structural purposes such as a decorative wall finish or in furniture construction, cabinets and kitchens. As one of more than 200 options from the UNILIN Evola decorative range, Hive has excellent durability and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice across a broad range of projects.
UNILIN Panels 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.
Looking ahead: GROHE to launch water-recycling shower in 2024
Always, it seems, one step ahead in the sustainable wellness arena, GROHE aims to have all concealed showers water-recycling by 2030. And it all starts with GROHE Everstream…
Hot off the heals of launching its first online summit, GROHE has revealed the market launch of its water-recycling shower GROHE Everstream, expanding the brand’s range of bathroom and kitchen products that promote efficient water use and make sustainable choices easier.
The shower will be available to customers from spring 2024. The shower system is currently being field – tested and a training programme for installers is expected to start in the second half of 2023. In addition, GROHE is also aiming to have all GROHE concealed showers water-recycling-ready by 2030.
GROHE Everstream has been designed to create the showering experience users expect but consuming as little fresh water as possible – and using far less energy. The Everstream system uses as little as a quarter of the water and a third of the energy typically required by traditional showers, translating into a cost-saving of up to 65 per cent a year for a four-person household and up to 70 per cent fewer CO2 emissions, depending on individual shower habits.
“Last summer in Europe was one of the driest on record,” said Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA. Water scarcity is affecting us all and it is our responsibility as a water-technology provider to offer solutions that allow consumers to make a difference. Implementing water-recirculating technology in our GROHE portfolio elevates our offering to a new sustainable benchmark and is a milestone for our entire organisation.”
How it works
GROHE Everstream demonstrates how the home can actively and positively shape our personal impact on the planet and its resources. It divides the shower process into three parts allowing users to enjoy the experience, safe in the knowledge they are minimising waste.
First, users start the shower with fresh water, as with any regular shower.
Once finished using the shampoo or soap, the user can switch mode: The water collected in the drain after switching is pumped into a circuit, maintaining the desired temperature, and hygienically treating the water.
After use, cleaning takes place to prepare the shower for the next user.
“It is our mission to provide state-of-the-art technologies for using water resources sustainably while also creating additional environmental value for water,” added David Mainka, Leader Electronics and Innovation R&D Fittings, LIXIL International. As we strive towards a circular economy, circularity can also play a much bigger role within our products themselves. GROHE Everstream takes our technology to the next level. We are looking forward to the results of our field-testing of the product to fine-tune it for market launch in 2024.”
As part of LIXIL’s strong brand portfolio, GROHE’s sustainability activities as well as its product developments are embedded in LIXIL’s Environmental Vision which calls for Zero Carbon and Circular Living. Water sustainability is one of the focus areas here. The goal is to help people enjoy water while ensuring sustainable water use on a global scale in order to have a positive impact on the planet.
GROHE 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.
CDW 2023 preview: what to expect from RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics is getting ready to welcome the design community inside the Design Hub, the brand’s Clerkenwell address. Here’s our sneak preview on what to expect…
RAK Ceramics, which has just supplied 1,000 pallets of tiles and sanitaryware to help re-build the regions of Turkey and Syria recently hit by devastating earthquakes, is preparing itself for what might just be its biggest Clerkenwell Design Week performance.
Moving on from last year’s ambition to turn its flowing water in the showroom ‘CDW pink’, the team are putting their focus in the latest bathroom and surface design products.
One of the striking bathroom displays at the Design Hub during the fair will showcase the RAK Ceramics Designer Collection by Patrick Norguet, RAK-Valet. The range comprises of functional elements – available in matt and glossy finishes – that serve as veritable valets and hand us the objects of our daily wellbeing via functional surfaces and stylistic solutions of great visual impact: decorative forms with slender profiles for the washbasins, top-notch stylistic research for the bathtubs, elongated lines for the toilet bowls.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
In terms of surfaces, visitors to the Design Hub will be able to also view the stunning Metamorfosi collection, a decorative porcelain surface that will make an eye-catching impression for any interior. Metamorfosi is a large-format surface, available in two sizes – 120 x 260cm and 120 x 120cm. Inspired by the colours and shapes found in nature and responding to this important interior design trend, Metamorfosi is highly durable and splash resistant, just as porcelain should be, yet visually striking in its appeal, with several design options to choose from.
An important destination on the Clerkenwell Design Week tour, the RAK Ceramics Design Hub at 100 St John Street, Clerkenwell is one of the largest in the area, with more than 2,000 square metres over two floors. The space gives visitors to the area the opportunity to explore the possibilities of choosing RAK Ceramics for their projects.
Designed to be an interactive and immersive environment to inspire creativity, the Design Hub includes a working kitchen display, working tap display, Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre and a Grab and Go sample area. New product launches are given their debut at the Design Hub, the company’s Mega Slab Maximus surfaces are highlighted, along with inspiring bathroom displays. The Design Hub also hosts seminars and events throughout the year and offers meeting spaces for designers and architects.
Inside Hôtel Beauregard in Paris – a boutique, vintage find
Hôtel Beauregard, which is housed within an elegant six-storey Haussman building in Paris, opens as hotel group Touriste’s fifth Parisian property. We took a peek inside…
Answering to the success of its sister properties – Hotel Les Deux Gares, Hotel Bienvenue and Hotel Panache – Hôtel Beauregard has opened, sheltering its own style throughout 38 rooms.
Poised in the very authentic and Parisian 15th arrondissement, Hôtel Beauregard sits in an elegant six-storey Haussman building on the crossroads of rue de Vaugirard and rue Cambronne, and frames views out across the Eiffel Tower from the majority of its rooms.
Opening as the latest boutique hotel from Touriste, Hôtel Beauregard has been designed by Chloé Nègre, who describes it as “a hotel I would dream of if I were a tourist travelling to Paris.”
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
For her second collaboration with Touriste, Nègre has married classic and contemporary influences in Touriste’s signature tongue-in-cheek style – invoking Parisian clichés and nods to the Seventies across the six floors. Elegance and intuition are the hallmarks of the French designer who is known for her intuitive approach to design and decoration. She follows on from Luke Edward Hall’s Les Deux Gares and Dorothée Meilichzon’s Hôtel Panache – both of whom also brought their unique style and spirit to the Touriste properties.
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
The journey begins in the lobby where, on the ceiling, a fresco by the artist Pauline Leyravaud depicts a trompe-l’oeil sky. The airy bistro-style breakfast room, seating up to 30 guests, can be used throughout the day for enjoying tea and cakes, a glass of wine or as a quiet spot to work. Each of the six floors has its own colour palette, featuring characterful touches such as: tapestries designed by the Pinton factory and grid carpets inspired by French garden trellises. Custom-made floral wall lamps and heart-shaped chairs features in the bedrooms, along with ‘I Love Paris’ crests embroidered onto the headboards. The bathrooms pop with striped walls inspired by artist Daniel Buren’s Minimalist works.
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
Vintage finds from France make up much of the furnishings, such as a rare chair by architect Mario Botta and an undulating bench inspired by Pierre Paulin in the breakfast room. Textiles are made from recycled or recyclable fibres, bathrooms feature reclaimed taps, and all furnishings have been manufactured in France and Europe. “Taking an environmentally friendly approach has always played an important part of all of Touriste’s projects, but we have made a particular focus for Hôtel Beauregard,” said the designer.
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
“Our ambition with Touriste has always been to welcome travellers in the greatest possible setting, with hotels designed by the best interior designers at the fairest prices,” added Adrien Gloaguen, Founder of Touriste. “We have been lucky to work with some incredibly talented creatives and we love to see how different designers approach the hotels. They all put their own personal stamp on them, making every project completely unique.”
2023 will also see Touriste add two further properties to their collection – Hôtel de la Boetie designed by Beata Heuman and Hôtel Château d’Eau designed by Necchi Architecture.
> Since you’re here, why not read our recent chalet review, which comes from the French Alps?
Sneak peek: Cayo Levantado Resort – a sustainable island oasis
Cayo Levantado Resort plans to open its doors and bring its own rhythm to the Dominican Republic island with a guest experience based on three pillars – local culture, sustainability, and wellness…
Located on the island of Cayo Levantado, just a few miles away from Samaná Bay, Cayo Levantado Resort brings together elements of sustainability and innovation to create an ecological and cultural impact. The luxury resort is an exclusive development from Grupo Piñero, a Spanish multinational family-owned company, founded in 1977. In addition to its Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts portfolio, the company is launching Cayo Levantado Resort as a unique and differentiated brand, entering a new market – the luxury segment.
Cayo Levantado Resort has brought in a group of Dominican designers, interior designers and architects who will contribute to reflecting the Dominican culture through its different areas. The entire concept of the local culture underlying the project is headed by architect Ramón Emilio Jiménez and his studio Arquimilio. The culinary and cocktail development is being led by Dominican chefs Pedro Mota and Carlos Romero.
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
The resort is focussing its expertise on ecological impact and sustainability, protecting the delicate ecosystem of its location and preserving its spectacular fauna and flora. Waste management is a very important component of Cayo Levantado given that islands require rubbish to be removed. Through a biodigester, the island’s waste is transported and used for energy purposes. Naturally, there will be many elements at a sustainability level that are both visible and invisible – at infrastructure-levels, there are elements that customers typically directly perceive and experience first-hand, but elements like waste management are intangible to visitors and help to convey the ‘hidden reality’ of the project.
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
“With a profound respect for the environment, we focus our expertise on protecting the delicate ecosystem and preserving its spectacular flora and fauna,” said Pablo del Toro, Technical Environmental Advisor, Grupo Piñero. “In order to operate and power the hotel efficiently, gardening, waste management and renewable energy is required. Among the renewable energy sources, you’ll find thermal energy, heat recovery and solar panels.”
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
The resort offers 219 spacious and stylish guestrooms. Ranging from Junior Suites to the more spacious Signature Villa. Each room is expertly styled and purposefully appointed, taking its cues from the tropical beauty of its location with its vibrant colours, breathtaking scenery and exceptional wildlife. The overarching design encourages personal wellness, with four paths that create an atmosphere perfectly suited to refresh vigour, revitalise, relieve stress and restore balance. Taking a holistic approach, the expertly trained staff combines exercise, meditation, activities and nutrition, all designed to guide guests on their journey toward a vital rhythm that is in sync with the vibrant pulse and pace of the natural surroundings. To experience Cayo Levantado Resort is to discover your own, inner rhythm.
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
As part of the all-inclusive offering, guests may choose from three à la carte restaurants, one buffet restaurant and four bars and a coffee shop that feature gourmet cuisine and trendy mixology, with attention to the utmost in quality and creativity and incorporating both local and international elements. Two additional speciality restaurants give visitors exciting dining options to the exceptional all-inclusive offerings. Created by expert bartenders at the resort’s mixology laboratory, all the signature cocktails utilise the latest trends and highest quality, natural ingredients, many of which come from the resort’s own botanical garden.
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
Cayo Levantado Resort also boasts a truly unique wellness immersion, an environment and a balanced state of mind, body and soul. The area includes one of the resort’s two pools, a SPA, outdoor CrossFit and personal training studio, a beauty salon and botanic garden. Offered as an exciting addition to the all-inclusive, YUBARTA is an elevated experience for personal growth and discovery, featuring a cenote, directed activity and meditation rooms and a garden landscape circuit where the island’s flora and fauna are to be discovered. Finally, steps from the beach, the resort’s beach club and its pool draw guests in to enjoy their refreshing waters, plus the relaxed comfort of its patios and surrounding pathways.
3D-printed hotel to emerge in Marfa desert in Texas
BIG and ICON will redesign El Cosmico in Texas, giving the campsite hotel a new meaning using 3D-printing technology in architecture and design.
3D printing has gone through many developments over the years since the technology was first created back in the late ’80s. From making simple objects out of on-screen renders to the idea of manufacturing cars – 3D printing has opened up opportunities in research and product development so that that industries that are fuelled by tech can continue to break boundaries.
Among those sectors to utilise new technology to create extraordinary experiences is hotel design. The most recent – and perhaps most dramatic – examples of how 3D printing could shape a new era in hospitality comes from Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the architecture firm that designed the birds-nest suite for Treehotel, which has teamed up with ICON to create a new luxury camping site in the Texas desert. El Cosmico, which currently consists of a site where guests sleep in either trailers, tents of teepees, is about to get a 3D makeover, which will include almost tripling the size of its current site.
Image credit: BIG
The project, which is said to be a ‘dream hospitality venture’ for hotelier Liz Lambert, will break ground in 2024. It will comprise of around 100 3D-printed structures scattered across the campground. The concept was inspired by the dialogue between the high desert geography and cosmic entities. The structures are expected to reflect domes, architects, vaults and parabolic forms – forming together design, hospitality, culture and nature.
Image credit: BIG
In addition to the two-, three- and four accommodation styles will frame views of the Davis Mountains, the new site will also feature a pool, spa and other public areas to socially connect guests.
Neil Andrew on Perkins&Will winning The Eco Award & design being like jazz
In the second video in our series with GROHE X that celebrates the winners from The Brit List Awards 2022, editor Hamish Kilburn meets Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality at Perkins&Will, the studio that won The Eco Award. In the exclusive interview, the pair discuss how the studio is pivoting to be carbon-zero in all its projects by 2030…
Since 2018, The Eco Award category in The Brit List Awards campaign has become one of the most congested. With almost every supplier now claiming to be sustainable – and with hospitality projects emerging on a daily basis to really push the social agenda forward – the winner of such an award needs to enrapture the judges with meaningful, conscious solutions that the whole industry can benefit from. Cue the arrival of Perkins&Will, which in 2021 published Net-Zero Now: Hospitality, a report tailored specifically to the hospitality industry that sets out a series of targets to be net-zero embodied carbon, as demonstrated through a Whole Life Carbon, by 2030.
In order to understand what, in practical terms, that means, I met with Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality at the studio. Not only did I want to understand more about the research and developments that were happening behind the scenes, but I was intrigued to also learn more about Andrew’s approach to hotel design, which it turns out, is inspired and fuelled by a good rhythm.
“Think of it [the project] as a jazz band – that’s often how I see design,” he said when asked to explain how he designs spaces. “If you are creating a public area, for example, you give one big feature the spotlight and allow everything else to sit back and compliment that piece. That approach is a great way to strip out excess bits and bobs you don’t need.” What strikes me about Andrew is his passion for creativity. His ability to design spaces that are fun, playful and heavily embedded into their location marry nicely with the company’s aims to set new standards in sustainable design.
“As a company we have been at the forefront of sustainable design for more than 25 years,” Andrew explained. “It [incorporating net-zero into design] is not something you can switch on overnight – it is a process. The good thing about the term ‘net-zero’ is that people can understand and get hold of from outside the industry.”
In addition to laying down clean and firm pledges around become a leading, socially aware studio, Perkins&Will has a focus on making concept a reality. In 2020, while the industry was in its forced hibernation from the pandemic, Perkins&Will took the opportunity to present a futuristic net-zero hotel concept for the Sleep&Eat conference. The experimental, digital installation has now been commissioned to be designed as a prototype by a leading hotel brand that is expected to be unveiled in spring 2023. What’s better than one concept becoming a reality? Last year, we were told that a second client has appointed the team to create a net-zero aparthotel prototype, which is currently on the drawing board and will also be opened in 2023.
Outside the studio, Andrew’s passion lies in music – he was seen commanding the audience from behind the DJ booth at HIX last year. At a young age, as well as developing a zest for fine art, he was also learning to DJ and make music. When encouraged by his mother to consider his career choices carefully, Andrew decided to become an interior designer, and used his flair for art and music to carve out his own personality on the interior design scene. Much more than a side hustle, his itch for creative stimulation has led him to question conventional approaches to hospitality design and, more importantly, lead from within a team.
With everything going on behind the studio doors at Perkins&Will, transparency is being recognised as the answer to overall progression. What makes the studio a worthy winner of such an award such as The Eco Award is that it is preparing to share its research and impart knowledge with the rest of the interior design community – whoever will listen. And that, the willingness to collaborate and grow stronger together, is what a modern leader looks like in 2023.
Applications / nominations for The Brit List Awards 2023 will open in the summer. The process to apply is free for all designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers alike. This is one of three videos that Hotel Designs will launch in association with GROHE, Broadcasting Partner of The Brit List Awards, to amplify a handful of the winners from last year’s campaign.
Naturalmat becomes first bed company to be awarded B Corp status
Naturalmat, the Devon-based natural bed and mattress company, which is regularly specified in hotels for leading brands such as YOTEL, Hoxton and Six Senses (among others), has achieved B Corp status due to its social and environmentally friendly approach to manufacturing…
Sustainability is part of Naturalmat’s DNA. Founded more than 20 years ago on the banks of the River Exe in Devon, the bed and mattress company was the first to pioneer the production of completely natural, organic and sustainable beds thus setting a new precedent for the UK bed industry. Its long-standing commitment to only the most sustainable production methods has earned it global recognition and now at last, B Corp status, considered to be sustainability’s ‘gold standard’.
The ‘B’ in B Corp stands for Benefit for all. Its aim is to recognise purpose-driven businesses committed to being a holistic force for good for all people, communities and the planet. Achieving this accreditation has taken Naturalmat close to two years of rigorous assessment and the evaluation of every aspect of the business: from staff welfare, packaging and energy supply to their wider role within the community and commitment to their suppliers. It is this level of scrutiny that makes B Corp certification so important.
Image credit: Naturalmat
“From day one over 20 years ago, we’ve been at the forefront of making planet-friendly mattresses with organic, sustainable and renewable materials,” explained Mark Tremlett, Founder of Naturalmat. “So needless to say, it feels truly rewarding to be recognised as the ethical business we’ve always strived to be and join this powerful global community of organisations working together for a better tomorrow. We started off making mattresses for boats with natural and breathable materials, eventually expanding into organic, chemical-free mattresses for babies and adults, championing safe and healthy sleep for everyone. Over the next few years we made every effort to grow as a force for good. We pioneered sourcing organic wool directly from local farmers, installed solar panels on the roof of our workshop and moved to 100% renewable energy, and developed innovative plastic-free packaging.”
In order to achieve B-Corp certification, a company must:
Demonstrate high social and environmental performance by achieving a B Impact Assessment score of 80 or above
Make a legal commitment by changing their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders, and achieve benefit corporation status if available in their jurisdiction.
Exhibit transparency by allowing information about their performance measured against B Lab’s standards to be publicly available on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website
Naturalmat B Corp Assessment Score:
Overall B Impact Score – 96.3
Score required for B Corp Qualification – 80
Median Score for Ordinary Business – 50.9
Image credit: Naturalmat
Every key material that goes into a Naturalmat product has been carefully selected from natural, regenerative and sustainable sources to minimise its impact on the planet. From certified organic wool and coir to locally crafted buttons, Naturalmat is rigorous in handpicking only the most sustainable materials from suppliers it trusts.
Naturalmat is committed to practising regenerative farming principles, using more recycled materials across its range and continuing to uphold only the highest uphold human rights and animal welfare across its supply chain. By forming impactful charity partnerships to tackle bed poverty and sharing healthy sleep advice with the world, Naturalmat continues to work towards its goal of making healthy sleep available to all.
Image credit: The Hoxton / Ennismore
Naturalmat is committed to playing its part in tackling the current escalating ecological emergency by cutting emissions and ensuring every stage of production supports the protection and regeneration of the planet’s precious ecosystem. As part of this, Naturalmat’s Devon showroom has been powered by 100 per cent renewable energy since 2012, with 75 per cent provided by solar panels on the workshop roof.
From the outset, Naturalmat has recruited members of its team from within its local Devon community, resulting in 37 or its 45 members being based in and around the company’s workshop headquarters in Topsham. The team consists of a wide range of highly skilled individuals from traditional mattress makers and upholsterers to office based roles all contributing to a supportive and positive work environment.
Further highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices, Naturalmat released its first Impact Report in 2022. This comprehensive document charts the company’s journey to date and sets out Naturalmat’s current sustainability strategies based around five key pillars each with ambitious targets it aims to meet by 2025.
Naturalmat 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.
Injecting ‘Californian vibes’ inside Kimpton Alma San Diego
Hospitality design studio Indidesign was tasked to transform the former Kimpton Palomar into vibey boutique bombshell – cue the arrival of Kimpton Alma San Diego…
Poised in the heart and soul of Downtown San Diego, the Kimpton Alma is an eclectic boutique lifestyle hotel with a laid-back feel. Formerly known as the Kimpton Palomar, the hotel underwent a transformation that reflects the sense of humour and edginess of the city that is rarely showcased. The lobby welcomes guests to Alma with access to a bar, lower-level cafe, and outdoor patio for an inviting, hospitable experience.
Image credit: Will Pryce
The hotel’s premier restaurant, The Desmond, boasts three dining areas totalling 112 covers – it’s a timeless destination restaurant, designed with a mix of historical and contemporary elements. The interior scheme weaves deep blue and greens as well as brighter tones to open up the space for an approachable setting that is also intimate in nature.
Kimpton Alma San Diego shelters 176 rooms and 35 suites – five of which are penthouse suites with two levels. The pool deck and ‘Leave of Absence’ lounge provide a 1,893 square-metre expanse where guests can swim, grab a quick bite, or simply take in some fresh coastal air.
Designed by award-winning hospitality design studio Indidesign, Alma expresses the uniqueness of the Southern Californian lifestyle. Instead of theming the hotel with a beachy and surfer aesthetic, Indidesign veered away from the stereotypical vision of San Diego and drew inspiration from the border city’s connection to Mexican heritage, street culture, and obsession with comic books to create a brand new identity for Alma, deeply rooted in its surroundings. Indidesign wanted guests to feel privileged, relaxed, surprised, and appreciated all while embracing Alma’s familiar spirit to feel right at home.
Image credit: Will Pryce
Alma’s design is simple yet complex with high attention to detail. The rooms are designed to look and feel residential with bright open spaces. All rooms feature small cacti that reference the local species of San Diego, along with meditation pillows and eco-friendly cork yoga mats for wellness.
Image credit: Will Pryce
One of the strongest design features is the window seating in the standard rooms that allow guests to immerse themselves in the city. In-room dining and work surfaces by the window were a key move to reinvent how the space functions. In the details, the accommodations are adorned with textiles and decor that pay homage to Mexican culture and the spa bathrooms in the guestrooms offer standalone tubs that further emphasise the feeling of wellness.
Image credit: Will Pryce
Indidesign created a large array of bespoke designs for Alma, including textiles, furniture, wall panelings, and wall coverings. Textile patterns were inspired by traditional Mexican motifs, with an Indidesign spin, along with handmade tapestries and convex mirrors set in handwoven baskets that cement the luxury lifestyle experience. The walls at Alma are a focal point, intended to draw the eye with a variety of artistic wall pieces—lacquered wall panelings with geometric motifs being one of them. In the guestrooms, unique wall organisers stand out as functional statement pieces. Wall coverings with a nod to graffiti and tattoo art fill the walls in some of the guest bathrooms. In the public areas, large murals from local artists and one-of-a-kind artworks illustrate the fun and laid-back attitude of San Diego.
An exclusive look at the new Bello Collection from Modieus
Hotel Designs was given exclusive access to the Modieus design duo Leah Manwaring and Debra Ryan on the launch of its hottest new collection, BELLO. Italian for good-looking, lovely and handsome, this fine-looking collection is beautifully designed with an unapologetic masculine nuance…
There are three distinct chapters to this Italian inspired design collection from Modieus and each chapter has an original colour palette, developed by the team as part of its 2023 colour trends forecast. Colours within BELLO range from soft pastels like lilac and celestial blue, to gold dusted highlights, watermelon magenta and both dark and light teal.
“The opulence and energy of this collection feels the right response for interiors in which they are intended,” discussed Leah Manwaring, Designer, Modieus. “People are going out and enjoying hospitality spaces. It’s like ‘revenge opulence’, a celebration of hospitality to make up for lost time over the past few years. 2023 will be all about layering. We see our patterns forming a backdrop for a variety of bold shapes, angular furniture and textured walls. Interior spaces are becoming bolder and multi-dimensional, so our patterns cultivate a mish-mash of floral, chequered or striped geometrics and plenty of textures.”
Image credit: Modieus
“We have loved seeing the trend of mixing old vintage pieces, alongside new contemporary elements gain in confidence,” added Debra Ryan, Designer, Modieus. “Opposites attract and our new designs are ‘pretty’ but incorporate a ‘masculine’ quality. The patterns within each chapter celebrate a mix of eras, textures, and colours. As designers, it’s been incredibly exciting creating a collection that reflects our colour and design trends for the year ahead. We encourage you to be playful and find your own Bello.”
Image credit: Modieus
Image credit: Modieus
The three distinct chapters within this Italian inspired design collection are a shout out to bling and over-the-top opulence – starting with PALAZZO. In Palazzo we discover an abundance of Art Deco line and geometric patterns alongside decadent, clashing content. Modieus take us on a journey from Greek mythology to modern Versace and from ornate baroque architecture to intricate Victorian tiles and elaborate damasks.
Image credit: Modieus
You cannot help but fall in love with the designs in the AMORE chapter. The beautifully drawn floral patterns in this collection work in harmony with the Art Deco inspired line designs. This decadent, clashing content layers elaborate Victorian ornamental scrolls with modern graphic shapes and textures.
Image credit: Modieus
FIORE, meaning flower in Italian, dazzles with its over-the-top opulence. The exuberance of the Modieus design team can be seen in the extravagant design scale and clashing content. Floral patterns and Art Nouveau designs share this pretty colour palette with hints of metallic highlights. dig deeper into the pattern and you might even find an Art Deco flying goose or two – this is joyous, fun, and exciting design at its best.
Image credit: Modieus
Image credit: Modieus
The Modieus Bello Collection was designed as part of its 2023 trends forecast. Each year the Modieus design team undertake a global study of colour, fashion and lifestyle influences to determine how these will affect commercial interior design. This year you will glimpse elements of the pastel hues of the WGSN-SS-23 colour palette and the vibrancy of Pantone’s colour of the year Viva Magenta – but in Bello it is perfectly paired with Pantone piccolo, an Italian expresso coffee. Bello is design celebration created for the hospitality sector. Each design can be recoloured or rescaled to create beautiful carpets, rugs or tiles.
Modieus 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.
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