Architecture

    A interior swing with rustic wall

    Part 61: 7 interior design rules to break

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    Think of this element of the Guide to Hotel Design as the troublesome classmate – you know the one – who finds pleasure in going against the lecturer’s every word. In this smug and creative feature, Charlie Svensson explores the loopholes that allow designers and architects to break the rules…

    Guide to Hotel Design

    Interior design, just like any art, is part intuitive and part rational. This means that half of the work of an interior designer is studying the geometry of the space. The designer keeps some conventional rules that help achieve an aesthetic room in mind. So, measuring the space and choosing furniture that’s proportional to it is a first step, along with choosing a colour palette. But the interior expert also avoids certain textures, methods, and furniture based on those underlying rules.

    Nevertheless, some designs don’t look right even if they tick all the interior design laws. The eye and our taste aren’t always perfectly in line with geometry’s strict policies. Therefore, the other half of the designer’s work should be breaking some rules in favour of an ‘unexplainable’ visual pleasure. The transgression of these rules can offer character to a room and make it feel more ‘at home’.

    Here are seven interior design rules that you can strategically break to elevate your space.

    1) Symmetry

    One of the essentials of interior design is symmetry. While most of the time symmetry can make a space seem clearly structured and organised, it can also make it dull, flat, and generic. Experts will often suggest two identical bedside tables, two identical picture frames centered above the bed, and so on. But the last thing anyone wants is something that seems like a furniture showroom.

    Moreover, symmetry isn’t always a wise choice for rooms with asymmetry. Maybe the room isn’t a square, and it has a protruding wall or some other peculiar feature. In these cases, symmetry doesn’t suit the geometry well. So, when you choose your furniture or decor, think twice before choosing plain symmetry. Try to play with different elements and see how it looks. Remember that a healthy dose of asymmetry can break the monotony of the room, making it tridimensional and dynamic.

    2) Matching decor

    Along with symmetry, many designers keep it safe and pick matching decor: if the wall is beige, all the decor is beige. The result is a two-dimensional space that feels sterile and monotonous. Hence, you should try and mix patterns, textures, and colours, not just shades of the same grey.

    the water is part of the design at the Sumei Skyline Coast Boutique Hotel

    Image credit: GS Design

    For instance, you can choose an eclectic style that mixes modern furniture with bold and detailed antiques. Sure, it’s challenging to find an equilibrium between radically different styles. Nonetheless, the result can be stunningly chic.

    The key to success is choosing the decor pieces that have a different style but tie in with the colour palette you chose. Otherwise, you can select a similar style in a different texture. The elements should relate to each other somehow while bringing some visual interest to the table.

    The perfect example is mixing old with new: the sofa, the walls, and modern decor. Meanwhile, the artwork, the drawer, the lamp can interest and a sense of industrial vintage. Lastly, everything can be tied together by a selection of warm colours.

    3) Matching metals

    When it comes to bathrooms and kitchens, matching metals is common. But this obsession with making everything identical turns spaces into cold-feeling rooms. If your bathroom has a spa aesthetic, you might add golden accents to spice up the space with bamboo furniture and a wooden floor. Play with options and find what looks appropriate.

    art deco bathroom inspiration

    Image credit: Gessi

    4) Small furniture for small rooms

    A common misconception in interior design is that furniture needs to be perfectly proportional to the room. This way of thinking often leads to having a room that looks heavy, cluttered or both. The key is to remember the importance of the room’s ‘weight’, not the size. So, pick three main items that take up volume.

    One Hundred Shoreditch suite, with red chair and calming interior design

    Image credit: Lore Group/One Hundred Shoreditch

    The furniture should be moderate: a queen-size bed for a small room, a four-person sofa for a medium-size living room. Or you could make one of these main items more dominant. For instance, a small living room can become a sofa room with two big sofas that take up a lot of space. To balance it out, designers may want to try to reduce the number of other elements in the room.

    5) Bold colours only the accents

    One of the most famous interior design fact is ‘light colours widen the space’. So, many people are often scared of bold and/or non-conforming colour schemes, even in large rooms. Sure, painting the walls in navy blue might not be the best for a living room, but it can add layers (and personality) in the bathroom.

    A colourful residential project designed by Bill Bensley

    Image credit: Bill Bensley

    The winning card is picking your style. Maybe you’re trying to achieve formal, or industrial, or urban jungle. Establish the furniture and decor that works. Then, figure out if a wall could bring out those elements. For instance, if you’re going for Parisian chic decor, you might use a lot of white furniture. In this case, a dark grey wall can bring out the decor and tie everything beautifully without making the room feel small, heavy and cluttered.

    6) Avoid faux plants

    Green elements, such as plants and flowers can elevate any space. They can add a bit of colour and make the room lively. But real plants can become a burden when it comes to upkeep (especially in hotels) to take care of plants – and there are some great faux plants that are also sustainable.

    Planters and contemporary starcase in lobby of Pan Pacific

    Image credit: Pan Pacific London

    Sure, they’re not the real deal, but they can come in handy when you travel a lot, for example. Also, you can use them in combination with real ones. This way, you get the same effect without more work.

    They’re also great for outdoors because they can stay green all year round. Just make sure that you pick the ones that look real and preferably made from recycled materials.

    7) Walls should never match the floor or ceiling

    Previously, we mentioned that symmetry and matching everything isn’t always the best choice. This time, matching the floor or ceiling to the walls can give off a luxurious look to any room. Again, this needs to be planned carefully beforehand, but your room will seem tailored if you decide to go with it.

    A contemporary building made from Boost Stone from Atlas Concorde

    Image credit: Atlas Concorde S.p.A

    Generally, eclectic rooms with many decor and textures benefit from matching walls and ceilings because they add a sense of continuity within the room. Nonetheless, keep your style in mind before making a decision.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about creating a cohesive design language between bedroom and bathroom?

    Main image Unsplash

    Part 60: Maximising the value of tiles for hotel lighting

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    Leading tile supplier CTD Architectural Tiles’ sales director – architectural, Andrew Sadler, discusses the three key considerations for choosing the right tile to complement hotel lighting…

    Guide to Hotel Design

    The use of tiles in interior design for hotels has long been a popular choice for floors and walls alike. As well as providing a relatively easy-to-clean surface, design possibilities are almost endless thanks to the huge variety of tiles now available – with a variety of choice for any style, requirement and budget.

    But one thing that can be easily overlooked when it comes to choosing the right tile for a hotel interior project is the impact of lighting beyond its potential to alter the perceived colour of tiles. Lighting can vary not only from hotel to hotel but also from room to room within a hotel, so it’s important to approach each project from a bespoke perspective, and to utilise your tile supplier’s knowledge of each product range.

    As a starting point, we recommend considering shapes and textures, materials and even inclusivity alongside colour when it comes to choosing tiles that will perfectly complement the existing lighting.

    Considering shape and texture

    Not only will different lighting conditions affect the perceived colour of tiling, but it can also impact the perceived texture. This particularly applies to timber-effect and stone-effect tiles, where softer lighting is more likely to make the tiles appear flat while harsher lighting can highlight the texture of these tiles – so it’s important to choose the right tile texture for different areas of the hotel, depending on the lighting.

    While the appearance of a tile’s texture can be impacted by lighting, tile texture and shapes can also be used with lighting to create an attractive design through the use of shadows.

    Some tile designs work perfectly with lights to create a striking effect which is unique to the combination of the two. Collections such as the Three-D range we supply at CTD Architectural Tiles have been designed with various decorative shapes, with each creating shadow effects for a striking finish. Inspired by three-dimensional art and geometry, this type of tile interacts with lighting to create shadows, altering perspective and creating unique wall patterns.

    The Three-D tile range has been designed to create shadow effects for a striking finish

    Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

    Considering materials

    A common consideration when it comes to choosing tiles is gloss versus matt – with each offering its own unique benefits to a project. Matt tiles not only have a reputation for being non-slip and requiring minimal cleaning, but they are also a popular choice for creating a rustic effect.

    But while matt tiles are ideally suited to some projects, the right gloss tiles will interact well with lighting to alter the perception of the space. Light reflecting on the surface of gloss tiles can make the space appear wider, and therefore make the room feel larger than it is, making it the ideal choice for smaller areas of the hotel such as bathrooms. The interaction between gloss tiles and light can also make a room appear brighter – another benefit for areas of the hotel which receive little or no natural light.

    Considering inclusivity

    Not only is careful consideration of materials useful in creating a stunning design, but it’s also vital for creating inclusive spaces within hotels, particularly hotel bathrooms which, under the Equality Act 2010, must be accessible to those with complex needs.

    One of the key ways to do this is to consider the Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) of the tiles in the design of a project – ultimately this is the amount of light reflected from objects, in this case tiles. LRVs measure the visual contrast between different elements of the space such as between the floors and walls, and it’s therefore vital to consider the LRVs of tiles when designing a hotel’s interior.

    CTD Architectural Tiles is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Black Friday package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. 

    Main image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

    Exterior lighting in urban jungle

    Part 59: 5 creative ways to incorporate solar lighting

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    With the race to Net Zero well and truly underway – and with the industry continuing to innovate new ways to design consciously – interior designers, architects and hoteliers are finding new ways to save energy. Here, Zach Edwards explores creative ways we can introduce solar lighting in landscape design… 

    Guide to Hotel Design

    Effective outdoor lighting is essential for hotels, especially those that offer space for outdoor activities and outside F&B.

    The number-one reason for installing outdoor lighting is safety and security. No operator wants a guest or staff member to trip and take a fall in the shadows. Likewise, no one wants someone to fall victim to crime in a dark corner.

    But outdoor lighting comes at a cost. Lighting a large establishment takes a lot of electricity – and money. This is where solar lights come into play. Here are five inexpensive ways to incorporate solar lighting into your exterior design.

    1) Along pathways

    Lighting in Kings Cross, London

    Image credit: Tom Parkes/Unsplash

    Dark walkways are a lawsuit waiting to happen. Installing electric lights can involve stringing wires or trenching. Solar lights are more versatile when it comes to placement. They’ll work anywhere they can get a minimal amount of light.

    Stick lights will work, but taller post lamps spread more light along the walkway. They’ll also be able to absorb more of the sun’s rays during the daylight hours. Let’s face it: Evening strolls become much more romantic with the gentle ambiance of soft lights. Moonlight adds a little, too, of course.

    2) In gardens 

    A contemporary glass building with garden solar lighting

    Image credit: Zero Take/Unsplash

    You’ve worked hard to provide your guests with an elegant and beautiful landscape. Whether you’ve surrounded the grounds with topiaries, colourful blooms, or lots of greenery, the beauty of your landscape scheme can be lost at nightfall. But carefully placed solar lights can subtly highlight both hardscape and softscape elements naturally without harsh intrusion. Consider solar sculpture lights to add a soft glow to your plant life once the sun goes down.

    3) In doorways

    A creative lighting installation inside a doorway

    Image credit: Alberico Bartoccini/Unsplash

    Adequate lighting is crucial at entrances. This is where most people stop to find their room key or card that lets them into the building. The chief advantage of solar lights here is money savings. Mounted outdoors, they pull their juice from the sun, not a meter.

    4) In entertainment spaces

    Even if guests don’t use the pool at night, they like to gather outdoors around it on a cool summer night. Lights inside the pool aren’t enough to illuminate the entire area. Today’s solar lights come in a variety of fixtures ranging from post and table lamps to coachman and Japanese lanterns. They can work well on terraces, patios, and decks and can nestle into the corners and niches where electrical lights (and cords) are cumbersome.

    5) In parking areas

    Commercial solar post lights have been available for several years and are becoming widely used as streetlights. They can provide security and safety to guests as they come and go.

    Another benefit is guest appreciation. Studies show Americans are becoming more eco-friendly and energy conscious. The minute your guests drive up, they’ll see that your establishment is doing its part to be sustainable. A hotel that displays that spirit may encourage more return visits and referrals.

    Main image credit: Unsplash

    Part 46: How to meaningfully use CGI when planning new spaces

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    GTHD

    A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 46:
    HOW TO MEANINGFULLY USE CGI WHEN PLANNING NEW SPACES

    The multi-faceted realm of CGI can be an invaluable resource to any person or company when planning an interior space. Technical drawings of the space can seamlessly be imported into 3D design software. From here the process of CGI starts and can take three main routes.

    Guide to Hotel Design

    Route one

    The technical CAD drawings are transformed into accurate 3D representations of the interior space(s). Many simple 3D software packages allow users with a moderate degree of computer software expertise to create a representative view of the interior space.

    Style and photo realism are not key features or abilities of this type of software. However, a revealing view of the space can be created, with bespoke fit-out features and furniture included.

    Route one CGI visuals are perfect for the initial stages of planning. The accuracy of the visualised spaces allows for technicalities to be worked out and the space to be ‘filled’ accurately.

    Whilst they lack any resemblance of realism, these can suffice for some interior space design requirements. As the skills required to generate this style of CGI are minimal, so are the associated costs.

    Route two

    Route two CGI visuals take things up to a more realistic level. The accurate 3D spaces of Route 1 are built up to generate visualisations that are not only more aesthetically pleasing, but they also allow for the interior design ideas to be communicated better.

    Classed as ‘in-house’ CGI, these visualisations offer good levels of accuracy and visual style without a huge price tag. Cost savings are possible as the visualisation team creating the images are focused on providing a clear vision of the interior space as an overall view. With less time invested into adding photorealism through specialist scene lighting, high polygon models and high-quality texture maps.

    The reduced quality allows the CG images to be edited much easier, allowing for revisions to be made and alterative versions of the interior space to be shown.

    This form of CG image is excellent for planning, as good levels of accuracy and clearer visual communication of the design ideas, allow for planners and clients to understand the space better.

    Overall, Route two CGI visuals offer great bang for your buck, but with limitations.

    Route three

    The full photorealistic CGI phase. Used to truly communicate an interior design and guarantee planners/clients are engaged and approving of the interior space design idea.

    The costs associated with the Route 3 CG imagery is higher and, in some cases, can be deemed expensive. However, these are visualisations that blur the lines between reality and virtual space. The CGI can not only be used as part of the planning phase, it’s accuracy and photo realism allows it to be used for marketing purposes as it accurately depicts the final interior design as it would appear once constructed/fitted-out. Therefore, the additional costs associated with these high-quality photorealistic CGI visualisations are offset and in most cases the return on investment is greater than what is offered via the use of Route one or Route two CGI.

    Meaningfully utilising CGI

    Which route to take with your CGI requirements is dependent on several factors:

    Size of project – smaller projects may offer less intricacy and aesthetic appeal, therefore investing significantly in CGI is not likely to provide good ROI. Larger projects offer more potential for creativity, ensure that potential is fulfilled with several Route 3 CGI visuals.

    Budget – Should budget be a key factor, route 2 CG images would suit best, these offer a balance between visual appeal and accuracy.

    Competition – For interior design and fit-out firms who are bidding for popular tenders, the Route 3 CGI offering is best. The increased quality and visual attraction that is offered is likely to elevate the design ideas above other offerings.

    Deadline – Route 2 CGI services can be produced within just a few days, allowing for tight deadlines to be met without missing out on the ability to offer up attractive visuals for client review.

    Ultimately choosing the correct CGI studio will be one of the strongest factors for creating visualisations that are meaningful and successful when planning a space. The right studio will guide you based on the above criteria, utilising custom workflow and design practices to accommodate your requests and produce what has been requested. Therefore, it is vital that communication between client and CGI studio is clear, concise and covers all of the criteria mentioned above. With all of this knowledge a quality CGI studio will provide the correct results.

    North Made Studio is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: North Made Studio

    Part 45: The role bespoke lighting plays in modern hotels

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    GTHD

    A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT45:
    THE ROLE BESPOKE LIGHTING PLAYS IN MODERN HOTELS

    The almost all pervasive use of a standardised approach to the construction of medium height and tall buildings does not help with differentiation; a key attribute for any hotel as first impressions are vital. The skilful application of façade lighting can help a great deal, as the LED lighting specialists at Illumination Physics explain…

    Guide to Hotel Design

    The use of glass and aluminium in unitised or non-unitised curtain wall construction is pervasive in most modern facades for reasons of cost, performance, and speed of construction: The advantages are irrefutable. However, the facades all look inevitably similar.

    Older or more classical hotel designs that do not use all glass facades and use stone and other non-reflective surfaces present an entirely different challenge.

    The properties of a double glazed glass panel is determined by factors such as wind load and these dictate the width of the vision glass. There is a magic number of approximately 1500mm between the vertical metal mullions and varies only a little around the world. Any wider; the glass has to be thicker and stronger (and more expensive). Any narrower and the windows seem claustrophobic and the amount of metalwork increases (and is more expensive).

    The vertical distance between floors (slab to slab), is also driven by a magic number. High ceilings may be spacious but they cost more because less floors can be built in a certain rise. As a consequence the height of a floor, and hence the height of a curtain wall panel will be somewhere between 3.5 and 3.8 metres. Part of the panel will been to be a window and part will need to be opaque to hide the edge of the slab (the spandrel panel).

    Architects and façade consultants strive to achieve any elaboration that is possible with all types of glass and metal structures, but to casual observers, there is a strong resemblance between edifices of many types because the texture is the same.

    Hotels, perhaps more than any other genre of building, need to exude a personality and should differentiate themselves from each other and other similar modern structures in the vicinity. The curtain wall system can make it difficult to discern a building as a hotel or an office sometimes.

    The one great tool available to distinguish a building and lend it personality, and make a statement, is integrated façade lighting. The curtain wall business has been highly developed over decades but the addition of integrated façade lighting is still immature and hence there are great opportunities for innovation.

    To illustrate this potential, the following examples demonstrate projects in which façade lighting has helped to develop and articulate the personality of four very different hotels. All of the projects are constructed with modern façade technology and each of them have developed their character through lighting.

    The DoubleTree Hilton in Zagreb, Croatia

    Wooden fins on a modern glass building is novel, but provided a striking visual element in daylight, adding interest to the facade. At night the effect was lost, unlit the fins became just shadows. The night time interest was restored by integrating a small custom LED light fixture into the base of each fin. The same width as the fin, the light fixture goes unnoticed by day. After dusk however, it provides an eye catching display that uses subtle warm white and cool white light in a dynamic display, without resorting to coloured light. This was suitable artistic restraint that suited this location.

    Image caption: The integrated façade lighting clearly distinguishes the Double Tree Hilton from the similarly proportioned rectangular commercial buildings the surround it. Custom design and manufacture by illumination Physics.

    The building is now clearly not an office tower. The lighting display is playful but sophisticated. An ideal message for the positioning of this hotel.

    Technically simple, cost effective and totally reliable. The equipment was installed by the electrical contractor with guidance from illumination Physics.

    City of Dreams, Macau – Retail Expansion

    The retail expansion of the podium in 2015 produced a new 250m wide curved façade, 20 metres high, constructed of glass and aluminium. City of Dreams contained four hotels at that time and a casino. The expansion was a major development of the Cotai Strip and a statement needed to be made. Lighting would be the key for that message.

    Image caption: The new retail façade of City of Dreams now dominates the start of the Cotai Strip in Macau. The use of very warm white light and cool white light are used as a metaphor for gold and silver in a display that is constantly evolving. Design and build by illumination Physics.

    The signature use of highly coloured neon and now LED have been all pervasive in Macau since the 60s.  Those hotel personality messages are unmistakeable.

    The new podium at City of Dreams should be treated differently. It would need to demand attention, overt; but not in red, green and blue colour mixing. There is already too much of that. The image of the retail expansion also needed to be distinctly up-market and for once, primary colours would not help.

    A different approach would be the one to stand out. The 90 tall light boxes would be illuminated by washing the back panel with two offset focuses, one in very warm white (gold) and one in very cool white (silver) as a metaphor. A custom linear light fixture was specially created. The display is animated and demands attention but the dynamic changes are neither fast nor slow, creating an image of class in deference to the high-end retail brands contained within. The building demands attention and yet clearly communicates its personality.

    The Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

    Designed by Moshe Safdie Architects, the three iconic towers joined at the summits by the Skypark have become the contemporary image of Singapore. These were not the only opportunity to create a personality, or many personalities as it turned out. The hotel towers needed little help.

    However, at the base of the towers sit three wide low buildings; The Theater, The Exhibition Hall and the MICE centre. The creative company Laservision had identified that the acres of grey convex Clip-Loc aluminium roofing, whist not an asset in day time, might be exploited at night.

    illumination Physics developed a luminaire design that was able to evenly illuminate the compound curved surfaces. The overall display utilised more than 1000 custom light fixtures that were among the first to adopt RGBA (red, green, blue & amber) LEDs rather than the more prevalent RGB or RGBW (red, green, blue & white). The inclusion of amber allowed the creation of a true warm white – a specific requirement of the architect, as well as a palate of colours previously unseen. Dynamic control grants the Sands the ability to adopt many personalities and moods according to the time of day and special events such as Singapore’s National Day when the red and white colours of the flag are used.

    The Kempinski Hotel Clubhouse, Yinchuan, China

    It gets very cold in this part of the world (the average annual daily temperature is 8.9℃) and hence the sporting, spa and pool facilities must be indoors and yet feel spacious and open. It was logical that Novum structures would provide two organically shaped self-supporting glass and steel geodetic domes. This magnificent engineering would be lost at night unless it was celebrated with lighting, which is what illumination Physics did. Each node in the dome was equipped with a direct view LED pixel, a custom designed luminaire that was integrated into the structure at each node. In addition, linear indirect wash lights were installed, hidden around the perimeter of each dome.

    The combination of these two light sources creates two views of the domes. From the inside a sky can be created complete with stars. From the outside the glowing domes arouse curiosity and attract attention in a way that invites people in to places of warmth and relaxation. Ideal for this hotel.

    The square peg and round hole issue

    illumination Physics was founded on a specific philosophy. illumination Physics would focus on the exact needs of the project above all else. Integrated architectural lighting requires that the design of lighting equipment must be perfectly adapted for fit and function and also maintainability. Custom design played a key role in the success of all of these hotel based projects. Our manufacturing facilities are organised for agility and flexibility so that a particular type of light fixture can be designed, proven and produced as, if not more quickly than an off-the- shelf product. The support for illumination Physics’ products has extended for a decade and the company have debunked the popular myth that custom products are more expensive. Illumination Physics apply the same level of care to projects large and small.

    Illumination Physics is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this  three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Marina Bay Sands

    Part 43: Installing EV charging points in your hotel

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    GTHD

    A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 43:
    INSTALLING EV CHARGING POINTS IN YOUR HOTEL

    As businesses are changing, and demand for electric cars on the rise, hotels are installing EV charging points into car parks. Utility Team explains what hoteliers should consider when modernising to cater for the eco demand…

    It is clear that the future of automotive is electric and if you’re not already, maybe you should be considering installing EV charging points at your business premises.

    Guide to Hotel Design

    The number of all electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is forecast to increase exponentially over the coming years, this is something even the most ardent fan of the combustion engine and petrol head would find difficult to dispute. With this, the need for EV charging points will similarly need to grow with some degree of correlation.

    The Government has declared a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars to begin in 2035, this is to work towards the overall net-zero target put on the UK of 2050. The BBC clarify the point “When will petrol and diesel cars be banned? The ban is being introduced in 2035 – five years earlier than previously planned. Experts said the original target of 2040 would be too late if the UK wanted to achieve its target of emitting virtually zero carbon by 2050. The ban is also being expanded to hybrid cars and plug-in hybrids, which had not been included under the original proposals. As a result, people will be able to buy only electric or hydrogen cars and vans.”

    This may lead many occupiers of business premises to consider installing EV charging points. There are of course many different options and providers. Should you opt for rapid charging points? How will these be supplied? Do you have enough capacity? These are just a few of the questions you will likely ponder.

    In order to make an informed decision, it is important to understand what you are trying to achieve; this will very much depend upon the type of premises you occupy and what type of business you operate.

    For example, the owner/operator of a retail park/shopping centre will want to attract visitors but will also want them to remain on-site for a while. So a rapid charging point where the user may sit in their car for 15 minutes and then drive off may not be the best option. Similarly, a slow charging point that would mean a space is occupied for hours by the same vehicle would not be suitable.

    Occupiers of office buildings may want to provide charging points for staff and visitors, again which type of devices are best? How do you decide who can use them? How do you determine if there is any ‘benefit in kind’ that needs to be considered? How do you stop disruption to work with people moving vehicles around the car park to allow others to use the devices?

    These again are all questions that should be considered before any installation takes place.

    Currently, demand for charging points in comparison to the traditional petrol station is low, you will rarely see a queue at locations that are available to the public, however, this will change. The Guardian highlighted an interesting point ‘Electric vehicle (EV) sales are accelerating rapidly, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures for September 2019 showing a 236.4% rise year-on-year.’  Whether you are considering installing these devices to attract customers or to benefit employees there are many factors to consider in order to avoid the project becoming a token gesture or something that causes more problems than it solves.

    Taking independent advice is key to ensure your installation caters for your current and future demand scenarios as well as providing a system that manages the use of the devices throughout your organisation.

    Utility Team can advise on a variety of green energy initiatives, managing the project from start to finish (if required) as well as providing interest-free funding opportunities for energy-efficient equipment or initiatives. In particular, we can help you with any EV charging point project from trickle to rapid chargers and self-owned to leased charging points.

    Main image credit: Utility Team

    Part 41: Designing meaningful co-working spaces

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    GTHD

    A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 41:
    DESIGNING MEANINGFUL CO-WORKING SPACES

    Art and FF&E logistics company Momentous explains why we must react to consumer demands for a flexible hotel public areas. The company’s Mike Brazier has explains what designers should consider when creating flexible working spaces… 

    I’ve just finished a consultation regarding a workplace project in central London where we are hoping to support, and now I’m on my way to join a work colleague for a meeting to discuss logistics support with an interior design and hotels projects contact of ours.

    Guide to Hotel Design

    The destination is the beautiful five-star St Martins Lane Hotel. It’s centrally based and extremely convenient when you’re buzzing around the city looking for a relaxed space to meet clients.

    I arrive following an eventful tube journey (not an uncommon situation in the capital) but the large and open hotel lobby instantly creates a strong sense of calm.

    As well as bar, a lobby and a restaurant, there is also a snug (AKA- The Den); a peaceful retreat from the metropolis outside, ideal for checking emails as well as providing a good base for meetings in the city. As I set myself down and open my laptop, I take a look around and notice that I’m not alone. In fact, I realise there are quite a few other business people nestled around the room, all checking their emails, holding meetings and working pretty effectively. My colleague arrives shortly after me and it gives us some time to catch up, it all feels very constructive.

    Masculine furniture inside a den-like snug

    Image caption: The Den inside St Martin Lane Hotel, London

    A fortunate appeal to the agile worker

    When our contact arrives, the discussion instantly turns to the unique attributes of ‘bleisure’ hotels and the benefits they offer to agile workers. With hotel groups such as Hoxton Hotels and Citizen M leading a movement to create design-led, practical public areas, could the possibility of exchanging our offices for hotels as co-working locations be a reality?

    Image credit: Hoxton Hotels

    Of course, what we are talking about is nothing new. Business men and women have been holding meetings in coffee shops and hotels since commerce began. And co-working has been shaping the workplace market for years with companies such as WeWork, its many contemporaries and HubbleHQ creating flexible and funky workspace options for the next generation of businesses. Yet, hotel co-working offers something deeper.

    In fact, when you look at hotels as another new option for co-working spaces, it starts to make a lot of sense. Many of them have the basic demands that consumers require. They are often located exactly where you need them to be with amazing travel links. They have Wi-Fi, power sockets, chairs, tables, informal meeting areas, boardroom-style rooms, refreshments and they are not dull spaces.

    It is hardly any surprise to see that many of the large hotel chains such as AccorHotels X WOJO, Marriott International and their Sheraton brand are redesigning their lobbies are following quirky hotel brands to create co-working spaces and rethinking the type of services and resources that would convert the casual agile working visitor into adopting them as a patron willing to pay more for their services.

    What hotel designs can be implemented do to capitalise on this opportunity for coworking?

    Based on the collective experience of interior design, hotels and workplace in the room you can imagine that we had plenty of ideas flashing around. One of the key challenges would be that workplaces can get quite noisy with phone calls and the general level of communication, so hotels would need to work on a way around this.

    Data security, networks and call handling, are all factors that need to be taken into consideration. In reality, these are all challenges that a designer and workplace specialist would have no problem overcoming. There are also some ready and off the shelf options that can be easily incorporated. Work pods can solve many of the challenges listed above and we have access to those today. The trick would be, how do hotels get this to flow into their existing core hotel proposition.

    For hotels that are restricted with space, usually urban hotels, the hotel lobby has to work harder. For it to be able to transformed into different atmospheres throughout the day, the lobby has to be flexible in its design. Using a neutral coloured surface, with art pieces injecting personality, the lobby will become a blank canvas of ideas. Modular furniture will adapt with your guests’ needs and can allow the space to transform quickly without fuss.

    There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution for designing co-working spaces in hotels. One thing is for certain, the hotels that are at the curve of this movement are using innovation, new technology and clever design to to create meaningful functional spaces that are appealing to work and hold meetings in.

    Main image credit: St Martins Lane Hotel

    Part 40: How to design luxury accommodation in pub hotels

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    A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 40:
    HOW TO DESIGN LUXURY ACCOMMODATION IN PUB HOTELS

    Following a rise in smaller and boutique design projects emerging on the hotel design scene, interior designer Sarah Ward offers tips and tricks for designing bespoke luxury accommodation in pubs…

    Guide to Hotel Design

    I’m sure I’m not the only one who is glad that pubs have transformed from dark smoky dens into welcoming meeting places for everyone – serving fantastic food, and often with a few luxury rooms to stay in, too.

    For weekend mini-breaks, a pub hotel can offer the most characterful place to stay in a rural village. I’m thinking of somewhere where walks finish with a pint or a glass of good wine beside a roaring fire.

    The appeal of a pub over a hotel is often friendliness. For single travellers they can be more tempting than a corporate-style hotel, even if it means a little extra travel. The likelihood is that a pub will attract locals as well as travellers, signalling a convivial atmosphere.

    My top tips for designing luxury accommodation in pubs aren’t that different from what I’d suggest in a hotel. Sometimes the only distinction between the two is the atmosphere. What every pub needs is an element of cosiness and comfort. The best pub accommodation is warm, comfortable and homely with a dash of luxury: great toiletries, top-quality beds and bedding, some special wool-covered cushions, for example. As Coco Chanel said, ‘Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.’ Pub accommodation should never be soulless and should always offer a hospitable atmosphere.

    Here are a few key points for designing luxury accommodation in pub hotels.

    Continuity– The style of the whole pub should be harmonious. Pub hotel design never works when it’s obvious that all the attention has gone into creating a cosy eating and drinking area, with the rooms clearly an afterthought with basic furniture, fixtures and linens. Both communal and sleeping areas need to feel part of a whole, with themes carried through. Though overly themed pubs are a no-no – you don’t want a too-often repeated fabric, for example. The design has to be subtle, with a similar colour palette throughout.

    Image credit: Interiors by Sarah Ward

    Family feel– Many pubs are traditionally family-run businesses. It’s the friendly atmosphere of being in a homely environment that should be brought to the fore when decorating a pub. And that should be created even if it isn’t family-run. For the rooms, this means adding a few individual touches. Pub accommodation shouldn’t all be identical. Interesting materials, cushions, rugs, and lamps come to mind, as well as the odd attractive ornament, or books on a bookshelf. But don’t go for a cluttered look: it’s too Marmite – some love it, many don’t, and it’s hard to get right. That’s where a good interior designer can really add value. We have contacts and connections all over the industry, and can source high-quality interesting bespoke pieces for projects, from artworks to armchairs. We can arrange things in the best way so that there’s still a feeling of space and flow in each area.

    Original features– Lovely old pubs often have a wealth of original features, from fireplaces to wonky exposed beams and braces. Don’t cover these up. People want an authentic feel. It’s good to integrate some of the old features, referencing them in your theme. So, an old station pub should have pieces relevant to its original use – a station clock, perhaps, or artwork made from old timetables or posters. Again, a good interior designer will help make sure this works and isn’t kitsch. And for original features that you do want to cover – Victorian plumbing pipes, for example – then an interior design specialist will offer solutions, maybe boxing them in in a way that creates a storage solution.

    Bedding– Crisp sheets are a must. And go for comfortable beds that are as large as the room allows. I would recommend a selection of cushions and a choice of soft pillows, and maybe a luxury throw in a contrasting colour to add interest. If the pub doesn’t have a turn-down service as a hotel would, then make sure there’s somewhere for guests to stash bed cushions at night.

    Storage– Storage can often be an issue in pub rooms, some of which can be small if you’re working with an old building. If you’re having to create somewhere for guests to place and hang clothes or coats, an interior designer will be able to design something that fits cleverly into a small space. This is better than just offering hooks with hangers.

    Materials– Go as luxury and as cosy as your budget affords. I associate British pubs with winter cosiness and rural bliss, and therefore I’d use natural wools and a palette of colours that matches the great outdoors. These are warm earthy tones, against a fairly neutral base. I’d include a comfortable and stylish chair in an attractive material in a pub hotel room. I’d always use heavy curtains and make sure they black out all the light, too.

    Sustainability– Make sure you’re offering good quality toiletries in recyclable materials. Also, the better the quality the better the sustainability with things like fabrics. Consumers are concerned about the planet, and you need to show in your offering (food and accommodation) that you are, too. Use local products from small producers if possible. This always adds a welcome touch to a room, and shows the owners have thought about what they’re doing. No-one wants little capsules of milk with their coffee, for example – so offering fresh in a pretty jug (or mini flask) is always better. Likewise, a packet of generic shortbread is boring, but a handmade biscuit is delicious and special. The same goes for a cushion, or a piece of art. According to a 2019 survey by Taxi2Airport, 76% of holidaymakers want hotels to do more to be greener. So, inform your guests about green credentials, whether that’s using eco-friendly cleaning materials or not using single-use plastics.

    Bathrooms– Bathrooms don’t necessarily need to be totally luxe in a pub – but make sure the basics are covered: good lighting and mirrors, soft towels with somewhere to hang them, and a heated towel rail if possible. Everyone loves a roll-top bath, and pub-hotels suit them well, often with a Victorian-style feel. Local toiletries, as mentioned in the sustainability section, are always a good addition. Go for large, refillable luxury shampoos, conditioners and soaps. They hit the eco-button and there are lots of great ones available now. Even in a bathroom, bespoke pieces, such as mirrors, soap dishes and glasses to put your toothbrush in can make the difference between dull and stylish.

    Noise– Noise can be a problem in pubs. Spend money on good insulation, glazing, and close-fitting doors to aid sound-proofing. If you have wooden floorboards, you need a large thick rug to muffle sound.

    Welcome– As we all know, as well as a lovely environment and good food and accommodation, it’s people who make pubs. Make sure all staff are well trained, not just in serving at the bar, but in customer service for overnight guests, too.

    Sarah Ward – Interiors by Sarah Ward www.interiorsbysarahward.com

    Tap with water

    Part 37: Putting sustainability front and centre in the bathroom

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    PART 37: PUTTING SUSTAINABILITY FRONT AND CENTRE IN THE BATHROOM

    Recommended Supplier Roca discusses sustainability in order to highlight how the international hotel design industry can save water and reduce wastage… 

    Water consumption varies in hotels depending on the presence of swimming pools, saunas, laundry and catering facilities. However, water accounts for 10 per cent of utility bills in many hotels, with taps, toilets and showers comprising around 40 per cent of this total.

    Guide to Hotel Design

    Any way we can reduce water consumption is going to be good for the hotel and good for the environment.

    Bathroom manufacturing has become more sustainable in recent years and Roca has remained at the forefront of sustainable design by creating products that conserve water and protect the environment. For example, the bathroom manufacturer has reduced the capacity of its WC cisterns to optimise water consumption and developed plumbing products that shrink energy usage.

    Guests are also being far more aware of the need to reduce water and energy consumption. In-roads have already been made in this regard, with a growing number of bathrooms now having a dual-flush cistern.

    The objective is to stop unnecessary waste of water, without negatively impacting the perception of the user.

    The right choice of products plays an important part in the management of water usage. And we deliberately say ‘management’ of water usage, because, although the overall aim is to reduce water usage, each of the products still has to work effectively. The objective is to stop unnecessary waste of water, without negatively impacting the perception of the user.

    Water saving developments

    Firstly, let’s look at some products that have been designed to reduce water-usage.

    One of the latest innovations to hit the market are rimless toilets. The box rim has been eliminated, making the pan much easier to clean and eliminating areas in which bacteria can accumulate. The shape of the pan has also been redesigned, allowing us to flush very efficiently with as little as a 4/2L dual flush cistern. Considering that the average flush for new WCs is between 4L and 6L, a product like this can help to save considerable amounts of water.

    Water saving technology can also be found in many brassware solutions. For example, Cold Start technology ensures water is only heated when it is required. Traditionally, when you turn on a tap, the water will be warm. This will automatically trigger the boiler, which can be expensive and wasteful, especially in a home where multigenerational families use water at different times.

    Roca also has an exclusive piece of technology in its ECO disc cartridge, which helps to save water and energy. As the tap handle is raised, a slight resistance is reached at 50 per cent of the water flow and lifting beyond this bite point produces a full flow. The cartridge includes a temperature limiter which can be set at installation to eliminate the risk of scalding.

    Innovation and product development are making significant headway in delivering greater water savings. For instance, the ground-breaking W+W from Roca uses waste water from the basin to fill the WC cistern, thereby reducing water usage by up to 25 per cent compared to a standard 6/3 litre dual-flush WC. The W+W basin has two wastes – the basin waste and one further down the waste pipe. The user has the option of either diverting it to the mains or recycling it by storing it in the cistern ready for the next flush.

    Our Responsibility

    As well as delivering bathroom solutions that save water and reduce wastage, Roca actively works to improve sanitation and increase access to water across the world. 

    Created in 2010, the We Are Water Foundation is a Roca initiative which reinforces the brand’s historic engagement with society. On a planet with about 768 million people without access to drinking water and 2.7 billion without basic sanitation infrastructure, the Foundation aims to achieve two main objectives. First, to contribute to the spread of a new culture of water which is more caring, just and sustainable, and second, to help the world’s poorest and those with major water and sanitation problems.

    The vision of the We Are Water Foundation is to continue growing worldwide, especially in countries where the Roca Group can, through its activities, participate more intensively to identify collaboration projects and contribute to the solution for water and sanitation problems.

    Sustainable manufacturing

    Roca also knows that how its products are produced is important so has created the Eco-Roca project, which looks at the production processes at its factory, as well as the development of its products and the social activities of the company. The project has two core goals, to cut CO2 emissions and to manage waste-free industrial processes via its Zero Waste Programme.

    We have a greater understanding of the value of water and its wastage than ever before. Hoteliers and guests are mindful about the amount of water they are using and want ways to reduce it. It’s time to think seriously about water conservation.

    Main image credit: Roca