This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the refurbishment of a historic hotel, located in Bristol, boasting 71 bedrooms and six suites. Offering spectacular views of the famous Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge, the project aimed to enhance the unique character shaped by the architecture, history and location of the building as well as providing comfort, relaxation and a sense of luxury for guests to experience. Classic period features are retained yet interpreted in a contemporary manner to offer a unique twist on timeless interiors with an intriguing story inspired by the location’s history alongside the Hotel du Vin brand, with touches of irreverent British humour.
Company: Dexter Moren Associates
Project: The Avon Gorge Hotel
Project Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
What was the client's brief?
Dexter Moren Associates were selected for the refurbishment and interior design of the Avon Gorge hotel, including the 72 bedrooms and 6 suites. The historic hotel, set above the site of a listed pump room and spa, first opened in 1898. Located in Bristol, it has spectacular views of the famous Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge. The client, Hotel du Vin, requested a design that would enhance the unique character shaped by the architecture, history and location of the building that would also subtly incorporate the essence of the Hotel du Vin brand while giving the hotel an identity of its own. Bedrooms and suites should have a residential feel: comfortable, relaxing and luxurious. Classic existing features should be retained yet interpreted in a contemporary manner and provide a timeless interior and intriguing story.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The initial concept was inspired by the building itself and the surrounding areas: the intention being to bridge the old and the new, the brand story and the locale. Dexter Moren Associates took the central concept of wine inspired by the Hotel du Vin brand and looked at the factors involved in making it: nature, represented by flora and fauna such as local birds, and time. Inspiration came from the views of the Gorge, the history of the Clifton suspension bridge and modern Bristol city.
An understanding of the hotel’s clientele was of utmost importance to the design. Hotel guests include business travellers, meeting attendees and those on weekend getaways. The hotel is also popular as a wedding venue so it was also important that the guestrooms and suites were designed with this in mind.
Nine different schemes were designed for the guestrooms: six standard and three suites. Dark-coloured walls act as a backdrop for feature wall coverings and bright splashes of colour in headboards and upholstery. All metal work is in slick satin brass or matt black. The bathrooms have bright white metro tiles lifted by a flash of turquoise green. Many rooms feature a luxury roll top bath either in the room or ensuite; the Laurent Perrier suite has two baths within the bedroom, ideal as a bridal or honeymoon suite. Workable desks in all rooms lend themselves well to the business traveller while tourists will be charmed by the retention and highlighting of the original architecture. Lighting is used as a practical tool to enhance the guest experience - as the lighting changes so too do the focal points of each space. The inside of each wardrobe is painted a feature colour to add an element of surprise for guests. The pièce de résistance is the artwork adorning the walls. Beautiful classical paintings at first glance, upon closer inspection they reveal irreverent modern elements: a man dressed for a formal occasion holds an iPod; a well-dressed lady wears a heavy gold chain adorned with a dollar sign instead of more typical diamond or pearls. These give the rooms a finishing touch of quirky British humour to appeal to locals and tourists alike.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
In terms of designing it was a challenge to bridge the old with the new. The intent was to maintain existing features wherever possible in order to celebrate the building's history, and this created challenges along the way as they were discovered during opening up. The concept of time was translated by way of laying contemporary design over a classic backdrop.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
Memorable moments include discovering original stained glass in the reception, grand stair and basement areas which we managed to restore and incorporate into our design. Another highlight was the successful opening of the White Lion Bar which has been received really well by the local residents.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
SBID Awards are prestigious, world renowned, and enable global recognition among our peers and the design industry as a whole. Recognition for the team on the project for their talent, passion and hard work.
Questions answered by Neil Andrew, interior designer and Partner of Dexter Moren Associates
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a modern-day luxury home that combines both old-school opulence and contemporary cosiness, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Dexter Moren Associates | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an urban resort that offers sweeping lake views, located on the shore of Lake Chao; one of the largest lakes in China. The hotel is a hillside building in the Neo-Huizhou-style with 206 guestrooms. Each room has a balcony from which guests may enjoy 180-degree views of the beautiful lake. The interior design features white walls, black tiles and grey bricks, all of which are typical of Hui-style architecture. Respect is also paid to Huizhou's aesthetic style of order and symmetry. A core design feature of the guestrooms embraces the ideas of the 'Four treasuries of the Chinese Study' including study space with writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper. This has great local and cultural significance in expressing the 'Impressions of Huizhou' design theme.
Company: Wanda Hotel Design Institute
Project:Wanda Vista Hefei
Project Location: Hefei, China
Our client is our parent company, Wanda Hotels & Resorts. Founded in 2007, Wanda Hotels & Resorts has been achieved through integrated business resources including hotel design, hotel construction and hotel management.
As the capital of Anhui province, Hefei is the economic and cultural centre with a profound history. Our purpose is to build the most luxurious and high-end urban resort in Hefei, which can meet both business and vacation demand. That’s why we choose Wanda Vista, the highest brand among Hefei hotels group. As the hotel is located near city, it owns the convenient traffic without too much noise and disturbance from city centre. We hope Wanda Vista has complete supporting facilities, breath-taking landscape scenery as well as high-quality service. In addition, we wish the cultural elements of Anhui is embodied in the interior design of the hotel, to give our guests deeper understanding of Anhui culture during their stay here. Also, as Vista brand is not commonly seen the east area of China, we hope Vista Hefei has stronger characteristics.
What inspired the design of the project?
Anhui is situated next to Huizhou, which is renowned for Hui-style architecture - a school of Chinese architecture. For another, Anhui is a combination of exquisite scenery and distinctive cultural features. In short, the above two factors - architecture and cultural characteristics - are our inspirations for this project. Other inspirational resources derive from the white wall, black tiles and grey bricks of Hui-style architecture, the order and symmetrical aesthetics, local decorative materials and the art of Huizhou carving (e.g. Brick carving, wood carving and stone carving).
Well, the greatest difficulty lies in how to express classic aesthetics using modern techniques. If we adopt traditional techniques to manifest these Hui-style characteristics, we will be confronted with great difficulty when it comes to spatial considerations; especially with a large space like the hotel lobby. Interior spaces were not as expansive as this in the past, so all the architectural components such as brick carving, roof overhang and folding screens were produced according to their actual dimension. It would therefore be impossible for us to enlarge the past material and craft it to today’s space, that’s why we needed to think about the kinds of modern materials and techniques which could be used for these creations. For instance, we designed four screens of 12 metres high to increase the levels of layer. When investigating the folk embroidery craft, our designers were inspired to replace the base fabric of embroidery with metal, and embroider Huizhou scenery on the metal net. In this way, we were able to realise the same effect with the same impact, which wouldn’t be achieved by using traditional metal or other metal materials.
Well, I think the highlight for me is the hotel lobby. The spatial vastness of the area integrates the exquisite features of Hui-style architecture and strong sense of decoration manifested through modern techniques. The lobby covers an area of 700 square meters, preserving the top structure of the original building with the highest height of near 20 metres. For the interior design, we embodied the traditional Hui-style wood carving technique into the decoration of wooden circular columns, beam and wall surfaces, focusing on the design theme; 'Huizhou Impression'. For colour use, the combination of grey brick, black tile and white wall from Hui-style architecture which represent the nature is put into use in the whole colour adoption. The lintel decorated with hanging flowers is made from bronze, and it implements with the wharf wall harmoniously.
Also, speaking of Huizhou culture, what first comes into our mind must be the Chinese 'Four Treasures of the Study', which includes writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper, which are expressed by different techniques in the hotel space. For example, we designed a 20-metre high Chandelier in the shape of a writing brush, to give the appearance of it pouring down from the roof; the pool carved from black stone is the integration of ink and ink stone; the ten-metre high scroll painting 'Huangshan Scenery' looks like wash painting on Chinese Xuan paper. Through the design of a ten-metre high ground glass window, the hotel lobby connects with a borderless lake view perfectly, inviting the glorious views and lake scenery into the hotel.
SBID is a renowned international award. Participating in the award is a test on our design ability. We will be more thankful and honoured if we were to win an award because it will be an honour both for the design team and for a single designer. On the other hand, if we unfortunately fail in winning an award, it still offers us a precious opportunity to compete with other design teams in the world and allows us to learn from each other.
Questions answered by Haonan Zhen, Design Director at Wanda Hotel Design Institute
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a private luxury oasis comprising of villa and pool house in southeastern France, click here to see more.
Wanda Hotel Design Institute | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a boutique hotel which juxtaposes the austere beauty and fiery drama of Iceland’s natural wonders with the City Center district by using natural materials in their most organic form and monochromatic colour schemes that mirror Icelandic nature and culture. Sustainable materials native to Iceland provide the perfect touch for this unique and eco-conscious hotel. Conveniently located in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland, the hotel was originally a hostel for Reykjavík backpackers which was renovated to offer a sustainable and tranquil refuge to its guests.
Inside one instantly feels transported to the pristine countryside of this otherworldly isle of fire and ice. In the lobby sits a glacier-like front desk and infinity hallways connecting guest quarters mimic hot lava floes zigzagging across a vast blackened field. Each private bath even features geothermal hot water, sourced from the surrounding natural springs. Design elements are also oriented to take maximal advantage of natural light and ventilation. A profusion of natural light streams through the expansive guestroom windows with sweeping views of the North Atlantic sea and snow-capped mountains to the North. Sustainable heating was introduced and LED lighting is utilised throughout to decrease electricity usage by up to 75%, with hallways using motion detection. Not only does the guest feel a sense of magic when the lights turn on, but the hotel saves energy when there are no guests in the hallways!
Company: Minarc Inc
Project: Ion City
Project Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
To design a functional, urban, aesthetically pleasing space that would accommodate all amenities necessary for a great experience for future guests.
Icelandic nature was the main influence to the interior design of the hotel. The concept story of the hotel design was to bring the nature inside, in the form of materials and colour schemes to experience and get the sense of the austere Icelandic nature, without getting out of the city. We wanted to create an experience for the guests that will live in their memory.
The challenges to work with the existing building, local regulations along with the essential amenities needed to accommodate a happy stay for the hotel guests. The hallways were a challenge as they were short and small so we wanted to utilise them to their full potential. The design is inspired by the countryside’s rugged terrain, with cuts of light illuminating to the guest rooms and mirrors on each end of the short hallway, they play with perspective creating a memorable experience like walking through infinitive lava fields.
There are many items and elements of the interior design we are especially proud of and have personal meaning to us, including the bathroom works on the walls, which are custom handmade by Erla. The illuminating hallway connecting the guestrooms imitate the flowing lava fields; the white Corian lobby desk inspired by the surrounding glaciers; the Dropi chair in the lobby that suspends from the ceiling in the intentional shape of a raindrop; the Nest chandelier hanging above diffusing light through it’s intertwined form along, with the overall cohesion and outcome of the design as a whole.
The SBID International Design Awards is one of the most prestigious awards celebrating interior design and architecture today, we consider it an achievement to receive an SBID International Design Award and we would be honoured to win one for our designs. We have previously won for a house we designed in Iceland, Big Little Rock and nominated for our Ion Adventure Hotel.
Questions answered by Tryggvi Thorsteinsson and Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir, Principal Designers at Minarc Inc
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring an American neoclassical design concept with comfort and function, click here to see more.
Minarc Inc | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a heritage conversion property rich in original detailing and upscale interest. Situated opposite the Dutch Royal Palace and once a bank, Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde wears its prestigious heritage proudly. Complete with underground speakeasy which was once the banks vault, the hotel is a true icon of the city, and exemplifies The Hague's prestigious royal and political connections. Portraits inspired by royalty adorn the walls, and original mouldings and light fittings have been carefully restored by local craftspeople. Art Déco stained glass, aged brass lamps and original green marble columns evoke the luxury world of private banking. A carefully curated selection of bespoke furniture choices cater for both hotel guests and well-heeled locals, be they there for a fresh morning coffee in the all-day Stocks & Bonds brasserie or a late night cocktail in The Gold Bar.
Company: HUGO interior design
Project: Hotel Indigo, The Hague
Project Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Hotel Indigo The Hague needs to communicate the unique cultural and historic offerings of this unique Dutch city of power, wealth and government. A sense of prestige and exclusivity should be celebrated within the hotels design.
HUGO interior design was inspired by the most unique and important buildings in the neighbourhood, such as the Royal Palace, Dutch government and International Court of Justice. The hotel is situated on Noordeinde street, directly opposite the Royal Palace. As a result, hotel rooms on Noordeinde side have a unique view on the palace. The chic Noordeinde district is primarily known for its distinctive fashion boutiques, galleries and art and antiques dealers, located in beautiful art nouveau buildings. With this neighbourhood story the design of the hotel should be sophisticated and high-end, where guests experience a royal and wealthy feeling. Wealth and royalty were key words in the design of Hugo Broeders, since the Royal family and the Nederlandsche Bank are inextricably linked to the history of this building. One of the most important starting points in the design was the building itself, with its historical and architectural elements such as the various marble, glass, mosaics, ornaments and woodwork. Characteristic materials for that time for buildings with a purpose like this. Hugo Broeders: "We have had the beautiful panelling disassembled, because we wanted to make headboard of this. We reused cupboards and steel doors, especially in the public areas where guests can experience them. We have implemented the patterns of the old woodwork in the new interior components such as the doors and carpets. Artwork is mostly inspired by coins and banknotes. And because the vault plays such an impressive role in the building, we have designed a multifunctional safe that will have a place in every room. We wanted all guests to have their own safe, so we designed a multi-functional steel safe that is positioned in each room. The safe contains a safe (of course), a minibar, coffee and tea making facilities and storage space. It seems and works like a real vault, you have to turn the wheel to open it. It is a feature that embodies the history of the building.
Every space, every room is not only unique in size, but also in form. Working on a property like this, you have to detail everything because every part of the building is unique and different from another part. Although you have the most wonderful materials to work with, you’re limited in possibilities. What you see is what you get, so you have to be very creative to make sure you get the most out of what’s available. You need to create spaces and add materials that are complementary and meet up to the standards of modern day regarding comfort, look and feel. To celebrate this uniqueness and work with the challenges, the idea was that guest should have a unique experience, even if they visit the hotel multiple times. That means three room types were designed, all different in atmosphere and appearance: Royal Residence – street facing rooms with Palace view, experiencing the feeling of residing in a prestigious street in a room with stained glass windows, high ceilings, wood panelled walls and headboards and a dark red and blue grey colour palette with warm velvets and antique brass details. Court Capital – the feeling of wealth comes across in these (some split-level) rooms. Using leathers and a light and dark green colour palette with polished brass details, guests feel the power and history of the building and the city. Loft Living – more contemporary rooms on the top floor and in the attic, combining old beams and slanted ceilings with concrete flooring and rooms in the newly build part of the hotel with large glass curtain walls on the backside of the hotel. Adding variations in grey and an ocre colour palette, soft fabrics and satin brass details, this room feels like modern Dutch living in the city. The combination of this property and the concept of diversity in rooms was challenging. Procurement was difficult, chances of making errors are big and it took a lot of time to make sure the results are as intended.
When the bank closed its doors in 1994, it was impossible to remove the massive doors from the vaults where the gold stock was previously kept. The round safe door is still one of the most impressive elements in the building. The vaults are in the basement, if there is no need to go down they are not seen by guests. Wanting to make sure that guests would experience these special spaces, a speakeasy was created here. The story goes that the bank was once connected to the Palace through a corridor. Everything indicates that this came out in the space that we transformed into this speakeasy. From the lobby you have easy access to the speakeasy, making it possible for everyone to have a drink at this very special “Gold Bar”.
Questions answered by the Founders of HUGO interior design, Hugo Broeders and Debby Wentink.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring an innovative hotel design which strives to redefine the concept of luxury, click here to see more.
HUGO interior design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an innovative hotel design which strives to redefine the concept of luxury, five-star hotel experiences by connecting with the neighbourhood which surrounds it. In a world increasingly congested with fussy design, this project demonstrates a new type of luxury. A refreshing perspective, celebrating the Kaohsiung harbour and all of the creative energy of the commercial surroundings delivered with wit and charm. The Hotel Indigo, Kaohsiung Central Park is located in the heart of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The neighbourhood and its dynamic port served as the inspiration for the design. Located in a vibrant suburb within Kaohsiung near the bustling commercial harbour, the hotel experience was conceptualised as the journey of goods from the harbour to the shelves of Kaohsiung’s boutiques and emporiums.
Company: Hirsch Bedner Associates Hong Kong
Project: Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park
Project Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
The client owned an old shopping mall in an area near the Kaoshiung port and wanted to convert it into a hotel, but wanted the hotel to somehow relate to the previous history of the building and to the neighbourhood that was deeply connected to the nearby harbour and undergoing a process of urban renovation. The brief was therefore to redefine the concept of a five-star hotel experience, shifting the notion of luxury, as it’s commonly envisioned. The objective was to connect with the local area, allowing the hotel to become an energetic part of the urban fabric and distinguishing itself from other large five star hotels.
As a consequence of the context in which this project came to life; the commercial aspect of the building and the evolution of the neighbourhood from an industrial harbour to a gateway to the world, became the main inspiration. The Kaohsiung neighbourhood and its dynamic port was the central inspiration for designing key areas of the hotel. Located in a vibrant suburb within Kaohsiung near the bustling commercial harbour, the hotel experience was conceptualised as the journey of goods from the harbour to the shelves of Kaohsiung’s boutiques and emporiums. Inspired by the humble local emporiums where products such as soft drinks, canned and picked food are part of everyday life for Taiwanese, beautifully designed feature walls depict the tops and bottoms of cola bottles with fun messages. Digitally printed wall coverings featuring opened jars and tins of food adds a splash of colour, character and provincial flavour.
Due to the trade barriers between Taiwan and Mainland China most of the finishes had to be locally sourced or engineered from scratch. The process was difficult but extremely gratifying. Thanks to this project, new products and finishes are now available in Taiwan!
The reaction of guests and visitors; some thought it was brilliant and told us they felt the connection to the neighbourhood, others found the project was at the limit of their comfort zone and didn’t like it entirely. That to us is a good sign, it means we succeeded at giving to the hotel a distinct personality and when it comes to personality, we simply just don’t all feel the same!
The project was very appreciated in Taiwan but to some it felt like it was pushing the boundaries of their comfort zone. So we were curious to see how it would have been received by an international audience and the SBID Awards was the perfect platform to do this!
Questions answered by Federico Masin, Partner at Hirsch Bedner Associates Hong Kong
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a hotel design which delicately balances timelessness and tradition with industrial modernity, click here to see more.
HBA Hong Kong | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an elegantly timeless, yet industrially modern and edgy hotel interior design based on the narrative of two Turkish sisters – one who lived in New York City and the other in Paris. Envisioned as a portal between two worlds, the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul’s hotel lobby leaves a lasting impression to those who walk through it, beckoning passersby to explore and engage. White marble floors found at the entrance contrast against warm wood floors covering the reception area, crafting a carefully balanced procession. Guests check in at the bespoke reception desks showcasing wood, metal, and stone. Oversized, locally crafted lanterns accent the corner of the lobby and signify the entrance of the bridge connection to the business centre. Similarly, a dark and striking carved stone wall flanks the side of a “runway” that connects the lobby with the Great Room. The design team used the walkway to echo the overall project's interior design concept of merging two different narratives into one, by blending urban culture and industrial flair with traditional features and a strong sense of place.
Company: Wilson Associates
Project: Fairmont Quasar
Project Location: Istanbul, Turkey
This project is developed by joint venture company, Viatrans Inc. – Meydanbey. The multi-complex encompasses a hotel, serviced apartments, and offices set on the site of Turkey’s first liquor factory that was designed by the Parisian Art Deco Master, Robert Mallet Stevens in the 1930's. This is his sole masterpiece, the only one ever built outside of France. This is the first project by Viatrans Inc. – Meydanbey and they had a vision to create the most innovative and luxurious development in Istanbul. They also had a vision to turn the liquor factory into an epicentre for arts, fashion and culture — transcending the level of luxury in Istanbul to new heights. Rising above the slopes of The Bosphorus, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul serves as a hub for the well-travelled, fusing the sophistication of modern Istanbul with the unique lineage of its location and centuries of history. A new icon for the vibrant Mecidiyeköy district, Fairmont Quasar sits at a crossroads in Istanbul – where eclectic neighbourhood bazaars and colourful side streets meet modern shopping centres and commercial properties. This will be the first hotel for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Turkey, and the fifth property of parent company AccorHotel’s luxury brand portfolio within Istanbul. Situated inside the Quasar Istanbul complex, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul occupies two 40-story towers that sit atop a four-story office podium comprised of fitness facilities and luxury retail. The towers include Fairmont Hotel and Residences, as well as the Quasar Residences and offices, also managed by Fairmont. Opened March 2017, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul provides 209 guestrooms including 25 suites.
Robert Mallet Stevens was our inspiration for the interior design concept. The hotel is set on the site of Turkey’s first liquor factory that was designed by the Parisian Art Deco Master Architect. Built in 1930, the factory was and remains both an important political statement of the modernity of Turkey and a unique piece of Istanbul’s architectural history. Robert Mallet Steven’s design of flowing concrete and glass, the industrial feel of the distillery equipment lent to the fervour of the Bauhaus design trends of the time. The factory itself emanated feelings of progress, positivity, hope, industry, and advancement encapsulating the birth of a new nation. Form following function, yet Robert Mallet Stevens never forgot the human touches through Art Deco details, intimate scaling, and compression versus expansion. This was the very same spirit that we wanted to transport into 2017 and into Fairmont Istanbul— To bring this sophistication into the millennium. The hotel is purposely designed to echo this bygone industrial age but interpreted in a new luxurious and relevant manner. Spaces are both intimate and expansive, filled with light; the materials used tactile and even nostalgic; all composed to recapture that 'magic'. This design strategy is further enhanced with a more human story: We created a unique tale of two Turkish sisters, one living in New York and the other in Paris, both returning to Istanbul and bringing home with them the design sensibilities of the two cities to Istanbul. This tale is a story of souls bound together through time; timeless yet modern. These sisters, having lived in such rich and vibrant cities wanted to return to Istanbul with their adopted communities of Paris and New York, adding yet another rich layer to the fabric of the city. Istanbul is the perfect synthesis between East and West as Paris-New York are the shining beacons of the old and new worlds. This sets the perfect stage for the sisters to converge and star in a performance of life, love, and expression. This was our inspiration for the Fairmont Istanbul. This is our tale of old and new souls, bound together through the ages.
The main design challenge for us was to create a sense of place without being overly colloquial; the owners wanted the hotel to be modern yet timeless with a true sense of nostalgic elegance. The imposing glass and steel architecture of the towers also presented unique challenges to crafting this look. Furthermore, the structural grid left for the interior spaces that were somewhat compartmentalised into rooms of varying sizes also posed a design challenge for us. By echoing Robert Mallet Steven’s spirit of both compressive and expansive spaces, intimate yet grand, and merging influences of Parisian chic with New York industrial flair, we created harmonious design concept that helped mitigate these challenges. The result was a very interesting design with a variety of “feelings” and moments within the hotel. The creation was a multi-layered fabric of experiences much like the fabric of the city of Istanbul.
Some of the team highlights for the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul project include the hotel lobby and the luxurious Presidential Suite. Inspired by local Turkish culture, the 1930’s liquor factory and The Borphorus Strait, and the tale of two sisters, the lobby includes a fireplace, angled ceiling panels, eclectic groups of seating and a custom Turkish-inspired carpet by Golden Hali. The area is imbued with timeless, modern and local design such as large windows that look out onto the lobby garden - commonly found in Turkish architecture. These windows effortlessly create a sense of light and openness, and are bordered by floor-to-ceiling black metal geometric screens. All of the interior design details merge together to create a great public space for guests to sit, relax, and even enjoy a drink if they so choose. Fairmont Quasar Istanbul’s most luxurious room is the Presidential Suite. This space is a multifaceted and dynamic design with details ranging from the custom carpets and leather-upholstered casegoods to Turkish accessories and artwork that create an elegant and modern décor. Inspired by the industrial elements of the Robert Mallet liquor factory, rooms at the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul are a mix of Turkish design with bespoke, custom-made pieces such as the desk which has been created as a multi-functional space for work, dining or relaxing. The space includes blue leather-tufted headboards, mini-bars in the style of vintage travel trunks and custom carpets by Ottoman Hali and Stepevi. The bathrooms feature showers that resemble a traditional Turkish hammam, offering a local experience. The dining room makes the suite a truly luxury place for guests to stay. The interior design elements include dark walnut millwork, patterned wooden floors and crackled accent wall covering as well as the sparkling orb chandelier and angular mirrored wall sculpture.
SBID is a trusted industry voice and highly regarded by the interior design community. Wilson Associates is very proud to be recognised by SBID and be able to showcase our latest projects on a global and influential platform. The projects submitted to the awards program gets better, and better every year, which encourages us to push the creativity envelope further and deliver even better work. To see the talent we’re up against and to be able to walk away as category finalists or winners is an incredible honour. And, it’s always a lovely feeling at the awards ceremony when the design community is united, there’s a real buzz!
Questions answered by the Wilson Associates, New York team; Joanne Yong, Principal Designer; Dan Kwan, SVP and Managing Director; Seiichi Mori, Design Director; David Dorfman, Project Manager; Keiko Matsumoto, Senior Project Designer; Kevin Caulfield, Senior Design Manager.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a new casual dining concept and London's first dedicated Avocado bar, click here to see more.
Wilson Associates | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Property is built to last, but how it is used is constantly evolving. As properties now see many incarnations, adapting their usage from old banks, railway stations and working mills into homes, wedding venues and boutique hotels - the interior design approach we take has had to evolve.
From staying true to a building’s end purpose to embracing and emphasising glorious heritage features to give us interiors inspiration, every detail of the interior design scheme needs to be considered. From the common concept of choosing your colour palette, to the more abstract concept of incorporating balance and harmony into the design mix - gone are the days of basic and simple designs that blend in; we are now embracing a much bolder design era through every room. This is especially true in the bathroom which previously was just a place for functional use but now sees design inspiration from other areas as people look to use it for relaxing, unwinding and getting some elusive ‘me time’.
The idea of changing rooms has never been truer than when we look to the hotel industry. Not only is it the public spaces which get upgraded but the bedrooms and bathrooms are becoming a bigger focus and opportunity for the industry to ban the bland and opt for playful spaces which help them stand out and meet the demands of increasingly trend-aware guests. There’s more to marry up than ever before though.
In the age of the digital detox and the mindfulness movement, Biophilic interior design, connecting with nature, isn’t new but it’s definitely sought after and helps hotels get guests through the door. But it’s no mean feat bringing the outdoors in to calm the mind and cleanse the soul while making sure the minute you get in the room, cutting-edge technology can still keep you connected to the outside world.
Then of course you drill down to the basics, the practical products that make or break a hotel room. Keeping the space clutter free, building clever compositions with furnishings and finessing the focal points, while making sure your guests have a home for everything they may need during a stay. In the bathroom, this can mean a drenching shower, quiet soft close toilet seat and a towel in the perfect place when needed.
To discover how bathroom brands are adapting to the changing demands and priorities of hotel guests, and therefore specifiers in the digital age, we spoke to Sophie Taylor, the National Specification Manager of luxury bathroom brand, Heritage Bathrooms.
“A hotel could easily get caught up in a revolving design overhaul, ushering in new trends as they come and go, and when you work in the hospitality industry the high traffic wear and tear a space will see could probably justify it. But at Heritage, we believe that you could turn our products to any backdrop and their distinctively individual design will continue to shine through year after year.”
“One such way to ensure a bathroom can stand the test of time and be infinitely adaptable is to opt for products which are built with personalisation in mind. Heritage cast iron baths which are primed and ready to paint in any hue or retro fit brassware which can be updated as though it is jewellery on a designer outfit, are products which can evolve in line with changing trends and demands, and therefore a smart and stylish way to future-proof your design.”
“Of course, substance remains equally as important as style especially within the hospitality industry, so striking the perfect balance between fashion and functionality is paramount for specifiers. That’s where multi-purpose products come in.”
“The exposed metallic base of a washstand for example oozes boutique glamour, but options with accessories and amenities to add a little something extra to a hotel guest’s experience are also ideal for ticking the practicality box. Glass shelves to display toiletries and towel rails for convenient hand drying are little touches which go a long way and help to keep a hotel bathroom both clutter free and chic, while ensuring guests leave feeling like they’ve had the luxury treatment.”
“This all ties into the idea of well-being, self-care and ‘me time’ too which is a huge focus within the specification market at the moment - where the role of a bathroom is no longer really just a bathroom at all. Providing a relaxing place to not only bathe but also read a book, pamper or listen to music is key in order to appeal to modern guests who are already increasingly blurring the lines between bathroom spaces and living spaces within their own homes. This expectation means specifiers should take an integrated approach to designing technology, lighting, flooring and décor to ensure the final vision for the interior design is seamless and all elements work together in harmony.”
“Finally, in the age of Instagram where the seeds of interior design inspiration are sewn and shared, bathroom designs which delight and make an impact are providing hoteliers and specifiers with a new and exciting viral marketing opportunity too. Despite this being a relatively new phenomenon, Schofield’s insurance recently found that 40% of 21 – 37 year olds now choose their holiday destinations based on how good they will look on Instagram - so it’s more important than ever that hoteliers and specifiers work together to create unforgettable spaces in order to remain competitive and make the cut in this growing market. At Heritage, we support this by constantly reviewing trends and bringing the latest inspiration to our products. For example we have just launched a daring mock-croc effect bath called Alderley with these Instagram guests in mind, giving hoteliers a playful way to introduce showstopping and tactile textures with ‘feel appeal’ across all elements of a guest bathroom space. It is the ideal way to create a truly unforgettable aesthetic that guests are sure to love to share.”
Creating the new hybrid hotel to make it a timeless destination and an oasis of opulence, calmness and serenity, will take its own design journey, one that is perfect to start at the Independent Hotel Show on 16/17 October at Olympia, London – an event that plays host to a curated collection of innovative products and brands from across the hotel supply chain. Heritage Bathrooms are showcasing some of their stand out designs and sharing inspirational ideas for boutique hotels. Visit them on stand 187.
To find out how the Heritage Bathrooms product portfolio of beautiful brassware, suites, freestanding baths and accessories could help you when changing your rooms, or to find out more about its end to end specification service visit: www.heritagebathrooms.com/specify
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a hotel brand with the heart of a boutique hotel and an appetite for adventure. Moxy Hotels, making a much-anticipated U.S. debut, opened the brand’s second stateside property, Moxy New Orleans. Favouring expansive public spaces in lieu of larger guest rooms, Stonehill Taylor emphasises an active, social, and autonomous experience - a hallmark of the Moxy brand - throughout the public space design. Moxy provides an affordable, engaging experience to millennial travellers without sacrificing style or innovation. The main focal point of the lobby area, the bar, is clad in reclaimed wood and topped with textured black stone. Positioned prominently between the library and lounge areas, the bar doubles as a gathering place for drinks and conversation, as well as check-in and reception area.
Company: Stonehill Taylor
Project: Moxy New Orleans
Project Location: New Orleans, LA
Moxy New Orleans was only the second US property for Moxy Hotels. The goal was to capture New Orleans’ artistic spirit and bohemian legacy. While an affordable lodging experience targeting millennials, the design team did not want to sacrifice style or innovation. For this reason, Stonehill Taylor approached the project with ideas to infuse a youthful design with modern art, contemporary technology and distinct, local influences.
Located right outside of the French Quarter, New Orleans truly acted as the primary inspiration for Moxy NOLA’s design. It’s industrial interior references the city’s history, with the first floor being stripped down to a raw, warehouse-like space revealed the existing concrete flooring, as well as the exposed pipe and duct work. The space is layered with a faded floor stencil influenced by Spanish tile, and light fixtures with street lamp-inspired metal detailing, adding French Quarter flair.
The toughest hurdle for our team was converting a previously inward-facing, dark lobby into an outward-facing, inviting and exciting bar for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Working with so many local, New Orleans artists, we commissioned Reid Morris to create a large, full-scale mural outside of the fitness centre. Additionally, we worked with artist Margot Couture to paint a different mural within an interior lightwell – a striking, abstract piece spanning ten stories. The mural is not only an exciting visual moment within the overall hotel, but adds particular value and interest to an otherwise challenging view from adjoining guest rooms. Using local artists really helps to breathe the youthful, artistic ethos of New Orleans throughout the interior design scheme in a unique and authentic way.
We were thrilled to work on one of Marriot Moxy’s debut US properties. It was a unique experience to collaborate with various local artists on such large-scale art works throughout and we wanted to celebrate its bold, modern and interactive design scheme. This hotel helped spur the trend towards micro-design in hospitality, and we were proud to be part of it.
Questions answered by Sherry Dennis, Senior Interiors Associate at Stonehill Taylor
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the pristine, paradise destination and beautifully designed luxury resort on the picturesque Vommuli Island in the Maldives, click here to see more.
Stonehill Taylor | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the pristine, paradise destination and beautifully designed luxury resort on the picturesque Vommuli Island in the Maldives. An island destination recognised and designed by four ecological zones, the beach, the jungle, the coastal and the lagoon area. In order to satisfy the client’s brief and also to fulfill the aspiration to create something truly unique, the exterior and interior design establishes a strong eco-awareness, expressed through a modern and contemporary architecture and interior design. Balanced by design elements which act as a respectful nod to the tradition, local culture, and the values of St Regis. The whole resort is emotionally and intellectually experienced and enjoyed, but with a profound awareness of the complex relationships of the eco systems being inhabited. Through the experience of each space and place, and the stories it tells, we hope to inspire our guests to understand more about themselves and the precious world we live in.
Company: WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design
Project: St Regis Maldives Vommuli Island
Project Location: Maldives
To build a leading resort in the Maldives that will be sensitive to environmental issues but yet be a luxury resort destination that will justify the development expense without sacrificing superior guest experience.
The inspiration for the interior design stems from the natural pristine beauty and ecology of the atoll and the desire to create eco-awareness to conserve and protect as much as possible the existing island. We think that nature itself is the source for design and not simply the man made world.
The toughest hurdles are logistics and associated time and costs issues to build in the middle of the ocean. The longer the time, the higher the costs and the greater the environmental damage. We worked hard to holistically control these issues and yet build with quality and precision.
Without doubt the highlight of the project was the opportunity to come so close to the raw elements of nature and the local culture. We are so delighted that upon completion our guests have a similar encounter that makes Maldives as a destination a real eye opener.
We entered SBID awards to seek recognition and exposure to the international design world as an endorsement of the highest calibre.
Questions answered by Wong Chiu Man, Managing Director of WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the proverbial bar for one of chef Vivek Singh’s latest additions to the Cinnamon brand family, click here to see more.
WOWArchitects | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a lavish villa apartment in the coastal province of Southeast China which strives to harmonise people, space and nature by connecting the interior and exterior environments for the ultimate luxury vacation. A design which balances indoor and outdoor space; plays with light and shadow; combining neutral tones with dark accents; whilst juxtaposing decorative, oriental style elements with clean, modern lines and simple, yet sophisticated structures to incorporate themes of contemporary design, embody Southeast Asian craftsmanship and evoke a sense of exotic elegance.
Company: Daosheng Design Co.
Project: Poly Beiluo Villa C1 Apartment
Project Location: Guangdong, China
The Client's main hope was to create a luxurious villa apartment which generates a relaxing vacation environment which connects people with nature in a simple and well balanced way, embracing the relationship between people, space and nature.
What inspired the design of the Project?
As the project is close to the seaside, the sound of the sea breeze can be heard in the distance and the smell of salty water hangs in the air, so visitors instantly get the feeling of returning to nature. Combining a simple, neutral colour palette throughout to evoke a calm atmosphere, with dark accents of wood and marble on selected surfaces and furnishings helps to balance the neutrals to exude a deep natural flavor. The project abandons complex decorative lines, replaced by simple structures and neat styling, balanced with subtle inclusions of more exotic elements such as Thai inspired cushions and oriental ornamental features.
1.Using a small selection of simple, natural materials and a harmonious layout throughout the project to create a comfortable life between people and nature; people and space; and also between people and people. Striking a complimentary balance of each of these core components of space, nature and people was the main challenge. Each space needed to be in touch with nature, create communal areas for socialising, as well as spatial divisions for privacy, allowing visitors personal time to reflect and connect with nature.
2.Because the project is near the sea, selecting the right materials required careful consideration to prevent any corrosion from the salty atmosphere.
Seeing the careful marriage between indoor and outdoor, as architecture and garden combine to become an organic whole. Creating a space that will be in sincerity with Southeast Asia, through elements of solid wood and rattan to express and bring a heavy sense of culture, whilst incorporating themes of modern life with the essence of freshness and simplicity to reconcile the whole space and create a haven away from the hustle and bustle; returning to nature, inside and out. Every detail considered, even down to the white drapes hanging on the bed frame to give a therapeutic, dream-like vision of the gentle sea breeze fluttering as the space appears light, lazy and gorgeous. Also, seeing the play of light and shadow change room by room, so that each space transforms with the phasing of the day from dawn to dusk.
The SBID International Design Award is the World's leading design award and enjoys wide popularity in the design world at home and abroad. We participate in the SBID International Design Awards in the hope that our design can be seen and shared with more people, so that ideas can collide across the continents and inspire globally with beauty and design excellence.
Questions answered by YongMing He, Design Director at Daosheng Design
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If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a stunningly stylish SieMatic kitchen design in the opulent Alderley Edge, click here to see more.
Daosheng Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
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