A Multi-Functional Kitchen Reflects Modern European Luxury

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an open-plan kitchen design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Concepts by Gavin Hepper.

What was the client’s brief? 

We were engaged to transform the interior spaces of this new build into an elegant Australian home, reflecting a modern European luxury. To bring a WOW factor, being a family home the kitchen in particular needs to be durable and functional for a large extended family that enjoy cooking and entertaining. The client also requested a specific ‘morning’ zone for a coffee and juice bar, and that the space is able to be occupied by multiple people simultaneously. And where possible, the use of products with a sustainable nature was preferred.

What inspired the design of the project?

Drawing on the materiality elements of traditional European luxury interiors of beautiful marbles and metallic finishes and ornate details, we have then interpreted these materials for a modern Australian lifestyle. With a background in joinery, I wanted to bring a handcrafted bespoke furniture element to the project. Specifying a Neolith Sintered Stone in a modern 12mm profile has facilitated some great detail within the design, working with a family run Australian business with a strong sustainability focus to handcraft the timber features and panels really highlight these elements. Working the design to achieve a balance of the scale of the island, anchoring the kitchen within the open plan living area whilst keeping the rest of the space light and provide a seamless transition and flow throughout the home.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Being engaged in the project well into construction of the property set some challenges for us, as there had been several significant oversights that we had to deal with.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Collaborating with some great brands and suppliers to deliver such a detailed orientated project, working alongside our team of trades to deliver our clients forever home, having clients that welcome you into their homes with such faith and trust to build a space for them to be able to create new memories with their family in, this is the ultimate highlight on our Oxford Project.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

To provide an international platform for great functional and beautiful Australian design.

Questions answered by Gavin Hepper, Creative Director, Concepts by Gavin Hepper.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a minimalist monochrome residential design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, MOON bureau.

What was the client’s brief? 

“THE HILLS” is a home project for a young family of programmers who love to travel around Africa. The main design challenge was to create a barrier-free space with plenty of natural light. The clients wanted the atmosphere of their home to be reminiscent of their travels in Africa. They also wished for a monochrome interior with natural materials in mind and a minimum amount of furniture.

What inspired the design of the project?

We were inspired by photographs and stories about the magnificent nature of Namibia, where the endless ocean borders the desert. Our team has recreated this mesmerizing atmosphere within the interior design. The entire interior is made in pastel colors that resemble dunes and do not distract from the beautiful view outside the window. An original palette of natural shades, materials and panoramic glazing has erased the boundaries between the living room and the surrounding landscape. In this endless space, we have located a cozy lounge area, combining it under the dome of an ultra-stylish, modular Pole lamp.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We used kitchen model Artematica. Materials such as decorative plaster, glossy glass facades, brushed metal and natural stone were used. The central part of the working surface is closed by a lifting mechanism. In the center of the kitchen is a multifunctional island. We represent how pleasant it will be to meet the first rays of the sun with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

In the bedroom in we used textured travertine and decorative plaster, and in the dressing room – transparency changing smart-glass panels. Smart glass is a multi-layer product in which the middle layer is made of a liquid crystal film. When the smart glass is impacted by electricity, the glass instantly becomes transparent.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

I decided to take part in the competition because I wanted to show the creativity and talent of Ukrainian designers to a wider audience. It was an internal challenge to compare myself with modern European designers, to see how my work stands in the context of the current world design.

Questions answered by Tetiana Sytova, Founder and Chief Designer, MOON bureau.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a creative restaurant and bar venue design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, DesignLSM.

What was the client’s brief? 

The Alchemist, an experiential British restaurant and bar group founded in 2010, wanted to create a fresh, new look for their original site located in Manchester’s dynamic Spinningfield’s district.

DesignLSM were tasked to create a visually compelling design that enabled the drinking and dining venue to seamlessly transition from day to night, reflecting the evolution of brand, and invigorated the space with a welcoming and energising ambiance.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of The Alchemist draws inspiration from the origins of the universe – creating an immersive experience for guests that is influenced by the search for the elixir of life and humanity’s continual fascination with our own origins and the subsequent exploration of the universe.

The colours running throughout the design reference the tones created through supernovas and swirling gasses, intertwined with patterns and shapes of orbital pathways of pathways of planets that are represented through curated bespoke furnishing and lighting features.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We were very aware that, due to the height of the ceilings, we needed to create big scale dramas in the space otherwise the design would get lost.

We overcame this by integrating striking lighting features throughout that had been carefully curated from both an atmospheric and design narrative perspective. Each sculptured pendant is influenced by the cosmos, the orbits of planets and satellites. The collective groups are hung in specific positions to create dramatic focal points which enhances the changing ambience of the day and creates dynamic zones within the open plan space – sculptural statements in the day to luminous masterpieces at night.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

From the get-go, the concept was well interpreted and we’re extremely proud of the space and new direction that we have delivered for The Alchemist. Since re-opening, we’re thrilled with the positive feedback received from both the client and the public. Despite there being a vast selection of drinking and dining destinations in the city, The Alchemist continues to set itself apart and remains as one of Manchester’s most renowned and vibrant social hot spots.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The work we completed for The Alchemist went beyond the creation of just a beautiful design, it transitioned the brand into a new era of what they represented, evolving their core DNA. The striking space has cemented The Alchemist as the go-to hot spot in Manchester drinking and dining’s scene, receiving a hugely positive response from the public, press, and the client. The SBID Awards are renowned for celebrating the best of interior design and as we are incredibly proud of what we achieved, we hope this project has earned its rightful place in the running as one of Manchester’s most vibrant new openings.

Questions answered by Yasamin Nikoosimaitak, Marketing Manager, DesignLSM.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious hotel suite design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Kristina Zanic Design Consultants.

Kristina Zanic Consultants has designed a royal welcome for guests of the presidential Amiri Suite at St Regis Kuwait hotel. Newly rebranded from its previous Sheraton brand, the property has been the hotel of choice for royalty, diplomats and celebrities in the Middle East since 1966.

The Amiri suite features a 450sqm area that includes a reception area, lounge, dining/ boardroom, meeting rooms, master bedroom and bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, gym, barber/hairdressing station and spa suite.

A striking palette of royal blue and cream greets the guest. Blue accents in the furniture, art, carpeting and wall panels add the right amount of ‘oomph’ to the otherwise restrained palette.

Brass fretwork together with lacquered wall paneling and a sunburst timber detail create a luxury residential ambience. A bespoke embossed leather headboard offers the perfect backdrop in the bedroom, serving as a neutral but richly textured piece of art. The flooring features a multitude of luxury material and patterns, basket-weave timber parquet, bespoke carpet designs, and layered inlaid marble tile.

Sophisticated furniture with rounded forms, rich fabrics and accessories blend luxury with comfort and practicality, reflecting an attention to detail and personal touch. Bespoke crystal chandeliers layer on the luxury, while art pieces play with abstract geometric and arabesque graphics, with no two pieces alike.

The result is an elegant space, with a restrained neutral base palette with injections of colour, and quiet opulent finishes.

What was the client’s brief? 

The Sheraton hotel in Kuwait was very much in need of a makeover due to its very outdated interiors. The client was looking to find the right balance in creating a reinvented luxurious hospitality space while staying true to the hotel’s 50-year heritage.

The property was the first five-star hotel in the Middle East, and has enjoyed landmark status for the past five decades. The design needed to be sensitive to its history and to deliver a high-end luxury interior that would be appealing to its distinguished clientele, while also aligning with its new St Regis brand identity.

We provided the interior design consultancy for the full refurbishment of the hotel. The first phase involving guestroom and suite floor refurbishment was completed in November 2021, and the second phase of refurbishment for public areas of the hotel is expected to be completed in 2024.

What inspired the design of the project?

The direction we chose was to ‘look back in order to look ahead’. In the 1960s, the hotel defined luxury hospitality in the region, catering to the local high society and reflecting a progressive country to visitors. Working within the new St Regis brand guidelines, we set out to reinforce that position and reflect what luxury means today in Kuwait.

The concept centers on creating a home away from home, a place to indulge in every sense. The aim was to create a bespoke and timeless look, with opulent finishes and classic details in the suites.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The biggest challenge lay in remotely managing the project at the peak of the pandemic crisis. Following initial visits to the site before lockdown, the major part of the project involved lots of online coordination with the client and virtual site visits and material inspections.

We had to be extra careful with monitoring the project and faster with our responses, but thankfully had plenty of support from the client and contractor who regularly shared photos and videos of the site’s progress.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

There are a number of features that stand out in this project. The first is the smooth flow that was achieved within the various spaces in the suite, really creating a sense of home for the guest.

The suite also features a generous use of sophisticated materials and finishes, like inlaid marble, leather and timber wall panels, hand-blown crystal lights, and curated art.

The suite’s lavish amenities offer guests the ultimate experience of relaxation and indulgence. Of particular note is the bathroom and spa area that developed into an oasis of luxury and comfort, with double vanities in grey marble, double jacuzzi, grooming station, sauna, spa treatment room, and gym.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

It’s always gratifying to get industry recognition for the immense effort that goes into our work, especially a large and complex project like the St Regis Kuwait.

We took a very studied and sensitive approach to the renovation of the hotel, and couldn’t be happier to see our work resonating with the judges.

Being selected as an SBID award finalist among hundreds of entries is really an acknowledgement of the team’s hard work, as well as a fantastic opportunity for international exposure for the hotel.

Questions answered by Lara Elhani, Design Director, Kristina Zanic Consultants.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a light and airy kitchen design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Bocchetta Interiors.

What was the client’s brief? 

The Slipway is a modern new build home in a tranquil setting by the sea. The owners already had a very clear idea of what style they wanted their home to have, but they commissioned Bocchetta Interiors to pull a cohesive scheme together. They liked the idea of each room flowing from one room to the next with beautiful, quality materials, lighting and FF&E. The main large open plan kitchen and living space was the most important room to them and needed to have the ‘wow’ factor, especially as it has the most enviable Harbourside views.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration was the amazing location. We needed to encapsulate the calmness of living by the sea and hearing the water and clinking of boats. We wanted to keep a light and airy feel with subtle hints of luxury and pops of coastal colour and artwork. The builder/developers Ash Haus and Glass Harbour Group were such a pleasure to work with. Nothing was too much trouble, even if it meant adding a last-minute steam room or intricate wall paneling with hidden door.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

I think the trickiest part was getting a kitchen layout to work with the breadth of space. The wrong kitchen design could have easily ruined the space and been too dominant. The developers and clients were delighted when Siematic Chichester came on board and produced a truly stunning kitchen design that seriously impressed whilst still being sympathetic to the surroundings and other elements in the room.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of our favourite commissions was to design a custom made 3.4-meter-long dining table with hand polished metal gold base and Silestone top. We worked with the clients to make sure the shape was just as they wanted, oval and wide in the middle to make conversations with everyone around the table easier. The gold of the table perfectly matches the gold trim in the kitchen and further gold pieces around the room.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We have been a member of the SBID for many years, so we know that their awards are well respected within the industry. It was also the perfect opportunity to showcase work that we are very proud of.

Questions answered by Lucinda Bocchetta, Owner and Founder, Bocchetta Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a hotel design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, YANG.

What was the client’s brief? 

The hotel is located in Nanjing Tangshan Garden Expo, covering an area of 13,745 sq.m. YANG took over the project in June 2020 and completed it within a year. The design team had two major tasks: to create a unique space experience, accurately interpreting Indigo’s neighborhood culture and making the hotel stand out from competitors in the area, and to deliver the spirit of the place through the design with local characteristics, thus drawing attention to the issues concerning the protection of the geological environment in Tangshan.

What inspired the design of the project?

Tangshan is rich in geological resources. In a one-kilometer radius, there are mine pits dating back over a millennium, abandoned quarries and national geological parks. Since the Indigo brand is always at the heart of closely related neighborhoods, the design team has conducted a thorough geological and cultural investigation of Tangshan and drawn on Tangshan’s original environmental features. Inspired by Tangshan’s mineral ore, the team decided to make it the theme of the space. The design team hoped to inject new vitality into the old mine pits and arouse people’s awareness of the issues related to natural recovery and ecological sustainability.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

It is the first time that the Indigo brand has entrusted a design team with telling Indigo’s neighborhood story. The team had only one year to work on the project, from the design concept to implementation. Within the limited time, the team managed to create a unique space experience, accurately interpret Indigo’s neighborhood culture, and enhance the competitiveness of the hotel. Since its opening, the hotel has stood out from its competitors in the area and earned a reputation for its distinctive theme, exciting experiences, and neighborhood story. Moreover, the hotel is widely loved by guests and highly praised by the hospitality industry, becoming a must-visit place in Nanjing.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The design is realized through the innovative concept, rich colors, and special materials. The adoption of colorful glass, metal mirror and acrylic create a forest-like mood in the lobby area. The design of the lobby bar and the ADD restaurant is inspired by bonfire, miner’s lamp, and the arc shape of the tent, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The lift lobby and the corridor are transformed into mini exhibition halls showcasing exploration tools. With the theme of “natural recovery,” the guest rooms bring forests, plants, and mosses inside. The minibars and nightstands in the guest rooms are in the form of mining toolboxes, blended into the surroundings.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Awards is one of the world-acclaimed awards for design excellence. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to meet creative professionals and provides a perfect platform for all entrants to learn from each other and, especially for entrants from China, to promote their works on the SBID Awards’ globally respected stage. We are honored that YANG has become a finalist with the project Hotel Indigo Nanjing Garden Expo and that this project entry has been selected to feature as one of the popular “Project of the Week” stories on the SBID blog. Thank you for the recognition. We will bring the industry more outstanding works. Let’s look forward to it!

Questions answered by Yang Bangsheng, Founder and President, YANG & Associates Group.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and functional family apartment design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Bajer Sokol.

What was the client’s brief? 

The Black Apartment is located in the center of Warsaw. It’s a 220 m2 space for a married couple with an adult child and a guest room. The owners bought the apartment that at the time of purchase was an open space, without any partition walls inside. After we were provided with guidelines for the division of rooms, we created 7 versions of the functional layout. The apartment is named Black because it was supposed to be dominated by dark colors, but in the process of selecting materials, the interior has been slightly brightened and made warmer. However, dark materials still dominate inside it. The intention was to use materials of very high quality and to equip it with the best modern furniture brands. The budget closed at around £ 2,000 / m2. The project is very detailed, and its implementation shows high manufacturing quality in many details, such as handles, joining materials or stone finishes on furniture.

The implementation took 9 months and we managed to carry it out in accordance with the schedule. Customers expected a high-quality execution and us keeping to the set deadlines. They now enjoy spending time in an apartment already put into use.

What inspired the design of the project?

We had 7 versions of the functional design of the apartment. The clients really wanted to achieve the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, while also keeping huge windows and a view of the surrounding park, planning the rooms in a way that would not sacrifice the space. The final outcome was an apartment that was meticulously designed, where even the laundry room has hidden details proving a comprehensive approach to design.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The best thing about this project was the cooperation with the client! From the start they knew what they wanted to have in the apartment, and it was exactly the design we love. Therefore, we had no problems with the project and cooperation with the client.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The kitchen is the essence of the details in this apartment. All pieces of furniture, handles, shelves and lighting are the result of the collaboration of many contractors and our studio. Nothing here is ready made or coming from a catalog. Shelves are of 4mm veneered aluminum and the whole island, together with the fronts is made of solid stone plates, not sinter. Each handle has been designed in such a way to fit a drawer, dishwasher, refrigerator, or an ordinary cupboard. There are no visible cables or random sockets here. Wardrobes and doors are always the elements of a bigger structure of furniture. The wardrobes are embedded within large built-in panels, doors are always hidden in walls and marked only by door handles. The only doors that have a decorative function are glass Rimadesio built-in doors leading to the night area, or master bathrooms.

In 3 bathrooms of the apartment, you can see the same principle – nothing is accidental! The same stone was used on the floor, walls, or fronts of cabinets. Large format plates with planned divisions. Glass built-in furniture with hidden hinges or mounting profiles. Every visible element is supposed to decorate, be a part of the composition and not random. Equipment by Antonio Lupi, Gessi, Flos or Viega with the gunmetal or satin type finishes harmonize with ceramics and metal elements.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID society is the biggest and best ID organisation in Europe, therefore, to receive an award from you is the biggest achievement for our company and a confirmation that it is of the best quality and approved by you.

Questions answered by Hanna Bajer, Main Architect, and Pawel Sokol, Architect, Bajer Sokol.

Photo credits: Tom Kurek

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Kotak Design.

What was the client’s brief? 

Our client and their executive chef had already established a successful restaurant group in India, and now they want to break into the lucrative British hospitality industry.

When the COVID pandemic hit the United Kingdom, it impacted negatively on the restaurant industry, but our patrons were fortunate enough to stumble onto this beautiful St. Johns Wood venue. To showcase the seasonal food of the Indian subcontinent, the brief read, “build a destination Mayfair restaurant in St. Johns Wood.”

What inspired the design of the project?

As designers, we take pleasure in hearing the stories our clients have to tell via the environments we create for them. Our client desired to highlight contemporary Indian cuisines that reflected the diversity of India’s seasonal produce. We used this concept as a foundation for the restaurant’s branding and ambiance, which we then reflected through the use of a variety of features, including but not limited to lighting, installations, art, the ceiling, etc.

We found a lot of inspiration in the notion of “Ritu” (means seasons). Whether it’s the colour distinction between the areas of seating, an attempt to re-create the verdant scenery of southern India, the setting sun over a wheat field in the north, or the winding dunes of the Rajasthani desert, every detail has been carefully considered. The logo’s six-sided motif was inspired by India’s diverse seasonal patterns and reinterpreted to fit the western four-season format.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We believe the difficulty is in developing a coherent plan for the restaurant’s future given its history of shifting uses. The isolated location of the bar on a lower level, the low ceiling in the lobby, and the prevalence of transitional spaces all led to a feeling of disconnection.

We moved the entrance to the front of the building and installed a raindrop chandelier to make the space more inviting. It’s highly unlikely that regulars will recognise the eatery from its former incarnation. A primary focus of our interior design firm is the development of fully immersive environments. Mr. Srivastava, the owner, has shown tremendous confidence and support in us during this process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The foundation of our interior design studio is the creation of interactive and narrative environments. To be able to do so in a small space while also creating a visual connection that celebrates the hospitality culture.

We’d like to highlight and offer our special thanks to Jaysam contractors for their lovely feature ceilings, Luum for the gorgeous Indian monsoon chandelier in the conservatory, Michele McKinney for her meticulous leaf installation, and Phillip Jeffries, Ted Todd, and Domus for the impeccable final touches (and not restricted to).

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

An entry into awards is to recognise everyone who contributed to the successful completion of the project. To be recognised as an SBID finalist is a testament to the faith that the client placed in us to carry out their vision.

Questions answered by Ravi Kotak, Founder & Design Director, Kotak Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a historic hotel suite design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, CHIL Interior Design.

Known as Ottawa’s Castle, Fairmont Château Laurier’s historical presence towers over the Canadian city. CHIL Interior Design was commissioned to bring the historic Karsh Suite into the new century. The suite was named after Yousuf Karsh, famed photographer who maintained his studio and residence in the hotel for many years, we drew direct inspiration from this visionary to create a design for the suite that is as bold and unforgettable as the icon himself. Special attention was necessary to respect the original early 20th century historical details of the hotel, while delicately positioning this suite in a more forward looking aesthetic. Of the highest importance, the new interior renovation, celebrates the unique character of this local landmark while, in the same breath, accentuates the beautiful and luxurious details that portrays “Canada’s tradition of grandeur”.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client wanted the design to fit the Fairmont brand standard on aesthetic, quality, and functionality. In addition to basing the concept on the legendary icon that the suite was named after, photographer Yousuf Karsh, the client also highlighted the need to respect the wishes of Yousuf Karsh’s wife Mrs. Estrellita Karsh on the suite design. It was also important to the client to bring the suites into the 21st century while keeping a strong respect and inspiration for the early 20th century.

What inspired the design of the project?

Famed photographer Yousuf Karsh who maintained his residence and photography studio in that exact suite for many years: his viewpoints on art, as well as his lifestyle.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Due to the hotel being a heritage building as well as respecting Mrs. Estrellita Karsh’s wishes to keep all the original framing and positions of the Karsh portraits, there were lots of restrictions to the layout. However, in order to bring modernity into the suites, we designed the layout to revolve around these challenges, such as completely redesigning the primary bathroom and  expanding that footprint to cater to modern travellers’ needs.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Close collaboration with the Fairmont brand and client allowed us to achieve a desired outcome that fits well with the hotel brand aesthetic despite the pandemic starting in the process of renovation – it’s a highlight to know our emphasis on clear design and communications is especially appreciated as we work remotely.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards is one of the most prestigious international interior design awards. It is always an honour to be recognized by such a high calibre of industry expert panel and we look forward to submitting our entries every year.

Questions answered by Karen Wong, Senior Associate, & Adèle Rankin, Principal & Global Design Lead, CHIL Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a renovated vibrant hotel design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Hirsch Bedner Associates.

Canopy by Hilton Hotel in Qujiang Xi’an conveys the splendid leisure and carnival entertainment of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

The central premise of the design stems from the Chinese idiom 鲜衣怒马 xiānyī nùmǎ, which loosely translates to “wearing beautiful garments and riding powerful horses”. With this concept in mind, the interiors celebrate the vibrant fashion and design of the prosperous Tang Dynasty that for centuries has been integrated into the spiritual language of Xi’an’s neighborhoods, and now blends exquisitely with the opulent aesthetics of the Canopy brand.

The xiānyī nùmǎ motif is unraveled throughout the hotel style through the use of joyful colors and patterns inspired by Tang-era fabrics and artwork. By fusing the ancient with the modern to create a unique design story, the hotel creates a fresh perspective on historical elements, allowing people to enjoy traditional culture in a rejuvenated, vibrant, and fun way.

What was the client’s brief? 

The initial brief received by clients was to bring the rich historical, traditional and cultural background of the place into the project renovation, and to align it to the hotel brand style and feeling.

Canopy by Hilton conveys the brand lifestyle that offers the guests comfort, thoughtful details, an energizing atmosphere and a uniquely local experience, as extension of the local neighbourhood.

Storytelling has been used to design the hotel allowing guest to discover the delightful neighbourhood as an ‘explorer’, and reinterpreting the traditional design language for modern appreciation.

What inspired the design of the project?

Canopy by Hilton Xi’an is located in the Qujiang New District, a new cultural hub and economic center of the historic city. The hotel is connected to the Grand Tang Mall, a fabulous pedestrian street with myriad cultural sights and recreational activities.

The central premise of the design stems from the Chinese idiom “鲜衣怒马 xiānyī nùmǎ”, which loosely translates to “wearing beautiful garments and riding powerful horses”. With this concept in mind, the design team set out to celebrate the vibrant fashion and design of the prosperous Tang Dynasty that for centuries has been integrated into the spiritual language of Xi’an’s neighborhoods, and now blends exquisitely with the opulent aesthetics of the Canopy brand.

The xiānyī nùmǎ motif is unraveled throughout the hotel style through the use of joyful colors and patterns inspired by Tang-era fabrics and artwork. By fusing the ancient with the modern to create a unique design story, the hotel creates a fresh perspective on historical elements, allowing people to enjoy traditional culture in a rejuvenated, vibrant, and fun way.

By adopting the easy-going lifestyle of Xi’an and the cultural elements of the city’s historic legacy, the hotel acts as an extension of the local neighborhood.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

As most of the projects, the team had to deal with a tight timeline on redesigning the whole hotel without compromising the construction programme.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Canopy by Hilton Xi’an conveys the splendid leisure and carnival entertainment of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

The hotel creates a new perspective that allows people to reveal the traditional culture in a way that is vibrant, fun and young, it adopts the easy-going Xi’an characteristic that enhance the vibe of the area it resides in.

When guests check in at the arrival lobby, they are surrounded by artwork that tells the story of stylishly dressed ancestors taking a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. The wooden roof and the reception canopy are accented with brass details, evoking a sense of prosperity and opulence of the city’s ancient East and West markets.

Every Canopy by Hilton is built around the Canopy Central atrium, which acts as the hub of the hotel’s main public areas. The different spaces flow naturally into one another through the use of a flexible design plan so that all of the public spaces are welcoming and adaptable to guests’ needs. The use of a consistent design language and ample natural light creates a sense of unison as guests move from the reception area to the bar to the lounge and the multifunction areas.

The IN TOWN Café features a delectable éclair LAB where signature eclairs are decorated to-order in front of the guests. The design draws on elements from the Shangsi Festival, when royals, literati, and commoners alike would travel to the Qujiang area to enjoy a pageant of music, song, and dance. To reflect the joyful mood of the festival, the café makes ample use of bold colors accented by brass metal details and detailed vibrant Tang-era patterns in the artwork. The wall behind the éclair LAB is adorned with a mural depicting contemporary illustrations of colorful tea and coffee cups against a backdrop of Tang Dynasty buildings in the style of a traditional Chinese painting.

The Restaurant Ambrosia is designed in an unapologetically bold and eccentric style, has a nostalgic feel with a nod to ancient traditional elements cleverly integrated into the contemporary interior design. This creates the explorable vibe and flavor that will create memorable moments to their journey. One wall of the restaurant is adorned with a stunning mural depicting bustling scenes of work and leisure in the ancient capital, painted in a traditional Tang Dynasty style.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Awards are a prestigious recognition of excellence within the interior design industry across products, interiors and fit out.

Over a decade on, the Awards has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious interior design Awards in the global design calendar. It represents the outstanding industry achievements and top quality design services that continue to inspire the profession.

Questions answered by Flavio Patino, Associate, HBA Hong Kong.