Sleeper 107

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

FEATURES

Meeting... Jouin Manku 056

Paris-based design duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku discuss the inner workings of their creative approach, exploring how they break down the boundaries between architecture, interiors and objects.

Meeting... Ewald Damen 064

As designers increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into the design process, the Creative Director of Virgile + Partners explains why striking a balance is key.

© Romain Richard

© Jérôme Galland

FEATURES

Design

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Focusing on the specifics that contribute to the overall experience, we visit a new suite that takes inspiration from the coastal caves of Halkidiki, and a converted palazzo near Milan, where guests feel as if they are stepping into an old masters’ painting.

AHEAD

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Marking the culmination of regional awards schemes in the Middle East and Africa, Asia, Americas and Europe, the winners of AHEAD Global 2022 are announced, with a London landmark taking top honours.

Sleeper

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Following the success of the inaugural Sleeper Sessions in Mykonos, specifiers and suppliers in hospitality design head to Danang for three days of symposia and sustenance.

© Heather Durham

INTERCONTINENTAL LYON – HOTEL DIEU.

FRANCE

Studio Jean Philippe Nuel.

RH.COM/CONTRACT

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection Waimea, Hawaii

Winner of two AHEAD Europe Awards (2021)

Create, innovate. Design.

Sandua . collection

designed by Robin Hapelt

FOR A PERSONALISED TOUCH IN YOUR BATHROOM

GROHE ATRIO PRIVATE COLLECTION

The Red Dot award winning Atrio Private collection represents the ultimate icon of elegance and precision: With its design focus on the natural shape of the circle and its pure geometric clarity, the GROHE Atrio products are available in various finishes and different size options, matching any interior design in the bathroom. The design aesthetic spans from minimalist to classic, while at the same time remaining true to the series’ design features. Clear lines and round shapes characterise the timeless appearance.

grohespa.com

Find your work-noise balance

Acoustic carpets engineered for a more comfortable indoor environment

To promote personal well-being and a more comfortable indoor environment, our acoustic carpet backings are designed to absorb sound instead of reflecting it. At Ege Carpets, we’ve been rethinking the carpet industry since 1938. Weaving together timeless Danish design, long-lasting quality, natural comfort and progressive sustainable thinking, we craft wall-to-wall carpets, rugs, carpet tiles and planks for commercial buildings, hotels and cruise ships.

sustainable design at your feet

THE CLOSER YOU GET, THE MORE LESS BECOMES

We like to think of ourselves as part of a tradition that’s truly Scandinavian. On the other hand we’re inspired by everything from early American shaker style to Bauhaus.

We believe that less really is more. We make ideas tangible. You should be able to grasp the concept of a piece, it shouldn’t be an intellectual process. Obviously there’s a risk of becoming either pretentious or boring, possibly both, unless something is added to this.

Our furniture exudes a sense of effortlessness that’s almost provocative (a lightheartedness even) and a character defined by pure craftsmanship in production and material selection. And perhaps most apparent: the details that reveal themselves to you over time; the ingenious solutions that elevate simplicity to something sublime. No fuss, no extras. Simply less becoming even more.

point1920.com

City Collection by Christophe Pillet

Make It Memorable

Standing out in a crowded market is no easy feat in the current climate; whatever the situation, we often find ourselves jostling for attention, eager to be at the heart of the action or get a piece of the pie. In a bid to be heard, there’s often a temptation to go bigger, shout louder or pull a stunt, but there’s a far more effective way to have impact: make it memorable.

It’s an approach that has been mentioned time and time again in the making of this issue of Sleeper. Design duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku spoke of creating spaces and objects that “evoke emotion”, the belief being that the stronger the emotional reaction to something, the more memorable the experience. It’s a view shared by Beatrice Girelli, the designer behind Southall Farm & Inn in Franklin, who created a scheme that “stimulates all the senses”, even olfactory, as it’s thought to be the most dominant in memory recall.

A memorable guest experience was one of the key differentiators amongst the winners of AHEAD Global. And at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, the architectural brief to Kohn Pedersen Fox was to create the “most memorable building in the city” – surely a mission accomplished given the hotel’s instantly-recognisable status, despite having only opened a matter of weeks ago.

The make-it-memorable mantra can be applied to all manner of situations, and is exactly the objective of Sleeper Sessions. Following a hugely successful launch in Mykonos last year, the latest edition recently took place in Danang, and it was here that I was reminded of the power of a memorable experience. Yes, there were name tags and an intense schedule of specifier-meets-supplier meetings, but there was also a

programme of activities curated to nourish mind, body and soul – the ultimate aim being to share experiences and make meaningful connections that continue long after the closing dinner. In Danang, new friendships were formed while crafting lanterns; jokes were shared over the art of wrapping the perfect Vietnamese spring roll. There was even a sense of togetherness in the flow of a sun salutation. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the event came in the hour of reckoning for the bamboo pavilion, which had been constructed by the skilled hands of attendees across two days. Waiting with bated breath as the vertical supports were removed, there was a collective cheer when the structure stood unaided, followed by an overwhelming feeling of being part of something special.

It’s a memory that will last beyond the confines of the event, with the manual labour, problem solving and challenges overcome all part of the experience. Better still, it’s the connections made that will be remembered: the design director who helped to secure a bamboo cane, or the furniture-maker who put the final rod in place – a connection that might just come in handy in a future hotel project. So next time you’re looking to make an impact in world of hospitality design, keep in mind that it’s not always about making a statement, it’s about making it memorable.

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

ON THE COVER Atlantis The Royal, Dubai © Brandon Barré

GUEST BOOK

086 Laurent Taïeb and Philippe Starck

French entrepreneur Laurent Taïeb has been calling on the talents of Philippe Starck for over 20 years, collaborating with the acclaimed designer on a number of restaurants and bars. Their most recent project, described by Starck as a “castle” presiding over Paris, sees his whimsical style combine with the architectural vision of Jean Nouvel. Guided by Taïeb’s creative eye and passion for emotive experiences, the pair have created a fantasy-inducing hotel that plays with angles, scale and volume.

116 Anna Burles

Together with her husband and graphic designer Christopher Trotman, Anna Burles founded West London studio Run For The Hills in 2012, combining expertise in art, branding and interior design. Having built a portfolio spanning restaurants, workspaces and private residences, the pair have now completed their first full-hotel commission – Faern Arosa Altein in the Swiss Alps. Here, interiors deliver traditional Alpine charm with a contemporary twist, creating a fresh lifestyle escape for the next generation of après ski.

098 Beatrice Girelli

As co-founder and Design Director at Indidesign, Beatrice Girelli has over two decades of experience in the A&D sector, with a specialist focus on luxury hotel design. Her latest project, Southall Farm & Inn in Franklin, Tennessee, occupies a working farm that provides sustenance for all the senses. In addition to a programme of immersive experiences, the rural setting has also inspired the interior design scheme, with reclaimed timber used to craft furniture, fulfilling the mantra of living off the land.

Sir Paul Smith

Sir Paul Smith is better known for applying his signature stripes to shirts and sneakers, but thanks to a collaboration with Rocco Forte Hotels and Olga Polizzi (also pictured), the legendary fashion designer has brought his eccentricity to Brown’s in Mayfair. The new suite – named in Smith’s honour – combines vintage furniture and handpicked artworks with soft furnishings from his debut home collection; there’s plenty of quirky detailling too, including a sculpture that resembles Smith’s first canine shopkeeper.

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© Jerome Galland

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© Will Pascall

© Mickaela Tombrock

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Turner m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor

Catherine Martin c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

Deputy Editor

Ben Thomas b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Assistant Editor

Eleanor Howard e.howard@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Assistant

Cara Rogers c.rogers@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large

Guy Dittrich

ADVERTISING

Business Development

Rob Hart r.hart@mondiale.co.uk

Business Development

Charlotte Gowing c.gowing@mondiale.co.uk

DESIGN

Design Manager

David Bell d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

Production

Dan Seaton d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

EVENTS & MARKETING

Commercial Lead Kirsty Studholme k.studholme@mondiale.co.uk

Marketing & Events

Olivia Mavers o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk

Content & Research Ellie Foster e.foster@mondiale.co.uk

Data & Marketing

Lauren Blain l.blain@mondiale.co.uk

Subscriptions enquiry@sleeper.media

FINANCE

Finance Director

Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

Group Financial Controller

Sarah Healey s.healey@mondiale.co.uk

Group Credit Controller

Lynette Levi l.levi@mondiale.co.uk

Accounts Assistant

Kerry Dolan k.dolan@mondiale.co.uk

CORPORATE

Chairman

Damian Walsh

NEW COLLEC TION

CHECK-IN

Raphael Navot

Fresh from picking up Maison & Objet’s Designer of the Year accolade, Raphael Navot journeys deep into his imagination for a fantasy break in the desert.

Where are you?

In a remote location, somewhere in the desert.

How did you get there?

I do not remember.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

Two women dressed in cashmere gowns, together with an elderly man in a linen suit and accompanied by his golden jackal.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

There is no concierge desk, it is more like a salon suspended over a neverending landscape of white desert; fresh and peaceful.

Who are you sharing your room with?

An Arctic fox and some birds.

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room?

Fresh spring water from a local underground source, oval plums and lemon grilled almonds. There is also a library of books on geology, some pressed cotton paper and small blocks of watercolours made from natural pigments found in the surrounding landscape.

Describe the hotel, your room and the view...

It’s a speakeasy residence that allows guests to touch base, rejoice and reconnect. A collection of private villas are carved into the rock and look out over soft white sand dunes and chalk crystal phenomenons, while communal spaces are crafted from limestone bricks and plaster cones. The interior is unexpected yet comforting; there are no armchairs or sofas – comfort is offered by carved bench-like structures topped with linen mattresses. Deep blue, handmade Kilim rugs and silver-green vegetation flow from one salon to the next, accompanied by gentle streams and freshwater ponds.

Who designed it?

It was not premeditated by a designer, but rather composed over several years in a natural manner. The people who conceived the resort actually live here, and so designed it according to their way of life.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

There’s no back-of-house; instead, cuisine is prepared in a large open-plan kitchen, where elderly men and women guide younger family members and friends in a festive moment of togetherness. They arrange the fresh dishes on a central wooden structure, where guests can either join them or take away what they wish.

Who are you dining with this evening?

Russian-American computer scientist Lex Fridman. We are having a casual yet honest conversation about semantics, and are later joined by the old man and his golden jackal.

Who’s manning the stoves?

Everyone, directed by the elders’ guidance.

And what’s on the menu?

Lush green vegetables and lean meat, comforting stove dishes and fresh pastries.

Would you like something to drink with that?

Natural wines as well as tangy cocktails made from fresh fruits and local herbs.

What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?

There is no mini-bar. Each villa has its own kitchen stocked with fresh fruits, nuts and local snacks that I have never seen before.

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

A book of poems in an unfamiliar language, with incredible illustrations. There’s also a button that I press to activate the bed to make slow wave-like movements that lull me to sleep.

Early morning alarm call or late check-out? There is no alarm nor check-out time. I wake up and leave whenever I am ready.

Bath or power shower?

There’s a ‘water room’ – which is very different from the standard bathroom – where I can bathe for hours.

Swimming pool, spa or gym?

The spa is partially carved into the mountain then cantilevers out over the desert; it’s a journey of wellness with natural caves, pools and ponds to discover.

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Hotel National des Arts et Métiers, Paris; Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris www.raphaelnavot.com

DRAWING BOARD

The Chedi Trojena

General Hotel Management (GHM) has announced a strategic agreement with Neom Hotel Development to manage The Chedi Trojena, slated for completion in 2026.

Nestled in the Gulf’s mountain peaks, the hotel will form part of the development’s ‘Relax’ cluster, which serves as a sanctuary for reflection, recreation and rejuvenation through world-class wellness programmes. Its design has been conceived to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape while nodding to Trojena’s futuristic architecture, and interiors are set to honour the kingdom’s rich history.

The wider Trojena development – which incorporates six distinct clusters catering to different needs – will feature multiple hotels and resorts as well as over 100 indoor and outdoor experiences and 30km of ski slopes.

“Trojena redefines the understanding of ultra-luxury hospitality and mountain tourism,” says Philip Gullett, Executive Director and Region Head at Trojena. “With GHM’s international acclaim in operating iconic resorts globally, we share the same resolve to elevate the travel experience for discerning guests. The Chedi Trojena will serve as a luxurious sanctuary in the Gulf’s first outdoor ski resort, where world-class sporting events, art exhibitions, concerts and cultural festivals will be staged.”

GHM is the second hotel partner confirmed for Trojena, joining Ennismore, which will open 25hours and Morgans Originals properties within the development.

SAUDI ARABIA

Waldorf Astoria San Miguel de Allende

MEXICO

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Peakair Group

Developer: Skyplus Developments

Operator: Hilton Worldwide

Architecture: Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos www.hilton.com

Hilton Worldwide has signed its third Waldorf Astoria in Mexico, with the launch of a hotel in San Miguel de Allende set for early 2025.

Owned by Peakair Group and developed by Skyplus Developments, the newbuild will comprise 120 guestrooms and 24 branded residences, as well as a destination-inspired spa, a rooftop with pools and relaxation areas, an art gallery and a local artisan crafts store. The culinary offer will include three restaurants, two bars and a coffee shop.

Set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by the city’s colourful Spanishcolonial buildings, the property has been designed by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos to bring a calming ambiance, with plantlife set amongst recurring archways and serene courtyards.

“As global interest in luxury travel continues to rise, we are well positioned to expand across the Caribbean and Latin America,” says Juan Corvinos, Senior Vice President of Development,

Architecture & Construction for the Caribbean and Latin America at Hilton. “We are excited about introducing our brands in locations like San Miguel de Allende. The city’s timeless surroundings and recognition as a luxury spot make it a natural fit for Waldorf Astoria.”

The opening will strengthen Hilton’s presence in Mexico, following the launch of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Conrad Punta de Mita, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, and the recently opened Waldorf Astoria Cancun. It also forms part of Hilton’s broader expansion plans in the country, with 90 hotels currently in operation across 12 brands, and a further 25 properties in the development pipeline.

Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Luxury Brands at Hilton, comments: “San Miguel de Allende has been recognised as one of the most enchanting cities in the world in recent years, and we are thrilled to marry that appeal with the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand.”

The BoTree

LONDON

The BoTree – a luxury hotel situated at the intersection of Marylebone and Mayfair in London’s West End – has revealed an opening date of July 2023.

Capturing the spirit of ‘village’ life while reflecting the prestige of a central London location, the 199-key property features several bars, a live music club and two restaurants, one of which will offer rooftop views across the city. There will also be a screening room and gym.

For the exterior, EPR has devised a lattice skin that extends from the corner entrance up to the top floor, while lighting consultant DPA has illuminated the façade as well as the public areas and guestrooms.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Rishi Sachdev

Operator: Shiva Hotels

Affiliation: Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Architecture: EPR

Interior Design: Concrete www.thebotree.com

Interiors are being envisioned by Amsterdambased studio Concrete, with the scheme set to feature natural and bespoke finishes such as parquet oak flooring, handwoven rugs and marble tiling, paired with vibrant bursts of colour. Guestrooms are designed to be

residential in style, with a reception area that is separated from the bedroom and lounge through the use of sliding panels, bringing a sense of privacy.

The 29 suites – ranging in size from 31-78m2 – will feature a personal bar and integrated cocktail station for entertaining, while the Presidential Suite comes with its own outdoor terrace offering views over Marylebone.

“The BoTree combines uncompromising standards with a purpose-driven approach to establish our own form of luxury,” explains Rishi Sachdev, founder of The BoTree and Managing Director of Shiva Hotels. “Conscious luxury, as well as our core values of truth, love and compassion, will drive our business decisions in this new hotel.”

Sister property to Middle Eight and The Guardsman – which opened in London in 2021 –The BoTree will become a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection.

Nihi Rote

Following the opening of Nihi Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara, Nihi Hotels has unveiled plans to expand in Indonesia with the launch of a Nihi Rote in early 2024.

Located on a secluded corner of Rote Island in West Timor, the off-grid resort will comprise 25 thatched-roof private pool villas that overlook a stretch of unspoilt coastline on Bo’a beach.

The accommodations will be spread across 6.7 hectares of land, with one-, two- and three-bedroom options in beach and garden environments. There will also be a treehouse featuring three guestrooms, and a hilltop villa with views over the surrounding landscape.

Communal areas are to include an all-day dining restaurant, a boathouse and a beach club serving snacks and sunset cocktails. On the wellness front, a spa, gym and yoga pavilion will be accompanied by an equestrian centre and organic garden, while a retail outlet and market complete the facilities.

“We are excited to be collaborating with the Nihi Hotels team to open the second Nihi resort in Indonesia, following the many successes achieved at Nihi Sumba,” say Michael Schwab and Greg Sarkissian, representing the owner’s consortium of PT Bo’a Development Group. “We are confident this will provide a complementary guest experience and continue to boost the tourism exposure and growth for this eastern region of Indonesia.”

Plans are also afoot for Nihi to expand outside Indonesia, with sights firmly set on Central America. Having secured a plot of land on the Costa Rican coast, Nihi owner Christopher Burch and CEO and Partner James McBride will open Nihi Santo Tomás in 2025. Located on a 1,000-hectare site amongst a collection of residential estates, the development will include a restaurant, beach club, two polo fields and stables, as well as a spa, boathouse, organic garden and chocolate factory.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: PT Bo’a Development Group

Operator: Nihi Hotels

www.nihi.com

Estendo sofa, design Luca Pevere

Desert Resort ISRAEL

Bar Orian has released details of a futuristic desert resort, designed in collaboration with Lambs & Lions Studio. Scheduled to launch in 2025, the property will combine an otherworldly ‘Space Oddity’ setting with elements of the region’s ancient khans, historically used as resting places for merchant voyagers.

Located in Israel’s Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea, the 109-key property is being developed by Fattal Hotel Group and will be operated by 7Minds, a collection brand of boutique hotels acquired by Fattal in 2021.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Developer: Fattal Hotel Group

Operator: 7Minds

Architecture: Bar Orian Architects

Interior Design: Lambs & Lions Studio www.experimentalgroup.com

In developing their concept, Bar Orian established two key planning principles based on the location. Firstly, they sought to maximise open spaces, natural light and airflow to foster a connection with the landscape, meaning every suite features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the desert as well as a private outdoor terrace.

The second principle is grounded in an intention to protect guests from the elements.

The resort will therefore take the form of a desert khan, with geometric square proportions and a large courtyard at its core. The courtyard itself is based on its ancient use as a central place for preparing meals, meeting and dining, though here will act as a pocket garden, providing a haven from the intense sun and strong winds. Landscaped planting and a vegetable patch –growing produce for the restaurant – are also part of the scheme.

Across the resort, construction materials including exposed concrete and washable plaster have been selected to harmonise with the raw, earthy tones of the desert surroundings, while interiors by Lambs & Lions combine 1960s Retro Futurism with a neutral palette. The juxtaposition of angular forms and soft curves, coupled with contemporary interpretations of Bedouin colours and textures, will further cement the property’s design in its location –both culturally and geologically.

St Regis Costa Mujeres Resort

MEXICO

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Developer: AB Living Group

Operator: Marriott International

Architecture: Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos www.st-regis.marriott.com

Marriott International has signed an agreement with AB Living Group – a new real estate development firm launched by the founders of SHA Wellness Clinic – to debut its St Regis brand in Costa Mujeres in early 2025.

Situated on a 3.5-hectare site along the Mexican peninsula, St Regis Costa Mujeres Resort has been envisioned by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, whose scheme sees an L-shaped structure with stepped terraces providing balconies at every level, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Isla Mujeres to the east and Cancun to the south-east.

In addition to the 158 guestrooms and 80 branded residences, plans for the resort include three distinct F&B venues, multiple swimming pools, a beach club, fitness centre and 470m2 of meeting space.

“As the St Regis brand continues its growth in the world’s most glamorous leisure destinations, this signing represents a pivotal moment,” says

George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader at St Regis Hotels & Resorts. “We are thrilled to expand St Regis’ footprint in Mexico and look forward to bringing the brand’s celebrated rituals and traditions to this vibrant and sought-after destination for future guests.”

Alejandro Bataller, Vice President of AB Living Group, adds: “Our choice of St Regis is based on a shared vision of luxury hospitality, standards of service, tradition and excellence. St Regis is also a leader in the luxury branded residential segment, a component that plays a major role in this project.”

Marriott International currently operates three St Regis properties in Mexico – in Mexico City, Punta Mita and Riviera Maya. Additionally, the brand is slated to make its debut in Los Cabos in 2023. The wider St Regis portfolio comprises 15 resorts, with plans to expand further in the Caribbean, North America, North Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

The Emory

LONDON

Maybourne Hotel Group, the operator behind The Berkeley, Claridge’s and The Connaught, will open its fourth London property in winter 2023 with The Emory.

Designed by the late British architect Richard Rogers and Senior Partner Ivan Harbour of architectural firm RSHP, the sail-like structure aligns with the treetops of Hyde Park, while its understated entrance on Old Barrack Yard brings a sense of privacy.

Leading the culinary offer meanwhile, celebrated French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will introduce his popular ABC concept of fresh, local and conscious cuisine to London for the very first time, following its success at his beloved Manhattan outpost.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Operator: Maybourne Hotel Group

Architecture: RSHP

Interior Design: Rigby & Rigby, Champalimaud Design, André Fu Studio, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Rémi Tessier, Patricia Urquiola www.maybourne.com

Inside, the Knightsbridge hotel comprises 60 suites set over nine floors, topped by a penthouse designed by Rigby & Rigby. Each floor will showcase the aesthetic of a worldrenowned interior designer, from Alexandra Champalimaud, André Fu and Pierre-Yves Rochon to Rémi Tessier and Patricia Urquiola.

Facilities include a four-storey spa featuring a 22m swimming pool, while the jewel in the crown will be a guests-only rooftop, which offers panoramic views across the capital.

“This is our first new London property in 50 years, and we believe it will be a truly groundbreaking new addition to our hotel family,” says Gianluca Muzzi, CEO of Maybourne Hotel Group. “We plan to bring the inspiration and creative energy that have made our other hotels so notable, whilst also making The Emory a world-class hub of art and culture. This opening cements our vision and commitment to growing Maybourne Hotel Group, and heralds a bold new future for the company.”

Upon completion, the hotel will become the group’s sixth outpost, including its two international sites – The Maybourne Beverly Hills and The Maybourne Riviera in France.

Kempinski Al-Madinah

MEDINA

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Operator: Kempinski Hotels

Architecture: Mohamed Harasani Architects

Interior Design: KCA International

Main Contractor: Sarh Attaqnia Construction www.kempinski.com

KCA International has revealed the interior design scheme for Kempinski Al-Madinah, slated to debut in Saudi Arabia in Q4 2023.

Located near the Grand Madinah Mosque, the 300-key hotel will feature several restaurants and lounges, as well as a spa and swimming pools, a conference centre and a ballroom.

The building’s modern expression was the starting point for KCA’s scheme, which sees elements of the Hejazi style fused with a jewellery box narrative. The firm will also pay homage to Madinah’s history, reinterpreting key elements within a contemporary setting.

As such, the main lobby is centred around a feature wall and 3D art installation inspired by Hejazi architecture, with the same pattern mirrored in the carpet. Elsewhere across the space, a grand staircase reflects the jewellery box theme, while gentle lighting pockets accentuate the light and shadows of palm trees, Saudi Arabia’s national emblem.

The palm tree element carries through to the guestroom corridors too, with a lighting pocket in the ceiling used to cast shadows of the palm leaves. Complementing this play on light and dark is a deep green palette that honours emerald gemstones – the leitmotif for the hotel’s colour scheme, which references sacred places in Madinah and across the country.

Guestrooms also channel a sense of place through Hejazi-inspired accents and specially designed Quran Stands. Larger rooms and suites are situated on the upper levels, while the 10th floor is dedicated to the Royal Suite, which comprises several bedrooms, a private lobby, various majlis, spa rooms and dining spaces.

As for the F&B offering, the main all-day dining space spotlights Bedouin-inspired patterns and materials, while a fine-dining restaurant adopts textures and details unique to rawashin – a distinctive Hejazi architectural style featuring latticed wooden bay windows.

Meeting… Jouin Manku

Paris-based design duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku discuss the inner workings of their creative approach, exploring how they break down the boundaries between architecture, interiors and objects.

We had a mutual friend,” says Patrick Jouin, co-founder of Paris-based design studio Jouin Manku, on the chance meeting that led to his decades-long partnership with Sanjit Manku. “Sanjit was looking for a couch to sleep on in Paris, so he could visit every patisserie in the city, and I was looking for an architect. In the end, I found the architect and he found the couch.”

“You could call it serendipity,” adds Manku, who explains that the initial creative spark that was clear from day one has only flourished with the passing of time. Having attended the school of architecture at Ottawa’s Carleton University and completed a stint at Yabu Pushelberg in Toronto, the Kenyan-born architect packed his bags for the French capital and set about bringing his holistic approach to the European market. “People kept asking me why I always felt the need to reinvent the wheel,” Manku recalls of his desire to conceive every element of a project. “They would say, ‘why do you design the furniture? Why don’t you just buy it and make life easier for yourself?’ Then I met Patrick.”

With his background in product design, and time spent alongside French visionary Philippe Starck, Jouin shared Manku’s passion for envisioning spaces, objects and experiences that evoked emotion. “When we began working together, we didn’t care whether we were designing a building, a table or a smell,” says Jouin. “The question was, how could we move people emotionally?”

Reflecting on this ideology, the duo reference one of their early residential projects, during which they designed a swimming pool that doubled as an artistic masterpiece when not in use. “We’re hired to solve a problem,” Manku explains. “But while solving that problem, we can go above and beyond. There’s always an opportunity to make things better, to be creative with creativity.”

From Alain Ducasse’s Plaza Athénée in 2000 to the recently designed Mutigny Resort in France’s Champagne region, this mantra of “good is not good enough” has permeated through each of the studio’s projects to-date, with its 50-strong team all pushing towards the same goal. “We’re pretty good at communicating our philosophy to people,” Manku explains. “How can we go further than normal, developing something that is extraordinary on every level, both for the client and those experiencing it? That’s what gets us up in the morning.”

For Jouin and Manku, going above and beyond means taking responsibility for each and every element of a project, erasing the lines between architecture, interiors and objects. To achieve such synergy, the pair draw inspiration from centuries of old, when artisans would apply their skills across multiple disciplines. “During the Renaissance, craftsmen were architects, sculptors and painters all in one,” claims Jouin. “There were no boundaries – Michelangelo even designed doors and staircases! Our way of thinking is exactly the same.”

In the context of hospitality, this means developing a

Words: Ben Thomas • Portrait Photography: © Benoit Linero

© Alan Keohane

© Eric Laignel

series of interconnected moments and experiences that are inextricably linked. At Hotel les Haras in Strasbourg for instance, the overarching narrative centres around the equestrian world, with the site’s former life as a stud farm providing the interior design inspiration. As such, the practice deliberately limited the range of materials used, with solid wood, natural leather and blackened or brushed metal brought together to honour the original purpose of the building in a contemporary manner.

This connection between architecture and interiors is a common thread throughout the studio’s work, and the thought of the two disciplines presenting different narratives is one that Jouin believes is disturbing. “It simply doesn’t work,” says the designer, expressing the importance of taking a holistic approach.

The relationship between exterior and interior transcends aesthetics too, with the experience a crucial component in encouraging guests to spend time in a space. “How many times do people say a project looks better in pictures than in real life?” Jouin notes. “The experience must translate, and that’s the art of what we do as designers. It’s not a photograph, it’s a three-dimensional space. Hopefully in our projects, guests connect with elements they didn’t expect.”

Many of these connections involve nature, or what Jouin Manku calls a “sensual relationship between bodies”, developed through fluidity and organic forms. “Corners are sharp,” claims Manku, highlighting the rigidity of straight lines. “Getting rid of this aggression doesn’t mean everything has to be gloopy – because we love tension – but rather releasing pressure.”

Such was the case at Mutigny Resort, which takes cues from the natural beauty of France’s Champagne region. With this in mind, the architecture offers a constant visual connection to the surroundings – from the forest and its undergrowth to the horizon with its valleys and vine-covered hillsides – while the interiors feature a palette of organic materials that pay homage to the winemaking process.

The project also highlights the duo’s desire to connect hotels with their environment, absorbing social, cultural or environmental aspects – becoming “porous” as Manku puts it. “Traditionally, hotel operators would bring part of their culture to a place, which often resulted in the hotel being guarded against the culture around them. Today however, hotels can offer travellers a condensed version of the destination. So, if someone is in Paris for instance, how can we make them feel like a Parisian?”

This approach was also evident when Jouin Manku applied its expertise to the ocean in 2018, collaborating with Royal Caribbean International to dream up the grand plaza and main dining atrium aboard Celebrity Edge. “When someone calls and asks you to design a cruise ship, it’s an interesting reaction,” Jouin quips, noting that the cruise sector hasn’t always enjoyed the best reputation. “However, pre-air travel, sailing was the most glamorous way to get around. It wasn’t about getting from A-to-B. It was about enjoying the ride for as long as it takes. Our ambition with Celebrity Edge was to celebrate the romanticism of being at sea.”

To resurrect that feeling, the studio designed a piazzainspired space that tapped into the idea of see-and-beseen, with a circular bar and multi-level lounge beneath a voluminous chandelier to channel intimacy and grandeur in equal measure. So popular the atrium proved, that the cruise operator asked the designers to repeat the scheme on a second vessel, only this time the atrium would be 10m larger. “We soon realised that the same concept wouldn’t work,” according to Jouin. “Everything changed with those extra 10 metres. We had to come up with a different plan, so began to look at opera houses and how we could continue the social elements of a piazza on several levels.”

Celebrity Edge isn’t the only project that Jouin Manku has been asked to revisit, with Hotel les Haras another example following its success. Having envisioned the initial interior scheme in 2013, the partners returned in 2020 to design a brand-new wing, housed within a 19th century

“How can we go further than normal, developing something that is extraordinary on every level, both for the client and those experiencing it? That’s what gets us up in the morning.”

At La Mamounia (top) in Marrakesh and aboard Celebrity Edge (bottom), Jouin Manku looked to channel intimacy and grandeur in equal measure, creating a spirit that resonates with the clientele

building across the street. Devising a unique identity for the extension while maintaining a sense of unity with the wider development, the pair borrowed natural materials such as wood, leather, linen and cotton from the original property, combining them with new or reimagined furniture.

For Manku, the approach didn’t change the second time around. Instead, the creative process involved identifying where the guest experience could be tweaked and enhanced without detracting from the DNA. “Clients want spaces that come alive, but there is always a weak point that we can make better,” he explains. “It’s beautiful to constantly criticise your work and direct energy into improving things; that’s our gift to the client. It should be a living space, rather than gathering cobwebs.”

At La Mamounia in Marrakesh meanwhile, the studio is currently refreshing further aspects of the interiors, having reinvented several of its restaurants and bars in 2020. “The property had been revamped by Jacques Garcia, but he didn’t

touch The Churchill Bar because it was deemed too important by the owner,” says Jouin. “As a result, the space stayed where it was, but lots of other things had changed around it.”

With the restaurants and bars of the property’s first iteration moved to another wing, the centre of activity had shifted. “The energetic pulse of the hotel had gone elsewhere; the bar was left as a vestige and the axis it previously occupied now led to a spa,” Jouin continues. “So, our job was to rebalance the flow by inserting a magnet that pulled guests over.”

In doing so, the studio transformed the adjacent venue into a tearoom, while The Churchill Bar was turned into an intimate sixseat haunt with a cinema next door. “When working on an existing property, the key is to recognise what we should keep, what’s unexploited and what we can add,” Manku explains. “It’s not always about refreshing the bones of the building, but shifting the emotional spirit so that it resonates with the new clientele.”

“There’s always an opportunity to make things better, to be creative with creativity.”

Inspired by the building’s former life as a stud farm, the interior design scheme at Hotel les Haras brings together solid wood, natural leather and blackened metal

© Nicolas Matheus

Form and function converge in Vincent Van Duysen’s luxury performance fabrics, rugs and Franck furniture for Perennials and Sutherland. | perennialsandsutherland.com

Having implemented its holistic philosophy on land, sea and in the air – with Manku revealing that the studio is currently working on its first private aircraft – the practice is now on a mission to build a legacy. “Lots of people are great tastemakers,” says the architect. “But we want to turn the mundane into something extraordinary, flipping spaces so they vibrate in a manner that makes people say, ‘I don’t know why, but I need to be here’.”

Jouin nods, adding that the studio looks to bring a meaningful design scheme to every project. “We’re striving for more and itching to find out how we can go further – it’s part of human culture.”

In the near future, Jouin Manku hopes to achieve this with four ongoing hotel projects in the Middle East and Asia, from cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong and Marrakesh to desert islands. “Not one project looks like another,” reveals Manku of the quartet. “Each is tailormade to the DNA of the environment as well as the client’s ambition.”

Jouin goes on to reveal that the pair are collaborating with partners who are “pushing hard” to better the world, developing hotels that benefit the local community and set new standards for ESG. “Whatever we do must be worth it,” he emphasises. “The question we’re being asked, is how can we honour what’s already there but usher in a new era?”

With every project unique, it comes as no surprise that Jouin Manku emphasises the journey of their endeavours rather than singling out a favourite. “They’re all equal,” Jouin reflects. “We design projects for our clients but especially those who sleep and eat there.”

Reinforcing this people-centric philosophy, Manku adds that the process is what makes him smile the most. “We push ourselves to go further than normal, because we can only ask our team to go above and beyond if we’re doing it too. Some designers are happy to stick to the norm and they’re good at that, but what we’re looking to create is spaces that break convention. That’s our norm.”

The architecture at Mutigny Resort offers a visual connection to the surroundings, while the pared back interiors pay homage to the winemaking process

© Nicolas Matheus

TYPHA

design by Calvi Brambilla

Machine Learning

“I hope that artificial intelligence doesn’t replace my job,” laughs Ewald Damen, Creative Director of London-based design studio Virgile + Partners, as we sit down to discuss the impact the technology is having on designers.

Despite being a buzzword across several industries in recent years, AI throws up as many questions as it does answers; figuring out the software’s place in the design world will be complex, but the benefits are evident.

From streamlining the concept stage to offering personalised design solutions, Damen highlights how AI can be a tool for good, so long as the technology co-creates alongside humans rather than replacing them.

ANALOGUE VS ALGORITHM

Like many, Damen began his career using analogue techniques, often cutting out ideas from magazines and hand-sketching his concepts before refining them with CAD software. Today, he describes that process as “shorter but more in-depth”, with significant energy spent on understanding the client’s vision as well as the locality of a project. “The way we work has changed,” says Damen. “The web allows us to cipher through hundreds of images, with algorithms filtering results based on our preferences. That access aids the research stage.”

Thanks to AI-powered design tools like Planner5d and InteriorAI, designers can also generate ideas and layouts based on a set of inputs – such as room size, style choices and budget. Some even enable clients to test furniture, paint colours and finishes in a virtual space, while InteriorAI can modify a 2D image into 16 pre-selected aesthetics from biophilic to Baroque.

“There’s a wider shift yet to come in hospitality,” Damen forecasts, pointing out how AI can help to determine the fundamentals of a project. In the hotel sector for instance, the technology could be used for cost calculations and minimise risk by conducting full 3D co-ordinations of new or existing structures – saving both time and money for clients.

HELPING HAND

While AI will undoubtedly have an impact on interior design going forward, Damen stresses the importance of striking a balance between man and machine. “My fear is that if AI is taken too far, we’re in danger of losing design integrity,” he reveals.

“The software has its place within the design process, but for us to rely on it would be a scary prospect. There’s often a team bouncing ideas off each other, and to lose that would be a disaster.”

Like Virgile + Partners, many studios are therefore employing AI to automate certain parts of the design process, freeing up time for their teams to focus on creative tasks like how guests will experience a space. “Today’s traveller is far more aware, thanks in part to the algorithms embedded in social media platforms,” says Damen. “Instagram paints the perfect picture of any environment, and that has influenced how customers engage with hotels. They must now ensure that the experience lives up to the image portrayed online, and our job is to help brands achieve that.”

POWERING PERSONALISATION

Tapping into his retail expertise, Damen believes that the evolution of AI will help hotels to create more personalised experiences for their guests, with the technology providing learnings about individual customers in order to generate a profile pre-arrival. “The digital element of retail today is more subtle, focusing on personal devices and omnichannel commerce, and that is trickling through to hospitality via booking methods and personalised services.”

This level of customisation will almost certainly feed into the design of hotels, with AI systems potentially recommending room types based on a guest’s previous choices or personal style. For designers like Damen, this will mean embracing the technology to produce more tailored solutions, while placing the human touch at the heart of the creative process. “AI is evolving in front of our eyes,” he concludes. “While its future application remains unclear, we must appreciate its capabilities.”

EWALD DAMEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR VIRGILE + PARTNERS

As designers increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into the design process, the Creative Director of Virgile + Partners explains why striking a balance is key.

Words: Ben Thomas

Water for All

Mask Architects designs an eco-conscious safari concept for Africa, which produces its own water autonomously using air-to-water technology.

Minimising the environmental impact of a project is high on the agenda for developers in today’s hospitality market, particularly in fragile ecosystems such as Africa. So, when Italian architecture firm Mask Architects set about designing a new safari lodge concept, the studio sought to create much more than just an idyllic getaway.

Billed as the world’s first eco-tourism development in Africa, Baobab Luxury Safari Resort aspires to exist not only as a luxury residence, but to provide solutions to issues arising from environmental concerns. “With this project, our goal is to make the most basic need of water accessible rather than a luxury, and to prevent hunger, thirst and the diseases and deaths it causes,” say Mask Architects’ founders Öznur Pinar Çer and Danilo Petta.

The resort would autonomously produce its own green energy and water, with each lodge using air-to-water technology powered by transparent solar device-covered curtain glass. According to Mask Architects, the innovative system would produce water from humidity, with filters placed inside wood-covered aluminium lattice poles that parametrically encircle the façade. The system would provide for in-house guests staying at the resort, as well as those living in the surrounding community, many of whom have no access to clean, running water.

Perched within the canopy, the sustainable lodges – which take their inspiration from the ancient Baobab tree – draw on the typology of a community settlement, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. A swimming pool is integrated on the top floor, providing views of the safari zone, while an interaction balcony allows guests to view the freely roaming wildlife. The structure itself is crafted from local beechwood, and the modules can be arranged in various configurations, ensuring they work in harmony with, rather than damaging, their landscape.

As the tourism industry evolves, travellers are increasingly looking for hospitality experiences that offer a transformative experience without compromising on luxury. The opportunity to give back to the community while enjoying home comforts might just be the answer.

Earning His Stripes

Sir Paul Smith is better known for applying his signature stripes to shirts and sneakers, but thanks to a collaboration with Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, the legendary fashion designer has brought his whimsical style to a grand dame in London, dreaming up a new suite named in his honour.

A paragon of the Brit’s eccentricity, the space draws on Brown’s Hotel’s past as a haunt for literary icons, combining bespoke and vintage furniture with handpicked artworks, brand collaborations and soft furnishings from his first-ever home collection.

“Just like Brown’s does with its rooms, we design every shop differently to celebrate the area’s individuality,” says Smith. Celebrating his own individuality on this occasion however, the designer selected art and design books from his personal collection, while items like a Christopher Simon Sykes’ photograph and a 1970s leather desk chair by Mario Bellini were sourced from Smith’s office in Covent Garden.

In a nod to his brand’s story, the doyen has also incorporated pieces that pay tribute to the flagship store in Mayfair, including a Maharam headboard and geometric rugs for The Rug Company inspired by the building’s iron façade. Further acknowledgements to those he has partnered with over the years include the Type 75 lamps for Anglepoise, together with sofas, tables and leather goods from his Everyday Life range with DePadova.

And it wouldn’t be a Paul Smith suite without a dash of humour. From banana door handles to ‘fire dogs’ – custom-made to resemble Homer, Smith’s first canine shopkeeper – the designer has graced the space with his unique sense of style. There is, of course, still space for those famous stripes in the form of fireplace tiles.

“The suite is bright, happy and full of fun,” explains Polizzi, who has become a regular at Smith’s store on Albemarle Street, just a few doors down from the hotel. “He has caught the feeling of Brown’s yet with a Paul Smith twist.”

Legendary fashion designer Paul Smith swaps shirts for suites in a collaboration with Rocco Forte Hotels.

Silence, Please!

Italian architect Lorena Alessio envisions a modular retreat where peace and quiet are the order of the day.

In today’s fast-paced world, moments of calm are considered a luxury, meaning offgrid accommodation often tops the list for peace-seeking travellers. Looking to serve this increased desire for respite and serenity, The Retreat for Silence by Italian architect Lorena Alessio allows guests to reconnect with nature and enjoy isolation.

Commissioned by Asti-based firm Salus Hominis Foundation, the concept forms part of the PoplyHouse project, which offers a new construction solution for modular structures. The Retreat is planned for the hills of Montiglio in Italy, though its lightweight structure – with metal feet rather than foundations – means it is easily transported to any setting.

The 25m2 modules stem from Alessio’s study of poplar buildings, which are typically crafted from plywood and constructed using an interlocking joint system – no screws required.

In line with the goal of creating a retreat, both the architecture and interiors evoke a

religious symbolism. As such, Alessio’s design reinterprets the Romanesque architecture of the Asti region in a contemporary way, with the hermitage turning its apse eastwards to catch the morning light. Inside, asymmetric shapes relate to the building’s functions; the living spaces are located on the south side of the structure to utilise the light and warmth of the sun during the day, while the central space is dedicated to personal care, with a spa-like bathroom and a table positioned close to the wall for reading and studying. A sliding door opens to reveal a semi-hexagonal sacred space to the building’s rear, with an embracing atmosphere and tatami floorcoverings. Illuminating the space is a central glass window in the apse, as well as two roof openings on the north and south sides.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the structures are also self-sufficient thanks to photovoltaics, solar energy, water collection and a battery in case of an energy shortage – making them restorative for both people and planet.

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Jacada Travel explores how hotels can become third places, immersing guests in the culture and community of a destination.

Words: Alex Malcolm

Ahotel can be so much more than a place to refuel and get some rest, according to Alex Malcolm, founder of Jacada Travel, the company on a mission to create positive impact through conservation and sustainable tourism.

First and foremost, a hotel serves as a gateway for travellers to explore and immerse themselves in a destination. Beyond the comforts of home, the best hotels seamlessly immerse their guests into the spirit and culture of a place. In his book, The Great Good Place, American urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg wrote of ‘first,’ ‘second,’ and ‘third’ places, with the first two being home and work. The third are those locations where people gather for good company and engaging conversation.

From interior design and artworks crafted or co-created by local artisans to menus celebrating rich culinary heritage, a hotel most certainly can be a ‘third place’ that immerses travellers in the engaging company of locals and other guests.

A property that understands and celebrates its vital place in the fabric of a destination is a gateway into the true soul of a city or country. Whether it is encounters in a hotel’s public areas or the immersion that guests get from experiencing on-site amenities or unwinding in their rooms, authenticity is key. There’s a big difference between genuinely reflecting a destination and putting on a hollow façade. Sophisticated travellers can tell immediately.

At Jacada Travel, we strive to work with

Gateway Getaways

Through time, third places have also proved to be immensely important for social change; think taverns during the American Revolution, London coffee houses during the Enlightenment, and cafés during the French Revolution. Oldenburg sees these third places as the heart of a community. A hotel has the potential to be the same for travellers in a new destination.

Above all, a hotel should be a place that makes guests feel truly at home. Comfortable, inviting rooms and welcoming staff can make all the difference. From the quality of furnishings to thoughtful touches in rooms and exemplary service from the front desk, restaurant and spa, everything adds up to the immersion of guests into a new place, culture and community.

Taking this notion a step further, I’ve found from my own personal experience that hotels, resorts and camps that have left a lasting impression on me have been shaped by their surroundings as well as a sincere connection to the communities and cultures around them.

properties that are truly committed to social and environmental upliftment and make it a visible part of their daily operations. It’s one thing to employ from nearby communities, source ingredients from local suppliers and build on conservation efforts, and quite another to share those priorities with guests, inviting them to become part of the story and gain a genuine understanding of where they are staying.

A hotel, resort or camp that genuinely fuses multiple facets of a destination under one roof narrows the gap between welcoming a stranger and bidding goodbye to a traveller who has gained insight into a destination not only through myriad experiences, but also by choosing more than just a place to rest their head. Hotels can play a fundamental role in a traveller’s experience, providing valuable context and a framework for understanding both a destination and its cultures. They have the power to deliver value beyond its daily rate, that is. In my view, you can fit an entire country into a hotel.

Wellness travel has become one of the industry’s fastest growing sectors since the pandemic, and hotel groups have responded by ramping up their wellness offerings; cognitive health scans are now being offered alongside massages, while recovery rooms are giving new meaning to R&R.

Tapping into this growing focus on physical and mental health, Accor has joined forces with business advisory group Well Intelligence to produce a white paper exploring eight key pathways for navigating business, society and leadership, as lifestyles move towards a future where human wellbeing and fulfilment are prioritised. “The report demonstrates that wellbeing must be recognised as an imperative

Health to Wealth

if we want to maintain the equilibrium of our lives, society and planet,” explains Emlyn Brown, Global Vice President for Wellbeing at Accor.

Titled The Road Map Towards a Transformational Wellbeing Culture, the white paper is part of the group’s ongoing Health to Wealth series, which includes the launch of a 12-episode podcast featuring leading thinkers as well as an entrepreneurial start-up challenge held in collaboration with VivaTech. Drawing on the body of insight shared by the podcast speakers, the report reaches into every area of life – from finance and nutrition to personal fitness and data privacy – to understand what wellbeing means in that context, and to find a way towards its fulfilment. The idea is that if wellbeing is the destination, then wellness translates to the choices we all make in the pursuit of that end.

“If you have a garden and make the soil as fertile as it can possibly be, then whatever you plant in that soil will grow better,” says Harry Jameson, co-founder and Chief Wellness Officer

at UK-based consultancy Pillar Wellbeing, which is overseeing the wellness spaces for the forthcoming Raffles London at The OWO. Placing equal emphasis on movement, recovery and nutrition, Pillar’s plans for the property include a members’ health club, programmes focused on strength and stress relief, and a tailored nutritional menu created by chef Joey O’Hare.

This shift towards more mindful hospitality projects isn’t limited to the premium end of the market either, with Brown noting that four-outof-five Accor guests are seeking to enhance their physical and mental state every day. “77% of our guests globally, irrespective of demographic, age group or country, are making a daily step to improve their health and wellbeing,” he reveals.

“That’s not just within luxury or ultra-luxury, but also in our eco and mid-scale hotels.”

Across its 40-plus brands, the operator has therefore introduced a health and wellness platform grounded in six core pillars – nutrition, holistic design, movement, spa, mindfulness and digital presence. Recognising that wellbeing is much more than a component of hospitality, Accor hopes to play its part in the emerging wellbeing economy, helping people and communities achieve this sense of equilibrium.

“Our own experience in hospitality has shown a strong demand for wellbeing delivery that extends way beyond spa and fitness,” Brown concludes. “For all businesses, wellbeing exerts a push and pull factor. The push is societal stress; concerns about the environment and individual stresses that push people to improve their own health and wealth. The pull is the aspirational dimension. Why would any company not want to be embracing and supporting people transforming to a healthier way of living?”

Following the launch of its Health to Wealth podcast series, Accor releases a white paper on wellbeing beyond the hotel.

Words: Ben Thomas

Atlantis The Royal DUBAI

Kerzner International assembles a team of international talent to envisage a new landmark for Palm Jumeirah, with a design that makes waves amongst a sea of skyscrapers.

Words: Nicola Chilton • Photography: © Brandon Barré

Entering Dubai’s new Atlantis The Royal is nothing short of breathtaking; through walls of fire and water, guests are greeted by a glass-walled lobby with 12m high ceilings, masses of glimmering marble and fish-filled aquariums. The effect is dazzling.

From conception to completion, this was a resort that was always going to make waves. It was also a project that required the collaboration of many great talents to create elements that would meld seamlessly, from lead architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) to interior designers GA Group, water feature specialists Wet, and landscape designers SKS Studio and 40North. And there’s plenty more that worked on the restaurants and spa.

The brief put out to the initial design competition commissioned by Kerzner International, operators of Atlantis, was to produce “the most memorable building in the city”. According to Elie Gamburg, Principal at KPF, it was a tall order. “Architecturally and in hospitality terms, everything possible has been done in Dubai,” he says. “There’s not a form we can conceive that doesn’t exist.”

KPF approached the ambitious brief by breaking it

down into manageable chunks. “Rather than trying to create an iconic form, we wanted to develop an iconic set of experiences,” explains Gamburg. “If the experiences were irreproducible, they would result in something special that could never be taken away.” By doing so, the firm moved the building away from the vagaries of architectural fashion; in other words, the experience will remain relevant whether the architectural style changes or not.

Dubai is a destination in which hotels are tourist attractions in their own right. They also play a disproportionately large role in the daily lives of residents. This isn’t something that Gamburg and his team took lightly. “We had to be attuned to the fact that what we were doing would matter a lot to people,” he recalls.

The fact that Dubai is both an urban and a seaside destination also presented an interesting challenge in terms of guest expectations. “People want the experience of indoor-outdoor living with the beach and the water, but also to have the creature comforts of a residential-style building,” says Gamburg. To achieve this, and to create a combination of elements

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not usually found in a vertical structure, KPF decided to “pull the building apart”, opening up “gaps” for sky courts and terraces, gardens and pools at height, all of which dictated the ultimate shape. These “gaps” also serve an environmental purpose, providing shade and capturing lateral winds. “We’ve lengthened the degree of time it’s comfortable to be outside in Dubai from six or seven months a year to around 11 by taking advantage of these natural synergies,” Gamburg reveals.

Rather than a solid form, Atlantis The Royal became a collection of individual Jengalike blocks, with openings throughout and a dramatic central arch. “We like it when people say it looks like Jenga or Lego because it means they understand that it’s made up of individual pieces and is not just one enormous structure,” adds Gamburg.

There’s no getting away from the fact that Atlantis The Royal is big. The building houses 795 guestrooms and suites, 231 private residences, 17 F&B outlets, 3,000m2 of wellness

facilities and extensive events space. The structure itself weighs in at 178m tall and 500m long, with 43 storeys at its highest point and a 90m sky bridge. According to Gamburg, if you were to take Atlantis The Palm and rotate it 90 degrees, it would fit in Atlantis The Royal’s central void.

But the building’s block form and the intentional spaces within take away the feeling of heaviness. “When guests are out in the pool or on the beach, they don’t feel like there’s a big wall behind them because they always perceive the smaller elements that make up the development,” says Gamburg.

One of the challenges faced by interior designers GA Group was to give the vast internal spaces a human scale while creating an impressive sense of arrival. Similar to KPF’s approach, the GA team also chose to break the property down into smaller sections, combining bursts of drama with human-centric elements.

“There are macro moments, and between them, micro moments when guests step into pools of

Female-led restaurant Ariana’s Persian Kitchen serves flavoursome cuisine, but from a design perspective, it’s the majestic vaulted domes that draw the eye

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quietness,” explains Executive Design Director Terry McGinnity. “It was a challenge, because we were constantly recalibrating the scale as we navigated the design.”

For McGinnity, some of those key humancentric moments include the understated poolside spaces of Nobu by the Beach, shaded by palms with views up to the main building, and the sunken lounges that sit opposite Wet’s Skyblaze fire and water fountain. It’s moments like these that speak to the fact that, at its heart, Atlantis The Royal is still a hotel, he says, and needs to feel like one to those staying in it. “It’s fantastic having a moving population coming through and enjoying the facilities, but we also want hotel guests to relish their stay.”

Away from the epic moments, McGinnity and his team have designed guestrooms and suites that are calming, airy and filled with light, yet still feel intimate and personal whether they’re entry-level or lavish penthouses. “We want guests to feel that their room is a retreat if it’s busy downstairs, so that when they step inside,

they have the ability to relax,” he confirms. “They can use the balcony and pool in a way that connects them to the outdoors and all the elements that make up the hotel’s story.”

It was also important that the new development retained some of Atlantis The Palm’s DNA, and water is a central theme that runs throughout both properties. At Atlantis The Palm, the experience focuses on the underwater world, whereas at Atlantis The Royal, water is expressed in a completely different way.

“Instead of descending underwater, which is what you’d expect, we inverted it and brought the water up, so now guests are in sun-filled sky courts yet still have the water experience,” says Gamburg. At Atlantis The Royal, guests can dive into a pool attached to the suites or penthouses and are effectively swimming in the sky. “It’s counter to how people normally experience water; the feeling of being in the air yet still underwater is one-of-a-kind.”

GA Group incorporated water into its design narrative too, connecting it to the history of the

Designed by Parisian duo Gilles & Boissier, Pan-Asian restaurant Ling Ling serves reinvented Cantonese fare against a moody backdrop accentuated by golden tones

destination. “We love the idea of the nomadic tribes’ journeys and the fact they moved from oasis to oasis to find water,” McGinnity reveals. There is also reference to the rare rains in the UAE, embodied in the dramatic metal sculpture, Droplets, designed by McGinnity himself and a focal point of the lobby. “The idea for Droplets was to create a dramatic moment for guests as they enter the ground floor, which tells the story of the precious nature of water in the region,” he explains. “Our goal was to tell this story in a unique way. The sculpture is about a journey to something worthwhile.”

The archway is another element of the Atlantis DNA that has been incorporated into the new property, becoming a large central void rather than a more traditional arched form. “The void is a powerful visual image,” says Gamburg. “Most buildings are read as an object – in the Burj Al Arab it’s the sail form, for the Burj Khalifa it’s the central spire – and it’s unique to read a building for the shape it makes in the leftover space.”

Atlantis The Royal has grand ambitions, and many rooms to fill. It also needs to attract a regular stream of outside visitors to fill its restaurants. The property’s sheer size means that it’s unlikely anyone will experience all of it during one stay, so there’s a need to give guests reasons to return.

“We want all of the destinations within the hotel to feel like they’re much more than the sum of their parts,” McGinnity concludes. “Our hope is that guests to break them down and feel like they can explore, so that even after five days of being here, they can still be pleasantly surprised by something they hadn’t yet discovered.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Gamburg, who believes the building itself has a role to play.

“If we as architects and designers have created something that makes people want to revisit and experience the way a certain garden works or how a view through something makes them feel, then we have managed to achieve something truly special.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Operator: Kerzner International

Architecture: Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)

Interior Design: GA Group, Jeffrey Beers

International, Bluehaus Group, Bates Smart, Sybille de Margerie, Gilles & Boissier

Lighting Design: Light Touch

Art Consultant: Jam Jar, Capsule Arts

Procurement: Cairncross Martin

Landscaping: SKS, 40North

Main Contractor: SsangYong, Besix

Project Manager: Turner Middle East www.atlantis.com

Too Hôtel

PARIS

Entrepreneur Laurent Taïeb unites the worlds of Jean Nouvel and Phillipe Starck for a theatrical castle presiding over the French capital.

Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck. It’s quite a headline act. Two French greats with nothing to prove, brought together to create Too Hôtel in the unassuming 13th arrondissement of Paris. The main acts, architecture and interiors respectively, in a show directed by entrepreneur Laurent Taïeb.

All good stories have a beginning, a middle and an end. This one starts in one of the slightly dimmer quarters of the City of Lights, an area that became the Little Asia of Paris following an influx of refugees from the Vietnam War in the 1970s. By the ‘80s, a university campus had opened and the twitches of gentrification began. On an abandoned site on the left bank of the River Seine and adjacent to a broad swathe of tracks leading to Gare d’Austerlitz, the development of the Tours Duo skyscrapers began in 2011. Enter stage left, Jean Nouvel, with a proposal that challenged and dared. Two mirror-covered towers twist and tilt this way and that. A dancing couple that embraces and releases. Their heads inclined in mutual acknowledgement. “Our two actors are expressive and alive,” says Nouvel of the concept. “They speak to one another.”

Initially, both towers were to be for office use only. But by 2015, the wisdom of hospitality as a catalyst for urban revival saw a change of use that led to the addition of a hotel component. Operated by Groupe Laurent Taïeb under

Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Jérôme Galland

In the guestrooms, Starck has combined flashes of orange with masses of chrome and mirror, while humorous touches include animal prints in high corners

a franchise with Accor’s MGallery, the hotel itself occupies the top section of the lower tower, floors 17 to 27, providing visitors to the 9,000-capacity complex with luxury accommodation on their doorstep.

The heroine in this story plays hard to get – signage is discreet, and once inside, the tease continues. A huge cathedral of concrete is the opening scene. A curtain of copper mesh hangs from the high ceiling. Exposed concrete rises above the elevator bank. Tucked away on the left is a glimmer of light. The reception, Philippe Starck’s first act in a play of fantasy and fun.

Make no mistake, the city in which the hotel’s narrative plays out takes a starring role. As one of the very few tall buildings in Paris, all guestrooms feature large windows offering views – some guests will go eye-to-eye with the Eiffel Tower. As the lighthouse lamp sweeps over the Seine basin at night, a lucky few will also catch it in the eye. In an Oscar-winning move, Nouvel has oriented the windows at the end of guestroom corridors with the tower, meaning all residents can have the same experience.

And the sunset too. Starck brings these colours in with flashes of orange glinting in the guestroom carpets by Ege, and in the glaze of solid ceramic bedside tables. The colour spectrum is completed by the grey stone of comfortably large bathrooms –where the showers have deep built-in seats – as well as raffia and Japanese straw-effect fabrics for walls and bed headboards. Wide sills further encourage guests to linger over those views. A pair of binoculars invitingly placed for a little voyeurism, or a glass of wine perhaps? The mini-bar is there for guests to stock with their own purchases and room service is replaced by a collaboration with Uber Eats. More choice, what’s not to like? With no room service, the

hotel does not fulfil the strict five-star categorisation of French hotels, but with 139 rooms at a minimum of 24m2, a decent size for Paris, the four-star rating feels just right. Le Labo toiletries and fully automated blackout and sunscreen blinds elevate the experience.

The rooms are something of a Starck attack, with plenty of product from the designer’s brands. There is the Black Forest bathroom combo of Duravit basins and Axor Hansgrohe brassware. The pleated shades of the bedside lamps from the Romeo Babe series by Flos are another Starck leitmotif. Plus, for Starck of course, there is masses of chrome – the heated towel rack that stands up from the bathroom floor is a nice touch. And extensive use of mirror. The two are combined in a smart, space-saving sliding door system that closes off the entrance lobby, wardrobe and bathroom. Its sharp geometry is offset by the gentle gesture of a casually draped bed throw made by Elvang from recycled Alpaca wool.

Enveloping all of this, Starck has had fun with the idea of a “castle” presiding over Paris. There is humour in a selection of small animal prints adorning random high corners. Room numbers themselves are announced with a non-sensical text playing on their phonetic sound in French. There are muscular-styled exercise weights, again in chrome. And for those in need of more physical activity, the 17th floor fitness centre sees Technogym equipment sat on a lemonyellow floor, with large windows looking on to a gardened terrace complete with a Jacuzzi.

This introduction to Starck’s world between reality and dream continues. “Of course, as in all castles, there are mysterious things happening. But still very poetic,” he comments. And the poetry carries through to the hotel’s restaurant, 100m up. Its narrow entrance

walkway alongside a cedarwood bar counter brings contrast with the soaring volume ahead. Fully glazed on three sides, with Paris laid out in front of diners, the 6m-high ceiling takes the breath away. Nouvel accentuates the height by covering it in dangling Oscar-style gold vanes. Feeling dwarfed by the ceiling heights, Starck’s fantasy heads off on a surrealist, Alice-in-Wonderland path, or should that be yellow brick road? Huge easels and equally huge canvasses have been introduced to emphasise that shrinking feeling. Furniture is oversized, including a series of double porter seats arranged in front of a glass wall – their ensconcing cosiness provides real privacy overlooking the River Seine.

The views are even more enchanting from the rooftop terrace of Too TacTac restaurant and bar; at 120m, the space is the highest public platform in Paris. The scenery wraps around the venue, topped by a dark, black triangular Battleship Galactica-like volume that houses the building’s M&E. A buzzing crowd is treated

to a mix of Asian fare. Starck plays on an old whisky bar style with hammered zinc tabletops, surrounded by an assortment of leather and rattan lounge chairs all set on antiqued rugs. To cope with the acoustic issues of running a thumping club scene here, the whole venue is structurally disconnected from the cement tower on a series of poles.

Further enticing guests is a video installation played through an array of arched, faux windows etched on the interior wall. The sensation is one of looking out through the windows at a looping succession of evocative movies, with themes ranging from nature to romance. Judging by the amount of social media activity the installation garners, it is fair to say that on a cold, foggy night in Paris, the virtual beats real life.

After a captivating middle that shows how accessible good design can be, this story has no end. It is a show that will run and run. The audience get the chance to experience the savoir faire of striking architecture and the fantasy of interiors fashioned by two master artists.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Groupe Laurent Taïeb

Developer: Groupe Valotel

Operator: Accor

Architecture: Jean Nouvel

Interior Design: Philippe Starck www.toohotel.com

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Pillows Hotels Maurits at the Park

AMSTERDAM

The reinvention of a former university in Amsterdam Oost, seeks to reconnect the built environment with surrounding parklands.

New hotel openings in Amsterdam are few and far between, since the city put a moratorium on development in the densely packed tourist districts, but away from Dam Square and the central canal belt, Amsterdam Oost is emerging as an attractive place to plant a flag. Along with craft breweries, neighbourhood cafés and a growing number of independent stores, the district is home to Oosterpark, a green oasis that encourages visitors to explore at a more leisurely pace. Here, new hotels are permitted so long as the development adds value to its surroundings, criteria that chimes with the approach of Amerborgh, a management group investing in activities that contribute to their community. Having spearheaded the launch of Pillows Hotels in 2017 – making its debut in historic buildings in Zwoller, Deventer, Brussels and Ghent – the group was on the look-out for its first fivestar outpost. So when a majestic building on the perimeter of Oosterpark became available – its permit for conversion to hotel use dependent on

contributing land to the park – it seemed the perfect opportunity to meet multiple objectives.

The building, designed by Jan Bernard Springer and completed in 1908, previously served as a medical laboratory for the University of Amsterdam, and though its handsome redbrick façade still stood proud, the condition of the interiors was in decline. A floorplan for the building’s conversion had been inherited from the previous owner, however Amerborgh were unconvinced, and invited Office Winhov to submit a proposal having been impressed by their conversion of a former bank into W Amsterdam. The studio examined the site and existing plans and proposed moving the extension to the side wing, a repositioning that would open up the entire rear façade to the park rather than disconnect the heart of the building. Their concept also reduced key count from 120 to 88, making for more spacious guestrooms, and focused on celebrating the building’s original features while ensuring harmony with the new elements.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: © Stefan Müller (unless otherwise stated)

The interior design scheme by Studio Linse brings a softness to the otherwise robust material palette, with light, earthy tones accompanied by plush velour and brass detailing

“The project was complex, combining adaptive re-use, a new wing extension and strengthening the relationship with the surrounding park,” explains Uri Gilad, co-founder and Partner at Office Winhov. “Our approach is about bringing the old and new together with a balanced new programme, careful integration of the extension and refined use of materials.”

The integration of the extension has been well thought through, with Office Winhov rightfully avoiding a contemporary glass insertion, but nor did they want to “fake it” with a carbon copy of the existing building. The solution sympathetically shows continuity, not only visually through the similar pairings of windows, but in materiality too. “It’s not a hard contrast, but if you look closely, you will see that the new building is a more modern brick and is richer in colour,” says Gilad, adding that the bricks are made bespoke by Petersen Tegl.

The deliberate yet subtle contrast between old and new continues inside, with a close working relationship between Amerborgh, Office Winhov and interior designer Studio Linse ensuring a harmonious integration. “There’s a continuity between the

buildings, but we’re also very clear about the difference between the two. It was important not to lose the essence of the original building, we want to celebrate it,” Gilad confirms. In the new wing for example, the transition between the buildings is on show, the original façade becoming a feature of the guestroom corridors. And in the existing building, a highlight is the glazed tiling that extends up walls, stairwells and overhead to the vaulted ceilings, to which Gilad notes: “As a company, we’re particularly interested in the transformation of monumental buildings, so we said from day one that we would retain and restore the original features.”

Perhaps the most notable restoration has been in Van Oost, a fine-dining restaurant occupying the former museum hall. Having succumbed to water damage and rot, the floor was beyond repair, while an ill-judged remodelling in the 1980s had blocked off views to the park. Gilad reveals that flooring was replaced, ceiling beams restored and the windows were once again opened up to the park, offering elevated views across the tree canopy. The biggest challenge however was the acoustics, with the solid surfaces reflecting sound

around a soaring double-height volume, making for an uncomfortable ambiance. A central insertion housing a prep kitchen and guest cloakroom helps break down the space, also partitioning the bar from the main dining room, while acoustic panels are unusually suspended above. “Typically the panels would be glued to the ceiling, but we felt in doing this we would lose some of the character,” says Gilad. “We want to respect the original building, not pretend it’s something it’s not.”

The result is a surprisingly intimate space, which, in daylight hours, has an ever-changing panorama thanks to the swaying trees just outside the window. Come nightfall, subdued lighting focuses attention on the creative cuisine of Floris van Straalen, who combines innovative flavour combinations with exquisite presentation.

In keeping with the brief, the design of the hotel successfully cultivates a relationship with the park. In the new building, oak-cased windows frame views of the expansive lawns from guestrooms, while the ground-floor brasserie spills out on to the terrace. Back inside, the use of oak across window slats,

tabletops and banquettes immerses diners in the park in a different way, enhanced by a leafy tree growing from the server station.

Throughout the hotel, the interior design scheme by Studio Linse brings a softness to the otherwise robust material palette, with founder Paul Linse opting for light, earthy tones accompanied by plush velour and brass detailing. It’s an elegant aesthetic that gives the architecture space to breathe, and manages to be both calming and inviting while encouraging guests to step outside and take a leisurely stroll through the park. Further contributing to the surrounding community, Amerborgh has constructed new pathways that connect the hotel to the park, meaning that in summer, the brasserie will likely attract passing trade in the families and day-trippers who spend their weekends out in the fresh air. A giant birdcage on the lawn is expected to draw feathered friends once the planting grows in, and there are also plans to introduce picnic baskets stocked with local delights, available for guests to take away and dine in the shade of the trees. Completing the offer, a rooftop bar slated to open in the summer will bring a bird’s-eye view to the experience.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Ownes: Amerborgh

Operator: International Hotel Management Group

Architecture: Office Winhov

Interior Design: Studio Linse

Landscaping: Sant & Co

Main Contractor: Kondor Wessels www.pillowshotels.com

Design by KUB Captial

Photograph by George del Barrio

Southall Farm & Inn

FRANKLIN

Indidesign elevates the Southern design aesthetic at a rural retreat in the Tennessee countryside, where a working farm provides sustenance for the senses.

Spread across 325 acres of Tennessee countryside, Southall Farm & Inn is a study in self-sufficient tourism. Not only does the property – comprising an inn, spa and 16 self-contained cottages – pride itself on being set on an established working farm, but the design and construction of the buildings was also executed with sustainability, authenticity and local engagement in mind. “The idea was to elevate the Southern design aesthetic and inject architectural quality with a certain softness,” explains Beatrice Girelli of LA-based studio Indidesign. “We wanted to retain materiality and a handcrafted quality, and at the same time create a style that is unique to Southall.”

Girelli and her team went so far as to use timber that was cleared from the site in the making of furniture, fulfilling the mantra of living off the land – which here includes apple orchards, herb gardens and an apiary producing ample honey. And these facilities are not only tended to by the farmers. Southall offers residents a programme of truly immersive experiences that include sessions on seed propagation in the barn, wine tasting in the jammery and an encounter with the local bees – all topped off with a soak in the expansive mineral pool overlooking the rolling hills.

The surroundings cultivate an altogether slower pace of life, as do the interiors. Once guests enter the lobby – a doubleheight space in the main house – they are immediately

Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Taggart Sorensen

The interior design scheme in the cottages and main house has a crafted yet contemporary feel, with furniture by local makers

enveloped in Southall’s inimitable design message; one that shuns the kitsch rendition of a Southern farmhouse and replaces it with a smart, crafted and decidedly contemporary aesthetic. A prime example is the strung rope and cane rocking chair – a Southern design staple yet reinterpreted here in a new way. Across the resort, all furniture has been custom-designed by Indidesign and crafted by local makers, while artworks were commissioned from talents like lifestyle curator Ceri Hoover and illustrator Richard Bowers. But perhaps the most memorable installation across the property is one created and lovingly installed by Girelli and her team, who spent months combing the American west for an assemblage of cowbells – some dating back to the 1800s – before stringing them between columns in the lobby.

Girelli also sourced imposing bronze chandeliers from Mexican artist Isabel Moncada, while at adjacent restaurant and bar Sojourner, bespoke furnishings and lighting complement a colourful wallcovering that showcases the local flora and fauna. Across the 62 rooms and suites in the

main house, the broader theme of authenticity is channelled through several variations. “The inn is the more hotel-like experience,” she explains. “We chose a fresh and playful aesthetic with plenty of high-contrast,” Girelli notes, pointing out the signature Southall blue dark-stained millwork. The pièce de résistance is the Tennessee Presidential Suite, which showcases bold patterns, daring design gestures and a collection of found pieces and provocative artwork.

What truly sets this property apart however are its cottages, which range from rambling hillside abodes with wood-burning stoves to treehouses built on stilts. In the Hillside Cottages, Girelli devised what she refers to as “a guestroom in the woods” with bespoke wallcoverings by Nashvillebased New Hat depicting scenes from the forest. Light timber floors and whitewashed wood chandeliers from Arteriors presiding over lofty pitched ceilings complete the look.

By contrast, the Arbor Cottages are elevated high above the tree canopy and offer sweeping views and cantilevered outlooks. “I wanted the treehouses to

feel rustic and adventurous,” says Girelli. “The bed is low and we decided to bring the copper bathtub into the bedroom. The idea was to design a space that is self-contained and feels truly special.”

Girelli’s favourite story of authenticity – a heartwarming tale in a project she admits was a six-year labour of love – is that of the artwork. “We initially hired two art consultants to source local art but what they came up with didn’t feel authentic,” she recalls. “So we ran a competition for all those involved in the project; everyone from the architect to the electrical engineer to those working on the farm submitted something, and that became the guestroom art package,” Girelli reveals, revealing that her own black-and-white line drawings also take pride of place on the walls.

Reinforcing the hyperlocal theme, signature restaurant Mary Amelia serves seed-to-plate cuisine under the tutelage of famed Nashville chef Tyler Brown. The space is home to an impressive show-kitchen – with equipment

custom-designed by Brown – and offers guests a direct link to the agrarian lifestyle that Southall promotes. Inspired by a barn, the cathedral-like venue is centred around a communal table crafted from timber reclaimed on site, while wooden flooring is from Brown’s childhood friend and owner of Nashville-based Textures Flooring. Artwork was also produced by a collective of local artists, and completing the aesthetic are found pieces like an antique sorghum mill-turned tasting table.

Looking back on what she refers to as one of her most fulfilling projects, Girelli concludes: “It’s a matter of creating an experience that is stimulating for all the senses – tactile, auditory, visual and aromatic. That’s what guests remember about time spent at a place and makes them want to go back.” From the self-curated artwork to a bespoke candle that Southall developed with Ranger Station Fragrances of Nashville – poured into a signature Tennessee whiskey glass – the property offers thoughtful, unforgettable moments at every touchpoint.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Developer: Paul Mishkin

Operator: Southall

Architecture: 906 Studio

Interior Design: Indidesign

Visual Identity & Branding: Perky Brothers

Lighting Design: RNLD

Landscaping: CSDG

Main Contractor: McHugh Construction, Old Hillsboro Building Company

Spa Consultant: Segerberg Spa Consulting www.southalltn.com

Hôtel Dame des Arts

PARIS

Raphael Navot brings the artistic culture of the 1920s to the present day at a former civic building in the French capital’s Latin Quarter.

I’m the glue between a collection of people,” says Jerusalem-born designer Raphaël Navot as we discuss his approach in the Apothem Lounge at Maison & Objet, an immersive installation that he describes as a “theatre piece” fusing texture, colour, light and sound. Tapping into the notion of interior design as a form of scenography, the lounge epitomises Navot’s passion for French savoir-faire and traditional craftsmanship – something that is evident in his latest hospitality project, Hôtel Dame des Arts in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Set in the heart of Paris’ Latin Quarter, the 109-key property was originally constructed in the 1950s, though its interior inspiration harks back to the ‘20s when poets, writers and performance artists would gather in the area.

“We wanted to tell the story of the international artists who once resided here,” Navot explains. “In the early 20th century, the neighbourhood is where creatives were interacting; the city wasn’t so separated or categorised. Cafés and restaurants would host

parties and intellectual discussions, where people from all over the world could get drunk on philosophy. We celebrate that culture.”

To bring this celebration of ideas to life, Navot worked closely with EQ Hotels and a team of trusty craftsmen to channel the creative spirit synonymous with the locale, selecting design elements and materials that honour its Parisian context while propelling the neighbourhood into a modern era. “I work independently so rely on others in their own domains,” he reveals. “Sometimes the client brings people on board, other times I like to use local artisans, and on certain projects it can be a single person who specialises in something. There is no set structure in curating the team.”

True to his eco-friendly ethos, the designer also requested that materials be both noble and natural, meaning they could develop a patina over time. This organic aesthetic is palpable as soon as guests enter the lobby, which features Navot’s sculptural Moon sofa as well as a black granite welcome desk with sculptural wooden

Words: Ben Thomas

Photography: © Ludovic Balay

In the guestrooms and suites, muted tones of beige, grey and brown complement warming woods, porcelains and bespoke furniture designed by Navot

extrusions, mounted on burnt end-grain timber flooring covered in a protective resin. Across the space, walls are clad with slatted timber frames that form part of a continuous thread throughout the hotel, while ceiling coffers flaunt a rippled pattern that mimics the inside of a tree trunk.

From here, Navot has created a natural flow to the hotel’s French-Mexican restaurant, conceptualised by Matthieu Alfandari, former Operations Director at Experimental Group. Custom-made furniture pieces such as cast aluminium tables and copper-lined dining tables were dreamt up by Navot and his “expanding circle” of artisans, while cross-hatch window patterns mirror the original architectural elements above. To soften the existing beams, the team also introduced textile shades and complementary materials such as solid wood and layers of linen voiles. “The F&B space is important for the chronology of the hotel,” he confirms. “I like the idea of the flow not being sectorised. It’s a natural influx.”

The natural theme carries through to the rear of the property, where a garden courtyard serves as an extension of the restaurant. A major draw for Navot when asked to design the hotel, given his love for bucolic environments, the space features a collection of upholstered seating and benches beneath the building’s original brick awning, as well as bamboo decking, wild vegetation and a white pebble wall that reinforce the organic look and feel.

And the outdoor offering doesn’t stop there, with a rooftop bar framing picture-postcard views of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur and Notre-Dame Cathedral thanks to the building’s height advantage in the area. “It’s the eye of a storm,” says Navot of the central location, describing it as the “belly button” of Paris.

The cleverly crafted conversion of the former hotel is evident below ground too, where a basement is now better utilised as boardroomcome-cinema, and a low-ceiling gym deceives the eye with a new sculptural timber roof – one of many curved elements introduced by Navot to

decrease stress levels and add a feminine touch. “The area of St Michel and proximity to NotreDame were the reason behind the hotel’s name,” says Navot. “But it also refers to a lady rather than a saint. We have lots of saints already, so chose to move away from that.”

The designer’s creative nous is perhaps best displayed in the guestrooms and suites, which differ in shape and size due to the existing floor plate, with some offering balconies with Kilt dining armchairs by Ethimo. Working on each individually, Navot incorporated bespoke furniture and artworks – of which there are 700 across the property with links to the locale – alongside two pieces from his collection for Roche Bobois, which sit atop carpets by Ege.

Despite the modernisation of the interiors, which sees muted tones of beige, grey and brown fused with warmer woods and porcelains, Navot was keen to revisit some classic features. Inverted mouldings on the walls are a contemporary interpretation of the traditional French moulure, while solid wood extrusions

behind the headboard take their inspiration from the Mid-Century layout of the windows.

Much like how La Nouvelle Vague looked to give film directors full creative control over their work in the 1950s, Navot’s commission with EQ Hotels saw the designer handed the creative reins for Hôtel Dame des Arts, devising an interior scheme that champions the neighbourhood’s artistic innovation with a refined finish. One that literary icons of former times would happily have called home.

“For me this project marked a second chapter in Paris,” Navot concludes, pointing to his previous work on Hotel National des Arts Et Métiers, an homage to French savoirfaire straddled between the Marais and the Montorgueil district. “Hôtel Dame des Arts was a new challenge; the building was originally constructed for civic purposes, rather than hospitality, so we had to come up with bespoke solutions throughout. It’s the type of hotel where if you like a room, then remember the number, because no two are the same.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: EQ Group

Operator: EQ Hotels

Architecture: CALQ

Interior Design: Raphael Navot

Lighting Design: Decret Design

Art Consultant: Studio Saint Lazare

Procurement: Argenta

Landscaping: Horticulture et Jardins

Main Contractor: Tetris

Project Manager: Pyramid DM www.damedesarts.com

La Zambra

MIJAS

After nearly a decade of closure, Andalusia’s iconic Byblos hotel undergoes a complete transformation, reopening as a minimalistic retreat within Hyatt’s Unbound Collection.

Words: Agnish Ray • Photography: Courtesy of La Zambra

Secluded and atmospheric, the latest arrival to the Andalusian coastal area of Mijas is tucked well away from the flashy seafront, nestled among golf courses and private estates. Half an hour’s drive from Málaga Airport, the town has long been a hotspot for European sunseekers, but the new property feels fresh and contemporary.

La Zambra is new, though the site’s reputation precedes it; until 2010 it was the Byblos, a hideaway known for merriment and relaxation in equally healthy measure, capturing the heyday of the Costa del Sol. Princess Diana was famously papped topless here – despite its claims of privacy from prying eyes – while Julio Iglesias and the Rolling Stones are among the other names dropped by those familiar with the glitzy hangout.

After nearly a decade of closure, London-based investment firm Intriva Capital poured nearly €50 million into reviving the site, appointing hotel management firm Marugal –which operates 12 properties across Spain, Portugal, France, Switzerland and the UK – to take on the new incarnation that opened in Autumn 2022.

Light, air and movement define the design of the 197-key property, which Marugal operates as a franchise with Hyatt under The Unbound Collection. Spacious, high-ceilinged interiors are flooded with sunlight, while large windows expose gardens populated with cypress and palm trees. The eye is drawn from front to back through several layers of carefully placed arches.

Muted and minimalistic, La Zamba’s whitewashed walls mimic Andalusia’s pueblos blancos – or white villages – with nearby Mijas being just one example. Touches of bougainvillaea and lavender add colour, as do the blue ceramic roof tiles that were preserved from the previous hotel. Passages of water also trickle throughout, a feature inspired by Moorish palaces like Granada’s Alhambra and Seville’s Alcazar.

Architect Tomeu Esteva says the transition between spaces is crucial to the concept of Andalusia’s Islamic architecture, which he has tried to capture in the layout. “It’s all about the journey,” he explains. “A sense of discovery, mysterious sequences and crossing thresholds.” The walkways reflect this idea, guiding guests between covered and openair spaces, from one patio to another, with cool cement underfoot encouraging barefoot reverie.

One of the main walkways leads to Bamboleo bar, a semi-circular, copper-coloured space with ochre, ruby and mustard furniture. The rounded edges of the sofas, armchairs and rugs create a vintage modernist feel, while the doors to the back lead to outdoor seating, rolling grounds and two swimming pools.

Bamboleo is among a series of F&B spaces overseen by Basque chef Iker González Ayerbe. The atmospheric Picador for instance is designed like a welcoming Andalusian tavern, with wooden beams, colourful tiled floors and a square central bar to perch at, accompanied by flamenco tunes.

Characterised by neutral tones and natural fabrics, guestrooms showcase traditional Andalusian craftsmanship

The mood is friendly and the food is flavoursome; squid croquettes are rich bitesize explosions, which the sommelier suggests washing down with a blanc de noirs champagne.

The octopus is marinated in chimichurri, topped with dollops of kimchi mayonnaise and served in a pool of frothed potato, with a rosé moscatel from Málaga winery F. Schatz making for a refreshing pairing.

The all-day dining offer at Palmito meanwhile ranges from a casual buffet breakfast in the morning to an ambient dinner in the evening. Here, Barcelona-based interior designer Sandra Tarruella went for a sombre, stony colour scheme that evokes the use of lime mortar in traditional Andalusian villages. Textured walls, microcement flooring and herringbonepatterned rugs create an earthy feel, while large circular lamps are crafted from rattan and a wall installation has been created using straw hats.

The decoration hints at the hotel’s passion for local craft traditions, which guests are invited to experience through visits to Puerta del Agora,

a crafts co-operative in Mijas, where they can learn about age-old traditions like esparto grass weaving. The atelier also houses ceramics, dress-making and leatherwork practitioners. While sun and sea keep this region thriving in the warmer months, golf takes over in the winter; a 2020 study valued the overall impact of golf tourism at nearly €3.3 billion per year. Mijas is home to 12 golf courses and La Zambra has direct access to two of them, predicting 30% of its annual clientele to be aficionados.

And for wellness lovers, La Zambra’s spa innovates in areas from ayurveda, shiatsu and reiki to Indiba radiofrequency therapy. Said to be the largest in the Costa del Sol, spanning over 2,000m2, its extensive offer ranges across five journeys: relax, heal, reconnect, vitalise and glow, with a selection of traditional, innovative and holistic treatments under each. Bespoke scents and teas accompany the experiences, which include certain signature treatments like shibori facials on a Swaywaver bed and antiageing rituals using La Foux spring water.

Our design for The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush unites the vibrant and unique Art Deco characteristics of the local area with The Hoxton’s signature open-house aesthetic

Clockwise from top Architecture: The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush Executive Architect: TRIBE London, Canary Wharf Architecture: The BoTree, Marylebone Interiors: King Street Townhouse Gym and Spa, Manchester

It was over a decade ago that Spain’s financial crisis forced the Byblos’ closure, and today, destinations like the Costa del Sol yet again face economic hardship. But the team behind La Zambra are confident about bouncing back, and General Manager Joost Kruissen sees its opening as part of a wider renaissance in the region.

“Ten or 15 years ago, Marbella dipped slightly,” he explains. “Suddenly it was less hip, while places like southern France, the Balearic Islands, Tulum and Mykonos began to grow.”

Previously at Formentera’s Gecko Hotel & Beach Club – also a Marugal property – Kruissen lived in Ibiza for a decade. Now a south coast local, he believes things are looking up here, with the development of Malaga’s capital city adding to the region’s other longstanding success factors, like its climate and infrastructure.

“What’s happened here in the last five years is certainly marking a before and after,” he says. “Malaga has gained so much quality in culture and gastronomy, and investment in the area is huge, so it can go back to what it used to be.”

A new era means a new audience. La Zambra’s target demographic has a different sense of luxury today; less excessive and opulent, more refined and minimalistic. “We’re trying to get away from the flashy image that the Byblos used to have,” says Kruissen. “That did great in the 1980s and ‘90s but it’s not a product that could function nowadays.”

When Esteva visited the Byblos as a guest around 30 years ago, he remembers “a mishmash of styles” full of details, columns, cornices and different patterns. “It was fun,” recalls the architect, “but we’ve opened the property up and lightened the interiors to make everything feel more human and gentle.”

To create something fitting with its location and context, his studio Esteva i Esteva wanted La Zambra to convey values of austerity, simplicity and imperfection. These represent the essence of Andalusian architecture, he explains, while also evoking the vision of a new generation with greater appetite for all things slow, local and carefully crafted.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Intriva Capital

Operator: Marugal

Architecture: Esteva i Esteva

Interior Design: Esteva i Esteva, Sandra Tarruella Interioristas

Project Manager: CBRE www.lazambrahotel.com

Faern Arosa Altein

SWITZERLAND

Hoteliers Romain Semmel and Thibault Catala partner with Run For The Hills to a bring seventies-inspired resort to the Alps.

Surrounded by an imposing mountain landscape, the understated ski resort of Arosa in the Swiss Alps is best known for its glistening slopes and charming wooden houses. But now there’s a new attraction in town, following the arrival of Faern Arosa Altein in December 2022.

Nestled in the heart of the Schanfigg Valley, the property joins a wider collection of Swiss lifestyle hotels founded by Romain Semmel and Thibault Catala, who are actively working on rebranding sites in Sils Maria and Wengen having recently launched an outpost in Crans-Montana.

The group’s Arosa property resides in a building originally designed by architects Schäfer & Risch and dating back to 1916, when it served as a private pulmonary sanatorium called Altein. After the sanitorium’s closure in 1931, the site was converted into a sports hotel and during WWII was temporarily used to accommodate internees. Post-war, the development returned to its former use as a sanitorium, before being acquired by hotel group Ferienverein in 1979.

Now, in its latest iteration, the structure has undergone an extensive refurbishment that spans from the entrance lobby and guestrooms right through to restaurants and breakout spaces. With skiing a central part of life in Arosa, the hotel needed to reflect that lifestyle and appeal to a variety of demographics – from families to business travellers and a younger, experience-conscious crowd. To bring the vision to life, Semmel and Catala partnered with London-based design studio Run For The Hills. “We developed our interior

Words: Gilly Hopper • Photography: © Romain Ricard

In the lobby, a Wes Andersoninspired reception area harmonises with the building’s archways while a silver-hued carpet nods to the slopes

concept to honour the property’s heritage, whilst also creating a fresh lifestyle escape for the next generation, channelling the spirit of chic millennial high-altitude living,” says the studio’s co-founder and Creative Director Anna Burles. “It delivers traditional Alpine charm with an urban twist.”

The hotel seeks to foster a community of natureloving, altitude-living folk, and despite being medium in size, has a boutique sensibility. The Wes Andersoninspired reception area harmonises with the loungestyle lobby’s archways, while its silver-hued carpet with carve-like markings offers a stylish nod to the slopes. Check-in can be completed in the lounge, fringed by wooden stools and pouffes, before ascending to the guestrooms scattered across the floors above.

Varying in size and shape – from cosy abodes for solo travellers to family suites sleeping up to five people – the 126 accommodations play with form through contemporary joinery styles and softly curving custom headboards. Beds are toed with green Swiss cross woollen blankets which, as Burles explains, “ground the design in Switzerland” while a nature-focused aesthetic is consistent throughout and generously

sized balconies are a focal point, with outdoor seating dressed in sheepskin.

There’s a practicality as much as a playfulness to the designs too; Alpine-patterned textiles engulf the armchairs and characterful lamps are displayed on the vanities, while white-tiled, terrazzo-floored bathrooms featuring black framed showers provide respite after a day on the slopes. Downstairs, there’s also a dedicated wellness area comprising a heated pool, steam room and sauna facilities, in addition to a roster of treatments, for post-slope relief.

Much activity occurs on the lower-ground floor, where most of the hotel’s food and beverage offering is located. At the base of the marble staircase, a large tree greets guests and marks the centre point of the buffet. “We selected a busy floor tile to create a visual landing at the buffet,” says Burles, adding that a light-white sprinkle on the tile, reminiscent of falling snow, connects site to setting. A few steps on, guests enter Zus Brasserie, a spacious venue where zoning has been actively applied, employing bouclé and wool upholstered chairs, booths and sofas of varying sizes, heights and direction. Mixing modern and vintage-

style furniture, busier upholstering is countered by terrazzo stone tabletops, while pendant lighting and lofty pillars work to draw the eye up towards the stucco ceiling. Colour tones span snowy neutrals to forest greens, while mirrors are cleverly hung from ironwork rails to bounce light and reflect the nearby mountains.

Serving as the hotel’s half-board restaurant, a level of practicality was required when designing the venue: “The restaurant turns over lots of covers because like many ski resorts, everybody has breakfast within in a short window of time,” notes Burles. “There’s a need for space, so two rooms between the brasserie and the bar serve as overflow.”

The Alchemilla Parlour Bar is set within a panelled library bedecked with nook sofas and upholstered armchairs, which circle black veined stone tables. At the centre of the space – and arguably the action – the wraparound bar serves creative pours, including signature cocktail Camera Shy.

Channelling 1970s vintage ski photography,

the spirited art collection in the bar and across the hotel is full of personality. Snaps by American photographer Slim Aarons hang amongst an amalgam of works that serve to modernise the space, while up in the guestrooms are more quirky compositions and graphic pieces. “The more abstract art was inspired by shapes and forms in the building,” remarks Burles.

On the top floor, Alpensand Panoramic Restaurant & Social Club is a trendy hangout offering views of the valley from its expansive balcony. For those seated inside, attention is drawn to a collection of tongue-in-cheek artworks referencing the retro theme. Perhaps the most alluring space across the hotel, its 1970s décor – think jazzily patterned rugs and houndstooth-backed chairs – is enriched with wallpaper from Mindthegap’s Tyrol collection that speaks to its fun-loving atmosphere.

In a locale with Arosa’s retro credentials, Faern injects a sense of playfulness, community and modernity to its surrounds. Go tell it on the mountain.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Operator: Vertell Asset Management

Architecture: Michel Duc

Interior Design: Run For The Hills

Branding: Remi Lefevre

Project Manager: MEC Project Management www.faernresorts.com

The Other House, South Kensington

Hotel Mestari

Studio Arcibella injects new life into a former building association headquarters in the Finnish capital, creating a lifestyle hotel characterised by a masculine leitmotif.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Aaro Artto (unless otherwise stated)

Helsinki’s latest hospitality haunt, Hotel Mestari, takes its name from the Finnish word for ‘master’. Rather fittingly, the hotel is owned by the Association of Master Builders, whose offices still occupy a small part of this sturdy, six-storey corner block in an artisanal quarter of central Helsinki. The interior design by Kristiina Michelsson of Studio Arcibella follows an industrial aesthetic, with the masculine leitmotif a constant; raw materials and exposed elements combine with delicate artworks, soft furnishings and clever acoustic and spatial solutions.

Originally built in the 1930s, the building was later renovated in the ‘60s. For its most recent transformation, the association invited some 30-plus developers to pitch for the project, including Primehotels, which currently operates seven properties across Finland. “We saw great potential in its functionality and efficiency,” explains Board Member and Partner Tomi Peitsalo, who has significant experience of bringing major global brands to the Nordics.

Having won the project in 2018, Primehotels in turn asked a number of studios to consider the interiors. Studio Arcibella was selected, thanks to Michelsson’s ability to grasp and interpret the proposition. “I respected that Kristiina listened and closely followed the brief,” says Peitsalo as he nods towards Michelsson. The pair share a good level of trust following several collaborations for Glo Hotels, now part of Nordic Hotels & Resorts’ lifestyle portfolio.

“It was Kristiina who came up with our masculine lifestyle slogan,” quips Peitsalo, quick to note that this has nothing to do with gender. Rather he references inclusive ideas around aesthetics, quality, values and culture. And financial viability too. This red thread is more to do with materiality and the celebration of construction itself.

And the construction offers huge flexibility. The 237 guestrooms are stratified into some eight categories, though there are at least 30 different configurations. Operationally, the hotel offers guests the chance to enhance their stay with a selection of experiential packages such as Cool Down, a stress-relieving range of teas and spa products, or Movie Night with snacks and woollen socks.

Within a relatively tight floorplan, Michelsson has also realised a variety of harmonious public spaces catering for all – from party and private events spaces to quiet booths and co-working areas. Standalone, street-level tenanted units provide further options with coffee shops, beauticians, hairdressers and a private gym, to which hotel guests have access. An assortment that can be tailored by the owners.

Masculine lifestyle might perhaps be slightly contradictory for the Master Builders but it is strong, clear and to the point. All attributes of Michelsson. And strong she needed to be, as there were doubters around some proposals. Take the hotel’s courtyard, for example. Was it worth removing the plaster render on the walls to reveal the brickwork? Yes, as

The hotel’s guestrooms combine oak flooring, grey and beige tones, and fixed furnishings in blackstained wood and steel

they now add real character. With a new glazed roof came acoustic concerns. So, reconstructed parts of the inner walls were sprayed with a sound-absorbing finish. Then came colour choices. Michelsson wins again with a warming terracotta. Finally, and most significantly, the insertion of a platform above part of the seating at Latin Bistro & Bar Maestro 51. Success here too, with the delivery of a significant new revenuegenerating space that simultaneously provides a more atmospheric volume underneath and choice for guests. Michelsson enthuses about her collaborative relationship with Peitsalo: “It was wonderful to work with Tomi because it was actually other people saying no.”

The interiors major on exposed materials –brick, as well as corridor ceilings suspended with a host of M&E, and scaffolded platforms used in a series of double-height guestrooms to create lounge cinemas. Expanded sheet metal is aplenty too, its diamond pattern decorating in-room hanging spaces and mini-bar units. The interiors of the lifts are also lined with it

to replicate the external lifts typically seen on construction sites.

Michelsson swipes through images on her phone to highlight the extent of the excavation and the material inspiration. “We encouraged workers to leave the patina of their craft on the materials,” she explains. For example, the four substantial steel tubes that support the glazed roof of the courtyard are pleasingly imperfect, to the extent that they look like they could have been originals. The shuttered concrete structural elements from the 1960s works, Michelsson’s “structural mysteries”, have been left exposed wherever possible. Their sturdy reliability softened by the wood plank relief. On the high ceilings of the top floor rooms, the beauty of these tapered beams has been boldy highlighted in a stark black.

Guestrooms are otherwise largely similar, even if their configurations vary. Soaring single pane windows are triple-glazed – essential for the climate – and bring in natural light. Artworks made from pressed steel and copper meanwhile

Geometric

by Benedito Design

New Decorative Collection

hang above each bed, reflecting the colourways of the rooms that combine oak flooring, the greys and beiges of walls and curtaining – with blackout qualities, again necessary for the long summer days – and fixed furnishings in blackstained wood and steel.

All these latter elements, including a chaise longue that cleverly transforms into a useable bed, are designed by Michelsson – a furniture design specialist. Studio Arcibella also turned its hand to the lighting, both internally and on the façade. In collaboration with Helsinki-based Saas Instruments, Michelsson designed two stylish lamps: one, the i-Beam, referencing a steel girder, and the other a glass ball chandelier.

The latter is seen in the flexible events spaces, where partition walls allow for up to 13 room configurations. The audio-visual set-up also means all events guests can watch the same presentation at once. Seating 140 people, the most spacious room features a full-height image of the famous black-and-white Lunch atop a Skyscraper photograph, originally taken

in 1932 to show ironworkers sitting on a steel beam suspended high above Manhattan. Used throughout the hotel, the image reinforces the hotel’s masculine leitmotif, paying homage to the art of craftsmanship. On the opposite wall hangs an elemental rusted re-bar grid.

Here and in the corridors, the raw ethos of the interiors is enhanced by Ege’s Industrial Landscape range by Tom Dixon. Produced with the look of a natural patina, the collection mirrors the rough aesthetic of a city through seven designs, including Coal – which reflects the substance that powered the Industrial Revolution – and Iron, imitating the gradual disintegration of the oxidised metal surface that generates a random hued patination.

Initially built as offices, Hotel Mestari has seen a variety of tenants over the years, with stints as a cinema, dinner-and-dance venue, and most recently a nightclub. Its latest iteration, a clever and well-executed lifestyle hotel envisioned by Primehotels and Studio Arcibella, could just be the best yet.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Rakennusmestarien Säätiö

Operator: Primehotels

Architecture: APRT Architects

Interior Design: Studio Arcibella

Main Contractor: Lehto Group www.hotelmestari.fi

© Niki Soukkio

Sun Street

Bowler James Brindley taps into the history of a Georgian terrace, designing a boutique hotel that provides intimate scale next to its modern neighbours.

There’s a small irony in the fact that this new boutique property, named after the brightest star in the sky, sits very much in the shadows of the glistening edifices that now dominate the City of London. Sun Street, launched by Bespoke Hotels in October 2022, forms part of One Crown Place – a new mixeduse development comprising two prismatic towers of high-end residential and commercial office space, with retained historical elements at their base.

In many ways, this new city block – designed by architects Kohn Pedersen Fox – encapsulates the changing face of London in microcosm. A sensitively restored Georgian terrace of six townhouses, with an unreconstructed corner pub at its end, sits cheek-by-jowl with the gleaming towers that now accommodate wealthy apartment-dwellers and corporate office workers. That its developers, infrastructure conglomerate MTD Group, are based in Malaysia reflects the foreign investment that has poured into EC1 over the past 30-plus years.

Yet step into the hotel and guests are instantly transported into a series of warm, elegant spaces, where the doorman greeting them wears the kind of bowler hat that used to be commonplace in the financial heart of the city, and the service is delightfully discreet.

Once upon a time, this part of London was home to warehouses serving the local furniture and printing trades. The façade of one of these warehouses on Earl Street has been restored, alongside a 1970s block and the original terrace that houses the hotel’s 41 guestrooms and suites. And it is this history that designers Bowler James Brindley have tapped into, creating an extravagant and sophisticated scheme inspired by the history of the building and surrounding neighbourhood.

Each of the six townhouses’ ground floor areas has a distinct look and feel, unveiled in layers as guests proceed from one intimate space to the next. There are multiple lounges and bar areas, a library and a wood panelled dining room, beyond which lies The Orangery

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: © Nick Smith

in a light-flooded central courtyard sheltered under a vaulted glass roof.

The interiors were taken back-to-brick, with period elements such as skirting boards and cornices recreated to provide an authentically Georgian architectural backdrop to the design theatrics. A custom chandelier in the lobby comprises 41 miniature service bells – one for every room – in reference to the nearby Whitechapel Bell Foundry, makers of Big Ben and the Liberty Bell. Pencil drawings lining the walls also acknowledge the dual career of the building’s original architect George Dance the Younger, a renowned portraitist for famous figures of the day. Exotic touches and more tropical colours nod to the Malaysian roots of its developer, while wallpapers – by House of Hackney, Daniel Heath, Scalamandré, St Jude’s and Style Library – depict a phantasmagoria of griffins, winged serpents and other mythical beasts in bold splashes of green, turquoise and gold. In another homage to the building’s heritage, a traditional 19th century colour palette

of faded browns and blues has been updated and enhanced in richer tones, with velvet curtains, antique leather sofas and trunks combining to create a feel that is part Victorian gentleman’s club, part late-night lounge.

A recurring artistic motif is The Google Bird, a fictional creature discovered by Bespoke Hotels founder Robin Sheppard when researching a former resident of the original terrace: “One of the houses which make up the fascia of the hotel was occupied by a former Bank of England Governor, Vincent Cartwright Vickers, between the wars. His hobby was drawing and, as a way of entertaining his young children, he invented some imaginary birds that he christened the Google Birds. We have bought up every available copy of his original books containing his drawings and used the imagery throughout.” Other artworks depicting classical figures, vases, sculptures and architecture were curated by art consultants Adam Ellis Studio. Guestrooms continue the theme through casegoods by Design & Create in wood veneers,

marble, solid brass and glass complemented by burgundy leather headboards, patterned fabrics and wallcoverings. All rooms feature a rich colour palette offset by hardwood flooring by Havwoods and rugs by London House Rugs, and carefully chosen furniture from the likes of Stellar Works, Rough Living and PS Interiors.

Inviting daylight through Georgian-style shuttered windows, bathrooms are finished with vivid glazed porcelain tiles and natural stone, as well as walk-in drench showers and classic fixtures from Crosswater, Duravit, Villeroy & Boch.

Bowler James Brindley’s design has combined elegant Regency references with contemporary touches, providing a backdrop for an eyepopping collection of artwork and imagery that sets this intimate boutique property apart from other hotels in the City of London. As General Manager Jake Greenall says, it is “a hotel with a heartbeat” and one that provides intimate scale and historical context to the modern mixed-use development it neighbours.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Developer: MTD Group

Operator: Bespoke Hotels

Architecture: Kohn Pedersen Fox

Interior Design: Bowler James Brindley

Art Consultant: Adam Ellis Studio, Tomkinson Churcher

Graphic Design: Christian Hills Design

Main Contractor: Revo Leisure Services

Project Manager: KeyTask Management www.sunstreethotel.com

Hotel des Horlogers

VALLÉE DE JOUX

Audemars Piguet enlists Bjarke Ingels Group to design a hotel that honours the craftsmanship of its timepieces while encouraging guests to connect with nature.

The tradition of watchmaking in Vallée de Joux dates back centuries, with the picturesque region widely regarded as the birthplace of Swiss horology. Its inception came in the 1700s, when farmers were unable to tend the snow-covered land through the long winter months and so started making timepieces using surplus iron from the local mines. Over the years, the craft gained prestige for its mechanical precision and quality of finish, becoming known as ‘haute horlogerie’ to represent the highest standard in watchmaking.

Today, the valley is still home to several watchmakers, many of whom have opened their doors to offer guided tours, becoming tourist attractions in their own right. Audemars Piguet, founded in the village of Le Brassus in 1875, has gone a step further, creating first a museum to tell the story of the timepieces, and now a hotel, the idea being that horologists can come from afar to observe the watchmaking process, then stay on a few days to explore the surrounding mountain trails.

The museum made its debut in 2020 in a newbuild structure tucked behind the original workshop – a historic house that continues to serve as the company headquarters. Almost invisible from across the valley, it takes the form of a glass-fronted spiral built into the landscape, the shape inspired by the spring of a watch and conceived by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). It was during the construction of this project that BIG was asked to expand its remit and design a hotel component directly alongside, replacing the existing lodgings that were no longer fit for purpose. Taking a similar approach, the new building also follows the contours of the land, only this time in a linear zig-zagging pattern, much like the route taken by a skier traversing the slopes. There’s a clear synergy between the two, and though contemporary, combine aspects of tradition and locale. “In designing the museum, our aim was to respect what was there already, but create something new that has its own identity and adds to the context,” explains Daniel Sundlin, Partner at Bjarke Ingels

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: © Christophe Voisin (unless otherwise stated)

In the bar, giant lights are shaped like the bedrock of the nearby lake, their scale creating a cocooning effect to counter the high ceilings

Group. “The museum is nestled into the landscape behind the historical building waiting to be discovered; this idea of discovery and using topography as part of the design was also the driver for the hotel.”

The resulting hotel appears as a sequence of stepped terraces, which work twofold in minimising the visual impact on the valley and bringing guests closer to nature. “It was important that the look and feel of the hotel integrates with its surroundings, so a major part of our development process was to explore options that break down scale,” Sundlin confirms, adding that the sloping tiers create a gentler perception than typical monolithic slab construction.

Sensitivity to the surroundings has been a key consideration across the entire development. In line with Audemars Piguet’s commitment to sustainability, the hotel has achieved a Minergie-Eco certification for its energy efficiency and responsible construction. Photovoltaic panels and a green roof are amongst the initiatives implemented, supported by a wellchosen material palette and intelligent architectural methods. “A lot of the decision-making for the project was based on performance,” Sundlin explains. “The

predominant materials are concrete and mass timber, which are used both in the structural elements and exterior cladding. Enveloping the building, a system of interwoven timber louvers inspired by the log cabin aesthetic provide shade for the façade, enhancing the building’s energy performance.”

The glazing has also been selected for its performance – particularly significant given that the valley-facing façade comprises floor-to-ceiling, wallto-wall windows fronting all 50 guestrooms. “This specific glass is highly reflective,” Sundlin points out. “The more it reflects the light, the lower the energy needs of the building.”

The use of glass, concrete and mass timber extends inside too, fostering a fluidity between indoors and out, both in terms of materiality and spatial organisation. The form of the building, for instance, means corridors aren’t stacked on top of one another in the typical way; instead, there’s a continuous path from the top floor down to the lobby and out to the trails that cross the valley – not a stair in sight. And, like the valley, the material palette is natural and honest, with little in the way of ornamentation. In fact, the entire interior

The architecture and interiors are designed to bring guests closer to nature, with features including a sculptural installation in the lobby depicting a network of tree roots

design scheme – led by Pierre Minassian of AUM – is very much inspired by nature. Setting the scene, a sculptural installation suspended over the lobby shows a network of tree roots as if underground, while a string curtain behind reception represents the thread-like mycelium. At check-in, a curvilinear desk has been inspired by ammonites found in the glaciers that once covered the valley, its repeating timber grooves representing the chambers of the shell. And in the adjacent bar, giant lights are shaped like the bedrock of the nearby lake, their scale creating a cocooning effect to counter the high ceilings. The lighting features can also be seen in the restaurant – named Le Gogant in honour of a giant fir tree – where chairs and banquettes curve softly to mimic pebbles by the lake and colossal slabs of stone, carved on site to represent the nearby peaks, effectively separate the dining room from the service area.

The natural world makes its mark on the guestrooms too, most noticeably in the use of timber across surfaces and furniture, but also in the leaf-like lighting installation over the bed, which casts a therapeutic glow come dusk. Then there’s the frosted glass that separates the bedroom and bathroom, printed in designs that follow the contours of the valley.

What may come as a surprise in a hotel owned by Audemars Piguet, is that there’s little reference to the brand. Or at least, not on the surface. According to General Manager André Cheminade, it was important that the hotel be

Providing you with the best

LEAVE THE REST TO US

embraced by the entire community, once again becoming a meeting place for watchmakers –even those from competitive ateliers – as it was historically. For this reason, the Audemars Piguet name doesn’t hang above the door. And a gallery space in the lobby isn’t there as a shop window for branded luxury goods; instead it holds a vast library of books on the genre of horlogerie. The relationship between watchmaking and the built structure is rather more intelligent. “What I find interesting about the watchmaking process is that that every component has a purpose and every material choice is carefully considered –a watch is designed to last,” explains Sundlin. “Architecture is quite similar in that sense. We were very much inspired by the idea of letting the materials and the performance of the building become an integral part of the design.”

For François-Henry Bennahmias, Audemars Piguet’s CEO, it was also important that the hotel gives back, in much the same way as the group’s own foundation. As such, the vast majority of wares within the hotel are from the surrounding

canton. Ceramic vases are made in a workshop on the shores of Lac du Joux; bottled beers are from Septentrion, a craft brewery founded in the valley; and the coffee is roasted in the nearby village of Vaulion by the Roger family. The hotel also filters its own drinking water, making a donation to Jura Vaudois Nature Park for every bottle sold.

Hotel des Horlogers also seeks to give back to its guests, though in an altogether different way; the gift of time. Everything runs like clockwork here, so there’s no agonising wait at check-in or lengthy queue for the breakfast buffet, making time to enjoy a leisurely glass of wine while taking in the panorama, or relax in the sauna, beautifully crafted by Klafs. The hotel’s philosophy is perhaps best illustrated by the humble pencil that sits on the desk. A functional writing tool, of course, but thanks to a biodegradable seed capsule at its tip, it can be planted after use to grow thyme. In a clever play on words, the text engraved along the shaft simply states, Make Thyme.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Audemars Piguet

Architecture: Bjarke Ingels Group

Interior Design: AUM

Execution: CCHE

Environmental Engineer: Alterego Concept

Façade Engineer: BCS Façades www.hoteldeshorlogers.com

It looks like a normal toilet, but there’s something about it:

The integrated shower function cleans with a gentle, warm water jet, giving you a feeling of pure freshness. At the turn of a button. TECEone can be operated intuitively. No power supply. No gimmicks. Perfect hygiene at an attractive price.

www.tece.com/teceone

Looks good – and it’s easy to use, too: You can easily regulate the temperature and amount of water using the regulators on the side.

DESIGN DETAILS

Ekies All Senses Resort

Gone are the days of luxury being defined by sleek surfaces polished to a high shine, with today’s travellers often favouring a more natural aesthetic that recalls the rustic way of life. This shift has been the motivation behind the look and feel of Ekies All Senses Resort since it first opened on the island of Halkidiki, and ever more so in the collection of new suites launched for 2023. “We celebrate our Greek roots in a contemporary way, using natural and unrefined materials combined with unique pieces by notable designers,” explains hotelier Alexandra Efstathiadou, who is led by an ongoing commitment to evolve facilities. New villas, a treehouse restaurant and an organic farm have been added in recent years, while the latest enhancements include the upgrade of 12 suites designed in collaboration with Agarch+ Architects and Rania Stamataki. Interiors are inspired by the caves that dot the island’s coastline and feature organic materials such as concrete, terracotta and clay – often left untreated to showcase their natural beauty. Mosaic tiling is made from Halkidiki stone, desks are crafted from raw marble from nearby Thassos and Kavala, and the hand-beaten iron furniture is made by renowned metalworker Yiorgos Vargiamis. “High aesthetics, simple forms and clean lines are some of Ekies’ fundamental characteristics that define our approach to architecture style and interior decoration,” continues Efstathiadou. “We always aim to design relaxing and welcoming rooms based on natural elements, which at the same time work as a platform for the creativity of local and international artists. Therefore, we invested in unique local craftsmanship, in international design objects and in contemporary Greek artwork to create an inspiring place to stay, where authenticity enhances the essence of living in nature.”

HOTEL CONVERSION

Vipp Palazzo Monti

Despite dating back thousands of years, frescoes remain a compelling art form in modern times – just ask the millions who flock to see Michelangelo’s masterpieces every year. Acknowledging this creative heritage, Danish design brand Vipp is placing frescoes centre stage through its conversion of a 13th century palazzo as part of Milan Design Week. Since 2017, the mansion has hosted over 200 artists-in-residence under the aegis of curator and founder Edoardo Monti. In April, the ephemeral venue will take on a new dimension, melding art, design and hospitality via a pop-up hotel experience that fuses Scandinavian Minimalism with Baroque Maximalism. Realised by Danish designer Julie Cloos Mølsgaard, the

liveable installation will create a dialogue between contemporary industrial design and historic craft, with Vipp’s minimalist furniture and lighting set against a backdrop of Venetian treasures. Heading up a voluminous staircase framed by pastel frescoes, guests will find a hallway, salon and bedroom, where they can feel as if they are stepping into an old master’s painting. “Celebrating contemporary art and design in classic frames, the interior scheme unveils a sophisticated dialogue between old and new,” explains Cloos Mølsgaard. “Historic ornamentation forms a complementing contrast with Vipp’s industrial design heritage. They say that opposites attract. I call it chemistry in its purest form.”

© Irina Boersma César Machado

SCAN ME!

Working in close collaboration with the professional team, BECK are delighted to have been the main contractor on The Carlton Tower Jumeirah. To find out more, please contact Vanessa Budd: vbudd@beckinteriors.com

THE CARLTON TOWER JUMEIRAH

AHEAD GLOBAL

Diverse, elemental, soulful and crafted – these are just a handful of the words used by the judging panel to describe the AHEAD Global 2022 winners during a virtual ceremony hosted by Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich.

Marking the culmination of four regional awards schemes, AHEAD Global saw triumphant projects from the Middle East and Africa, Asia, Americas and Europe compete head-to-head across 18 categories to be named the best of the best. The panel of owners, operators, architects and designers were tasked with assessing each project on its commercial viability, creative excellence and ability to provide a memorable experience – this time on a global scale. As part of the judging process, the panel were tasked with identifying trends prevalent both worldwide and within their respective regions.

The big winner of the ceremony was The Londoner, scooping three awards including the highly coveted Ultimate Accolade. “As a project that started in 2008, The Londoner is a real milestone in the Edwardian Hotels family’s 45-year history, bringing with it lots of challenges right up until opening, from constructing a 16-storey building in the heart of London’s West End to opening in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Krishma Singh Dear, Head of Design at Edwardian Hotels. “Receiving recognition and accolades of this sort, particularly from the AHEAD Awards, reaffirms our team’s dedication to the project.”

The virtual ceremony is available to watch online in full, where you can view the winning presentations and hear the judging panel share their thoughts on the triumphant projects.

AHEAD GLOBAL 2022 WINNERS

BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE

Punch Room at The Madrid Edition – Madrid, Spain

KKH / Archer / Marriott International / Edition Hotels /

ISC Design Studio / François Champsaur / John Pawson CBE

EVENT SPACES

The Londoner – London, UK

Edwardian Hotels London / Woods Bagot / Yabu Pushelberg

GUESTROOMS

Monastero Arx Vivendi – Arco, Italy

HM Monastero / Network Of Architecture (Noa*)

HOTEL CONVERSION

Shangri-La Shougang Park – Beijing, China

Shougang Group / Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts /

Lissoni Casal Ribeiro

HOTEL NEWBUILD

The Londoner – London, UK

Edwardian Hotels London / Woods Bagot / Yabu Pushelberg

HOTEL RENOVATION & RESTORATION

Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay – Singapore

UOL Group / Pan Pacific Hotels Group /

FDAT Architects

LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES

Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape – Bali

Banyan Tree Holdings / Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts / Gede Kresna / Ramawijaya International Design / Studio Tana

LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES

Shangri-La Shougang Park – Beijing, China

Shougang Group / Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts /

Lissoni Casal Ribeiro

LODGES, CABINS AND TENTED CAMPS

Playa Viva – Juluchuca, Mexico

David Leventhal / Playa Viva / Nomadic Resorts /

Jorg Stamm / Regenesis

RESORT

Habitas AlUla – Ashar Valley, Saudi Arabia

Habitas

RESTAURANT

The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park – London, UK

Maximal Concepts / Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group / BradyWilliams / Woods Hardwick

SPA & WELLNESS

The Bathhouse at Castello di Reschio – Perugia, Italy

Count Benedikt Bolza / BB for Reschio /

Lorenzo Maria Galeazzi / Katherine Kokkinides

SUITE

Kálesma Mykonos – Greece

Alogomandra Sunset / K-Studio / Studio Bonarchi

TRANSPORT

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Paris, France

Belmond / Wimberly Interiors

VISUAL IDENTITY

Carlyle & Co. – Rosewood Hong Kong, China

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts / Studioilse / Yang Rutherford

SUSTAINABILITY

Hotel Terrestre – Oaxaca, Mexico

R&B+K Constructora / Grupo Habita / Taller de Arquitectura X / Fernanda Romandia & Diana Backal

NEW CONCEPT

Desa Potato Head – Seminyak, Bali

PTT Family / OMA / Andra Matin

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Lolebezi Safari Lodge – Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

African Bush Camps / Fox Browne Creative / Jack Alexander

ULTIMATE ACCOLADE

The Londoner – London, UK

Edwardian Hotels London / Woods Bagot / Yabu Pushelberg

Winners at AHEAD Global include (clockwise from top left): The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park; Habitas AlUla; Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay; The Londoner; Hotel Terrestre; and Desa Potato Head

2023 ENTRIES NOW OPEN

CALLING ALL ARCHITECTS, INTERIOR DESIGNERS, DEVELOPERS AND HOTELIERS...

If you recently worked on a hotel, resort or similar hospitality project, it could be eligible for an AHEAD award.

Since launching in 2017, AHEAD celebrates outstanding new hospitality projects each year, recognising everything from guestrooms and suites to hotel bars and restaurants.

20 SEPTEMBER 2023

PARKROYAL COLLECTION

MARINA BAY - SINGAPORE ENTRY DEADLINE

28 APRIL

27 SEPTEMBER 2023

W THE PALM - DUBAI ENTRY DEADLINE 28 APRIL

19 OCTOBER 2023

WEYLIN - NEW YORK ENTRY DEADLINE 28 APRIL

17 NOVEMBER 2023

EVOLUTION - LONDON ENTRY DEADLINE 28 JULY

Sleeper Sessions

21-23 February 2023

DANANG

Following the success of the inaugural Sleeper Sessions in Mykonos, specifiers and suppliers in hospitality design head to Danang for three days of symposia and sustenance.

Launched in the pandemic to meet demand for a more intimate event that is insightful, inspirational and effective for business, Sleeper Sessions made its Asia Pacific debut in February, attracting specifiers and suppliers from across the region for a programme of symposia and sustenance.

Held at Sheraton Grand Danang, the event followed the format of the inaugural Sleeper Sessions in Mykonos last May, only this time with a focus on hospitality experience and design in Vietnam.

In attendance, developers, operators, architects and designers – all actively working on hotel projects throughout Asia Pacific and beyond – included AB Concept, Azotels, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Zaha Hadid Architects, who were eager to discover the latest product solutions and services on the market. Making up the supplier guest list, B&B Italia, Hansgrohe, Preciosa and RH Contract joined specialists in art curation, drapery, switches and surfaces, presenting their wares to a captive audience.

Across the three days, the programme fell into four key areas: Sync – a series of scheduled meetings between specifier and supplier; Symposia – thought-provoking conversations with a sense of place; Sustenance –meaningful activities that nourish the mind, body and soul; and Social –hosted dinners and evening networking in a relaxed setting. The ultimate aim? To share ideas, strike up new friendships and make meaningful connections that continue long after the event has wrapped.

Words: Catherine Martin

Photography: © Tin Nguyen / Courtesy of Sleeper Media

WHY VIETNAM?

Vietnam has one of the most active development pipelines in Asia Pacific according to data from THP, making it a prime location for Sleeper Sessions. The country has a total of 138 hotels listed in the THP database – either in planning or under construction – accounting for over 50,000 rooms. Following full reopening after the pandemic, international tourist arrivals are soaring, and what’s notable is the demographic spread, with travellers ranging from backpackers to honeymooners to high spenders. This is echoed in the variety of hotels on the boards; architects and designers in attendance at Sleeper Sessions revealed just some of the projects they’re working on – a Four Seasons in Hanoi, a Hyatt Regency in Halong Bay and a Wink Hotel in Danang.

THE BEAUTY OF BAMBOO

The beauty of bamboo was explored in depth at Sleeper Sessions, first in a Symposia session led by Louis Thompson, founder and CEO of Nomadic Resorts. Thompson opened with a look at the uses of bamboo, pointing out that every part of the plant has a purpose, from the fresh shoots used in culinary creations to the leaves and branches for biomass fuel. He went on to showcase the furniture, lighting and fully formed structures made using bamboo, referencing the work of Vietnamese firm Vo Trong Nghia Architects as well as hospitality projects in the Nomadic Resorts portfolio. At Wild Coast Tented Lodge for example, bamboo is used to craft a striking chandelier over the bar, while at Playa Viva in Mexico, it forms treehouses, a dining tower and a yoga pavilion. In the Sustenance session, Thompson invited attendees to experience building with bamboo first-hand. Ably supported by Taboo Bamboo Workshop and installation artist Holland, Sleeper Sessions built a bamboo structure from scratch, first creating a lattice, then raising and bending the frame to form a curving pavilion on the beach.

CREATIVE CUISINE

Also spanning Symposia and Sustenance sessions, star chef and culinary ambassador Peter Cuong Franklin ventured into the delights of Vietnamese cuisine. Speaking about his restaurant, Anan – the first in Ho Chi Minh City to be awarded Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2021 – the chef explained his approach to “new cuisine” and strive for authenticity. Inspired by the country’s vibrant street food scene, Cuong Franklin combines fresh ingredients sourced from local markets with French culinary techniques honed during his Cordon Bleu training. The chef also showcased his skills in a live cooking demonstration, in which attendees participated in perfecting the Vietnamese spring roll. And with the imminent arrival of the Michelin Guide in Vietnam, he stated: “The food scene is constantly changing here. With Michelin coming, I think the dining scene will grow tremendously, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. It will attract more talent and improve quality.”

THE ART OF STORY-TELLING

Story-telling is at the heart of hospitality experience and design, impacting every aspect of a guest’s stay, from the way they interact with a space to the memories it forges. With this in mind, four speakers were asked to explore the challenges and opportunities of working in Vietnam, using their own projects as a point of reference. Clint Nagata, founder and Creative Partner at Blink Design Group told the tale behind the creation of Regent Phu Quoc, while Piya Thamchariyawat, Principal and Senior Creative Director at EDG Design talked about delivering emotion through design, stating: “New luxury guests are looking for experiences and brands with soul and intention, not just glitz and glamour.”

Virginie de Paeuw, Design Director at The Design Lab, spoke of the “positive learnings” from her extensive experience in Vietnam, which includes working with Six Senses, Mandarin Oriental and Aman as they enter the market. And David Hodkinson, co-founder and Design Director at Studio Noor, discussed the supply chain challenges faced in the region in the early 2000s, as well as his pride in the completion of Azerai Ke Ga Bay, where every surface and piece of furniture is designed and made in Vietnam.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Firmly rooting Sleeper Sessions in its setting, Symposia sessions throughout the event offered a snapshot of the hospitality market in Vietnam. Mauro Gasparotti, Director at Savills Hotels, explained how the increase in tourist arrivals – particularly from China and Korea – has been a driver for new development, encouraging international groups to build a presence in the country. He also revealed that the resort destination of Phu Quoc has seen significant growth over the past decade, while there’s increasing interest in Vietnam’s mountainous regions.

Further giving a taste of the nation’s offer, David Kaye, Brand Director at Wink Hotels, took attendees on a culture trip, journeying from the sprawling cities of Ho Chi Minh, Halong and Danang, to the coast and countryside. He explored heritage, contemporary design, tourism and dining destinations, and how such themes have contributed to the changing face of hospitality, closing with a look at the Wink Hotels portfolio and its bold approach to affordable luxury.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Networking opportunities across Sleeper Sessions extended to the more leisurely setting of the poolside, bar and evening receptions hosted on the hotel’s lawns. The closing night brought attendees together for a barefoot dinner on the beach, where lanterns cast an atmospheric glow across the sand. A campfire beneath the bamboo pavilion was a focal point for the evening, where guests were invited to pen their hopes and dreams for the future and tie it to the bamboo, making for a lasting memorable moment.

The third Sleeper Sessions will take place in Dubrovnik from 9-11 May 2023, while the next Asia Pacific edition will be in Phuket (dates announced soon). To express your interest in attending, visit: www.sleepersessions.com

MEET AGAIN

Hotel Construction Pipeline Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific continues to lead the way as the most active region in the world for new hotel development, with 3,205 projects in the pipeline according to the latest data from THP, amounting to a total of 743,537 rooms being planned.

By country, China eclipses the rest of the top ten with 1,519 projects on the boards; by comparison, second-place India counts 192 projects and third-place Australia has 180 projects. Naturally, the People’s Republic monopolises the urban landscape too, with nine out of ten most-active cities being in China. Shanghai jumps above Chengdu to claim top spot, while Wuhan makes the list as it emerges from the impact of the pandemic.

Elsewhere in the region, New Zealand reports promising growth with 24 projects listed in the THP database. Auckland has attracted interest from international players including Marriott, IHG and Accor, with the latter set to bring Ennismore brands Hyde, Tribe and Jo&Joe to the city in 2024. The launches will join Accor’s expanding portfolio across Australasia, which includes SO/ Melbourne, Mondrian Gold Coast and 25hours Hotel Sydney – all of which are slated to open by the end of 2025.

In all, Asia Pacific is set to add almost 300,000 rooms to its inventory in 2023, with a further 170,000+ due to open through 2024.

THP is a data service to support the design, build, furnishing and operation of hotels worldwide. For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Of the 743,537 rooms in the pipeline, 22% (763 projects) are in the planning phase and a further 59% (1,794 projects) are under construction. It is within these phases that interior design schemes and FF&E fit-outs are being planned and implemented.

GROUPS AND BRANDS

Of the global hotel groups, Marriott International has the largest pipeline in Asia Pacific, led by the growth of its signature brand. The operator has also announced plans to expand its select-service portfolio in Greater China, with 30 new hotels expected to open across brands including Moxy, Aloft and Element.

FULL FIT-OUT CONTRACTOR TO EUROPE’S BEST HOTEL, THE LONDONER

The first to blink

The economic shocks of recent months have slowed down investment activity in hotels, as in other asset classes. But with investor cash piling up, it’s a bet on when, rather than if, the hotel market picks up once more.

The investment market is quietly reassessing the situation, according to agents. Those eyeing problematic debt refinance later in the year are looking at options, which could include disposals or approaches to alternative lenders. And, with operational businesses delivering good cashflow, agents mention several deals that have unravelled previous positions.

As Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) noted in its recent 2023 forecast: “Certain buyer groups, such as private equity and REITs, will probably play a smaller role this year given the wider pressures on their businesses.”

Private equity is, for now, sitting and assessing the situation. But it will not be a long wait before opportunities are spotted. Jon Gray, COO of Blackstone, said on a recent earnings call that key property asset classes remain their preferred investments: “Given our concerns around rising interest rates and inflation, we concentrated over 80% of our current real estate portfolio in sectors where strong cash flow growth could help offset these headwinds, including logistics, rental housing, life science office, hotels and data centres.”

And CEO Steve Schwarzman confirmed Blackstone’s place in the market: “With almost USD187bn of dry powder, we have more capital than almost any other financial investor in the world to buy assets opportunistically when values are low and liquidity is scarce.” The company is looking to pull in further thirdparty investment capital for a fresh European opportunistic investment fund during this year.

And at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit 2023, there were plenty of panel

discussions around what happens next. Steve Goldman, managing director at Starwood Capital Group, said all the major private equity players have cash to deploy. “We’re all waiting for three or four months to see what happens. If it doesn’t look like a tsunami, we may all start to flow in because the fundamentals are inherently good.”

Gilda Perez-Alvarado, global CEO, JLL Hotels & Hospitality, said the sector in general is poised to see action. “We have a lot of debt maturities. We have a lot of debt extension tests that are not going to be met. And most importantly, we have a lot of capex needs in our sector. These are great catalysts for a great wave of product to move. I know there’s been talk about this for a while. But time’s up.”

She added that opportunities are already out there. “If you look at what’s available for investment right now in Europe, you could buy one of the world’s most attractive portfolios. There are assets that are irreplaceable and currently available for investment in Paris, London, Rome, Geneva and Barcelona.”

“There are a few things happening offmarket, but not much openly,” said Jon Hubbard, head of hospitality for EMEA at Cushman & Wakefield. Across the firm’s Europe capital markets team, he said “we’re not seeing much discounting across Europe. I think there has been a repricing in London, but there’s not been a lot of evidence.”

“We’ve been observing a slowdown in the M&A market since the third quarter of 2022,” added Frank Croston, partner at HamiltonPyramid Europe who not only manages hotels, but supports clients making hospitality investments. He expects the slowdown to abate by mid-year, as inflation and debt costs settle. “We’re seeing no lessening of the strategic desire to grow in Europe.”

Andrew Harrington of AHV Associates explained that the pressure on funds to invest,

combined with the relative attractiveness of hotels, means that the brakes are already off in dealmaking circles. “Among the real asset classes, it’s one of the most inflation resistant. Deals are happening now – the pace picked up at the end of last year, and it has continued.”

Harrington said he believes there will be minimal distress from debt that needs to be refinanced this year – even if costs will inevitably rise. “I do not see any great desire from lenders to foreclose – they will be flexible, debt will be repriced, and there are new lenders out there too.”

The repricing of debt has certainly encouraged new lenders into the space. Cushmans recently advised on the refinancing of GBP200m of debt for Vivion Investments, which saw M&G provide the senior debt in a five year deal. The debt has a fixed 3.95% margin, with a bullet maturity due in October 2027, and with other cash facilities, enabled Vivion to pay off an existing GBP272m outstanding facility.

Hubbard said that the loan, secured against a part of Vivion’s UK hotel portfolio, comes from a lender with further appetite. “They’re an active debt market team and they understand the UK hotel market, but they’re quite forensic about their business.”

The combination of rising debt prices, in addition to pressure on asset pricing, means some owners are now looking to sell up or restack their debt. Situations opening up include ground rents, as well as an opportunity for operational businesses to plough cash into their assets.

Whitbread, for example, recently purchased its Premier Inn in London’s Holborn, paying up to GBP40m for the 153-room asset. The deal provided cash for the seller, M&G, to meet redemption requests in its Secured Property Income Fund. M&G had backed the hotel in 2017, leasing it to Whitbread on completion.

“We’ve just acted for a client where we

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

bought in a ground rent,” said Hubbard. “It’s a nice time in the market for an operator to buy back in.”

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Chris Bown: While the private equity investors wait for the market to return to a point where they can more comfortably jump back in, there appears to be plenty of smaller, quieter skirmishes taking place.

Those with a refinancing later in the year are now scoping out their options – off-market sale, ground rent deal, or an approach to a new lender – and it is these sorts of deals, as opposed to big portfolio disposals, that are keeping agents busy right now. And the shifting sands of debt cost, set against positive cashflow from operating hotels, are throwing up fresh opportunities. The Premier Inn Holborn deal is not the only situation where an operator is buying back their hotel, we understand.

While the real opportunists are doing the smaller deals, the big guns will spend the next couple of weeks poring over results presentations from the big hotel groups, due imminently, for signs of market weakness – or a signal that it’s time to jump back in, as the water’s just fine.

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Andrew Sangster: At DLA Piper’s 5th International Real Estate Summit, held in London at the start of February 2023, speakers and delegates repeatedly returned to the question of the change in debt markets over the past year.

Natalie Howard, head of real estate debt at Schroders, captured sentiment with her comments during the opening panel session: “We have seen a fundamental shift in the availability of debt. European banks can longer extend and pretend as it costs them more capital.”

Every bank in Q3 last year said it was on pause. And this won’t change in the foreseeable future, warned Howard.

The result has been the expansion of alternative lenders, rapidly in the UK and more gradually in the Eurozone. But even some alternative lenders were

no longer lending. “There will be an evolution over time as people get used to the changed environment for real estate debt,” said Howard. Covenant requirements had increased, leverage was down and lenders were underwriting substantial further declines in value.

“You cannot have the risk-free rate above real estate returns. It has to be two to three points above,” Howard explained, noting that the private sector will align itself with the Net Asset Values of the publicly quoted companies.

The problem with lending at the moment was the unaligned expectations. Howard said that she thought borrowers were getting 50% LTV but the borrower would think it was 40%.

David Matheson, managing director and head of real estate at Starwood Capital Group, agreed that liquidity had left the system and was impacting the cost of financing. But it would take a long time to work its way through the system, he added.

As an example of the shift in debt pricing, he cited an examplar logistics deal financed at 55% LTV a year ago would have an all-in financing cost of 3.5%. That same deal today would be 6.5% to 7%.

How long the correction would take depends on inflation and recession, said Matheson. He feared some people were beginning to believe in an “immaculate disinflation”. The key was getting through the next couple of years.

Philip Barrett, global head of business and investment operations at PGIM Real Estate, commented: “The last time we had negative leverage was 15-plus years ago. Free money is clearly over and we are having to educate staff.”

Leverage is a tool and not the answer, added Barrett. PGIM focused on unleveraged returns and some strategies used no leverage. The yield for 10-year Gilts was above 12% as recently as 1990, pointed out Barrett.

The most optimistic note was struck by Martin Bruhl, chief investment officer of Union Investment Real Estate. He argued that there was so much money around that debt will come back quicker than people currently think.

There will still have to be adjustments, according to Bruhl: “We are seeing the birth of a new real estate cycle. We’ve kept our powder dry. Buyers have tomorrow’s prices and sellers have yesterday’s.”

This somewhat dismal capital markets outlook for real estate investment from more generalist real estate investors fails to capture the opportunities that exist in certain occupational markets, as PGIM’s Barrett pointed out.

The macro position is not controllable for real estate investors but the occupational markets, at least in terms of which ones are the best bet, is a controllable. Hospitality has rarely, if ever, looked so comparatively good as it does today.

Time for more brands

2023 has brought a pair of new brands, as the large international hotel groups look to further slice and dice the customer base.

Hilton has come up with Spark, an economy brand firmly tilted at grabbing conversion opportunities. Accor has launched a new collection brand aiming to have broad appeal. And the Virgin group has opted to combine its various hotel and accommodation enterprises under a new collection umbrella.

Spark, says Hilton, is a new “premium economy” brand “to meet the needs of guests and owners seeking value, quality and consistency”. Up front, the company is presenting the brand as a cost-effective conversion opportunity for owners, making a virtue of its simplicity. There is a promise of digital check-in, and a free breakfast offering built around a “signature” bagel bar, and suggestions of a USD85-100 per night price point.

Hilton says it has already signed more than 100 deals across the US, and the first Spark branded hotels will open before the year-end.

As to an international roll-out of the brand, Hilton told Hotel Analyst: “Based on the research we conducted to build the brand, we

anticipate that Spark will begin in the US where we believe we can quickly scale up. The brand will focus on markets that will benefit from consistency in the premium economy segment, including untapped markets where Hilton has not previously had a footprint. From there, we will continue to look for future opportunities to expand the brand globally to meet the needs of even more guests and owners.”

This is Hilton’s second brand launch in recent months, following the announcement of Tempo last autumn, which will launch with a large hotel in central New York.

According to Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer at Hilton: “In looking at the economy category, we saw a segment that has grown dramatically but lacks consistency, providing us an opportunity to deliver on the needs of this underserved segment of travellers.”

“In many respects the important thing here is not actually the specific brand in question, it’s the ‘by Hilton’ in the endorsement, which our research shows does an enormous amount of heavy lifting all over the globe,” said James Bland, director at BVA BDRC. “Not all endorsements work as hard, of course, but when you have one that is so well-known globally, you can be pretty confident that whatever you apply it to will benefit.”

And Accor has added its third collection brand, the Handwritten Collection, this time looking to a broader mid-market of independent hoteliers. The addition joins MGallery and Emblems and meets, said the company, an increased desire from independent hoteliers to link to a marketing and distribution system with scale.

“We noticed there was a gap for a midscale plus collection brand,” said Camil Yazbeck, global chief development officer for Accor’s new premium, midscale & economy division. “Independent hotels have realised even more during the pandemic how they need Accor’s distribution while retaining their individuality.”

The group has signed 800 keys into its

franchise contracts, with hotels in China, France and Australia opening later this year. “Collection brands are one of the highest growth hotel categories. There’s three times more signings in collection brands than traditional brands, over the last three years.” He pointed to the limited investment, flexibility of franchise contracts, and immediate return on investment as attractions for hotel owners.

Handwritten is looking for an average 50-150 room count, but will consider larger properties, depending on location. Hotels will need to offer round the clock services, but a full-service restaurant is optional. “We want to continue the growth – independent hotels are increasingly seeking the strength of Accor’s powerful sales and distribution, as well as keeping tight control of costs.”

The addition means Accor now has more than 40 brands, contrasting with 12 a decade ago. And Yazbeck said, the group is signing more than one hotel a day on average.

A couple of days before revealing Handwritten, Accor also announced a new platform pointed clearly at helping it brand up more serviced residences, and even residential developments, in future. Accor One Living aims to group together a number of services to support developers and investors who are considering how to maximise residential development values, notably where those elements are being planned alongside a branded hotel or resort.

Jeff Tisdall is heading the new platform, which he said was “based on the tremendous success that we’ve earned as a leader in the branded residences and mixed-use category.

Accor One Living will deliver unmatched value to our investment partners as we build extraordinary places to live, work and play for a new generation of homeowners, guests and global explorers.”

Accor currently counts more than 135 branded residence projects open or in development, under 22 of its brands.

“It’s almost like those of us a few years ago who predicted no let up in the number of new brands, were onto something,” added BVA BDRC’s Bland. “It’s a question of fundamentals, so long as consumers crave something different and hotel companies seek system growth, the forces driving more brands will be greater than the forces driving fewer. The world’s a pretty big place, so brands don’t need to be fully global to nonetheless become significant.”

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Chris Bown: Spark feels like a real departure for Hilton, taking it into a new area of the market frequented by brands from Choice and Wyndham. Perhaps Hilton executives are reacting to having watched those more lowly brands power through the pandemic, filling their rooms with essential travelling blue collar workers – and then grabbing strong leisure demand as the world reopened.

In some respects, Hilton has been here before. It launched Hampton into the economy space, only to see the brand gather its own momentum, and head upmarket from its launch positioning. The upset at getting the positioning wrong was surely more than offset by the far better than expected room rates. In the UK, we heard of a modern, well-located Hampton booking at higher room rates than a Hilton in a nearby town, as an example of how strongly consumers took to the brand – or perhaps reflecting how shabby some Hiltons were allowed to become.

And Accor’s foray into much broader scale collection branding follows a much slower, more niche, gentler start with MGallery and Emblems. Handwritten will surely grab plenty of signings –already, there are commitments from across Europe as well as Asia, with the lofty ambition of 250 signings by 2030. We wouldn’t bet against it.

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Andrew Sangster: Who are hotel brands for?

This may seem like a daft question but they serve two distinct audiences: property owners and guests. The global hotel brand companies, who are all asset-

light – with the arguable exception of Hyatt – have to straddle both constituencies, including Hyatt.

In the asset-light business model, profits are driven by three variables: RevPAR, royalty rate and net unit growth. Only in the first do guests matter most. Royalty rate and NUG are impacted by owner relations more, although a brand’s ability to attract guests is obviously critical here too.

A new brand like Spark by Hilton has to show a degree of brand preference by guests, but it needs to smash it out of the park in terms of its appeal with owners. Get the owner proposition right and there is a virtuous circle; more signings mean a stronger network, which means better guest recognition, better RevPAR and ultimately then more signings.

But there is more to the evolution of the current brand architecture than this. Accor is perhaps the best example of a company that is taking the hotel brand to a different place.

The historic structure of brands as being related to chain scale segment has been completely disrupted, at least in the lifestyle and luxury division. There are myriad overlapping brands and the notion of ‘swim lanes’ has been abandoned in a push to deliver idiosyncratic offers that can result in deeper and more meaningful connections with guests.

Within Accor, the power brands division –officially titled Premium, Midscale and Economy, is perhaps less of a mélange but there is a clear overlap between Swissotel, Movenpick and Pullman. And this division has a structure similar to other hotel brand companies. The real difference, however, is the Luxury and Lifestyle division, which is grouped not on geographic lines but under four brand houses. Accor has described this approach as being based on that of luxury brand companies like LVMH.

A lot will depend on execution, but Accor is on to something. It understands that hotel brands are no longer purely about service but about delivering an experience. The service element, the delivery of a clean room, comfy bed, good shower and access to quality F&B, are table stakes for hoteliers.

Today, guests want to have something of meaning that leaves them with memories. Social psychologists

would define this in terms of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Accor wants its brands to be at the pinnacle of this pyramid, to be delivering self-actualisation.

It is similar to what leading brand owners in other industries have been doing for years. LVMH is an obvious example but perhaps easier to understand are car brands. An Audi and Skoda are essentially the same cars, both built on the same Volkswagen platform. But they appeal to different customers.

Marriott’s absorption of Starwood has been brilliantly executed but some critics suggest something of the specialness of Starwood’s brands has been lost. Keeping the flair and genius of brand founders is challenging and tough to do within a corporate culture like Marriott’s.

The Accor structure has – so far – been able to retain the talents of one of the founders of 25hours, Christoph Hoffmann, and the founder of Mama Shelter, Serge Trigano. This means that the unique abilities of entrepreneurs like this can work within the framework of a global brand company with much greater resources. If Accor pulls this off, then it will have a significant advantage over its blander corporate behemoth rivals.

The emergence of the lifestyle hotel trend, sometimes called the boutique hotel movement, has been accompanied by this tension between size and personality. Older readers may recall the public row decades ago between boutique hotel entrepreneur Gordon Campbell Gray and Juergen Bartels, then head of Le Meridien. Campbell Gray became furious with Bartels’ assertion that it was possible for a big group to execute a roll-out of a boutique chain. The argument was that by definition, boutique meant small hotel and small chain.

The failure of the Bartels project with Le Meridien was primarily down to financing but investors have nonetheless remained suspicious about whether boutique or lifestyle hotels can deliver at scale. Success at delivering on the promise of its Luxury and Lifestyle division will be transformational for Accor; and it will be a boon for the rest of the hotel sector, as it will certify that the industry is entering a new era of brand development.

Hotel Analyst is the news analysis service for those involved with financing hotel property or hotel operating companies.

For more information and to subscribe visit: www.hotelanalyst.co.uk

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry

1. London

London hotel performance remained steady in December 2022, with ADR and RevPAR coming in higher than the 2019 comparables for an eighth consecutive month; ADR was up 31.0% to GBP206.87, while RevPAR rose by 25.1%. Occupancy peaked at 93.7%, though like the rest of the year, remained below the 2019 comparable (-4.5%).

Occupancy 76.8%

ADR GBP206.87

RevPAR GBP158.89

2. Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s hotel performance held up in January 2023, with occupancy only marginally lower than pre-pandemic levels. Notably, the highest daily occupancies, peaking at 88.5%, were recorded on week nights, pointing to increased business travel. ADR and RevPAR meanwhile far exceeded recent comparables for the month, surpassing 2019 by 14.6% and 6.6%, respectively.

Occupancy 72.4%

ADR AED508.45

RevPAR AED368.16

3. Bangkok

For the opening month of 2023, Bangkok posted ADR of THB4,338.82 – 21.5% above the January 2019 level – marking its secondhighest on record. Occupancy and RevPAR remained below the pre-pandemic comparables by 19.7% and 2.4 respectively, despite an uplift in demand from international Chinese visitors following the country’s reopening.

Occupancy 67.5%

ADR THB4,338.82

RevPAR THB2,930.15

4. Melbourne

Melbourne’s hotel industry recorded its highest monthly ADR on record according to December 2022 data from STR, surpassing the 2019 comparable by 27.2%. Average occupancy for the month remained below pre-pandemic levels (-14.3%) however the removal of Covid restrictions in Victoria, along with the Australian Open in January, are expected to lift performance for Q1.

Occupancy 67.7%

ADR AUD236.53

RevPAR AUD160.22

STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors.

For more information and to subscribe visit: www.str.com

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WWW.CREATIVEMATTERSINC.COM LABEL STEP PARTNER – IMPROVING THE WORKING AND LIVING CONDITIONS OF CARPET WEAVERS, AS WELL AS PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY METHODS OF PRODUCTION.

ELEGANT DRAMA CREATED BY DREAMY GOLDS AND PEWTER HUES WITH AGATE . HANDTUFTED IN NEW ZEALAND WOOL AND CHINESE SILK WITH LOOP AND CUT PILE. MADE IN THAILAND.

SPOTLIGHT OUTDOOR FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES

From weather-resistant sofas to outdoor lighting, we share our top picks for products that enhance al fresco hospitality spaces.

B&B Italia Cordoba Outdoor

B&B Italia has enhanced its Cordoba armchair range with the introduction of an outdoor version made from new materials. The natural teak frame is combined with a polypropylene-reinforced canvas cover, particularly suitable for al fresco settings. To emphasise the harmonic and relaxed image of the armchair, the covers are offered in nature-inspired colours such as green, blue, brick and dove grey. At the end of its life cycle, all the components from Cordoba Outdoor can be separated and disposed of following the path most suitable for each material. “The Cordoba chair is a timeless design,” says Mike Holland, Head of Industrial Design at Foster + Partners. “The ergonomics have been finely tuned to provide the highest level of comfort and support.” www.bebitalia.com

Simplicity, clarity and logic were the guiding design principles for Alfred Homann when designing the AH Outdoor series for Carl Hansen. The collection comprises 11 pieces of untreated teak furniture, including dining tables and chairs, a bench, lounge tables and chairs and a lounger – all of which can be mixed-and-matched. Homann’s sense of soft shapes is paired with a rigorous aesthetic, as evidenced in the curved armrests, backrests and seats, where the braces elegantly grip the frame with hand-polished joints. The tables and chairs are stackable for ease-of-storage, exemplifying Homann’s understanding of form and function.

www.carlhansen.com

Design duo Birgit Hoffmann and Christoph Kahleyss created the original Leya model for Freifrau, which is now regarded as one of the new classics. To celebrate the chair’s 10th annniversary, the brand has commissioned an outdoor version, Leyasol, characterised by a filigree, weather-resistant wire frame in any airy shell shape that mimics feminine lines. Each frame is complemented by a removable soft cushion filled with high-quality artificial down. The Leyasol collection comprises lounge chairs with ottomans, a bar stool, swing seats, rocking chairs and two couches. Without supports, Leyasol looks like a work of art and a metal object at the same time.

www.freifrau.com

Envisioned by Mario Ruiz, Origin is a collection of outdoor furniture comprising stackable tables, sofas, loungers, armchairs and chairs. The minimalist range is crafted from powder-coated aluminium, which is both durable and 100% recyclable. The surface of the seats and backs of the chairs and loungers are made using texiline, while the cushions are upholstered in fabrics with resistance against sun exposure. “Origin looks like a simple collection, and it is,” explains Ruiz. “In fact, that’s the intention behind its design and is its defining feature because, despite what one may think, simple, straightforward pieces are the most difficult thing to design.”

www.point1920.com

Italian designer Rodolfo Dordoni has created the Eden sofa system for Roda, the brand’s first sofa collection to feature a structure that unites weather-resistant teak and painted stainless steel. The Eden system comprises one-, two- and three-seater modules as well as backrests that are fitted in a crossover and a hexagonal module. “The Eden system is an expression of synthesis, a project that draws on Roda’s expertise in terms of manufacturing processes and use of padding materials,” Dordoni comments. “It combines all these elements according to a more international, contemporary and versatile approach compared with the earlier collections.”

www.rodaonline.com

1. Carl Hansen AH Outdoor

2. Freifrau Leyasol

3. Point Origin

4. Roda Eden

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1. Coco Wolf Tamarindo Swivel Drum

The Tamarindo Swivel Drum range is part of the recently launched Coco Wolf luxury outdoor furniture collection. With its swivel base, the seating option features an ergonomic backrest that provides added comfort and support for a relaxing experience. Both versatile and customisable, Tamarindo Swivel Drum can be combined with the Tamarindo Round Dining Table to create an intimate dining area. Crafted in the UK using the finest materials, the swivel drum has been designed with luxury and durability in mind, boasting outdoor performance fabrics that bring not only sophistication but also weather- and fade-resistance to exterior environments.

www.cocowolf.co.uk

2. BD Barcelona Gardenias

BD Barcelona has enlisted Spanish designer Jaime Hayon to design Gardenias, a new collection of garden furniture. Subtlety, beauty and memory are omnipresent in its design, alongside a determination to make the range broad, varied, multipurpose and open. Gardenias translates the typically rigid image of outdoor metallic furniture into a romantic form with organic shapes often seen in timber furniture. Two years in the making, the series combines cast aluminium in curved form with extruded aluminium in the side sections to meet the demands of commercial use. BD Barcelona plans to expand the range with sculptural vases, terracotta planters and more.

www.bdbarcelona.com

3. Contardi Babu

Babu was born from Contardi’s collaboration with Massimiliano Raggi, creating a bright and unexpected glow in outdoor spaces. The collection has a strong personality, thanks to the presence of a large lampshade, made using threedimensional digital printing onto outdoor fabrics. A light that conveys depth and plays optical games with hypnotic charm, and is offered in two texture variants: Textile, with velvet trimmings, and Tribal, characterised by overlapping geometric shapes. The technical fabrics and steel base – treated for greater corrosion resistance – are also storm-proof, making Babu a longlasting product for commercial settings.

www.contardi-italia.com

4. Manutti Sandua

Designed by Robin Hapelt, Sandua is an organically-shaped seating and lounge range comprising dining chairs, lounge chairs, daybeds, footrests and a selection of rechargeable remote-controlled outdoor lighting solutions. Distinctly different from one another yet perfectly in sync, each piece in the series is an ode to true craftsmanship. Using two materials, Hapelt developed the collection’s signature Dicord weave – a new handwoven combination of rope and flat wicker, based on traditional Indonesian weaving techniques. Sandua is available in either a natural teak or teak scuro base with the option of dark anthracite or light pepper finishes.

www.manutti.com

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Belgian manufacturer Renson has developed Outdoor Living, a 30,000m2 inspiration park bringing together 30 high-end outdoor furniture and accessories brands. Designed by garden and landscape architecture firm Buro Groen alongside concept agency Maister, the park is divided into 12 individual settings, ranging from a modern urban garden to a luxurious villa with a pool and pool house, a wellness outdoor complex, a practical outdoor office, and an accessible village green or hotel plaza. Each area enables visitors to witness various outdoor living brands come to life.

“NOA Outdoor Living is a logical evolution in a vastly changed landscape, where people are no longer looking for a single product such as a patio cover, outdoor furniture or flooring, but for a comprehensive solution or full concept for the garden,” explains Paul Renson, CEO of Renson. “Together with the high-end brands, all experts in their fields, NOA Outdoor Living has become not only a full experience concept but also an ecosystem where, through cross-fertilisation, partners help each other to develop.”

The park features furniture by Extremis, Royal Botania and Coco Wolf, as well as floorcoverings from Schellevis, Duofuse and Vande Moortel; wooden patios and fences by Carpentier; and acoustic material by Petac. TV screens from Caerus Vision accompany speakers by Escape, while Bega and Kreon present lighting. Kitchens are from Cubic Outdoor Living, with barbecues by Ofyr, and Amani exhibits modular solutions. Elsewhere, al fresco shower solutions are from Axor, while Alpha Wellness presents saunas, whirlpools and spas. Sun protection and outdoor living is by Renson and Corradi, while Limited Edition showcases carpets, fabrics are by Sunbrella, and Deknudt presents mirrors.

Hilde Baekelandt, Commercial and Concept Manager NOA, comments: “You can’t get this kind of outdoor living experience anywhere else; atmospheric scenes, designed according to the latest innovations and trends offer architects, designers, planners and their clients a special glimpse of outdoor living.” www.noa-outdoor.com

1. Vincent Sheppard Cleo

Vincent Sheppard has launched the Cleo outdoor dining chair, which is available in three colour combinations: Fossil Grey, Dune White and Sage Green. Cleo’s slim profile is crafted from two aluminium parts, one of which forms the arch on the backrest, while the other extends around the back to become the armrest. Woven polypropylene rope creates the characteristic back of the chair, while it is also used around the armrests for an extra degree of comfort. “The Cleo dining chair hides many artisanal challenges,” explains CEO Coralie Claeys. “Weaving the rope back so it offers maximal support in the right places requires the skills of an experienced craftsman.”

www.vincentsheppard.com

2. Jardinico Nature

The Nature collection by Jardinico comprises a complete dining setting that highlights the beauty of premium raw teak. For 2023, the outdoor furniture manufacturer has expanded the range with a low dining table and accompanying low dining chair to create a relaxed posture. The Lewis low dining armchair, which also exists in a higher version for traditional dining, is made using seagrass rope supported by a sturdy powdercoated aluminium frame for extra comfort, as is the case with all Jardinico dining tables and benches. The Nature seating options can be accompanied by cushions filled with a high performance all-weather foam developed for outdoor use.

www.jardinico.com

3. Ethimo Baia and Costiera

Ethimo has teamed up with Christophe Pillet to produce a new range of outdoor furniture for the nautical world. The yacht range comprises two new collections, Costiera and Baia, which come in two seating versions. Costiera is characterised by voluminous cushions, with seats constructed from technical padding to define the structure. Baia meanwhile features soft cushions resting on a base bordered by a system of fabric-upholstered panels. Together, Costiera and Baia amount to more than 20 modular lounge and sundeck pieces, which can be mixed-and-matched to furnish spaces of different types, sizes and shapes.

www.ethimo.com

4. Barlow Tyrie Napoli Parasols

Napoli Parasols provide stylish, robust and simple-to-operate shade from the sun. Barlow Tyrie parasols are engineered to function easily – to tilt or pivot with a telescopic mechanism that allows larger parasols to close over a dining table. The parasol struts are crafted from eucalyptus with a matte urethane finish, accented by either nickel-plated, solid brass or stainless steel fittings, and are complete with a storage cover. The parasol fabric is made using Sunbrella’s solution-dyed, Teflon-coated acrylic yarn, which helps to disperse water. Designed to be used with a base, all parasols are available as a standard, freestanding, floor-fixing or in-ground version.

www.teak.com

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1. Skargaarden Böste

During Stockholm Furniture Fair, Swedish outdoor furniture producer Skargaarden unveiled Böste – a Scandinavian interpretation of Thomas Lee’s iconic Westport Chair, designed by Stefan Borselius and named after his hometown in southern Sweden. The brilliance of the Westport’s original design lies in the angles from the seat to the back and from the legs to the seat. Borselius’ interpretation is a durable, carefully processed version in powder-coated stainless steel and FSC teak, which can be left outside year-round. The armchair has rounded edges and soft shapes, and over the years the surface will acquire a silver-grey patina.

www.skargaarden.com

Janus et Cie Rondo

Janus et Cie has taken inspiration from classic, barrel-back chairs and MidCentury silhouettes to create Rondo. The new seating collection launches with five pieces: an armchair, barstool with arms, counter stool with arms, lounge chair and ottoman. Rondo’s curved backs cradle the body for added comfort while tapered, conical legs maintain clean, spare lines for a sense of minimalism and lightness. Handwoven seats and backs in an open, geometric pattern invite a play of shadow and light. Rondo’s powdercoated aluminium frames are available in two finishes – Graphite/Shale and Talc/ Fossil – with a combination of two ropes in complementary tones.

www.janusetcie.com

The flat parasol roof, handy crank and ergonomic swivel mechanism of the Twist parasol reflect Glatz’s ambition to create sustainable inventions. Twist is easy and convenient to open at hip height with just a few crank rotations. It also offers stepless tilting and can be rotated 360° using the practical clamping lever. Together with the flat parasol roof, the white and anthracite powder-coated aluminium frame and ribs create a modern, floating look. The canopy is also self-tensioning thanks to its flexible ends, while the mast features an internal steel pipe for which a lower pole is available, so the parasol height can be adjusted to ensure the right amount of shade.

www.glatz.ch

Palecek Outdoor Lighting

Furniture, accessories and lighting manufacturer Palecek has launched a new outdoor collection that combines its expertise in wicker, rattan and other natural materials with the playful nature of light. Whether whimsical, handcrafted or modern, Palecek has the light sources for accenting, dramatising or setting the mood in any exterior space. The newly expanded outdoor lighting categories offer the best of both worlds; style and craftsmanship are paired with engineering and durable materials that withstand damp or wet environments. Palecek Hospitality lamps are wired, tested and UL certified with the highest attention-to-detail.

www.palecek.com

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Minotti Quadrado

Inspired by Japanese Metabolist architecture of the 1950s and ‘60s, as well as the classic teak duckboard used in the yachting industry to facilitate the outflow of water, Quadrado is a modular system comprising suspended square platforms that furnish outdoor spaces with lightness and flexibility. Developed by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the range features wooden bases and padded cushions, as well as backrests in a special fibre woven with a wicker effect available in two colourways: Mud or Licorice. The seating elements are interspersed with wooden surfaces that boast trays or candle holders that can be arranged with an interlocking effect.

www.minotti.com

2. Élitis Acosta

Founded by Patrice Des Grottes in 1988, Élitis has built a reputation for creating luxury fabrics and wallcoverings used across Europe. The French manufacturer’s latest launch is Acosta, a new collection of indoor-outdoor fabrics inspired by the shadow patterns cast by the sun as it moves from Mexico to California. Comprising six different designs, Acosta conjures a world vibrating with cool energy, that of yellow and ochre earth troubled by the radiant sun. With this new range, Élitis hopes to encourage spontaneity and living in the open air, so much so that the fabrics are available as voile curtains, capturing the light as soon as the rays pass the window.

www.elitis.fr

3. Varaschin Tibidabo

Designed by Calvi and Brambilla, the Tibidabo collection draws inspiration from a weave akin to the forms of nature as well as the book Drawing A Tree by Bruno Munari, which teaches readers how simple it is to understand the structure of the plant as it thins and branches towards the sky. Varaschin has developed the range by adding a new bronze finish. The darker and warmer shade, which references the plant world, is suitable for a variety of outdoor environments – from residential to contract, and from coastal to mountainous settings. The original finish completes the chromatic proposals of the wider collection, joining Perla and Grey Brown.

www.varaschin.it

4. Tribu Nomad

Having extensive knowledge and experience in teak processing, Tribu was able to guide designer Monica Armani from concept to final design, balancing soft shapes, subtle lines and skill. The Nomad chair is a sculpture on its own, with each face connected and the backrests working in harmony. In addition, Armani worked on shaped cushions, which are couture objects that dress the seats just like a tailor-made suit; the cushions propose comfort as well as a unique design aesthetic. The Nomad armchair is a fitting addition to the brand’s Nomad collection, which represents a refined and durable design for discrete and exclusive luxury.

www.tribu.com

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1. Tuuci Mega Max

With sizes ranging from 490x490cm to 740x740cm and engineered to withstand wind gusts up to 75mph, Tuuci’s Ocean Master Mega Max defines a new scale of parasols and suits all large outdoor space shade needs. The parasol allows multiple tables or lounge areas to be easily shaded with a single device, opening the possibilities for flex and multi-use areas. The expansive shade structure is well suited for commercial and hospitality applications as well as quick-service restaurants. Available in a selection of colours and finishes, the Mega Max provides the ability to deliver varied experiences effortlessly and quickly throughout the day and night. www.tuuci.com

2. RH Tavira

RH’s Tavira collection is informed by a streamlined Postmodern sensibility. Envisioned by Dutch designer Piet Boon, the boldly scaled silhouette is made from solid teak with a handcrafted, deeply drifted finish that highlights the wood’s rich grain, with its pure, pared-down volume seemingly shaped by coastal elements. Available in two finishes – Dirfted Weathered Teak and Drifted Natural Teak – the Tavira Chase is sourced from untreated, premium teak with a deep texture that again emphasises the wood’s grain. Sculpted cushions create the seat structure, while the finish will weather to a silvery grey with exposure to the elements.

www.rh.com

3. Kettal Plumon

Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Kettal, Plumon is an outdoor furniture collection based on the concept of clothing; on dressing and undressing furniture. For Plumon, Urquiola has designed a light structure, on which a tailored and padded dress is moored, or wrapped. This ribbed padding, characterised by stitching – as well as being an aesthetic feature – fulfils the comfort of the product. It is the fit that guides the aesthetics. With a few simple gestures, the dress is placed on the rigid teak structure and embraces it. A comfort that is also emphasised visually, thanks to the padded dress that generously also embraces the armrests and the outside of the backrest.

www.kettal.com

4. Leisure Plan Swingrest by Dedon

While it shares half of its name and much of its basket-like structure with Dedon’s Nestrest, designer Daniel Pouzet’s latest creation, Swingrest is in a class of its own. From its 180o rotating top to its suspension system, Swingrest comes in two natural colourways with an optional fabric curtain that provides shade and privacy, while still allowing for an unobstructed view from within.

Since the mid 1980s, Leisure Plan has specialised in sourcing outdoor hotel furniture collections from European manufacturers such as Dedon, Ego Paris and Fischer Möbel, assembling a portfolio of collections that add originality and uniqueness to outdoor settings.

www.leisureplan.co.uk

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SPECIFIER

Chelsom

Edition 28

Following its 75th anniversary in 2022, British lighting brand Chelsom has revealed plans to present a brand-new collection at Clerkenwell Design Week this May. Designed in-house by Robert and Will Chelsom, Edition 28 comprises a range of decorative lighting styles, created specifically for hospitality, marine and residential projects. The launch will also include the complete makeover of the company’s existing lighting collection as well as a new sub-brands – all presented on a new website and catalogue. This is the first time Chelsom has exhibited at Clerkenwell Design Week, with the brand set to showcase its designs at a private exhibition space in Old Sessions House. www.chelsom.co.uk

Preciosa

Michael Vasku and Andreas Klug, Creative Directors

As Preciosa gears up for Salone del Mobile, the brand’s Creative Directors explain their desire to connect people through light.

How would you describe Preciosa’s approach to design?

We have two approaches. Firstly, we craft bespoke solutions, and secondly, we aim to connect people through light; when asked by interior designers to prepare our vision for a lighting installation, we look to capture emotion via interactive elements, dynamic effects and kinetic movement.

What role does lighting play in the guest experience at hotels?

There’s not one single role, it differs from project to project. The most interesting aspect of our work is identifying the role of lighting within the context of a space, a brand or a city. Lighting can spark a conversation in a public area, or create a photo opportunity. But even the approach for the latter differs between a photograph for social media and one that serves as one’s memory of a trip. Finding the best solution and executing it well is central to the success of a hotel.

How do you balance craftsmanship with new technology? The word balance implies that there is a contradiction between craftsmanship and technology. We strongly believe that we unite these two aspects, which profit from one another. This is the case throughout the entire process, from a design sketch to engineering to production. Our installations would lose much of their magic if they didn’t include a visible human touch.

Tell us about some of your most recent hospitality projects... We recently completed Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, where the client wanted something unique that would stand out within the brand’s upscale aesthetic. Our lighting installations can be seen throughout the reception, lobby, dining areas, ballroom and spa. We have also supplied a multi-layer chandelier to The Ritz-Carlton Amman, which brings classic elegance to the modern interiors.

What plans does Preciosa have for Salone del Mobile 2023? We will continue to develop our vision for emotional and interactive installations. In 2022, we presented a more artistic concept by producing a musical instrument of light. This year, we will explore the field of music further through a technological solution for hospitality spaces, which allows our decorative lighting to react to background music. Pushing the boundaries for hotel design, our installation synchronises a three-dimensional sound system with spatial, crystal lighting that results in a truly immersive experience.

www.preciosalighting.com

Q&A

Cooper Carry Conrad Nashville

US architecture firm Cooper Carry has completed the design of Conrad Nashville, a 234-key luxury hotel that brings a boutique experience to Music City. The property is one component of Broadwest, a larger mixed-use project from Propst Development and Chartwell Hospitality. Uniting the design character of the interior and exterior schemes through the guest arrival experience, Cooper Carry has incorporated granite and polished metal detailing into the porte cochère and entrance façade, which provide a sense of exclusivity and are influenced by upscale urban street shop windows. In this case, the merchandise on display is the hotel’s elegant multi-level lobby, bar, restaurant and grand staircase, designed by New York-based interior design firm Champalimaud Design. It was also the intent of the design team to abstractly incorporate references to Nashville’s geography, climate, art scene and food culture, as well as its undeniable influence on the music industry. A condominium tower placed over the hotel meanwhile offers views to nearby neighbourhood the Gulch and the downtown Nashville skyline, with the verticality of the 34-storey building emphasised using extended mullion expressions that rise the full height of the structure. These mullions provide relief from the sun, as well as adding texture and shadow to the ever-changing façade appearance. Selected guestrooms also incorporate inset and covered balconies, creating small exterior rooms that expand the outdoor living experience. www.coopercarry.com

Northern Lights Heythrop Park

Working with DesignLSM, Northern Lights has supplied Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire with bespoke light fittings, adding contemporary notes to the Grade II-listed, 18th century manor house as part of its renovation. In the hotel’s restaurant, Market Kitchen, satin steel pendants – of which there are eight and 12-light iterations – now span the length and breadth of the space, each complete with handcrafted ivory cotton conical shades. Moving into The Orangery tearoom, Northern Lights’ ring pendants softly illuminate the venue and complement its pastel furniture, while gold satin fixtures comprise a handcrafted outer ring that houses an integrated LED strip, as well as a central dish that discreetly hides a single uplight. In the Brassey Bar meanwhile, named after the property’s original owner Thomas Brassey, fixed satin gold and matte opal lamps now sit atop an impressive 2.5m wide handcrafted gantry, produced by the lighting manufacturer’s Derbyshire-based artisans. Across the room, rustic walnut furniture is delicately lit by an array of matching lamps with soft glass diffusion. Finally, the hotel’s theatre has been brought to life by a set of dazzling arched lights. Bringing the entire room together is a 4.4m-wide pendant, featuring over 100 individual bulbs across 18 arms. Rounding out the theatre’s bespoke lighting solutions is a 4.4m-high satin gold oval pendant, which harmonises with a series of other fixtures – using 30 bulbs – that bring sparkle to the interior design scheme.

www.northern-lights.co.uk

Geberit

Hotel Guest Experience Report

Swiss bathroom manufacturer Geberit has partnered with industry experts to release its Hotel Guest Experience Report for 2023, which investigates the current hotel landscape and takes a deep dive into trends such as inclusive design, wellbeing and automation in the sector.

INSPIRING WELLBEING

From design and layout to functionality, a hotel can have a major impact on guests, often sparking new ideas and perspectives. Wren Loucks, CEO and Creative Director at London-based interior design studio Be-kin, believes that hotels are like a sensory design playground, where visitors can explore how design affects their senses.

Whether it’s the texture of tiles or the colour palette, lighting and acoustics, every detail can affect a guest’s sense of rest and relaxation. For Geberit, it is therefore important that the bathroom experience is calming; the brand’s orientation light, for instance, allows the spaces to remain soft and subtle at night-time, with a gentle beam – available in seven colours

– activated by a proximity sensor. The light function is offered with three products: the DuoFresh odour extraction unit, the Monolith range and the AquaClean shower toilet.

INCLUSIVE DESIGN

In the report, Loucks also examines inclusive design and looks at how properties can innovate through designs that support social sustainability. With nearly one-in-five working adults across the UK having a disability, it is vital that hotels are designed inclusively. “Whilst inclusivity must be considered throughout hospitality settings, the bathrooms and spa facilities are particularly important,” says Loucks. Amenities such as stylish grab rails and a level access shower can be installed to support those using mobility aids or a wheelchair. Shower toilets, including Geberit’s AquaClean collection, can also help to promote inclusivity as they offer guests an independence that is harder to achieve with a traditional WC.

www.geberit.co.uk

SHOWROOM

Sanipex Group Clerkenwell Showroom

Sanipex Group has brought its luxury interiors brand Bagnodesign to Clerkenwell, with the opening of a new gallery in the heart of London’s design district. Inspiration can be found across the twostorey building, where the A&D community can meet to network, brainstorm and view the latest products from the brand first-hand. New launches on the ground floor include Orology – a sleek and contemporary mixer collection that draws inspiration from watch bezels – as well as the minimalist Bristol range, the natureinfluenced Alpine series, and Stereo FM, which takes its cues from the smoky sounds of the jazz era. Elsewhere, Sestriere presents a distinctly modern aesthetic with basin and shower mixers in a glossy PVD gold, while the Revolution range pays homage to the clean, utilitarian lines of machinery from the Industrial Revolution, with its brassware, furniture and sanitaryware available in finishes such as anthracite, brushed nickel and matte black. The basement meanwhile is home to additional bathroom settings, a dedicated outdoor living space, plus a meeting and entertainment area for hosting industry events. Established in 1994, Bagnodesign is now present in over 40 countries, and specified by leading architects and interior designers for commercial projects across the globe. The Italian-led brand offers complete solutions for luxury bathroom spaces, combining quality, comfort and innovation through a design-led approach.

www.sanipexgroup.co.uk

Sanderson SS23 Bedding

Sanderson has added four new nature-inspired designs – Crane and Frog; Emperor and Peony; Fusang Tree; and Lotus Leaf – to its range of bedding for SS23. Inspired by painted silk, the handdrawn Crane and Frog collection tells the story of English water gardens. Printed on 100% BCI cotton, the design’s Emperor ducks, characterful frogs and regal koi carp pair with irises and roses to recreate the spirit of the 1930s. In contrast to its blousy Victorian contemporaries, Emperor and Peony is a Chinese-inspired take on a 1920s Jeffrey & Co archive design adorned with large peonies and tropical butterflies. Also printed on 100% BCI cotton, and with a 200 thread count and plain reverse, the four sizes of duvet cover include a concealed transparent button fastening. The third series within Sanderson’s SS23 range is Fusang Tree, which features decorative patterned leaves and flowers. A large-scale design, it has been produced to look like the original block print housed in the company’s archive. Printed on 200 thread count polycotton, Fusang Tree’s four sizes of duvet cover are available with an ivory reverse and concealed button opening. Finally, Lotus Leaf is a unique interpretation of the tropical flower’s long-stemmed leaves, which reach skyward across the range’s duvet cover and matching Oxford pillowcase. Hand-drawn by the Sanderson studio, the collection represents the delicate foliage found amongst traditional water garden ponds, with gravure inks adding to the pattern’s tonality and fluid style.

www.sandersondesigngroup.com

FOH

London – Stone by Room360

The latest addition to the Room360 portfolio is the extension of its London and New York collections in a stone colourway. London’s unique tone and detailed composition provides a standout look for interior spaces, while its formulation of premium and durable materials results in a long-lasting product. The New York – Stone range meanwhile is constructed from a high-gloss composite with a structured finish, delivering function and fashion in equal measure. Both collections are also easy to mix-and-match, with low case pack minimums stocked at FOH’s European distribution centre. 2023 is set to be a big year for Room360, having recently launched an array of innovative and functional hotel amenities, as well as being joined by sister brand Front of the House to become one single global hospitality provider under parent company FOH. www.roomthreesixty.com

Lee

Broom British Capsule

British designer Lee Broom presented a selection of new products within the British Capsule at this year’s Maison & Objet exhibition in Paris. The focal point of Broom’s exhibit was the 4m-tall Hail light from his Divine Inspiration collection, which is inspired by the shards of light and shadow produced by lancet windows in church arches. Hail’s elongated, fluted form – fabricated in aluminium with asymmetrically positioned reeded glass lightbulbs – was complemented by two Vesper Duo lights, hung at a 3m drop height. Formed using extruded aluminium, Vesper takes its cues from Brutalist sculptures and Modernist cathedral lighting, with rectangular cubes connected by illuminated spheres. Resembling a dining room, the set was bathed in a palette of greys and brushed silvers, with furniture pieces including Broom’s Musico table and Musico chairs, created with hand-bent, twisted stainless steel tubes. The display was accessorised with Fulcrum candlesticks in Nero Marquina marble, as well as a Split mirror, formed with a precision cut slice that shifts the mirror from its original position to reveal an oak-trimmed section of the black frame. www.leebroom.com

HIMACS Marmo

HIMACS has introduced a new colour palette, Aurora, to its Marmo collection. Inspired by the northern lights, the palette features subtle and strong shades, marble-like aesthetics with delicate veining, and semi-translucent effects that allow designers to play with light and shadow. Suitable for hotel use thanks to its nonporous qualities, the range is easy to clean with seamless joins that prevent dirt and germs from accumulating. Highlights of the new colours include Aurora Midnight, a rich black finish with specks of white, and Aurora Canyon with a soft, creamy finish. Combining practicality and aesthetics with the benefits of HIMACS, the material can also be thermoformed to create curvaceous designs.

www.himacs.eu

Sub Zero & Wolf Undercounter Refrigerator

The Undercounter Refrigerator range within Sub Zero & Wolf’s Designer series offers convenience and style while preserving food, wine and beverages in a range of hospitality settings. Featuring fully customisable exteriors and assorted functions, the collection seamlessly integrates into any space, with the ergonomic touch control panel on the refrigerator and beverage centre redesigned to match the brand’s full-size Designer series, meaning the LED lighting and temperature control are more intuitive than ever. Using a dual installation kit, models can also be paired sideby-side in sleek fashion, with a variety of custom undercounter options to choose from.

www.subzero-wolf.co.uk

Oliver Hemming Drama

New to the Oliver Hemming collection for 2023, Drama is a highfidelity stereo Bluetooth speaker combining a classic look and feel with optimum performance. Its 77mm fibreglass cone woofers and twin passive bass drivers are complemented by two 43mm silk dome mid-to-high range tweeters that provide an orchestral sound. Finished in ebony veneer, the speaker also boasts a curved etched stainless steel grille, with its elegant form adding a sculptural focal point to a range of interior spaces. Hidden under the veneer on the top of the system is a wireless charging unit, while rounding out the features are two USB C charging ports, as well as the latest Bluetooth 5.1 and Aptx HD from Qualcomm.

www.oliverhemming.com

ADVERTISING INDEX

ISSUE 107

Thinking Inside the Box

Saudi Arabia reveals plans for a giant cube-shaped skyscraper in its capital city, offering a gateway to another world.

Saudi Arabia has become something of a testing ground for experimental design in recent years, with architects freely able to play with proportion, scale and materiality thanks to a growing number of ambitious developments on the boards. Following the high profile launches of gigaprojects such as Neom and The Red Sea – where schemes are becoming ever more outlandish – New Murabba Development Company has revealed its plans for Mukaab, a town squarestyle project in central Riyadh. Spanning 400m x 400m x 400m, the giant cube-shaped skyscraper is thought to be one of the largest structures in the world – big enough to house 20 Empire State Buildings. Its design draws inspiration from the modern Najdi architectural style, while facilities include hotels, private residences, retail, dining and recreational parks as well as

landmark tourist attractions spread across twomillion square metres of floor space. But perhaps the most wondrous aspect of the project is its integration of innovative technologies. Mukaab is billing itself as the world’s first immersive destination offering an experience created by digital and virtual technology, with holographics transporting visitors to another world; space pods, flying dragons and underwater adventures are just some of the scenes set to play out across the soaring atrium. As to whether this concept will extend to the hotel components is yet to be announced, but with a total of 9,000 guestrooms planned for the development, it’s likely that a few of the more forward-thinking hoteliers eyeing up a presence in the region will jump at the chance of offering their guests the experience of sleeping beneath an ever-changing virtual landscape.

Oliver Hemming

Oliver Hemming

Photography: Regan Baroni

Jaleo Restaurant, Chicago, USA

by Burkhard Dämmer

DANDELION lamp

Wood touched by Light