Sleeper - Issue 88

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN ISSUE 88 WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM

QUINTA DA COMPORTA – PORTUGAL • AHEAD WINNERS • JAO CAMP – OKAVANGO DELTA

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CONTENTS ISSUE 88

056

HOTEL REVIEWS

101

Quinta da Comporta Portugal

056

Crossroads 062 Maldives © Giulia Venanzi

Stock Exchange Hotel

072

Paramount House Hotel

078

Jao Camp

082

Manchester Sydney

072

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Native 088 Manchester

Market Street Hotel © Manolo Yllera

Edinburgh

Chapter Roma

101

Kafnu Alexandria

107

Rome

Sydney

088

095

© Keith Collie 003

CONTENTS ISSUE 88 FEATURES

052

Meeting... Paul D. Taylor

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The Lobby

045

Following a year that saw Stonehill Taylor wrap up an iconic transformation and scoop two AHEAD awards, President and founding partner Paul Taylor talks creating hotels for the city that never sleeps.

From pop-ups to installations, The Lobby explores hotel life in all its forms.

Postcard Hotels

112

With its sights set on 50 openings in five years, The Postcard Hotel is seeking to shift the luxury hospitality paradigm in India and beyond.

AHEAD 128

The 2019 winners of AHEAD’s Europe and MEA programmes are announced at ceremonies in London and Dubai.

095

048

DEPARTMENTS Check-In 020 Drawing Board Business Centre

022 114

Events 125 © Robert Rieger

Floorcoverings 145 Specifier 157 Check-Out

082

© Dana Allen

004

145

178

Silhouette The new Indoor and Outdoor rug design by Jaime Hayรณn

Quick ship for standard products and tailor made solutions available. nanimarquina.com

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H Pavilion & Dots Spotlight by Kettal Studio Molo Sofa & Chaise longue by Rodolfo Dordoni Band Chair & Candleholders by Patricia Urquiola Half Dome Lamp by Naoto Fukasawa Geometrics Rugs by Doshi Levien

VISIT RH.COM/CO N T R ACT TO L EA R N MO RE.

INTERCONTINENTAL LYON – HOTEL DIEU. FRANCE Studio Jean Philippe Nuel.

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10/12/2019 09:14:27

WELCOME HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN ISSUE 88 WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM

QUINTA DA COMPORTA – PORTUGAL • AHEAD WINNERS • JAO CAMP – OKAVANGO DELTA

ON THE COVER Quinta da Comporta, Carvalhal

2020 and Beyond

I

t’s hard to believe that just 20 years ago, ace existed only

On that note, we have also announced the dates and venues

as a playing card, indigo was described as a deep shade of

of our four regional awards schemes; AHEAD Asia will take

blue and W was just another letter of the alphabet. The

place on 12 March at Andaz Singapore; AHEAD Americas

past two decades have brought new brands, categories and

returns to Miami’s Faena Forum on 10 June; the AHEAD

concepts to the fore, along with a colossal rise in the number

MEA ceremony is at Caesars Forum Bluewaters Dubai on 11

of guestrooms. Back at the turn of the century, no-one had

November; and AHEAD Europe will crown its winners on 18

heard of the sharing economy, Marriott was celebrating its

November at Exhibition, a newly restored Grade II-listed space

2,000th hotel opening (it now boasts a 7,000-strong portfolio),

in White City London. Turn to page 42 for the info you’ll need

and millennial-minded hotels were still in their infancy, much

to enter and attend.

like the generation they would eventually serve.

Elsewhere in the portfolio, the next Sleepover will take place

As we enter not only a new year but a new decade, it

in Bali from 17-19 May, marking the first time the networking

seems as good a time as any to take stock, reflect on past

event for hospitality innovators has ventured to Asia. We’re

achievements and look ahead to the future. At Sleeper we’ve

delighted to reveal that we’ll be working with Ronald Akili and

been doing just that. In celebration of our 20th anniversary

his team at Desa Potato Head, an innovative creative centre

year, we’ll be producing some special content – both in print

where music, art and hospitality meet culture, wellbeing and

and online – exploring two decades of hospitality design. We’ll

sustainability for a new type of holistic experience.

also be hosting a series of talks, discussions and networking

We’ll be travelling to Bali in the coming weeks to explore

events throughout the year, and in line with Sleeper’s modus

the island and curate a programme that allows attendees

operandi to connect communities, we would like you to

to experience new concepts, identify future business

help shape the content. What topics or themes would you

opportunities and gain insight from those at the forefront of

like to see discussed? Should we be delving into the idea of

hospitality, design and travel – you can register your interest

transformational hospitality? Exploring the rising popularity

online at www.sleepoverbali.com.

of slow travel and how it will impact design? Or questioning

In the meantime, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank

whether the sector really is doing its bit to reduce waste?

you for your support over the past 20 years, and who knows,

Email us at sleeper@mondiale.co.uk or join the conversation

maybe in the next two decades we’ll be reporting on the first

online at @SleeperMagazine using the hashtag #Sleeper2020.

hotel in space.

The sessions will run in partnership with leading brands, hosted at showrooms, new hospitality spaces and major trade shows. Building on the success of recent ‘Heads-Up’ events in Dubai and London, exclusive brunch talks will also take place prior to all AHEAD ceremonies through 2020, with guests invited to hear from the judging panel, and meet with the design and development teams behind the shortlisted projects.

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

015

DE SIGNS INSPIRED BY NATURE AND ENGINEERED TO MEET IT S RE SILIENCE

CELEBRATING TWO DE CADE S OF SHADE REVOLUTION

tuuci-sleeper-jan-2020.indd 2

1/8/20 11:20 AM

GUEST BOOK

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056

101

© Robert Rieger © Manolo Yllera

088

101 Marco Cilia Following a career jump from business and finance to hospitality, Chapter Roma owner Marco Cilia cut his teeth working under Anouska Hempel at Blakes London as GM, then Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha of Grupo Habita as the duo launched Hôtel Americano. Having learnt the boutique ropes from some of the best, Cilia now applies his education to The Eternal City’s latest bolthole – a refined and minimalist project balancing industrial chic with detailed historic sensibilities.

088 Pablo Flack and David Waddington

Best known as the dynamic duo behind Bethnal Green’s Bistrotheque and Ace Hotel London’s Hoi Polloi, restaurateurs Pablo Flack and David Waddington will look to replicate their success in the capital with an adaptation of Bistrotheque for Manchester’s newly minted Culturplex.

Occupying a Grade II-listed former warehouse alongside a Native aparthotel and an expansive range of programming, the new outpost channels the breezy vibe of the original whilst building an equally loyal following.

056 Miguel Câncio Martins

072 GG Hospitality

Designer turned hotelier Miguel Câncio Martins views architecture and design as the intersection between psychology, philosophy, science, economy, technique, precision and endless amounts of imagination. Having previously designed hospitality projects including Paris’ Bhudda Bar and Montreal’s W Hotel, he now channels this catalouge of concepts and an undercurrent of tradition throughout Quinta da Comporta, a sustainable boutique in the town he considers a home away from home.

Former professional footballersturned-hoteliers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs first ventured into hospitality five years ago with the launch of Hotel Football, an upscale property inspired by the beautiful game that overlooks Old Trafford. Now, the ex-teammates have reaffirmed their love for Manchester, collaborating with Turkish design studio Autoban to transform the city’s former Stock Exchange into a boutique hotel that respects the history and heritage of the Grade II-listed building in which it resides.

017

FRONT DESK @SleeperMagazine

EDITORIAL

DESIGN

AHEAD

Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner

Design Manager David Bell

Global Sponsorship Lorraine Jack

Production Zoe Willcox

FINANCE

m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor Catherine Martin

c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

Features Editor Kristofer Thomas

k.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Assistant Editor Ben Thomas

b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Donna Salek

d.salek@mondiale.co.uk

Online Editor Richard Frost

d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

z.willcox@mondiale.co.uk

Production Sonam Diki

s.diki@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich Editorial Intern Eleanor Howard BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Rebecca Archacki

r.archacki@mondiale.co.uk

Finance Director Amanda Giles

a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi l.levi@mondiale.co.uk

Brand Director Amy Wright

Accounts Assistant Kerry Mountney

Events Manager Lela Keighley

Accounts Assistant Idaira Canellas Gonzalez

Events & Marketing Millie Allegro

CORPORATE

l.keighley@mondiale.co.uk

r.frost@mondiale.co.uk

l.jack@mondiale.co.uk

EVENTS & MARKETING

a.wright@mondiale.co.uk

m.allegro@mondiale.co.uk

Data & Readership Hayley Redston

PORTFOLIO

k.mountney@mondiale.co.uk

idaira.c.gonzalez@mondiale.co.uk

Chairman Damian Walsh

POWERED BY

h.redston@mondiale.co.uk

Research Michael Stokes

m.stokes@mondiale.co.uk

Subscriptions

Rob Hart

r.hart@mondiale.co.uk

sleeper@mondiale.co.uk

Charlotte Gowing

c.gowing@mondiale.co.uk

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000

CHECK-IN

Joe Stella Having wowed the Sleep & Eat crowd with a dynamic and vibrant concept guestroom, twenty2degrees Creative Director Joe Stella sails to the Mediterranean to soak up the sun in a fantasy palazzo.

Where are you?

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

Who are you dining with this evening?

In a recently restored palazzo, on the grounds

An amazingly ornate renaissance building that

Anthony Bourdain, Ettore Sottsass, Nick Cave,

of a small private island in the Mediterranean

was partly decaying prior to its refurbishment and

the local wine maker, and of course my wife SJ.

and the weather is perfect.

has recently been restored with contemporary additions. The result is a blissfully harmonious

Who’s manning the stoves?

How did you get there?

balance of contemporary and Renaissance

My good friends from Sood Family take Italian

Sailed from the Sicilian coast on an Italian super

architecture. The island’s landscape is rugged,

cuisine to the next level and do fantastic pop-ups

yacht.

its contours and tones a feast for the eye; nearer

across London. They would be in their element

at hand, the palazzo’s enchanting gardens offer

here and would shine in this environment.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

just the right manicured touch surrounding the

Surprisingly, the actor Christoph Waltz. He has

main hotel building.

And what’s on the menu?

The main course is freshly caught seafood,

a lead role in a new Wes Anderson film and is doing a stint on the island in order to get into

Who designed it?

barbecued over coal and paired with an unknown

character.

Hotel lobby and guestrooms by Wes Anderson,

bottle of chilled wine that was handed to me by

restaurants by AvroKO, cocktail bar and

a friend in Lisbon on a recent trip to Portugal.

Who are you sharing your room with?

dining room by Kelly Wearstler, contemporary

Followed by an Italian cheese and Australian

My wife, SJ. We have travelled far and wide

architectural additions by Neri&Hu, music by

honey degustation for desert and a boozy citrus

together, but are always drawn back to the

Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, and an eclectic mix

sorbetto cleanser. All accompanied with my

Mediterranean; the perfect Summer weather,

of art adorning the walls by Paul Insect, Mike

aperitivo of choice, a Stellaspritz – using one

the freshest food and the warmest of the people.

Ballard, Rebecca Horn & Kate MccGwire.

of the Stellacello Pompelmo liqueurs I concoct

Is there anything you would like waiting for

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

you in your room?

There are three restaurants at the hotel, but

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

Afternoon sunlight, a cool breeze, the sound

tonight we dine off-site in the Old Hop House on

I always have a small sketchbook on the

of the sea nearby, and freshly made mezcal

the estate. Its original circular structures seem

nightstand in case an idea springs to mind

margarita’s with pink grapefruit and lots of

to be similar to the Trulli you find in Puglia and

during the night. The most bizarre ideas come

chilli.

there is a raw, rustic appearance to the exterior.

at the most unexpected times.

myself.

However, when you enter you are met with a

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS The Dixon Hotel London; Hyatt Regency Nairobi, Marriott Prague, Marriott Budapest www.twenty2degrees.com

space that contrasts the outside magnificently.

Would you like a newspaper or magazine in

Its recent refurbishment is both avant-garde and

the morning?

calm, designed yet unconventional. Light pastel

I ban reading the newspaper while travelling.

coloured, hand rendered walls are coupled with

Relaxing holidays and world news are kind of

warm timbers and soft, bright hand woven rugs.

an oxymoron.

Each circular space houses one large circular communal dining table in the centre, perfect

Swimming pool, spa or gym?

for sharing both a meal and stories.

An outdoor infinity pool with a majestic view.

021

DRAWING BOARD

Rosewood DOHA

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has announced a planned 2022 opening date for Rosewood Doha Lusail City, the brand’s first property in Qatar. Featuring 185 guestrooms, 173 serviced apartments and 300 residences, the project will be created in partnership with Arkaz Investment and forms part of the US$45 billion Lusail City development – a mixed-use scheme spanning 38km and four islands with 19 residential, entertainment and commercial districts.

“Rosewood Doha and Rosewood Residences Doha will create a new and differentiated benchmark for ultraluxury hospitality in the region,” says Sonia Cheng, CEO, Rosewood Hotel Group. “We are honoured to be a part of Qatar’s ambitious vision and will be thrilled to see it realised in the coming years. This project represents our third outpost for the Rosewood brand in the Middle East; building on our unwavering dedication to innovation and service excellence, it exemplifies our strategy of thoughtful growth in the region.”

Housed within two distinctive towers conceptualised by the Arab Engineering Bureau and Chief Architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah, the hotel will seek to respond to its surrounding environment whilst reflecting the cultural context of the uber-development it forms a part of.

Amenities are set to feature eight culinary outlets including a bistro, lobby lounge, coffee shop, deli, three specialty restaurants, and cigar and entertainment lounges, whilst a 1,500m2 ballroom and multiple event venues will host a variety of functions. A signature spa and Manor Club executive lounge complete the offer.

“We are delighted to join hands with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, renowned for its one-of-a-kind collection underpinned by its iconic A Sense of Place philosophy,” adds Aman G. Shahani, CEO, Arkaz Investments. “We are proud to showcase the rich culture of Qatar as well as our visionary and innovative ambition for the future through Rosewood’s uniquely sophisticated lens and become the new lifestyle destination for Lusail City and Qatar.”

DRAWING BOARD

Kisawa Sanctuary

Kisawa Sanctuary – a series of 12 luxury

weaving, thatching, carpentry and textile

bungalows set in a 750-acre stretch of

techniques – whilst the construction process

MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique forest – has announced a summer

throughout will employ innovative 3D sand-

2020 opening date.

printing technology, commissioned specifically

Seeking to combine cultural celebration with

A standalone spa specialising in traditional

Island, the development will feature a

Chinese medicine – and contained within a

mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom

structure with architecture inspired by the

accommodations individually housed within

island’s thatched houses and community

one-acre plots. Each will feature its own

buildings – completes the offer.

beachfront access, private swimming pool,

“My mission for Kisawa is to create a level of

shaded day area, outdoor kitchen, massage hut

hospitality and design that to my knowledge,

and pantry, whilst an F&B programme is set

does not exist today, a place that inspires feelings

to incorporate two beach clubs, a lagoon-style

of freedom and luxury born from nature, space

swimming pool, the Baracca beach bar, and a

and true privacy,” says founder Nina Flohr. “We

library and lounge.

have used design as a tool, not as a style, to

Intended as a light touch against the

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Nina Flohr, Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies www.kisawasanctuary.com

024

for this project.

environmental conservation on Benguerra

landscape, with deep connections to island culture and nature, the interior design scheme will incorporate the work of local artisans and materials – including traditional Mozambican

ensure Kisawa is integrated, both culturally and environmentally into Mozambique.”

DRAWING BOARD

25hours Hotel Paper Island COPENHAGEN

25hours Hotel Company has announced its

urban destination, with cultural institutions

second hotel in Copenhagen will open in

including the city’s Opera House nearby, and a

early 2024. Located in the city centre on the

new public park, waterfront cultural centre and

island of Christiansholm, the 128-key 25hours

promenade all in the works.

Hotel Paper Island will feature architecture

“At 25hours, food and drink should and must

by Cobe and interiors by Stylt Trampoli, the

play a central role,” Managing Director Michael

latter having previously designed the brand’s

End adds. “We’ll be working on Paper Island

Düsseldorf outpost in 2018. When complete, It

with both brand new and proven partners. As

will join 25hours Hotel Copenhagen in the city,

well as a restaurant and café on the ground

slated to open in 2021 with interiors by Martin

floor, a rooftop bar is also planned. At the

Brudnizki Design Studio and architecture by

moment, my favourite part is the two house

BBP Arkitekter.

boats in front of the hotel for which we are

“The only thing better than one hotel opening in a new city is two openings!” explains Florian

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Investor: Danica Developer: Nordkranen, Union Kul Operator: Accor, 25hours Hotel Company Architecture: Cobe Interior Design: Stylt Trampoli www.25hours-hotels.com

026

currently evaluating various concepts, including a sauna and bar.”

Kollenz, Chief Development Officer, 25hours

Further upcoming openings from the brand

Hotel Company. “We’re very proud to be

include properties in Florence and Dubai, both

working on the new hotel project with CØ P/S,

of which are set to open in 2020. 25hours Hotel

a consortium consisting of the pension fund

Piazza San Paolino has been designed by Paola

Danica and project developers Nordkranen and

Navone and occupies a former bank building

Union Kul.”

in the Tuscan capital, whilst 25hours Hotel

The project takes its name from the district’s former life as a storage place for the large rolls of paper used by Danish newspapers. More recently, the island has emerged as a popular

Dubai – the group’s Middle Eastern debut – will feature interiors by Woods Bagot.

Four Seasons, Megève – Mood Clubchair by Studio Segers

Living the good life outside.

Love it, live it, share it. www.tribu.com

DRAWING BOARD

Shishi-Iwa House

HDHP – a social enterprise by HDH Capital –

House and CEO of HDH Capital Management. “His

has appointed Pritzker Prize-winning architect

design philosophy is defined by transparency, a

NAGANO

Ryue Nishizawa to design the second Shishi-

mastery of scale, and dismantling to create an

Iwa House. Set to open in 2021, the eight-

environment that eliminates borders.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: HDHP Architecture: Ryue Nishizawa www.shishiiwahouse.jp

028

key property is nestled in the woodlands of

Featuring common areas including a library,

Karuizawa, a mountain resort in Japan’s Nagano

shared living rooms and kitchenettes, a tea

prefecture, where it will reside on the same

house, bath house and catering kitchen, the

street as its Shigeru Ban-designed predecessor.

project’s atypical architecture is intended to

Similar to the first, the project aims to provide

create different degrees of privacy, whilst a

guests with a sanctuary for reconnection,

series of hidden alleys and courtyards seek

fostering intellectual creativity whilst paying

to instil a sense of discovery. Gardens will be

homage to traditional Japanese residential

planted with hundreds of maple and cherry trees

architecture. Comprising a cluster of 10

whilst a collection of 17th-century silk screens

interconnected pavilions based on the shaku-

will complement the historic leanings.

kan grid system – prefabricated offsite and

“Nishizawa’s works are always beautifully

intended to yield minimal waste – the retreat

simple in ideas but extremely complex in

will be constructed primarily from locally-

execution,” Hoang adds. “We are thrilled that

sourced hinoki cypress wood.

the public will finally have the opportunity

“We are honoured to have Ryue Nishizawa

to stay in a retreat designed by Nishizawa,

as the master architect for our second project,”

marking the next development of Shishi-Iwa

explains Huy Hoang, Director of Shishi-Iwa

House collection.”

WHEN

GERMAN HOSPITALITY TRADITION Since 1985

www.aliseo.de

M IR R O R S

MATTER

DRAWING BOARD

SHA Wellness Clinic

SHA Wellness Clinic has revealed plans to take

connect the resort’s outdoor and indoor space

its integrated medical and holistic concept

for a seamless transition.

CANCUN

worldwide, with its second project set to land

Offering health programmes personalised to

in Mexico in 2021. Building on the success of

meet the needs of each guest, SHA Wellness

the original Alicante facility, the 100-suite SHA

Clinic combines scientific medical practice with

Mexico will be located in Cancun, across the bay

natural remedies, with elements of genetic,

from Isla Mujeres.

mental, lifestyle and nutritional healthcare also

Conceptualised by Mexican architecture

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: The Battaler Family Architecture: Sordo Madelano Interior Design: Alejandro Escudero Landscaping: Maat Handasa www.shawellnessclinic.com

030

present across the group’s efforts.

studio Sordo Madaleno and interior architect

Since 2008 and the launch of the first

Alejandro Escudero, the property will be located

project, the founding Bataller family have

in seven hectares of flora and fauna, and in close

overseen a long-term expansion strategy that

proximity to a white-sand beach. Incorporating

will subsequently see plans announced to open

the brand’s sustainability principals, the

properties across all continents.

construction process will employ predominantly

Following the Mexico launch, the group will

natural materials and renewable energy sources

prepare for the 2023 opening of SHA Emirates at

in order to minimise environmental impact.

Aljurf, a 120-key, AED6 million property in Abu

The interior scheme, meanwhile, will

Dhabi developed in collaboration with Imkan.

combine Mexican ceramics, marble, wicker and

With architecture overseen by MYAA and BSBG

locally-sourced fabrics for a calming aesthetic.

Concept, the property will further include 293

Landscaping by Maat Handasa will seek to

residential units.

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Nobu Hotel, Shoreditch, London

DRAWING BOARD

Hard Rock

Hard Rock International will expand its

Fuse Studios, the design will seek to bring the

European hotel portfolio with the 2023 opening

brand’s signature style to Prague’s Old Town

PRAGUE

of Hard Rock Hotel Prague, the company has

by way of distinctive elements such as the

announced. Adding to its 75-country brand

property’s feature wall – a 5,900ft2 soundwave

presence, the 523-key project will overlook the

of moving light spanning three floors by the

Czech capital’s Letna Park, bringing together

lobby bar – as well as a curated selection of

amenities including a rooftop swimming pool,

music memorabilia.

sky bar and Rock Spa as well as branded gym, retail, and event spaces.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: EP Real Estate Architecture: Pelčák a Partner architekti Prague Interior Design: Fuse Studios www.hardrockhotels.com

032

Elsewhere, the F&B programme is set to incorporate the Sessions restaurant as well as

“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to

the Constant Grind Coffee & Bar, serving light

work on this hotel with Hard Rock International,

bites through the day and doubling as a cocktail

which will be the operator and tenant of the

bar at night.

property,” says Michal Viktorin, Director of

“Prague is a striking favourite amongst

developer EP Real Estate. “It is undoubtedly

European capital cities and has experienced

a respected hotel chain that will complement

great development in its tourism industry in

the existing portfolio of Prague hotels. For EP

recent years,” adds Todd Hricko, Senior Vice

Real Estate, this is a key project in the domestic

President and Head of Global Hotel Business

market, which we have been paying maximum

Development, Hard Rock International. “Hard

attention to since the initial planning stage.”

Rock is honoured to announce the arrival of its

Combining architecture by Pelčák a Partner Architekti Prague and interiors by British firm

music-infused presence to this beautiful city following two years of work on the project.”

Ph Bernard Touillon

A l l A P ERTO by M at t e o T h u n & Antonio Rodrigue z

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MEETING…

Meeting…

Paul D. Taylor Following a year that saw Stonehill Taylor wrap up an iconic transformation and scoop two AHEAD awards, President and founding partner Paul Taylor talks creating hotels for the city that never sleeps.

Words: Kristofer Thomas • Portrait Photography: © Gerardo Vizmanos

I

t is Veteran’s Day in New York City, and the

to the sin city strip – alongside two finalist

annual 20,000-strong parade is halfway

places for their interior design scheme at the

across Chelsea by the time I reach the

Eliza Jane Hotel – a heritage project built within

Stonehill Taylor offices.

seven internally conjoined historic warehouses

On its route north from Madison Square

in New Orleans – and their work as architect

Park – walking a mile and change up Fifth

at the Moxy Chelsea, a 37-storey industrial

Avenue until they reach the Diamond District

greenhouse inspired newbuild, atop which the

and 46th Street – the procession will rarely find

ambitiously realised Fleur Room sits. A year

itself more than a few blocks from a hotel the

previous, the firm had taken home the Suite

firm had a hand in. The NoMad on 28th will see

award for its architectural work at The Whitby.

them off, with Moxy Chelsea located just a few

Later in the conversation, Paul D. Taylor,

minutes walk east. Ace Hotel unfolds on the left

President of Stonehill Taylor, will tell me that he

a couple of blocks later, so too St. Regis as they

faced a challenge when starting out, in that he

close in on St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then The

had won no prizes at the time, and thus lacked

Whitby, more or less overlooking the finish line

the valuable networking and social currency

to play them out.

they provide. When I point to the veritable

Up in the office, we meet in a room showcasing a selection of trophies and awards the 87-person

haul behind us, he laughs, and explains “don’t worry, I saved those for later”.

firm has received. Amongst the highlights are

The Stonehill Taylor portfolio stretches from

a brace of AHEAD Americas awards from 2019;

Portland to Fort Lauderdale, and across the

one for the eponymous restaurant at NoMad

hospitality, residential, education and health

Las Vegas – where the studio translated its

sectors, though above all, it has become a

acclaimed concept for the original NYC project

specialist in New York hotels.

MEETING…

MEETING…

Moxy Chelsea channels the spirit of New York’s flower district by way of a greenhouse-esque façade in corten steel

Born and raised a couple of stops South in Greenwich Village, then educated over the river at the Pratt Institute, Taylor would have walked past the buildings that his company’s work would come to define often. If ever the term stomping ground was applicable in such a global industry, the veteran architect could lay solid claim to The Big Apple being his.

At school, Taylor excelled in maths and science, whilst his artist parents oversaw more

“As a designer you’re now helping to identify the market and model as much as you are colours that match and the right set of curtains.”

to us. I’ve always been flexible working in a given situation and would never want to say this is what architects do, no more, no less – if it’s a great project we’ll go above and beyond.”

At the Millennium Hilton restoration this meant overseeing board reports, insurance claims, consultancy recruitment and more on top of his role as a designer; an on-thejob education in everything else that goes into a hotel besides design. This fluency later

creative endeavours at home. Applying for his

saw him connect with Tim and Kit Kemp of

new school’s art programme in fifth grade,

Firmdale Hotels – advising the duo on suitable

Taylor’s mother was called in to explain why

Manhattan locations for the group’s US debut,

the ten-year-old had submitted an adult’s

The Crosby Street Hotel – then facilitate their

work as his own. For a while he saw himself

vision of fusing New York’s metropolitan spirit

a scientist, but success in a later competition

with Firmdale’s decidedly British flavour. Eight

had him reconsider. “Add math, science and

years later, when the Kemps returned to explore

art together and you get architecture,” a friend

the possibility of a follow up, Taylor’s firm was

had remarked. Completing a five-year college

an obvious choice for partner, and the special

programme in four, Taylor was a practicing

relationship bore its second fruit in The Whitby.

Likewise, with Sydell Group Taylor oversaw

interior architect at 22, and hired by what was

the first NoMad hotel – working with designer

then Lundquist & Stonehill by 24.

Jacques Garcia to emulate Paris’ Costes Hotel

In an era when interior design was something of an afterthought, Taylor was tapped for

With Stonehill set to retire, and Taylor having

– then its Las Vegas counterpart that channels

his keen aesthetic eye, bringing a valuable

uncovered an exceptional niche, he found

elements of the original. An ongoing agreement

presence to the table that would see him

himself back home, ready to step back into

with Manhattan-based developer Lightstone has

holding a 50% stake in the firm upon Oliver

the firm and begin the impressive run of work

seen Stonehill Taylor design the architecture for

Lundquist’s retirement in 1986. Early success

that brings us to today. The studio became

five Moxy hotels in New York alone, subsequent

came in the form of a project for investor Harry

Stonehill & Taylor, before the ampersand was

to having played a large role in defining the

B. Macklowe, as production architect for the

dropped as part of a sleek 2017 rebrand. “It was

brand’s playful character. “As a designer you’re

interiors of what is now the Millennium Hotel

perfect because we could do the whole thing,”

helping to identify the business and model as

off Times Square. Disrupted by the savings and

he explains. “Covering both architecture and

much as you are colours that match and the

loan crisis, however, the project saw its investor

interiors allowed us to really think about the

right set of curtains.” he says.

go bankrupt, and Singapore’s CDL, who already

bigger picture and consider the experience.”

Two more Moxys are currently in the works in

and

Bowery and Brooklyn, but whilst differentiating

Hotel chain worldwide, snap up the site along

architecture departments – which work together

five identically branded hotels within the same

with a controlling interest in the Plaza Hotel. As

and independently across the studio’s slate of

quilt of urban fabric may sound like a daunting

the seemingly doomed hotel’s listed architect,

projects – Stonehill Taylor has forged close

task, each of the series has gone on to develop its

Taylor was called in by Chase Manhattan to

collaborations with hoteliers and developers

own coherent identity. The corten steel exterior

work on the property before it was handed over,

who value the breadth of the firm’s operational

grid and the greenhouse-esque façade cladding

then subsequently became the chain’s Master

scope. Beyond architecture and design, Taylor

Moxy Chelsea, for instance, remain a far cry

Architect when the transaction was complete.

explains that he and his company have long

visually from the neon dazzle of Moxy Times

A decade and 10 major projects later, Taylor

looked beyond the traditional responsibilities

Square, and even further from the bohemian

returned to New York having cut his teeth across

of what he refers to as the “capital A” architect.

Moxy East Village. Each bears the Moxy name

the country, with one of his final undertakings

“I have always taken a bigger role than

and level of service, though each demonstrates

in this role the restoration of the Millennium

asked,” he says. “At first it was how we made

a level of detail drawn from the locale that only

hotel in Lower Manhattan following 9/11.

business, but now it’s the reason people come

a New York native would be familiar with. This

had a controlling interest in the Millenium

Balanced

between

its

interiors

037

MEETING…

“There must absolutely be a sense that, in choosing a hotel, the guest is creating a key part of their overall experience.”

Having overseen the creation of the original NoMad for Sydell Group, Stonehill Taylor translated the celebrated concept to Las Vegas for a standout new addition to the strip

partnership in particular has afforded Taylor a

former JFK terminal, where the firm designed

vantage point from which to observe the habits

guestrooms and public spaces and worked

and values emerging across the incoming class

with a team of four other studios to transform

of younger guests.

the landmark structure’s function whilst

“Each generation is a little bit different from

simultaneously retaining, channelling and

the last, but also a little bit the same,” he notes.

continuing the spirit of its form. “That was a big

“There are two factors that will determine the

one,” Taylor smiles. “What we did there actually

direction of the hospitality industry. The first

plays into one of my favourite concepts from

is the high cost of real estate in urban contexts,

throughout my career – returning something

and the shrinking of room sizes this results

back to what it never was. TWA was never a

in – because if you cannot justify a project

hotel, so how did we achieve this? Well, the word

financially in this market then it will not be

authenticity is very tricky, and thrown around

made. The second is the hotel as a destination,

loosely these days, yet in those guestrooms

which it now must be in itself, and not simply

there are three authentic things Saarinen did

somewhere to explore a location from. There

– the womb chair, the tulip table and executive

must absolutely be a sense that, in choosing a

chair, which are still as contemporary as any

hotel, the guest is creating a key part of their

designer working today. He never knew it would

overall experience. When these ideas reach

be a hotel, but those spaces feel coherent, like

across to other price points there will be a drastic

they are part of the history and journey through

redefinition of what luxury really means.”

terminal.”

However, Taylor has perhaps already played

Indeed, a close reading of Saarinen’s vision

a part in this redefinition with the 2019 launch

in tandem with a deep-dive of TWA and jet

of TWA Hotel occupying Eero Saarinen’s iconic

age aesthetics resulted in one of the year’s

© Benoit Linero

038

E X C L U S I V E

C A R P E T S

A N D

R U G S

E X C L U S I V E

C A R P E T S

A N D

R U G S

LOOKIng through from the Looking Glass Collection

www.deirdredyson.com

MEETING…

© David Mitchell

A major reimagining of Eero Saarinen’s TWA Terminal at JFK airport saw the studio transforming the function of a landmark piece of American architecture whilst continuing its story

040

most talked about openings, with the firm’s

York’s hospitality scene and the firm itself’s

work ensuring what was never a hotel feels

more recent history. Whilst Taylor admits that

like it always has been. Within guestrooms,

expanding the studio’s slate of international

the studio’s own product designs sit alongside

projects could benefit their sustainability long

Saarinen’s to create schemes that recommence

term, business remains strong in New York, with

the building’s story as opposed to simply

the city recording the highest national levels

channelling it. Saarinen himself once worked and

in occupancy, ADR and RevPAR benchmarks

roomed with Taylor’s former boss, Lundquist,

through 2018, making it the best performer in

designing information packets for the OSS, a

the country – one that shows no signs of slowing

wartime intelligence agency and predecessor to

down. Designing a resort in the Bahamas would

the CIA. It may have taken a while, but the brief

certainly be nice, he acknowledges, however it

connection came full circle. “I was very proud of

is perhaps the many years that Taylor has spent

how our work feels sympathetic with the whole

traversing the streets directly below us that now

experience, whilst still allowing Saarinen to be

sees him a paradoxical expert in creating hotels

the hero,” he notes.

for a city they say never sleeps.

Though the project may differ vastly from

By the time I leave the office, the Veteran’s

comparable price points, TWA perhaps signals

Day parade has almost finished its march, the

a sea change, with guests ready to pay premium

route following a spine of prominent hotels that

rates to experience a unique kind of statement

trace both the manner in which the Big Apple’s

design. It may be a few more stops on the

hospitality landscaped has changed, and the

subway than Taylor is used to, though doubtless

hand in which our man in New York and his

opens a new chapter in both the contexts of New

studio have had in changing it.

www.leejohnmannphotography.com

+44 1444 258 928 www.alexander-rose.co.uk/commercial-furniture/

2020 DATES ANNOUNCED AHEAD ASIA THURSDAY 12 MARCH 2020 ANDAZ SINGAPORE

AHEAD AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 2020 FAENA FORUM MIAMI

Asia 2021 will open for entries in August 2020, for projects completed between September 2019 and August 2020

Open for Entries: Until 31 January 2020 Criteria: For projects completed between November 2018 and December 2019

AHEAD MEA WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2020 CAESARS FORUM BLUEWATERS DUBAI

AHEAD EUROPE WEDNESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2020 EXHIBITION LONDON

Open for Entries: From 2 March 2020 Criteria: For projects completed between January 2019 and February 2020

Open for Entries: From 1 April 2020 Criteria: For projects opened between June 2019 and May 2020

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‘Hyatt’s first UK opening for their Unbound Collection at Great Scotland Yard was a technically demanding project that sensitively transformed the Edwardian army recruiting office and its retained brick and stone façades into a vibrant and characterful hotel.’

Nick Rayner Director, EPR Architects

The Great Scotland Yard Hotel Whitehall, London

Unbound Collection

by Hyatt

THE LOBBY

A Different Kind of Booking A new book from Design Hotels explores 25 trailblazing members that are rewriting the narrative of modern hospitality.

Over the past 25 years, Design Hotels has been at the vanguard

the leading architects and designers of today, including Vincent

of original hospitality experiences, curating a global collection

van Duysen and Japan’s master of minimalism, Tadao Ando.

of independent, design-led hotels that go beyond the basic bed and board.

Tasked with capturing the character and visual identity of these properties were award-winning photographers Robbie Lawrence,

In celebration of its anniversary, the collective has released

Jake Curtis, Danilo Scarpati and Nacho Alegre, whose images are

The Design Hotels Book 2020, presenting in-depth profiles of

woven throughout a series of 16-page features that explore the

25 newly opened hotels that are reshaping the international

original concept, generative design and community relationships

hospitality landscape and changing the way we think about

of each hotel.

travel. From the converted wine tanks of Dexamenes Seaside

Within its pages, The Design Hotels Book also details the

Hotel in Greece to the immersive arts programme at Kazerne

individual properties that make up the entire collection, tracing

in the Netherlands, each property has established itself as a

the defining styles and movements from this era, as well as the

benchmark in the industry, emerging as a beacon for pioneering

visionaries bringing them to life. “These hotels stand out because

design, extraordinary engagement and communal development.

of the people behind them,” says Design Hotels CEO Peter Cole.

Groundbreaking architecture and thought-provoking design

“These are true originals, whose passion, sensibility and vision

unite the profiled hotels, a number of which have been crafted by

shine through in the minutest details of the guest experience.”

THE LOBBY

Suite Spot The makers of Nutella unveil a pop-up hotel that invites superfans to celebrate their love for the hazelnut-and-cocoa spread in new ways.

It is not uncommon for hotels to place destination

chef and TV personality Tanya Holland will infuse

dining at the heart of their concepts, but what

her modern Southern breakfast recipes with the

happens when a particular food item becomes

magic of the spread. Elsewhere, Dancakes – the

their true focal point, design inspiration and

famous pancake artist team whose creations have

all-encompassing raison d’être? Hotella Nutella

become viral sensations – will also be on-hand

of course! Ferrero, ‘The Makers of The Original

to teach fans how to make their own pancake

Hazelnut Spread’ have created a pop-up in Napa

designs that can be enjoyed with – you guessed

Valley inviting superfans of the delicacy to an

it – Nutella.

unforgettable bed-and-breakfast experience centred around the much-loved spread.

Featuring larger-than-life jars of Nutella

allows fans to enjoy Nutella in new and different

and hazelnut-and-cocoa spread-inspired

ways,” says Todd Midura, Vice President of

furnishings, the concept follows in the footsteps

Marketing at Nutella North America, Ferrero.

of the Nutella Cafés in New York and Chicago,

“We hope our guests learn how to recreate the

giving Nutella-aficionados unexpected ways

magic of Hotella Nutella at home, giving them

to celebrate their love for the spread through

more opportunities to gather with friends and

immersive activities that highlight the best of

family to enjoy a special breakfast.”

the brand.

This includes interactive breakfast sessions dreamed up by the Nutella Weekend Breakfast Chef Team, a panel of notable culinary talent. Iron Chef and Food Network celebrity judge Geoffrey Zakarian will show guests that breakfast for dinner has never been easier with Nutella, while

046

“Hotella Nutella reimagines the joy of the hotel stay with a special breakfast experience that

Although Hotella Nutella is only open to a few lucky competition winners, it may well inspire a sweet, new hospitality concept for the future.

W W W.V I N C E N T S H E P PA R D.C O M

VS_AdIssue88_JanFeb2020.indd 1

20/12/2019 15:50:59

THE LOBBY

More in Common Element Hotels debuts an innovative communal living room concept to foster opportunities for meaningful IRL connections.

A new study from Element by Westin shows

kitchen and living room areas, allowing them

that more than a quarter of Americans live in

to live as they do at home without having to

a different city than their childhood or college

compromise space, comfort or amenities. The

friends and family, and often depend on long trips

communal spaces range from 600-650ft2, while

to see each other. With this in mind, Marriott

each of the four adjacent guestrooms range from

International has unveiled its Studio Commons

250-280ft2.

concept, providing an innovative solution for

The Studio Commons layout debuted at the

groups looking to spend time together in a

new Element in Scottsdale in June 2019, followed

more private setting while still enjoying the

by Boulder, Colorado in July. Additional Studio

convenience of a hotel room.

Commons units are expected to be rolled out at

Element’s Studio Commons communal rooms

Element Hotels opening in Sedona, Sacramento,

are designed to appeal to a variety of different

Ontario and Minneapolis within the next year,

needs throughout the year – whether that

and are slated to be featured at all new Element

be friends and families travelling together to

Hotels signed after the first quarter of 2017.

celebrate special events such as a family reunion

“We all know that humans are inherently

or birthday party, or co-workers looking to

wired for connection,” comments Toni Stoeckl,

collaborate on a project.

Global Brand Leader, Element Hotels, and Vice

Anchored by four private guestrooms, travellers

President, Distinctive Select Brands, Marriott

can cook, collaborate and relax together in shared

International. “As a brand that has always been focused on helping travellers stay in their element while fostering a sense of community, Element Hotels’ new communal room concept enables travellers to come together and celebrate what’s most important to them – the relationships in their lives. Whether you’re taking part in a group bike ride or cooking a meal with your group in our fully equipped in-room kitchen, we hope this will give all our guests the chance to slow down, reconnect with the ones who matter and remind themselves about what they value as important.”

Prior to this official roll-out, Element Hotels piloted its Studio Commons concept at Marriott’s first-ever pop-up innovation lab in Downtown Los Angeles. Underscoring the goal of continuously innovating the guest experience with an eye on design and technology, the interactive model hotel experience allowed the brand to crowdsource real-time feedback from industry professionals, hotel guests, associates and the general public.

“Element Hotels is always looking for ways to continue to innovate in the longer stay space, so this new design concept is an exciting next step for the brand,” adds Aliya Khan, Vice President of Design, Global Design Strategies, Marriott International. “Through our research we learned that Element’s guests value being able to replicate their home environment while travelling, so separating their sleep and work spaces were particularly important with this new offering.”

048

Hotel The Ritz Carlton Berlin

Tapeรงarias Ferreira de Sรก, S.A. | Rua Ferreira de Sรก, 50 - Silvalde , 4500-629 Espinho | T:(+351) 227 333 070 | info@ferreiradesa.pt

THE LOBBY

Ink Tank Some guests will settle for a fridge magnet as

needle, Onnu has garnered acclaim as one of the

a means to remember their favourite hotel

country’s foremost tattooists. His sessions at

experience; a souvenir that can be carried through

Anantara Siam will be performed in the privacy

customs without much fuss then promptly

of a suite, with a ceremony to bless both art

forgotten during the un-pack. For others though,

and body, leaving the subject with a permanent

only needling a permanent reminder directly into

reminder of their stay.

their skin will suffice.

“We are honoured and thrilled to welcome Ajarn Neng to one of Bangkok’s most exclusive

to learn that Anantara Siam has their back –

addresses and to offer our guests an authentic,

possibly quite literally – as it gears up to welcome

once-in-a lifetime experience that is a

Sak Yant master Ajarn Neng Onnu to the hotel for

quintessential Thai tradition,” explains Daniel

private sessions through 2020. Also known as

Simon, the hotel’s General Manager. “Perfectly

bamboo tattoos, Sak Yant is the intricate process

blending an elegant location with an indigenous

of hand-engraving sacred cultural designs onto

experience, every detail has been carefully

the body with a traditional Khem Sak – a metal

considered to ensure the traditional sacred

rod passed between masters of the craft. Popular

tattoos are executed with the utmost care given

amongst Thai natives and Hollywood A-listers

to hygiene and comfort.”

alike, the designs often take the form of ancient

Whilst guests may not come away with magic

geometric patterns, prayer symbols or deity

powers, they will leave with a lifelong reminder

marks, with many believing the tattoos to hold

of their time at the Anantara flagship. With the

magical powers of luck, protection and fortune.

brand’s motto stating Life is a Journey, there can

With over 10,000 happy customers under his

© Paul Schirnhofer

Guests in the latter camp then, will be pleased

Karl Kool

be few more effective milestones than this.

© Tom Hoops

050

During his lifetime, Karl Lagerfeld’s indescribable creativity and extravagant lifestyle influenced creatives around the globe. Having overseen the transformation of Chanel into an international super-brand and dabbled in hospitality projects, the legacy of the fashion designer is now being immortalised by Oetker Collection in an exhibition curated by Kiki Kausch. Hosted

by Brenners Park Hotel & Spa in BadenBaden, Karl Cool features a collection of works created especially for the event.

Among the exhibitors are renowned contemporary artist Gregor Hildebrandt, international graffiti artist MadC, light designer Susanne Rottenbacher, and photographer Kiki Kausch, whose first work was in fact a portrait of Lagerfeld.

“Our hotels are places of interchange,” comments Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Oetker Collection. “Creating space for unplanned encounters with contemporary art is also important to us. Now, we are taking the next step. Artworks can for the first time be experienced on our premises before appearing at exhibitions or galleries. Not only are the artists placing their confidence in us, but are presenting us with this magical moment.”

Switching in style The LS 1912 in dark combines high-quality material with classic technology.

JUNG-GROUP.COM

JUNG_AZ_LS1912_Dark_236x275mm_EN.indd 1

17.12.19 14:57

THE LOBBY

Cabin Fever Neste releases the blueprints of the Nolla Cabin in a bid to encourage people to adopt a sustainable lifestyle.

While eco-tourism has increased in popularity

emissions and sustainability,” Falck explains.

in recent years, the question of accessibility

“Sharing the blueprints is a sustainable way to

remains; jetting from continent to continent on

bring this design to larger audiences.”

a polluting aeroplane is hardly conducive to a greener planet.

When Finnish designer Robin Falck and

distinctive triangular window, tagging #MyNolla

sustainability consultant Neste launched the

on Instagram with a short explanation of what

Nolla Cabin in 2018 – a sustainably-constructed

they would use the cabin for.

A-frame structure the size of a small bedroom

“With the Nolla Cabin, we want to offer visitors

– the objective was to prove that modern luxury

the possibility to experience modern cabin life in

experiences do not have to take a toll on the

the realm of nature, with minimal emissions,”

environment. But for those uninterested in taking

Falck continues. “An ecological lifestyle does

a carbon-heavy trip to the Finnish island of

not only require giving up unsustainable

Vallisaari where the original prototype remains,

commodities, but also discovering modern,

the teams have partnered again for a competition

sustainable solutions that can be used instead.”

that instead brings the cabin to the guest.

There is a catch, however. Whilst winners will

With 12 sets of Nolla Cabin blueprints up for

be provided everything required to create their

grabs – as well as all the materials and tools

own cabin, it is down to them to both source

needed to piece together the structure’s plywood,

the local materials required and assemble the

pine and solar panel form – the competition

structure, with build time estimated at between

seeks to democratise the zero-emission push

2-7 days. But whilst this could see some put off,

and spread the word that sustainable living is in

who said saving the planet would be easy?

reach, even in locations where it seems unlikely.

“The way we travel has a direct impact on our

052

All entrants need to do is post a picture of the scenery they would like to see from the cabin’s

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luxuriously comfortable, naturally.

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London • Exeter • Barcelona • Copenhagen • naturalmat.co.uk

H

ospitality leaders descended on Mayfair

followed by the break-up of the EU (21%),

for Deloitte’s annual European Hotel

local resentment towards tourists (19%) and

Industry Conference in November, where

competition from new entrants (17%).

they were presented with the 2019 findings of

With the spotlight on the UK, Scriven confirmed

its delegate survey, in which over 110 senior

that Edinburgh tops the list of cities prime for

figures – including owners, lenders, developers

investment for the sixth year in a row, with

and investors – were asked to highlight key

Cambridge remaining in second place. He also

opportunities for growth in Europe and the UK,

revealed that Oxford has overtaken Manchester

as well as the challenges for the year ahead.

as the third most attractive regional UK city to

“2019 was expected to be another volatile year from both an economic and political perspective,”

invest in, following a saturation of the market in the Northern powerhouse.

said Andreas Scriven, Lead Partner, Hospitality &

Overall, there was growth expected for London,

Leisure, Deloitte. “That undoubtedly posed some

with 53% of respondents anticipating RevPAR

challenges for the hospitality sector, therefore the

gains of 1-3% in 2020. And though 42% stated

conference looked to discuss how we can make

that Brexit will have no impact on the capital’s

the impossible possible in 2020 and beyond.”

attractiveness for hotel investment, 68% felt that

Navigating the Impossible Deloitte reveals the hotspots for investment during its 31st European Hotel Industry Conference in London.

Scriven went on to present the results of the pre-conference survey, revealing that Amsterdam

with 65% foreseeing flat or negative RevPAR.

continues to be the most attractive city for hotel

Similarly, the UK investment horizon results

investment in 2020 for the fourth year in a

saw 34% of delegates predict the UK hotel market

row; Paris takes second place as London falls to

will hit a downturn in the next 6-12 months,

third position; while Lisbon climbs up to fourth

with a further 14% deeming it already in decline.

spot. The survey also found that traditional

In terms of capital, funds from Asia Pacific and

bank debt is expected to be the most common

domestic sources are expected to dominate in

source of financing, with European (54%) and

2020, with institutional investors (28%) and

North American (38%) investors set to drive

private equity (28%) forecast to be the largest

investment next year. However, funding from

source of financing into the UK hotel sector.

the Middle East and Northern Africa (27%) was also predicted to increase.

Concerns for the UK market centred around Brexit and the break-up of the EU (41%),

In answer to the all-important question of

a shortage of skilled labour (39%) and the

where we sit on the investment cycle, it was

weakening of the currency (26%), while almost

revealed that 50% believe the UK and Ireland have

half of respondents were apprehensive over a

hit the peak, while Greece, Portugal and Spain

lack of economic growth. Political tension was

were perceived to be markets on the upturn.

also seen as one of the biggest risks for the UK

When asked about the risks to the European

hospitality sector, with results up by nearly 15%

hotel industry over the next five years, delegates

on 2018, likely due to the survey being held in

flagged a lack of economic growth (66%) and

run-up to the UK’s 2019 general election.

political tension (22%) as their biggest concerns,

054

regional UK would be less appealing as a result,

© Helen Cathcart/Belmond

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Quinta da Comporta CARVALHAL Portuguese architect and designer Miguel Câncio Martins realises a long-held ambition of becoming a hotelier, opening a country retreat that respects the genius loci.

Words: Emma Love • Photography: © Manolo Yllera

n hour’s drive south of Lisbon, the coastal region

A

For starters, there’s the entrance – or rather the lack of

of Comporta is a dreamy unspoilt landscape of rice

it. There is no flashy lobby, nothing really to indicate that

fields and pine forests, deserted sand dunes and

you’ve arrived other than a simple sign on a white wall and

crashing Atlantic waves. Until 2014, this entire area was

a small, thatch and wood reception gate house in the style

owned by the Espirito Santo banking family; now small

of a traditional fishermen’s hut where guests check-in. Even

parcels of land are slowly being sold, although there are

the car park is hidden away underground. “Mapping out the

still strict building restrictions to abide by. One such plot

main structure of the hotel it was clear to me that I wanted it

in the village of Carvalhal was snapped up by Portuguese

to be unveiled slowly,” explains Martins. “I wanted to make

architect and designer Miguel Câncio Martins (his past global

sure that arriving at the resort mimics what it’s like to arrive

projects range from the Buddha Bar in Paris to the W Hotel

in Comporta, where you only discover its best treasures as

in Montreal) who has finally realised his long-held dream

you gradually immerse yourself.”

of becoming a hotelier.

056

From reception, sandy paths and a raised wooden walkway

“Growing up, I spent many of my holidays with my family

lead down past a vegetable garden to the main central

in Comporta but there was nowhere to stay, so we always

terracotta courtyard where rice was once harvested and

had to go back to Lisbon at the end of the day,” he recalls.

beaten to extract the grains. Dotted about there are a handful

“For as long as I can remember I’ve had the idea of creating

of comfy sofas and wood-frame chairs under shady pergolas

a project that respects the ‘genius loci’ and slow lifestyle

but all eyes are immediately drawn to the slim, raised 40m

and identity of the village, by integrating everything that is

infinity pool with glass sides and racing green tiles, and

characteristic about it in one place.”

the rice fields beyond. Two vast, barn-like buildings – in

With Quinta da Comporta, a hotel with 73 guestrooms and

exactly the same position as the old grain stores – house

suites, plus four 300m2, three-bedroom wood and thatch

the restaurant and spa. Both are raised off the ground to

villas, which took three years from design to completion,

maintain the irrigation channels for the rice and made from

he has achieved it.

150-year-old reclaimed wood that was shipped over from

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058

Interiors follow a rustic decorative style with sisal rugs, wooden bed frames and wicker armchairs – all made by artisans

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Canada (it was also used for the soaring criss-

lights are replicated on a far larger scale in the

crossing beams that dominate each space).

restaurant, alongside raffia armchairs by the

Parallel to the pool at the back of the courtyard

fire in a pre-dinner drinks area and Portuguese

are two, low-slung white buildings, again in the

marble-topped tables. In the spa, stand-out

same location as the old warehouses, painted

design details include floor patterns painted

with typical Portuguese royal blue bands

by French artist Patrick Michel inspired by

and terracotta tiled rooftops which house a

traditional Arraiolos rugs; in the living room,

communal living space and the guestrooms. “I

clusters of brightly coloured woven ‘PET lamps’

used traditional shapes and forms to preserve

made from plastic bottles by Alvaro Catalan de

the visual identity of Comporta. The symmetric

Ocon steal the show.

position of the buildings reinforces the harmony

Throughout, the hotel celebrates its

and functionality that I always look for in

surroundings, from the vegetation (olive trees,

design,” continues Martins.

cactus, palms, herbs) that is typical of the region

Ranging in size from 42-113m2, the rooms

to the use of rice (a rice sake is in the pipeline,

and suites all have a similar, rustic decorative

as well as a range of own-brand spa products)

style; white walls with sisal rugs on smooth

and the just-picked figs from the garden that

concrete floors, wooden bed frames and wicker

appear as part of the buffet breakfast. Future

armchairs. Everything is designed by Martins

plans include a cinema, wine cellar and a kid’s

and made by artisans in Portugal. “As we have a

club, which all feel like lovely extras that won’t

connection to rice fields, which are also in Asia,

distract from what this authentic hotel is really

I have included some Asian touches too, such

about: staying true to the unique spirit of

as the ethnic patterned cushions and Balinese

Comporta.

bedside lights,” he continues. The Balinese

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Ownerr: Miguel Câncio Martins Architecture and Interior Design: Miguel Câncio Martins www.quintadacomporta.com

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8/29/19 10:27 AM

Crossroads MALDIVES In line with the Ministry of Tourism’s drive to diversify the accommodation offer in the Maldives, Singha Estate unveils the nation’s first integrated resort destination – an ambitious development spanning hospitality, retail and entertainment.

Words: Neena Dhillon • Photography: Courtesy of Singha Estate

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S

erving as a maritime pit stop on the ancient Silk

far been developed: the first comprising the 11,000m2

Road, the Maldives once would have provided

Marina at Crossroads and its adjoining hotel, SAii

shelter to weary travellers navigating from east

Lagoon Maldives; the second occupied by Hard Rock

to west and vice versa. In this heyday of trading on

Hotel Maldives.

the oceans, cargo such as paper, gunpowder, porcelain

From the same family stable of businesses that

and spices was transported from China and South

includes Boon Rawd Brewery, Crossroads operates under

Asia via Arabia to Europe, with horses, wool, gold and

the hospitality arm of Thai real estate company, Singha

glass favoured on the return. Ship crews of different

Estate. Representing S Hotels & Resorts’ first flagship

cultures, charged with handling these precious

development of an integrated leisure destination, the

commodities, would have visited the Maldivian

nine-island complex spans the seven-kilometre-long

islands to take onboard new stocks and supplies while

Emboodhoo Lagoon and seeks to make the most of its

making repairs to their ocean-battered vessels. It is

accessibility, just 15 minutes by speedboat, from Malé

this historical legacy that Singha Estate’s multi-island

International Airport. Elaborating, Chief Operating

leisure and lifestyle destination taps into, positioning

Officer Thiti Thongbenjamas says: “With the benefit

itself as a modern meeting point for a new generation

of this location, we can attract potential new markets

of explorers in the 21st century.

such as groups of friends, MICE travellers and local residents as well as transit passengers. By reviving

A NEW PROPOSITION

the rich history of the Maldives as a destination for

In place of the traditional one-island-one-hotel norm,

people from all walks of life, we’re set to bring a new

the Thai developer has introduced an integrated resort

lifestyle concept to the islands while working closely

concept to the Maldives, one that aims to be the largest

with local communities to promote the culture and

of its kind in the Indian Ocean when complete. Out of

history of the nation.”

nine interconnecting reclaimed islands, two have so

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One of the main attractions for Maldivian residents

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, furnished by SNS Group.

www.snsgroup.eu

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SAii Lagoon is emblazoned with quirky textiles and handpainted surfaces that reference a fusion of cultures

and transit passengers is the variety of tenants,

SAII LAGOON

approximately 70 in total, dotted around the marina,

Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, the 198-room

including big-name dining options such as Café del

SAii Lagoon has been conceptualised by S Hotels &

Mar, Ministry of Crab and Hard Rock Café. Retailers

Resorts as an enhancement of the marina, offering

range from tea specialists to perfumers while an

an intimate, chilled-out hospitality experience at an

event hall is aiming to capture meetings, incentive

affordable price.

and wedding business. Additionally, there is a yacht

Emblazoned with quirky art, textiles, fabrics and

marina that can accommodate up to 30 luxury vessels.

handpainted surfaces that reference a fusion of

Tropical architecture with nods to a colonial aesthetic

cultures, the property speaks equally of a colonial

pervades the complex, where buildings are lent interest

past as conveyed by Portuguese tiling and shutters.

by hand-drawn paintings referencing the Maldives as

Landscaping and bespoke furniture weaves its way

a cultural melting pot.

around the restaurants and strategically positioned pool bar, while hints of Asia and Arabia combine in

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT

an eclectic confluence of distinctive design, lifted by

Phase one of the project, part of a US$311.5 million

splashes of cerulean blue and sunshine yellow.

investment, has not been without its critics from an environmental point of view, with the initial stages

HARD ROCK HOTEL

of reclamation called out for carelessness. Since this

Linked to the Marina by a 450m bridge equipped with

early hiccup, however, Singha Estate has partnered

Bose speakers, the high-energy vibe of Hard Rock

with international agencies, local authorities and

International’s first Maldivian hotel is evident from

communities to ensure the sustainability aspect

the moment of arrival at the music organ-shaped

of construction, while the highly-respected Thai

welcome pavilion, with its drum-inspired reception

marine biologist, Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat,

booths. Guests are whisked up to the main resort block

has been appointed to lead on coral preservation and

and invited to slide down a water chute to collect a

regeneration initiatives as well as social education.

mocktail once safely across the pool. Activities galore

Picking up on the theme, Thongbenjamas outlines

on land, water and in the air keep the social and buzzy

how construction has followed the protocol of the

atmosphere of the self-contained property going

United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

through day into night, when lighting and furniture

with efforts concentrated on “closely measuring the

changes create ambient mood shifts.

marine environment, reducing wet work and avoiding

Charged with designing the 178-key hotel,

discharge of grey water plus ensuring strict zero

Singapore-based Eco-id Architects collaborated with

waste to the ocean”. At the Marine Discovery Centre

an oceanography expert, the developer and Hard

– a facility that promotes environmental conservation

Rock to shape the manmade island, prioritising beach

and Maldivian local arts and crafts – interactive

frontage for public areas while carving out spaces for

storyboards and installations draw visitors into the

activity hubs and creating scenery vignettes. “Once

midst of an educational project focused on coral

the masterplan had been established, it was a case of

propagation while the resort’s two hotels use energy

working on architecture with a contemporary tropical

efficient LED lighting, waste management including

direction,” outlines the firm’s Director Carol Chng.

composting and organic gardens, as well as a heat

“The island then became a showcase for the curation

recovery system to power hot water.

of these building forms.”

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Interpreting the music ethos of the Hard Rock brand, Eco-id has infused a free-spirited quality into its vision, opting for airy and contemporary design

Interpreting the music ethos of the Hard Rock

Hard Rock,” describes Chng. “From the Boduberu

brand in its own way, Eco-id has infused a free-

tradition, we have extracted tactile elements such as

spirited quality into its vision, opting for airy and

the Maldivian mat, drum shapes, lacquer techniques

contemporary design over traditional Maldivian

and coir rope effects.” Around the resort, the art

thatched roof structures. “Our take is a composition of

of Maldivian weaving is expressed as diagonal and

clean forms without sacrificing light, ventilation and

graphic line motifs seen in tiling and panelling,

shade,” confirms Chng. “So you see white architectural

while rhythmic bands of colour characterise timber

massing shine in the sunlight, contrasting and

louvered screens and villa entrance doors. Drum

accentuating the blue and green hues of the water –

armchairs, rattan cocoon seating, rope-clad columns

like monuments to the rock-star lifestyle, they have a

and intricate multi-hued tile installations bring

rebellious design angle.” Alongside white concrete and

pops of bright colour into the scheme with vibrant

masonry, painted in ocean shades for overwater guest

paintings by Maldivian artist Shaff Oceans a common

villas, synthetic thatched roofs have been selected

feature in each guestroom. In combination with Hard

to respond to the climate and timber for curving

Rock’s trademark music memorabilia dotted around

overwater walkways.

public spaces, interiors are dynamic and youthful.

“Memorabilia displays are juxtaposed with interior

068

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

colours, patterns and textiles – a blend of local

While the brand’s music DNA is an essential factor,

culture interpreted and abstracted with dialled-up

Maldivian culture has also been absorbed into the

energy,” explains Chng. “As music is synonymous

interior design approach, with the Boduberu another

with movement, we try not to keep things static.

key source of inspiration. “To us, the image of locals

Standout spaces include The Elephant & The

dancing to the rhythm of drums on the beach is

Butterfly, a pan-Latin restaurant and oceanfront pool

such a clear definition of music, the Maldives and

bar that pays homage to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera,

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its plates of food purposefully contrasting the

BUILDING BIG, PROTECTING THE SMALL

rustic with the sophisticated. A playful ceiling

With the first phase of development now

fixture of suspended colour beads moves and

operational, Singha Estates has turned its

sways to make a group of butterflies materialise

attention to what’s still to come. The next

while gold and white mosaics accentuate

phase of Crossroads, which is due to open up

the same theme. Shaff Oceans’ memorable

a third island in 2022, will include a high-end

handpainted elephant wall mural took months

lifestyle resort comprising 80 spacious villas for

of refinement but is now an Instagram hit.

experiential travellers, built in partnership with

Elsewhere, Sessions – serving dishes inspired

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Myanmar’s Eco World Developer.

by contemporary global flavours – is a vibrant

While the project is monumental in both scale

all-day dining affair, and on a more sybaritic

and ambition, Crossroads is committed to its

note, Rock Spa makes an impression for its

mission of ‘building big, protecting the small’,

abstract architectural rendition of a wave

preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives

crashing on seashells. Finally, the largest guest

and enriching the lives of locals.

villa, appropriately named Rock Star, has been

“With Crossroads, we are making history,”

designed to redefine the tropical house party

commented Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, Chairman,

with its jukebox, tuk-tuk bar and carousel

Singha Estate, on the resort’s debut. “By being

shaped as a seahorse. “From masterplanning to

the largest integrated leisure and entertainment

architecture and interiors, the total composition

destination in the Maldives, Crossroads is going

is akin to putting notes together to form a

to redefine vacation experience in the entire

tune,” concludes Chng. “The vitality of Hard

Indian Ocean region, while also being deeply

Rock’s DNA is on display in every aspect of the

sustainable and considerate of its environment,

sensory experience.”

history and culture.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Singha Estate Operator: S Hotels & Resorts (SAii Lagoon); Hard Rock International (Hard Rock Hotel) Architecture and Interior Design: Singha Estate (SAii Lagoon); Eco-id Architects (Hard Rock Hotel) Landscaping: Topo Design Studio (Hard Rock Hotel) Lighting Design: Bo Steiber Lighting Design (Hard Rock Hotel) www.crossroadsmaldives.com

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10/12/2019 12:02

Stock Exchange Hotel MANCHESTER Football legends Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs team up with Autoban to transform Manchester’s former Stock Exchange into a boutique hotel.

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Bevan Cockerill

T

he names Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs will ring a bell with sports fans up and down the country, but mention them in the world of hotels and you may receive an

altogether different response. The former professional footballers – both of whom captained Manchester United to success, lifting a combined total of 54 trophies – first cut their teeth in hospitality five years ago with the launch of Hotel Football, an upscale property inspired by the beautiful game that overlooks Old Trafford. And the ex-teammates didn’t rest on their laurels – a trait perhaps inherited from celebrated manager Sir Alex Ferguson – drafting in hotelier Winston Zahra as CEO of GG Hospitality in 2018 and subsequently unveiling plans for the £20million conversion of Manchester’s former Stock Exchange, having acquired the historic Grade II-listed building in 2014.

Situated in the heart of the city on Norfolk Street, the Stock Exchange was originally designed by architects Bradshaw, Gass & Hope, opening its doors in 1906 and continuing to trade until 1979, when it was eventually amalgamated into the London Stock Exchange. Since then, the Edwardian Baroque structure has been used as offices and more recently a restaurant, though its history and heritage have often been overlooked, something that Neville and Giggs were keen to reverse: “We knew the Stock Exchange well from when it was a restaurant, but it was only when we viewed it in its entirety

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The Boardroom Suite features heritage details such as marble pillars, wood panelling, stainedglass windows and an ornamental fireplace

that we realised the extent of the history there,” they

property – which has opened as a member of Relais &

recall, speaking at an exclusive pre-opening event.

Châteaux – with well-dressed bellboys ushering city

“Most people familiar with the building will know

dwellers into the aptly named Traders Lounge for a

of the domed ceiling above the old trading floor, but

glass of fizz before guiding them upstairs, where a

there are many other original features that will not

collection of 40 guestrooms across three categories –

have been seen, such as fireplaces, vaults and stained-

The Bradshaw, John Gass and Arthur Hope – honour

glass windows. For us, it was critical that this heritage

the architects who first envisioned the Portland stone

was protected and now sits at the heart of what we

structure. Reinforcing the connection to its trading

hope will be an exciting new concept for Manchester.”

past are two signature spaces – Suite Nineteen ‘0’ Six

Tasked with breathing new life into the former

and The Boardroom Suite – the first named after the

trading hub was JM Architects and Istanbul-based

year in which the Stock Exchange was inaugurated and

studio Autoban, the latter reimagining the interior

forming part of the newly constructed fourth floor,

spaces in a palette of subtle colours, pairing bespoke

the second located in one of the most historic and

furnishings with original surfaces such as marble, glass

architecturally preserved parts of the building.

and woodwork to channel the building’s deep-rooted

Accessed via a private staircase off the main lobby,

history. “Our design concept was built on paying

The Boardroom Suite occupies the original Stock

homage to the extraordinary heritage of the space,”

Exchange boardroom and features heritage details

say founders Seyhan Özdemir and Sefer Çağlar. “Much

such as marble pillars, an ornamental fireplace,

of the bespoke furniture for example, including the

stained-glass windows and an original vault. The

reception and concierge desks, were inspired by the

space can be extended via an interconnecting suite

former Stock Exchange’s cashier desks and resemble

and its own private terrace, while other areas include

the detail of a coin’s edge.”

a large lounge, dining room and walk-in wardrobe.

The narrative begins as soon as guests enter the

074

At the heart of the hotel is The Bull & Bear, an

075

87-cover restaurant headed up by Michelin-

of mouthwatering dishes such as Crispy Pig’s

starred chef Tom Kerridge. Housed beneath

Head with Celeriac Remoulade and Spiced

a striking domed ceiling on what was the

Date Sauce, Chicken Kiev with Maple Glazed

original trading floor of the Stock Exchange,

Butternut Squash, and B&B Profiteroles with

the dining room lends its name to the building

Soured Vanilla Cream – the latter brought up

in which it resides – which witnessed the ups

north by the chef after becoming a staple choice

and downs of bull and bear markets – blurring

for diners at The Coach, his illustrious pub in

the lines between elegance and informality

Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

with a refined colour palette that takes its cues

In addition to The Bull & Bear, Kerridge’s

from Manchester’s iconic worker bee, together

team is in charge of The Bank, offering bespoke

with carefully restored Edwardian architecture,

dining experiences for up to 16 guests, and The

elegant green banquettes and comfortable

Vault, catering to 120 covers for private events

leather armchairs.

and receptions. The Bank also hosts culinary

“We used British racing greens and brass

classes and has its own wine cellar, which

details, as well as various types and textures of

guests can enjoy while tucking into Kerridge’s

natural stone mosaics combined with patterned

award-winning cuisine.

parquet, to create a central focus under the

Having written their names in the history

dome,” add Özdemir and Çağlar. “On top of

books at Manchester United, Neville and Giggs

that, our blend of modern and traditional

have undoubtedly captured the hearts of the

craftsmanship is shown in the processed wood

Northern faithful once again, this time using

cladding used for the bar and couch seating.”

their entrepreneurial nous to revive one of the

On the menu, Kerridge’s signature style of refined British classics is on show in the form

076

city’s most iconic sites, both in style and spirit.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Winston Zahra Developer: Zerum Operator: GG Hospitality Architecture: JM Architects Interior Design: Autoban Art Consultant: Ruth Davies www.stockexchangehotel.co.uk

Paramount House Hotel SYDNEY A boutique hotel joins the mix of cultural and work spaces at the sensitively restored former headquarters of Paramount Pictures.

Words: Mandi Keighran • Photography: © Sharyn Cairns

T

he Paramount Pictures building in the dynamic inner-

eating lunch, taking meetings and catching up over coffee. At

city neighbourhood of Surry Hills in Sydney was

night, when the café is closed, the designers wanted to avoid

originally built in 1940 and served as the home of the

the feeling of walking through a deserted space. “We came

film studio until the 1970s. In 2013, it began a transformation

up with the idea of a corridor of light to guide you through

into a thriving hub of new, creative businesses driven by

to the lobby and make the rest of the space fall away,” says

property investor Ping Jin Ng with the help of architects Fox

Herring. “At the end, you find a gleaming, copper-clad

Johnston. There is the Golden Age Cinema and Bar in the

desk. It was very important that visitors pause at that spot.

old screening room; The Office Space co-working floor; the

They’re served a local cider, wine or ice tea from taps on the

Paramount Recreation Club and Kiosk on the rooftop; and

reception desk, and have chance to relax. The hospitality is

the Paramount Coffee Project on the ground floor. And, the

in the people, but the architecture is also designed to invite

building’s newest tenant – the boutique Paramount House

that feeling.”

Hotel – fits right in with its neighbours.

078

To this end, the lobby is filled with artwork curated by local

“The site is such an interesting microcosm of Surry Hills

gallery China Heights and changed seasonally, while natural

as a hive of creative businesses,” says Bonnie Herring,

light floods the space through a large skylight. The lift is

associate at Breathe Architecture, which oversaw the four-

wallpapered in a kitschy pink Hawaiian floral pattern – also

year project. “The Paramount House Hotel is interrelated

found on shirts in the reception gift shop – that highlights

with that whole tapestry.”

the relaxed, fun feeling throughout. It’s no surprise that

The actual site of the hotel is adjacent to the original

the hotel is the first offering from Russell Beard and Mark

Paramount House offices – an important heritage building

Dundon, with Ng – the team behind local café favourites

– in the old film distribution warehouse. The architects

Reuben Hills and Bondi Hall. “The hotel was a logical next

took inspiration from its Art Deco detailing and developed a

step for us after we were approached to do the Paramount

concept that explored how old and new would relate to each

Coffee Project café here,” says Beard. “Hospitality is the

other, such as in the way the chevron-pattern copper screen

focus – looking after people and being humble.”

sits over the robust original façade. “There was a contrast of

The accommodation offer comprises 29 guestrooms across

raw and honest materials with more delicate new materials,”

five room categories – Nook, Everyday, Sunny, Loft and Mack

says Herring. “Inside, there are a lot of exposed surfaces and

Daddy Suites – and because of the quirks of working within

structural elements that explain how the building came to

an existing building with an irregular plan, no two rooms are

be. We hope that the newer parts of the interior will patinate

the same. “We wanted to capture all the eccentricities of the

over time and become part of that narrative.”

heritage fabric,” says Herring. “I really enjoyed the process

Visitors to the hotel enter through the ground-floor café,

of stripping away what we decided was not productive for

which during the day is a busy hub of hotel guests and locals

the project and seeing what was there waiting for us. At

079

one stage, we were about to fit out a suite and

designers – the Japanese-style native blackbutt

we realised that there were beautiful brickwork

timber bathtubs are made by a craftsman from

areas when we pulled away plasterboard. So,

Coffs Harbour, furniture comes from family-

we decided to flip the switch and make these

owned company Jardan, Seljak merino wool

visible. These were really delightful moments.”

blankets are crafted from scraps sourced from

While every room is different, they almost all

Australia’s oldest wool mill, and French linen

have an outdoor space with plenty of greenery.

sheets are from Cultiver. Even the scent, from

The copper façade screen offers privacy without

Aesop, is Australian.

blocking the views or ambiance of the bustling

“A hotel for us should be about aesthetics,

inner-city neighbourhood. “If you come half

place and hospitality,” says Beard. “That’s

way across the world, you want to know that you

what we want when we stay somewhere, to

are in a particular place,” explains Herring. “In

feel like we are part of a community.” And,

Surry Hills, there are these bursts of greenery

Paramount House Hotel is about as far from

amongst the terrace houses and we wanted to

the anonymous hotel experience as you can get.

pick up on that.”

Anyone spending the night here will wake up

The rooms have been designed to make guests

knowing exactly where they are – tapped into

feel at home, with warm finishes and furnishings

the very fabric of Sydney itself – and when the

more likely to be found in a domestic setting

time comes to check-out, you will probably feel

than in a hotel – think stripped back brick

a little bit like a local.

walls, timber floors, exposed concrete ceilings and copper details. To give the hotel a strong sense of place, the designers sourced as much as possible from local Australian brands and

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owners: Ping Jin Ng, Russell Beard, Mark Dundon and Eden Elan Devloper: Citadin Architecture and Interior Design: Breathe Architecture Graphic Design: The Company You Keep Art Consultant: China Heights Main Contractor: Calida (hotel); Promena Projects (lobby) Project Manager: Artechne www.paramounthousehotel.com

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Jao Camp OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA Hoteliers Cathy and David Kays enlist Silvio Rech + Lesley Carstens for the rebuild of a Wilderness Safaris camp in the Okavango Delta.

Words: Emma Love • Photography: © Crookes & Jackson

I

n northern Botswana, Maun is the jumping off-point for the Okavango Delta, a landscape of sprawling grassy plains that transform into lush, water-filled channels during

the seasonal floods. It was here that South African Cathy Kays and her husband David, who was born in Botswana, spent weekends camping with their children. That was until the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act of 1992 split the area into smaller concessions, which were then all privately leased. “Suddenly we didn’t have free access anymore,” recalls Kays. “We realised that the only way we could continue to visit was if we had a reason to be here, so we decided to go into the tourism industry. It was also the only way we could take part in conserving a very important part of the Okavango Delta.”

The couple enlisted Johannesburg-based architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens (the roll call of previous camps they’ve designed includes Wilderness Safaris’ Vumbura Plains and Mombo in the Delta) to produce concept drawings for the management plan – which won the tender. “People were still in the stage of putting a tent on the ground whereas we came up with the idea of a Balinese long house,” continues Kays of the original camp, which opened in 1999 under the Wilderness Safaris tour operator umbrella. “I wanted the buildings to generate excitement and they definitely did that.

The problem is that we are in a flood plain, so for six months of the year the building stands under water. It’s terribly bad for gum poles, which started to rot. In the last few years we knew we had to rebuild, so we went back to Silvio and Lesley and asked if they would do round two with us.”

083

Palm frond tan leather floor lights and an installation of porcelain lily flowers hanging around a sun above the bar are both nods to the natural world

The camp’s second incarnation, which re-

is nature, specifically plants, which are threaded

opened last summer after an eight-and-a-

throughout in all kinds of ways, from the

half-month rebuild, is a complete departure.

rounded side tables and olive leather hanging

Instead of gum poles for the main space –

seats in one of the living areas that reference lily

which comprises the restaurant, bar and several

pads, to the leaf patterns in the tableware. “We

hang-out living areas – the Kays opted for steel.

collected leaves from the trees in our garden

The roof is artificial thatch, made partly from

at home in Maun,” says David. “Lesley froze

recycled plastic mixed to the couple’s colour

them and put them into the ceramics, which she

specifications, with artificial cape reed grass

and her team made; when they were baked the

and latte wood on the inside and fibre palm on

leaf disintegrated but it left the impression.”

the outside. The floor is composite decking and,

Palm frond tan leather floor lights produced

unusually for a safari camp, there are frameless

by Heino Schmitt Design, and an installation

glass stacking doors that can close off the bar

of opening-and-closing porcelain lily flowers

and restaurant area when the temperature

hanging around a sun above the bar, are just two

drops. “We’ve tried to keep the same feeling

more nods to the natural world. “When we came

of the original Jao but using materials that last

for our first visit this time, there was so much

longer. It’s a more sustainable approach, and

water and a profusion of lilies everywhere, so

also a sculptural one. The roof is like butterfly

we really wanted to use them,” adds Carstens.

wings with the steel as the tendons,” explains

Along the red balau boardwalk, there are five

Carstens of the structural element, which has

116m2 suites, plus a pair of two-bedroom 269m2

also been used for the floor-to-ceiling faceted

villas, ideal for families, which each come with a

fireplace and bar in the camp’s living area.

private guide and vehicle for game drives, a chef

One of the main inspirations for the new look

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and butler. They all have a similar layout and

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chic, handcrafted style: there’s a kitchenette

spa and gym, while the old furniture has been

with a slab of sandstone as the counter; a dining

re-purposed at another camp nearby.

area with a cedar table; and in the living zone,

Other stand-out features are the main round

a patchwork of raffia grass mats handwoven

pool with a decked seating area shaded by a

in Swaziland as a wall panel, accompanied

domed latte wood nest-like structure and the

by pieces such as a cork coffee table and grey

new tower by the entrance, which comprises

Karakul wool rug. “Everything is very tactile,”

a ground floor shop, and on the upper level,

says Carstens, who together with Rech, designed

a wine cellar, library and gallery. A two-

the furniture throughout the camp and worked

storey-high giraffe skeleton – displayed for

with mostly South African artisans to produce

educational purposes after dying from natural

it. “We’ve used honest materials and tried to

attrition – provides the wow factor, while a

keep the rawness coming through.”

series of prints from the National Herbarium in

In the bathroom meanwhile, two lily-shaped

Pretoria – botanical pressings made by Kays’

vanities manufactured by Iron Banister take

great-grandfather, botanist E.E. Galpin – sit

centrestage, as well as a custom designed tub

alongside black-and-white family photos and

with lily pad side tables, produced by Boutique

text that delve into the Kays’ past. “In the

Baths, which looks out to the plunge pool on

gallery, guests can learn about the history of

the terrace. Sustainability is a key factor too, so

the Kays but also the history of Botswana, as

the suites are subsequently cooled with Climate

their story lines up with different elements of

Wizard, an evaporative low-energy cooling

Delta,” concludes Carstens. This is a camp with

system and the entire camp runs on solar power

a deep family connection, where the incentive

– generated by over 600 panels. Rosewood from

for those staying here will surely be as much

the original Jao was re-used on the floors of the

about the architecture as the animals.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Wilderness Safaris Architecture and Interior Design: Silvio Rech + Lesley Carstens Lighting Design: Darkroom Lighting Projects Landscaping: Landscaping Enterprises Project Manager: Errol Laing www.wilderness-safaris.com

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Native MANCHESTER Changing the face of long-stay accomodation, Native’s new outpost in Manchester pays homage to the city’s rich industrial heritage.

Words: Donna Salek Photography: © Keith Collie (unless otherwise stated)

A

decade ago, the mention of serviced apartments would more likely inspire thoughts of a tired, halffunctioning residence rather than a swanky New York-

style loft. In recent years however, the sector has undergone a revolution, with a new breed of hybrids combining the comforts of home with the luxuries and services of a boutique hotel. This has led to a surge in popularity, so much so that in 2019, the sector enjoyed higher RevPAR growth than traditional hotels. New development is on the rise too – a report from HVS found that 23,600 units are set to open across Europe by 2022 – and amongst those adding to their portfolios is Native, a London-based operator that has recently expanded to the regions. 2018 saw openings in Glasgow and London’s Bankside, while 2019 brought a new northern outpost in the shape of Native Manchester.

Nestled between the voguish Northern Quarter and

developing Ancoats neighbourhood, just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly train station, the new apartments occupy the upper eight floors of the Grade II-listed Ducie Street Warehouse, a red brick building dating back to 1867 that was once used to store cotton. “This has been an extraordinary opportunity to take one of the great icons of Manchester’s industrial past and turn it into a major cultural and social destination for the city,” comments Guy Nixon, who founded the company in 1998 having grown tired of extended stays in hotels during his travels as an investment banker.

Responsible for overseeing this renovation was Londonbased studio Archer Humphryes Architects, a firm known

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© Felix Mooneeram

The ground-floor space – known as Cultureplex – is a multi-purpose, all-day hub for eating, drinking, working and socialising

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for transforming old buildings into hospitality spaces,

restauranteurs David Waddington and Pablo Flack,

such as Chiltern Firehouse, The Standard London and

the minds behind East London eatery Bistroteque and

Great Northern Hotel. In Manchester, Ducie Street

Ace Hotel London hangout Hoi Polloi, Cultureplex

Warehouse’s industrial heritage has been laid bare,

boasts a dynamic events programme as well as luxury

with the architects choosing to retain inimitable

gym BLOK, private function rooms, and its own little

characteristics, such as barrel-arched brick ceilings,

cinema – ‘Mini Cini’, if you will. For eating, drinking

cast-iron columns and an exposed skeletal frame – a

and lounging, there are three main spaces: Klatch – an

hangover from its former life.

artisanal coffee counter; Bistroteque – the northern

The ground floor is a voluminous, open space

foil of the original Bethnal Green institution; and

housing independently operated F&B outlet

the Lounge – a central space with a standalone bar

Cultureplex. “We wanted to do something spectacular

and communal tables. Heading Cultureplex’s interior

and recognised that hoteliers are rarely known for

design was Loren Daye, founder of New York design

operating destination F&B offerings,” notes Nixon.

studio Love is Enough. Daye took cues from Hoi Polloi

“In addition to creating uniquely spacious aparthotel

to create a ground floor design that harmonises with

rooms in this magnificent space, we set out to identify

the building’s industrial underpinnings and is adorned

an F&B operator that could bring the vast ground floor

with a neutral colour palette, terracotta features,

space alive by offering something truly unique to the

plenty of foliage and a mix of caramel-coloured and

Manchester market as well as our guests.”

dark grey seating.

Seamlessly stitching itself into the cultural fabric

For Archer Humphryes, uniting the ground floor

of the neighbourhood, it is best defined as a multi-

with the apartments above was crucial, and so the

purpose, all-day hub for eating, drinking, working

firm opted to introduce a glazed screen at first floor

and socialising, the likes of which exist in cities such

level providing sightlines up to the sky lights. “This

as London, but not so much in Manchester. Run by

allows for the building to be appreciated both in

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height and depth,” David Archer, co-founder of Archer

penthouses – the latter complete with mezzanine

Humphryes notes. “And for visitors to see, at once, the

levels and private terraces – each unit lending a

hotel atrium, and the ground floor activities bathed

distinctly homely feel. Modelled off the wave of loft-

in the gentle northern light from above.” Perhaps

living concepts developed in metropolitan cities over

the most impressive feature, the atrium exposes the

the last 40 years, in which industrial buildings are re-

building’s metal structure, which has charmingly

purposed with open-plan layouts, Native Manchester

been painted in a light blue shade, and also provides

fuses style with comfort. “We developed the brief

a glimpse into the goings-on of Cultureplex below.

around the quality of one’s environment within a

In defining the layout of the apartments, one of the

domestic setting,” Archer explains. “We wanted it to

key ideas was to reverse the arrangement of living

be as inviting as a home environment.” Solid, parquet

and sleeping accommodation, allowing the living areas

flooring, comfortable beds and bespoke furniture

to have windows with city views, direct daylight and

supplied by Conran appear alongside vibrant velvet

a greater amount of wall area left with the original

textures, lighting by Marset, fully furnished blue and

exposed bricks and jack arches above. The room

brass kitchenettes and black and grey bathrooms –

count has also significantly increased from the former

creating an interior scheme which oozes style without

property to provide greater flexibility. “The aim was to

being excessive.

allow rooms to be let together to provide larger living

Growing rapidly to meet market demand, Native’s

spaces as well as individual studios and one bedrooms

portfolio has expanded significantly over the last few

being arranged off shared lobbies to allow groups of

years and shows no sign of slowing. With further

rooms to be taken by families, friends or colleagues,”

developments planned across the UK, the operator will

continues Archer. The room sizes are still generous

continue to work with industry leading designers and

compared to industry norms, ranging from a mix of

architects to create boutique aparthotels that allow

studios, one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom

guests to feel like true natives of the city they’re in.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Ares Management Developer: Styles & Wood Operator: Native Architecture: Archer Humphryes Interior Design: Archer Humphryes, Love is Enough (Cultureplex) www.nativemanagement.co.uk

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15/08/2019 16:47

Market Street Hotel EDINBURGH Design Hotels welcomes its first member property in Scotland, where contemporary interiors with a local twist take centrestage.

Words: Catherine Martin Photography: © Robert Rieger

s the UK’s most visited city outside

A

“We call our hotels local heroes,” explains

London, Edinburgh is widely regarded

Christa van Camp, Sales Director at Carlton Hotel

as one of the most attractive spots for

Collection, who helps develop new concepts for

hotel investment in Europe. In recent years, the

the group having worked with them for over 20

number of overnight tourists has soared, leading

years. “All properties in the group have their

to rapid growth, and notably, diversification, of

own identity based on location, environment

its accommodation offer. Adding to the mix of

and local history,” she continues. “With Market

B&Bs and guesthouses, new lifestyle brands,

Street Hotel, we wanted to create a new local

design-led aparthotels and even a floating hotel

hero, where location and history offer renewed

have opened their doors, and now, the city is

relevance to guests, resulting in a contemporary

home to Scotland’s first Design Hotels member.

hotel with a Scottish twist.”

Occupying a prime spot close to Waverley

The property’s location – on the border

Station, Market Street Hotel is a new addition

between old town and new – called for a

to Carlton Hotel Collection, a subsidiary of

solution that would harmonise with the

Foundation Group along with Glendola Leisure,

architectural greats that still stand, yet also

which operates a number of bars, restaurants

speak of a developing city. And so, JM Architects

and nightclubs across the UK. The parent

was brought in to transform a derelict site

company was founded by Peter Salussolia in

into a new, eight-storey building that would

1972, and takes pride in the individuality and

integrate into the streetscape and protect

sense of place of each of its 12 hotels, which

the historic Edinburgh skyline. Following a

range from a sensitively converted abbey in

rigorous analysis of the materials, proportions

Brussels, to a sports-club-with-rooms in the

and geometries of the surroundings, the firm

Dutch town of Mierlo.

designed a contemporary structure clad in

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The champagne lounge features a variety of seating options to suit every occasion

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traditional sandstone crowned by a folded rooftop of

the studio’s founder, Colin Finnegan. Delving into the

dark whinstone and glass. The materials, both here

archives, Finnegan found that the hotel sits on the site

and throughout the hotel, are predominantly from

of the former Nor’ Loch, a marsh at the foot of Castle

Scottish sources, and quite often have a tale to tell.

Rock that was once part of the natural defence of the

The cracked walls in the entrance lobby for example

old town. “We wanted to create a protective, almost

nod to the dried earth of the city’s former lochs,

fortress-like feeling within the hotel,” he notes. “The

while the sandstone of the façade was quarried from

ruggedness of the landscape was a key inspiration

within 90 miles of the site, ensuring a close geological

together with the pure materials of Scotland.”

match with the famous Craigleith stone used to build

This ruggedness can be seen in the coarse stone

Edinburgh Castle and nearby Holyrood Palace. “The

feature walls in the guestrooms, almost an exact match

hotel is steeped in history yet reflects the forward-

for the rocky crags beneath the castle, while tartans

thinking nature of Edinburgh,” van Camp confirms.

have been woven into the scheme in a variety of ways.

“The design scheme is inspired by local features and

Some applications are immediately noticeable, such

traditions reinvented in new ways, such as the Celtic

as in the soft furnishings and headboards; others are

imagery used in the hotel logo, or the individually

more subtle, like the oak flooring, laid to mimic the

designed tartans from a local weaving shop.”

chequered pattern. There are other local references too,

For the interiors, Carlton Hotel Collection once

including artwork depicting Edinburgh Castle and Nor’

again turned to FG Stijl, having previously collaborated

Loch as it was in the 1500s, and the floating fireplaces

with the team on the design of The Dominican in

in the lobby, their descending height symbolising the

Brussels, also a member of Design Hotels. “The brief

first five notes of Flower of Scotland, the unofficial

for Market Street was to create a destination hotel

national anthem.

in the heart of the city, with a strong connection to

Guestrooms meanwhile are a break from the norm,

local craftsmanship and the area’s history,” explains

almost Scandinavian in style with minimalist, clean

Mรถvenpick Hotel, meeting room

Monterosa 1

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lines and plenty of exposed timber. Solid

to-ceiling windows offering views across

surfaces in stone, glazed brick and oak –

towards the new town and a roof terrace for al

including sliding shutters in place of curtains

fresco dining. There’s a few cosy corners too,

– create a modern version of a Scottish fortress,

and a variety of seating options to suit every

while Arte’s Enigma 3D foam wallcoverings,

occasion, from Arne Jacobsen’s Drop Chairs to

soft wool upholstery and signature lighting

perch on while tucking in to a hearty Scottish

add warmth. The 89 rooms come in a variety

breakfast, to wingback armchairs for lounging

of configurations, from the entry-level Cozy

post-afternoon tea. Rather than a full service

rooms to the spacious Alba Suite with a bathtub,

restaurant, Carlton Hotel Collection has opted

fireplace and private outdoor terrace. All are

for a small plates menu, with dishes such as

designed with an ante-bathroom, in which

locally-sourced Ayrshire Pork Belly, Tweed

the vanity area is separated from the WC and

Valley Flat Iron Steak, and of course oysters, to

shower to become part of the guestroom, and

accompany the wide selection of champagnes

rightly so – the striking grey marble basins are

on offer.

a feature in themselves.

experience, the concept is intentionally

champagne lounge, perched over the city up

accessible to all. Champagnes start at

on the top floor along with check-in, where

£9-a-glass while the sharing plates are priced

arriving guests are treated to a glass of fizz

at around £6-9 per dish. It’s a savvy move in a

while the formalities are taken care of. Named

hospitality market that’s becoming increasingly

Nor’ Loft in honour of the former loch, the

competitive, and one that will surely keep

spacious lounge has been designed to take

guests coming back for more.

full advantage of its lofty location, with floor-

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While Nor’ Loft is undoubtedly an indulgent

The hotel’s crowning glory is of course its

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Carlton Hotel Collection Architecture: JM Architects Interior Design: FG Stijl in collaboration with Glintmeijer Design Studio Graphic Design: Guido de Jong Procurement: Project FF&E Main Contractor: ISG Fit-Out: Sharkey Project Manager: Leask www.carlton.nl

Luxury Hotel Collection

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Chapter Roma ROME A new chapter begins in the Eternal City with the opening of this streetwise, timeless and innovative city hotel.

Words: Rachel Everett Photography: Courtesy of Design Hotels

ucked down a little side street in the

T

Cilia – formerly General Manager of Blake’s

Regola neighbourhood – a sleepy spot far

in London then Hotel Americano in New York

enough away from the crowds but still

– and South African interior designer Tristan

at Rome’s heart – is the 42-room, three-suite

Du Plessis are the dream design team behind

Chapter Roma. First impressions of this new

the property.

Design Hotels member are of a smart boutique

Cusping the Jewish ghetto, and a short walk

hotel with notes of industrial-chic, but within

from the historical magnets of Rome and

the 19 th-century building there is classical

bohemian Trastevere, every part of the hotel

elegance at every turn.

feels luxurious: from the stylish, warm-hued

“We are introducing a new hospitality vibe

communal areas through to the friendly service

in Regola with Chapter Roma,” says owner

and the refined, minimalist, guestrooms.

Marco Cilia, who made the jump from business

Blending classical opulence with more current

and finance to hospitality having learnt the

influences, this fusion brings to life spaces

boutique hotel ropes under Anouska Hempel,

including a restaurant, an organic food market

and Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha of Grupo

and a luxurious lobby bar with a street slant.

Habita. “I was born here, and it is important

The building itself dates back to the 1800s,

that we put our guests in the Italian state of

and the design team have managed to retain

mind; protecting Rome’s design heritage while

its grandeur and history whilst putting a

celebrating the future with genuine and original

refreshingly modern spin on things. The

design, service, and F&B. With Chapter Roma

property is located on Viadi Santa Maria dei

we’re telling the first part of our story – we

Calderari, or the street of the blacksmiths, which

want to create a place where guests truly feel

Du Plessis has honoured by weaving a range of

like a local.”

metals and industrial elements throughout.

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Chapter Roma’s Lobby Bar is a breezy communal space with a distinctive graffiti mural by local artist Alice Pasquini

102

“We have created a lot of beautiful and

exposed brick walls, handsome velvet-bordered

engaging features in our design,” Du Plessis

beds, polished copper and brass finishes, black

offers. “But my favourite elements are the

metal touches and intricate wooden herringbone

existing age-old arches on the ground floor.”

flooring underfoot.

Here, the designer has used raw steel, brass,

The glamour and elegance of Chapter Roma’s

copper and bronze, adding an industrial touch

Mad Men-esque suite is equally impressive;

to the historic space, along with parquet floors,

it has three large rooms for living, ravishing

and Mid-Century Italian furniture. The dramatic

sleeping quarters with a charming balcony, an

setup is rounded off nicely with a palette of dark

alluring bathroom with gold taps, a terrazzo

green and rust, and a coat of soft touch velvets.

flecked floor, a huge shower space with a

A sassy city bolthole, everything has been

fragrant selection of La Bruket toiletries and

considered throughout the rest of the hotel too.

a seductive forest-green velvet lounge with a

Furniture designed by Tom Dixon, Seletti, Diesel

glossy cocktail bar area completing the set. Don

and Moroso can be spied once inside. Beyond

Draper would surely approve.

the arches, there’s a breakfast and bar area

“We wanted to create a design that stood out

with a bright and breezy spirit featuring classic

for its youthfulness, whilst still respecting the

Italian elements such as original high ceilings,

traditions of the city,” Du Plessis explains. “We

neat breakfast tables with co-working facilities,

used local craftsmen, materials and aesthetics

fabulous graffiti by local artist Alice Pasquini, a

for a large amount of the hotel and collaborated

dashing bar and a row of decadent sofas.

with young artists, furniture designers and

Guestrooms, meanwhile, are thoughtfully

lighting manufacturers – based both locally and

designed and meticulously executed. There are

internationally – to embed a spirit of rebellion

delightful, industrial-luxe double options with

throughout. The age of the building was both

103

inspiring and challenging, but the old walls

Retreating to guestrooms, a peek from the

and ancient layout made sure that each room

balcony takes you back to old, romantic Rome;

had a unique footprint, which has lent us the

the one where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck

opportunity to create interesting room types.”

filmed Roman Holiday; where narrow, cobbled

Slipping into the social hub - the hotel’s

laneways lead to ancient piazzas filled with

breakfast and bar area - guests can choose from

markets, flowers, cafés and trattorias; where

an extensive continental buffet including Italian

independent makers create leather goods in

classics and other healthy options. A flexible

petite warehouses; where old couples linger on

layout allows guests to grab a cappuccino in the

park benches and have animated conversations

morning from the coffee station and an Aperol

on the street; where locals queue for the best

spritz from the bar at happy hour. Chapter’s

takeout pizza slices from Roscolio.

communal atmosphere is relaxed and club-

Design sensibilities aside, stepping out

like, with people pulling up their stools to chat

onto the picturesque streets, the beauty of

to the convivial staff at the bar or lounging on

this neighbourhood is not lost, and offers any

the sofas. The mixed crowd of millennials and

creative traveller a real glimpse into Italian life

older, well-versed trippers makes for some

in this part of town. Perhaps this is the Rome

interesting conversations come cocktail hour.

we all desire?

A restaurant is set to open in future, but in the meantime the newly-launched Market is a refreshing take on hotel dining, combining a salad bar, juice stop, coffee shop and grocery store in one. It’s a small space decked out in blonde wood and brilliant white tones.

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Marco Cilia Interior Design: Tristan Du Plessis www.chapter-roma.com

ai157832606716_Nicholas Haslam Sleeper Ad JAN.FEB 20 revA_TYPE.pdf

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15:54

WALL JEWELLERY

01424 858060 | focus-sb.co.uk

Kafnu ALEXANDRIA Next Story Group continues its expansion of Kafnu, bringing the urban village concept to Sydney’s suburbs.

Words: Mandi Keighran Photography: © TLT Productions

creative hub that combines co-working

A

“This is an interesting location in Sydney as it

space, social hangout, members club

has developed a lot over the past few years and

and boutique hotel, Kafnu is redefining

is on the belt between the city and the airport,”

hospitality. Launched in 2017 by Singapore-

says Simon Hall, General Manager at Kafnu

based Next Story Group, the concept takes the

Alexandria. “We are mainly targeted at people

best elements of hospitality spaces and social

who already live in the local community and the

communities to form an urban village for a new

hotel is for people travelling in for meetings – it

generation of creators.

is a unique element to a club like this.”

The first property opened in Taiwan in

The idea behind each Kafnu is to create

2018 and there are currently five locations –

a community inspired by a village, with

Taipei, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Bengalaru

everything a business or individual might need

and Sydney – with plans to expand into Sri

in one location. Kafnu Alexandria however,

Lanka soon. Some, like Kafnu Hong Kong, are

had the advantage of a much larger space than

located symbiotically in existing hotels; others

other venues. “This allowed us to carve out

– including the latest, which opened last year in

spaces for designated activities and provide a

the industrial suburb of Alexandria in Sydney’s

balance between private and public spaces and

inner West – have their own integrated boutique

between formal and casual areas,” says Darren

hotel. Kafnu Alexandria is a vast space, spanning

Edmonstone, CEO at Next Hotels & Resorts, who

3,000m2 over two levels in an industrial-style

oversees design and technical services at Kafnu.

building. It is described by the Kafnu group as

As a result, Kafnu Alexandria is home to

a community for a new generation of creators,

a variety of environments, from flexible

what they call hyphenates, or those defined by

offices and meeting areas, hot-desks and a

more than one area of interest or occupation.

brainstorming space known as the creative

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Kafnu Alexandria is home to a variety of environments, from flexible offices and meeting areas to a lounge with feature fireplace

108

cave, to high-tech media production rooms and

away and a central stair was introduced to link

a podcast studio. There’s also a virtual fitness

the two floors, both visually and physically,

centre, the Tonik Bar (which stocks over 20

and encourage community and interaction

Australian gins), a lounge with feature fireplace

between members. The interior fit-out reflects

and a quiet room equipped with an oxygen chair

the industrial surroundings of Alexandria, with

to promote wellness and meditation. Each of the

a neutral colour palette and natural materials

spaces are designed to be fully flexible; meeting

such as timber and glass, imparting a light and

rooms and offices feature moveable walls, the

spacious feeling throughout. Social areas are

fitness studio can be used for gaming and movie

designated through the use of colour – burnt

nights, and the lounge can be reconfigured into

orange and turquoise details for example, or

an event space for launches or workshops.

the green armchairs and camel sofas in the

“Finding the balance between designing quiet

lounge – and layers of texture. Plants also

corners, work areas and breakout areas was a

feature heavily. “We have a lot of natural light

challenge at first,” explains Edmonstone. “We

here, so wanted to bring in plenty of greenery,”

spent a lot of time understanding our members’

confirms Hall, noting the benefits of biophilic

needs and how they use spaces to work, rest

design principles.

and socialise. We also took learnings from other

It was also important for the design team

Kafnu properties in Hong Kong and Taipei to

to create a strong link with the surrounding

give us a better understanding on how our

area and the local community, to give visiting

members utilise the space.”

members a sense of place. “Given the creative

The in-house design team worked with a local

environment that Kafnu Alexandria connects to,

contractor to transform the existing building to

we reached out to local artists and suppliers,”

meet their needs. Part of the floorplate was cut

says Edmonstone. “We wanted to feature

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emerging and upcoming creatives and we were

their room. And in a further development to

really pleased with the result.”

the concept, the forthcoming Colombo property

Art Pharmacy Consulting was selected to

will incorporate a 164-key Next Hotel as well as

curate the artwork, with colourful murals by

unique sleep pods for guests who arrive early or

local street artists Micke Lindindebergh, Joi

require a late check-out.

Murugavell, James Lesjak-Atton and Ingrid

The driving force behind Kafnu Alexandria

Wilson featuring in the public spaces, while

was a vision of a creative village – and the design

whimsical works by Gillie and Marc – known

team has succeeded in bringing this vision to life,

for their animal-human hybrids in sculpture

creating a space that champions community and

and painting – grace the guestrooms.

the exchange of ideas. “Witnessing members,

In a notable upgrade from the Taipei property

whose paths would not normally cross,

– which offers single rooms and capsules –

collaborate and brainstorm together is really

Kafnu Alexandria boasts a 16-key boutique

satisfying,” concludes Edmonstone. “It means

hotel. Each room has been designed to pack in as

that we have created a space that is conducive to

much functionality for the business traveller as

conversation, free-flowing ideas and creativity.

possible. A clever, multifunctional frame houses

To us, that breeds success.”

a desk surface, large television screen that can be connected to a laptop, multiple charging ports, storage shelves and clothes hangers, making the most of the available space. There are also plans to introduce the virtual fitness classes that run in the main fitness centre, enabling busy travellers to fit in a quick work-out in

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Next Story Group Interior Design: Next Story Group in-house design team Art Consultant: Art Pharmacy Consulting Project Manager: SMLXL Projects ww.kafnu.com

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Transformative Travel With its sights set on 50 openings in five years, The Postcard Hotel is seeking to shift the luxury hospitality paradigm in India and beyond.

Words: Neena Dhillon

Picture Postcard Launched in December 2018 with three properties in Goa, The Postcard Hotel announced international expansion beyond its home base of India within the first year, opening in Bhutan and Sri Lanka at the end of 2019.

On a mission to disrupt rules and set new standards in experiential luxury, the brand pillars include authenticity, immersive inclusions, superlative service and distinctive design rooted in the local vernacular.

The Postcard Hotel network as of January 2020: 5 Hotels 50 Rooms 3 Countries

I

t’s no easy task to change narratives in an established

had established itself with people willing to pay prices

industry, but that’s exactly what veteran Kapil Chopra

that were, at times, higher than equivalent room rates

has set out to achieve with his own luxury hospitality

simply because they wanted the experience despite

venture, which he founded 13 months ago with a trio of

the uncertainty of service. We have had iconic resorts

intimate Goan properties. His vision for The Postcard

typically offering beautiful design and the same line-

Hotel revolves around innovation, nimble thinking and

up of facilities but not really tapping into innovation or

positive disruption. “We last saw big innovations in

experiential travel. So I asked what I could learn while

luxury hospitality over 20 years ago when Six Senses

recognising there was a niche to be filled.”

and Aman came along,” he says. “Since then, I feel that

Chopra breaks down the hospitality landscape

brands have largely stopped questioning, pushing the

into five broad categories: the first comprises basic

frontiers and evolving.”

lodgings; second, products with decent hotel rooms

His response to this perceived stagnation is a

but lacking service; third, existing luxury brands; and

collection of small characterful hotels in compelling

fourth, experiential providers such as Airbnb that aim

leisure destinations, targeting discerning travellers with

to let people live like locals. He sees The Postcard as

personalisation and immersive experiences designed to

the fifth, an amalgamation of distinctive hotels in

create memories and plug into local cuisine, wellness,

premium locations offering both experiential travel and

wildlife and lifestyles. In addition to the Goan hotels,

exceptional service. “I call it transformational luxury,”

all of which are converted heritage buildings, properties

he elaborates. “So when you stay with us, I want you

have since sprung up in Bhutan’s Thimphu Valley and

to leave with memories, whether that’s scheduling in

Sri Lanka’s coastal town of Galle. To reflect today’s

time for a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who

travel needs, each offers flexible check-in and check-

is willing to follow up with you at home and facilitate

out over 24 hours, breakfast anytime and complimentary

change. Or by taking you into the middle of the Arabian

beverage inclusions – as standard. The rest of the

Sea to catch the sunrise on a boat, or by inviting you to

experience is tailored to individual guest needs, with

learn how to cook a fish curry with a Goan housewife.”

an emphasis on slowing down time, harking back to a simpler era.

CULTURAL RICHES While The Postcard has already gone international,

112

CARVING A NEW NICHE

Chopra sees his Goan hotels as just the beginning of

Drawing on 25 years in the business, including most

a regional portfolio that will exploit some of the 334

recently as President of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Chopra

villages making up the destination. “We have the

explains how he came to identify a gap in the market:

opportunity to position Goa as India’s equivalent of

“During my years with Oberoi, we’d seen significant

Bali,” he enthuses. “It has a magical confluence of

increases in occupancy and room rates, driven primarily

architecture, design, cuisine, music and history, with

by an Indian demographic. At the same time, Airbnb

the potential to become our cultural capital, but we need

BRAND STANDARDS

to change the narrative, elevating it back onto

are interested in addressing a medical condition

announced as a serene beach location in South

the high society circuit again.”

or taking preventative action. “Indians are

Goa where the 50 rooms and suites will be

Dotted from south to north, The Postcard’s

predisposed to obesity, insomnia, digestive

designed by Bill Bensley’s Bangkok-based

three hotels are under ten rooms each, ranging

issues and back problems so our Ayurvedic

atelier. Sandeep Khosla of Khosla Associates

from an elegant ancestral abode in the heritage

centre is able to provide relevant lifestyle

meanwhile has been drafted in to work on an

village of Moira to a colonial hideout set

prescriptions,” explains Chopra. “We want to

intriguing wildlife hotel in Karnataka while

among a verdant forest reserve in Velha and a

send you back a little more healthy and well.”

Luca Franco of Luxury Frontiers is the selected

Portuguese-influenced residential estate with

partner for two jungle resorts.

its own 350-year-old chapel, overlooking the

BULLISH EXPANSION

paddy fields of Cuelim. The restoration approach

Growing his team organically, Chopra is

strategy however, with The Postcard seeking to

has been sympathetic with Mangalorean tiles,

supported by executives including Senior Vice

own or manage more than US$1 billion of hotel

laterite and black Kadappa stone favoured in

President of Operations, Akanksha Lamba. In

assets within five years, be they conversions or

Moira, for example, because of their ability to

Goa, notable partners have included Akshat Bhatt

newbuilds. “To achieve our goal of 50 hotels, we

cope with monsoon conditions. Large courtyards

of Architecture Discipline and photographer JJ

will need to sign another six to seven properties

and balconies extend rooms out to the tranquil

Valaya whose black and white prints adorn walls.

annually and we’re on track to achieve this,”

exterior, where guests are invited to discuss

Outside India, The Postcard’s internal design

says Chopra. “The potential for The Postcard

their food requirements with the resident

team has worked closely with owners Kinley

Hotel extends beyond a single continent when

chef, who advises on the catch of the day and

Tshering and Tshering Zangmo in Bhutan, and

you consider the flow of outgoing tourists from

seasonal options before serving artisanal meals.

Dian Gomes in Sri Lanka to achieve architectural

India. Homegrown Indian hotel companies lack

At the Goan properties, you won’t be offered a

and aesthetic authenticity in each location.

a visible and strong presence in Europe so I see

India is only one part of the expansion

croissant, rather a poi bread. “There are over 20

There are at least eight more Indian hotels

immediate potential in France and Italy. But

ethnic breads in India, and we want to showcase

in the pipeline, some signed under long-term

who’s to say that a heritage property in Havana

this culinary heritage while thinking sustainably

lease arrangements or management contracts

is out of our reach? The key consideration

about our sourcing,” notes Chopra.

and a few owned by the company, including a

remains handpicked locations that allow us

Serious consideration has also been given to

property on the Arabian Sea and land parcels ripe

to deliver experiential and transformational

wellbeing. Based in-house, Ayurvedic specialist

for development in Kanha and Ranthambore.

holidays to luxury leisure travellers.”

Dr. Mubash Basheer consults with guests who

The first complete newbuild has already been

113

2020 Hotel Construction Pipeline Whilst the 2000s may have proved more turbulent than expected, the hotel industry has remained resilient, holding strong in major destinations across the globe despite political, social and economic upheaval. With the early weeks of 2020 suggesting more uncertainty to come, we take a look at the global hotel construction pipeline and why the community has reasons to be optimistic.

EUROPE Projects: 513 NORTH AMERICA Projects: 708

MIDDLE EAST Projects: 270 SOUTH AMERICA Projects: 104 AFRICA Projects: 105

TOTAL PIPELINE 2020 Projects: 2,682 Rooms: 571,020

114

ASIA PACIFIC Projects: 902

BUSINESS CENTRE

When it comes to development hotspots, Dubai tops the list with 26,000 rooms expected to open this year alone. New York and London remain attractive to owners and operators, while Bali is the rising star, counting some 18 hotels in the immediate pipeline.

Taking a countrywide view, the USA and China lead the pack by a considerable distance, reflecting the current competition between the two global powerhouses. Elsewhere, the UK and Germany are the only European nations to appear in the top 10, showing the continued interest amongst hotel groups.

TOP 20 CITIES

TOP 20 COUNTRIES PROJECTS

ROOMS

USA

638

127,800

7,875

CHINA

407

101,363

33

6,299

UK

116

17,165

DOHA

23

6,024

GERMANY

109

16,135

PROJECTS

ROOMS

DUBAI

74

26,777

NEW YORK

34

LONDON

RIYADH

20

4,273

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

104

34,524

BALI

18

2,823

INDIA

65

10,393

CHENGDU

17

4,185

AUSTRALIA

64

12,187

ORLANDO

16

7,148

INDONESIA

62

10,389

LOS ANGELES

16

3,456

MEXICO

58

14,235

SHANGHAI

15

3,240

SAUDI ARABIA

57

23,154

MELBOURNE

15

2,988

THAILAND

52

12,020

NASHVILLE

14

3,452

VIETNAM

51

15,939

GUANGZHOU

14

3,448

JAPAN

40

8,652

BANGKOK

12

3,073

FRANCE

39

5,356

SANYA

12

3,021

MALAYSIA

35

9,760

WUHAN

12

2,811

SPAIN

30

5,439

MAKKAH

11

8,282

ITALY

30

3,775

SUZHOU

11

2,227

BRAZIL

29

5,168

PARIS

11

1,248

QATAR

27

7,032

LAS VEGAS

10

13,736

NEW ZEALAND

25

3,134

REGIONS PROJECTS

ROOMS

AFRICA

105

20,462

ASIA PACIFIC

902

211,316

EUROPE

513

82,484

MIDDLE EAST

270

79,434

NORTH AMERICA

788

162,280

SOUTH AMERICA

104

15,044

For more information on Top Hotel Projects and the hotel construction pipeline visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

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INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE - DECORATION GOMMAIRE.COM

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Radisson brushes up on its German

in Chemnitz to operator GS Star, which will

HA PERSPECTIVE

be branded as a Super8, and in the summer

By Chris Bown: It is clear that Radisson has decided it

signed Meininger to a development in Cologne.

needs to adopt a close partnership model to expand

Hotel groups are ignoring short term concerns

The group is an established commercial player,

in Germany. While it’s been successful leading

over economic conditions and strong pipeline,

albeit relatively new to the hotel sector.

the brands into central and eastern Europe, its

and doubling down on their commitment to

Meanwhile, Swiss investor Aevis Victoria has

growing portfolios in Germany and surrounding

made a significant second step in building its

countries.

hotel presence, buying a portfolio of eight hotels

It’s a similar approach to that which IHG has taken

Radisson has just announced it will accelerate

from Credit Suisse Real Estate Fund Hospitality.

with its multi-development agreements, looking

expansion of its Radisson flags in Germany,

The acquisitions include the InterContinental in

for a structure where leases can be signed - without

Austria and Switzerland. A strategic joint

Davos, and hotels under the Seiler brand.

appearing to be directly linked to the brand. What’s

peers have to date made greater headway in the substantial German market.

venture sees the group working with German

Integrated with the Victoria-Jungfrau

not clear, is quite how Radisson is standing behind

developer Fay Projects, and the newly created

Collection, which it bought in 2014, its

the newly formed Fast Lane, to give it the covenant

Fast Lane Hospitality as a manager of the

subsidiary Swiss Hotel Properties will now hold

strength to sign long leases.

properties.

an 896-room portfolio with rental income of

However, while a new company, Fast Lane is

The first fruit of the arrangement will be a

CHF20m a year. The group is also acquiring the

clearly using the DNA of GSH, an established player

Radisson hotel in Leipzig, where Fay is already

management businesses, giving it a platform

with principals that are pushing hard out of Germany

constructing a 224-room property. Fast Lane

with annual revenues of more than CHF135m.

to create a leading European third-party manager.

will take a 25-year lease on the property, which

Germany’s leading budget hotel brand, Motel

With aligned aspirations, the new partners could

should open in 2022. Fast Lane is headed by

One, continues its growth in the region, having

generate some traction. And having recently paid

Radisson’s Yilmaz Yildirimlar, alongside Simon

recently opened its first property in Poland, as

up for full ownership of the German brand Prizeotel,

Hubbeling and Thomas Kahl of Georgeous

well as adding a 250-room hotel in Munich-

Radisson should have eyes on the ground to spot new

Smiling Hotels.

Haidhausen, with both properties developed in-

hotel sites, as they come up.

Elie Younes, chief development officer at

house. An ownership shuffle in the summer saw

Radisson Hotel Group, explained: “The German

Proprium Capital Partners acquire the 35% stake

By Andrew Sangster: Germany does seem to be the

market is becoming increasingly versatile

in Motel One, held for the previous 12 years by

apple of most hotel brands’ eyes right now. And

and requires an unconventional approach

Morgan Stanley Real Estate Special Situations

yet there remain a number of significant structural

to accelerate growth. We look forward to a

Fund III.

challenges in the German market.

successful journey with our partners and to

Motel One’s latest performance figures

On the demand side, Germany still suffers from a

unlock value to various stakeholders through

for Q3 of 2019 did reflect a weaker German

comparatively low room rate compared to similar

this venture.”

market, with occupancy slipping 2% to 78%,

European countries, particularly with regard to the

GSH is an established multi-brand operator,

but overall revenues were up 11% year-on-year

major cities and the luxury market. Figures from

managing 90 properties in the DACH region,

to EUR146m; ebitda edged up to EUR48m. The

STR for YTD to September for luxury hotels show,

and is eyeing expansion into other European

group has 73 hotels open of which 51 are in

for example, Amsterdam at USD408, London at USD

markets including the UK and Netherlands.

Germany. The development pipeline includes

432, Paris at USD690 and Berlin at just USD239.

To date, it has concentrated on managing

16 more German properties, and nine outside

And on the supply side, Germany is predominately

franchised brands under the Holiday Inn family,

the country, while 20 of the 25 will be rented

a leased market, a big problem for most of the major

Hampton by Hilton and Wyndham’s Super8, as

assets. Foreign markets are starting to look

asset light hotel brands, and there is currently a big

well as operating a wider range of hotels under

more attractive, notes the company: “Because

building programme. Figures from TopHotel show

flags including Best Western and Choice.

of the overheated property markets and the high

229 hotel openings with 37,766 rooms planned for

Fay is active across many German markets,

number of hotels in the pipeline, there is a limit

next year against the 66 hotels opened planned to

having leased a number of hotel projects in

to how much sustainable growth can be achieved

open this year. For 2021, there are 186 new projects

the last year. It recently leased a new hotel

through new contracts at the moment.”

already underway.

117

It is the smaller groups and independents who

AJ was founded by CEO Ben Weprin in 2008,

deeply rooted in storytelling and each hotel

account for 677 of the planned 762 hotels in 2020.

and in 2014 the group launched its Graduate

celebrates the dynamic university community

International players include IHG with 33 Holiday

brand. The company has involved itself in a

it is positioned within. Graduate Oxford and

Inn Express in the works and Accor with 14 Ibis

range of projects, typically reusing historic

Graduate Cambridge will be no different - each

Styles. Marriott has 15 Moxy hotels in the pipeline.

buildings, and working alongside investment

hotel will speak specifically to the centuries of

Domestic German brands are strong: The Niu,

partners. It collaborated with Soho House on

university history and tradition that make its

an offering from Novum Hospitality, is looking at

that group’s Chicago members club, which

destination so unique.”

37 new hotels and Motel One, which already has a

opened in 2014.

strong foothold, is planning 12 hotels.

with each hotel’s locality. “From the moment

With the growth of third-party management

and cities with a strong university, linking hotels

we identify an opportunity, our team begins a

companies like Gorgeous Smiling Hotels, the

with the institutions and designing properties

thorough research process of the corresponding

proportion of international brands in the German

to reflect the locality. AJ also has a programme

community, including connecting with locals,

market ought also to grow. It is interesting, however,

to develop hotels alongside universities, aiming

interviewing alums and exploring the city itself

that many of these new operators are also choosing

to gain access to leasehold development sites.

to uncover the town legends, age-old stories

to develop their own offering and this is presenting

Currently, there are 25 Graduate hotels open

and beloved local haunts. It is through this

a challenge to the received wisdom of global brands

across the US, with a further 10 in the pipeline.

comprehensive process that we are able to create

dominating.

In the UK, Graduate acquired the DoubleTree

a hotel that is deeply personal to the people,

in Cambridge, which it will be converting and

places and things that call that destination

opening ahead of the Randolph in Oxford.

home.” Allen said the brand is looking to grow

Alongside its Graduate portfolio, AJ also owns

into “many more” other university towns and

six individually branded properties, plus hotels

cities in the UK in future.

Graduate leads lifestyle push AJ Capital Partners, the group behind Graduate

in Chicago and Nashville operating under

Hotels, has acquired two Macdonald hotels

Hyatt’s Thompson brand.

HA PERSPECTIVE

in the UK. The move helps the lifestyle brand

AJ’s move comes as another lifestyle hotel

By Chris Bown: As branding experts in consumer

secure a second UK site for its international

operator, Soneva, swapped private equity

products know, a strongly developed brand identity

expansion.

investors as it looks to scale up. The niche

that has provenance and connection is something

In Scotland, AJ has bought the Rusacks

company, which has three ultra luxury hotels

consumers will buy into, stay loyal to, and pay a

hotel in St. Andrews, where it plans a major

in the Maldives and Thailand, plus a yacht,

premium for.

refurbishment and expansion that will add 44

has KSL Capital Partners as a new backer. KSL

Now that approach is being used to create hotel

more rooms and a rooftop bar. In Oxford, it has

bought out early stage investor Sailing Capital,

brands that make a deeper connection with guests.

taken over the Randolph hotel, which it will refit

which exited after five years. Soneva has plans

But it requires taking risks, and spending a whole

as a Graduate.

for two further Maldives properties, based

lot more time and trouble on, to get to success. For

around its “no shoes” format.

both Graduate and Soneva, finding the right sites

The deal comes after Macdonald said earlier in 2019 that it was planning a portfolio deal to

Indian British hotelier Sonu Shivdasani and

sell 27 of its properties to private equity investor

his Swedish wife Eva launched Soneva in 1995.

The big groups know these lifestyle brands can be

Centerbridge Partners. The UK hotel group was

The pair’s properties have won awards, and

very lucrative, too. And they also know that, even

reported to be facing a refinancing deadline on

guests have their own butlers. Tina Yu of KSL

with the best care, they can go off the boil. So it made

GBP195m of loans from Lloyds Bank.

said of the investment: “We recognise the power

sense for Marriott to recently buy its W hotel in New

of the Soneva brand platform in the expanding

York, giving it the space to test out a refreshed W

market for luxury experiential travel.”

brand, without a worried landlord stressing about

Group deputy chairman Gordon Fraser hailed the disposals as a “superb deal for the business,

118

The brand works hard to create strong links

The Graduate brand seeks to locate in towns

and creating the right product can be challenging.

which allows us to reduce our borrowings

Phillip Allen, chief development officer,

significantly while we progress a number of very

international markets for AJ Capital Partners

And proving that it’s still possible to come up with

positive options for the refinancing.”

told Hotel Analyst: “The Graduate brand is

creative, lifestyle brands, there’s Barry Sternlicht and

occupancy or room rates.

BUSINESS CENTRE

Starwood Capital. The group launched its Treehouse

regions it was down 2.9%. Worst still was how it

before the year end in Chengdu, with two more

brand in London, and says it is now eyeing other

broke between the top 15 cities, down 0.6%, and

due in the spring, while a second Blossom Hill

potential sites around the UK. Who will buy in?

secondary, down 7.6%.

hotel will open shortly in Shanghai, joining one already trading in Beijing.

For Macdonald, the disposals will help reduce debt.

Macdonald’s latest disposal removes one of its

But selling the family silver? AJ is rumoured to have

properties that was in the top 15 locations (Oxford).

Deutsche, with 118 hotels, fits into the

looked at the whole 27 properties in the portfolio up

And Graduate is going to focus both properties

Huazhu portfolio providing just 4% of rooms,

for sale, before picking the two properties that suited

more closely on a niche, boutique or lifestyle, which

but 27% of revenues, and 9% of ebitda. “This

its approach.

has proved to be amongst the most resilient in the

is a deal size that is meaningful, but not too big

current profit downturn. The focus for Macdonald

for us as a first step of going international,”

remains sorting out its debt pile.

said Huazhu CEO Jenny Zhang. The move adds

By Andrew Sangster: There are a number of

brands Steigenberger, Jaz in the City, Maxx,

things going on at Macdonald Hotels which, taken separately, probably don’t amount to a lot. But combined, it begins to create the whiff of a company in trouble.

Huazhu grabs Deutsche to move upmarket

IntercityHotel and Danish budget brand Zleep, which DH bought a controlling stake in, less than a year ago.

“The DH brands will have accelerated

In June, the company submitted its accounts for the year to March 29, 2018. These showed a loss

Chinese hotel group Huazhu has agreed to

expansion by leveraging Huazhu’s current

of GBP2.2m. This was just after its finance director

buy German group Deutsche Hospitality, for

strong presence in China,” promised Zhang.

Jason McBurnie left the board at the end of May.

EUR719m. The move will give fast-growing

“Secondly, Huazhu will successfully establish

McBurnie joined Almarose, the management wing

Huazhu a portfolio of upper end brands to grow

our initial footprint into Europe, Middle East and

of Aprirose, in November.

in China, and adds a foothold in Europe, the

Africa. Thirdly, we envision Huazhu’s loyalty

Middle East and Africa.

programme and our direct sales capability will

The biggest red flag is the move to extend the accounting reference period from the end of March

The deal sees Nasdaq-listed Huazhu buy all

help DH to strengthen their competitiveness

each year to the end of September (28th). There may

the shares in Deutsche, which was controlled

in their existing markets and also help the

well be a legitimate reason for this change but the

by the Egyptian Travco group. The acquisition

operation of their current hotels.”

timing looks, at best, unfortunate. The registration

will be funded by a combination of cash and a

of fixed charges by the Bank of Scotland earlier this

EUR440m bank loan.

Intercity, which already has a hotel in Qingdao, is expected to be the brand to be developed

Huazhu founder Qi Ji told analysts on a

fastest in China, followed by Steigenberger. “We

quarterly results presentation: “Our company,

anticipate the growth will exceed Germany in

The failure of the Centerbridge deal is hardly

will be a world-class global company only after

the midterm probably,” said Qi Ji.

going to be made up for by the Rusacks and Randolph

it has reached sufficient scale and strength in

The addition to Huazhu’s portfolio comes as

sales (the latter was a leasehold) and Macdonald’s

geographic areas also outside China.” But the

the group reported a softening Chinese market.

debt stack remains daunting.

year similarly doesn’t help how the company is being perceived.

challenge was, he said, the time it takes to

Occupancy across the portfolio slipped to 88%,

Gossip on the cocktail circuit suggests that a

build luxury and upscale brands, “that’s why

although average room rate, flattered by the

number of would-be buyers have kicked the tires of

we chose to enrich our luxury and upscale brand

movement of the portfolio gradually upmarket,

Macdonald and deemed it unroadworthy, or at least

portfolio through acquisition.”

was up 2.6%. Finance director Nee Chuan Teo

Huazhu has seen substantial acceleration in

reported an operating margin of 23%, but said

its pace of growth, and is currently opening an

this was 5% down year-on-year “mainly due

Knight Frank last month held a seminar on

average of more than five hotels a day, triple

to our investment in hotel development teams,

UK hotel trading performance. It made for an

its pace of a year ago. As at the end of its most

upscale hotels and IT capabilities”.

uncomfortable session if, like Macdonald, most of

recent quarter, the portfolio stood at 5,151

your hotels are outside of the UK’s top 15 markets.

hotels.

not worth the price being asked. A key reason being the current trading outlook.

“The focus of the next two years, we think right now it’s a kind of downturn, overall

Whereas for September year-to-date operating

The group is also busy growing its own

macro-wise, it is a challenging external

profit (GOPPAR) in London was up 1.3%, in the

upscale brands. Its first Joya property will open

environment,” warned Ji. But he said the DH

119

BUSINESS CENTRE

acquisition would not deflect Huazhu’s growth

a year later, Zleep’s upgraded growth plans will be

plans: “China will still be the focus of our

turbocharged still further by the restless Huazhu folk.

growth because the development potential, and the speed of China is unprecedented compared

By Andrew Sangster: Huazhu is making its ambitions

to other geographies in the world.”

clear. The investor presentation at its third quarter results had a slide depicting how Marriott has grown

HA PERSPECTIVE

from having 90% of its rooms as domestic US in 1990

By Chris Bown: Huazhu, previously known as China

to being 63% domestic US in 2019. Today, Huazhu

Lodging, has grown amazingly fast in the Chinese

stands at 96% domestic China. The clear implication

hotel market, and incredibly is still accelerating its

being Huazhu sees itself as a rival to Marriott (and

pace, never mind acquisitions. Having set out its stall

most likely won’t take 30 years to grow overseas).

at the economy end of the market, the group started

The pace of openings at Huazhu has certainly

concentrating on growing its midscale and upscale

quickened, with three times as many rooms opening

brands over the last couple of years. And it’s not been

in Q3 2019 compared to Q3 2018. Its pipeline of

afraid to dispose of those properties that didn’t hit

unopened hotels is now 34% the size of hotels in

the mark.

operation, having grown from just 17% in Q3 2017.

Clearly, the experience of starting out Joya and Blossom Hill, the group’s luxury brands, has taught the Huazhu team that a bolt-on would give it much

The big push initially was with economy hotels,

better pace. And Deutsche looks to be a good fit,

started back in 2005 with HanTing. Then, in 2010,

with a similar outlook on management contracts, or

a second wave was started with the JI brand which

manachising as the Chinese like to call their version

today has 2,059 hotels with 400 planned to be

of hotel operating deals.

opened in 2020.

The deal also gives Huazhu a massive opportunity

The next wave is luxury and upscale. Exec

to market somewhere to stay overseas, to its millions

chairman and founder Qi Ji said on the conference

of loyalty programme members. The Chinese are

call that these segments require “richer stories and

coming - and they’ll be staying in IntercityHotels

service qualities”. The acquisition of Steigenberger

or Steigenbergers.

is meant to shorten any learning period.

The elephant in the room - and something no

At a 17.5 times ev / ebitda multiple (EUR700m paid

analyst asked about - is a fancy dress outfit being

against forecast ebitda of EUR40m for 209), Huazhu

worn by Sebastian Bazin. A joint venture with

considers the price reasonable. Just as important

Huazhu to grow Accor’s brands in China has led to

as the brands is the acquisition of multi-national

more than 300 Ibis, Mercure and Novotel properties

experience for the fourth wave of development,

coming into the market to date. Will the arrival of the

international.

DH brands deflect from the Accor brands’ growth?

Huazhu has just reached its 5,000 hotels

That’s probably a risk Accor will be ready to take,

milestone but it wants to reach 10,000 hotels in three

bearing in mind the pace that the Huazhu team

to five years. That Deutsche Hospitality development

works at. Nobody else comes close.

experience is going to be in demand.

And the person with probably the broadest smile, is Zleep’s Peter Haaber. Having set up the highly efficient Scandinavian economy brand, he was delighted to have DH buy in to the brand, taking a majority stake in January 2019. Less than

120

The loyalty scheme is growing at a CAGR of 46% to hit 139 million by the end of the latest quarter.

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

Amu let with (u)phoria!™ Digital Print Technology

A different style of durability www.morberneurope.com

4.0 E34

Selected for Trends Space & Interior.Architecture.Hospitality.

UK The 10-year dynamic between hotel room openings and closures in the UK highlights the effect of key events in the market and shows a recent slowing in overall activity.

The 2008 global financial crisis had a notable impact on the UK’s hotel inventory, as net openings reached just 291 for the year. While 13,221 new rooms were added, almost as many rooms closed during the same 12 months.

Amid that period of financial uncertainty, occupancy decreased 2.8% to 69.3%, and ADR fell 6.0% to GBP74.47. Subsequently, RevPAR decreased 8.5% to GBP51.58, the largest decline for any year in STR’s UK database.

However, with the London 2012 Olympics on the horizon, the market stabilised, and 10,000 or more new rooms entered the market each year from 2010 through 2012; the event year produced almost 19,000 additions.

While 2013 reflected a post-Olympics hangover, with closing numbers outpacing openings, this was shortlived and the number of new rooms went up for five consecutive years between 2014 and 2018.

Conversely, yearly closures have lessened considerably over the same period.

A look at 2019 data (as of 15 November) shows that closures are on track for another year of decreases – just 571 rooms have closed so far – but the chasm between 2018 and 2019 opening levels currently sits below 6,000. While the number of closures will be the lowest for any year included in this analysis, the number of openings will probably be the lowest since the aforementioned 2013.

From a performance perspective, the UK is trending towards another record year with occupancy at 78.3% through October and ADR at GBP94.76.

122

UK hotel openings and closures 2009 vs. 2019

2009 Openings: 13,221 Closures: 12,930 2019* Openings: 9,547 Closures: 571 *as of 15 November

STR is the source for premium global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights, tracking 8 million rooms worldwide. www.str.com

BUSINESS CENTRE

Yearly room openings and closures since 2014 Number of rooms added Number of rooms closed

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

123

Saga Cruises – Spirit of Adventure

Strategy & Concept Architecture & Interiors Identity & Wayfinding Artwork & Styling

606 Octagon Point 5 Cheapside London EC2V 6AA www.adassociates.london

EVENTS DIARY

13-19 JAN

17-21 JAN

27-29 JAN

4-8 FEB

IMM Cologne www.imm-cologne.com

Maison & Objet Paris www.maison-objet.com

ALIS Los Angeles www.alisconference.com

Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair Stockholm www.stockholmfurniturefair.se

6

FEB

11-13 FEB

2-4

MAR

4-6

MAR

Top Hotel World Tour London www.thpworldtour.com

Surface Design Show London www.surfacedesignshow.com

IHIF Berlin www.berlinconference.com

HI Design MEA Jordan www.hidesign-mea.com

8-13 MAR

8-13 MAR

11

MAR

12

MAR

London Design Week London www.dcch.co.uk

Light + Building Frankfurt www.light-building.messefrankfurt.com

Top Hotel World Tour Singapore www.thpworldtour.com

AHEAD Asia Singapore www.aheadawards.com

125

EVENTS

Top Drawer 12-14 January 2020

Maison & Objet 17-21 January 2020

LONDON

PARIS

Returning to Olmypia London for three days in January, lifestyle trade

Paris-based forecasting agency NellyRodi has revealed the inspiration

show Top Drawer is set to present the latest ranges from over 1,500

behind the theme for Maison & Objet, which celebrates its 25th birthday

brands, as well as providing insight into current industry topics by

in 2020. Brought to life through an installation by designer Ramy

way of a dedicated talks programme.

Fischler, ‘(RE) GENERATION’ will decipher the desires and expectations

Looking ahead to the key trends that could shape 2020, the exhibition has continued its partnership with cultural strategy agency Flamingo for a second consecutive season, with the firm researching and identifying five key trends specifically for the show’s S/S20 edition.

affecting the economy, the environment, identities and migration.

Meanwhile, Michael Anastassiades has been named as Designer of the Year, and will showcase a number of collections at the event

‘Playful Chromatics’ features a key colour of neo mint alongside

including all 16 of his Mobile Chandeliers. Having collaborated with

block colours that evoke modernity through bright mid-tones, while

the likes of B&B Italia, Herman Miller, Cassina and Bang & Olufsen,

‘Rare Bloom’ encompasses powerful pigmented florals grounded by

the Cypriot designer will speak on the topic of light and space as part

soft brown leathers, and ‘Refined Elementals’ channels minimalist

of the talks programme, which also features a session with Tristan

luxe through a subtle palette of neutrals, greens and blush.

Auer and Dorothee Meilichzon, hosted by Sleeper.

Meanwhile, ‘Serene Warmth’ juxtaposes warm and cool shade

Maison & Objet is set to attract over 85,000 visitors in January, with

colours in raw fabrics, rich prints, pale marbles and concrete, while

more than half of those hailing from outside of France. In tandem with

‘Unadorned Tactility’ features new interpretations of traditional

delivering insight on current hospitality trends, the five-day event

materials and techniques, with organic prints and textures layered

will showcase products from more than 3,000 exhibitors as well as

onto geometric shapes for a bio-futurist look.

www.topdrawer.co.uk

126

of an engaged generation that has grown up in a world of crises

promoting new brands and emerging design talent.

www.maison-objet.com

England Hospitality unfolds in space. Limitless opportunities open up. HoReCa at the world’s most important consumer goods trade fair is expanding. What’s more, from 2020 Hall 6.0 will offer a showcase for international innovations, a venue for a discourse of inventive gastronomy concepts and an exchange of trends.

Information and tickets at ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/horeca Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

DU: 50.08.2019

2. .

1 1 — O 7. — 2O2S K O LO OD GO

70146-003_AM_HoReCa_Supper_242x281 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • bs: 30.07.2019

the show

AHEAD MEA 13 November 2019 DUBAI

Gorgeous George scoops the top prize in MEA as the industry descends on Dubai to celebrate the best in hospitality experience and design.

Words: Ben Thomas Event Photography: © Hyku Desesto

128

AHEAD MEA returned to Dubai for a third

example, we hosted a brunch event allowing us

consecutive year in November, bringing

to explore some of the themes and topics that

hospitality leaders together for an oceanic-

emerged from our shortlist. And over the next

themed ceremony at new venue Caesars Forum,

12 months we’ll be hosting more conversations

Bluewaters Island. Along with Global Founder

and talks under the SLEEPER 2020 umbrella –

Sponsor Grohe and a host of supporters,

a range of initiatives we are introducing in our

attendees were immersed in an evening of

20th anniversary year – to help share ideas and

nautical hospitality, with the dress code and

knowledge that drive the industry forward.”

dinner menu taking inspiration from both

This year’s competition attracted over 200

the waterfront location of Caesars and Wes

entries, representing some 49 projects from

Anderson’s cult film, The Life Aquatic. Aside

13 countries across the region, stretching

from the maritime merriment, the real captains

from Bahrain to Botswana, Cape Town in the

of the night were the hotels that triumphed,

south to Tunisia in the north, not to mention a

as well as the creative and operational teams

selection of projects from the UAE. There was

responsible for steering them to shore.

also a variety of hotel types, from a series of

Having met and mingled with their industry

ten nautical-inspired cabins in the Namibian

peers, guests made their way into the ballroom

desert to an intimate boutique channelling

for the main event, where Awards Director Matt

South Africa’s vibrancy and eclecticism.

Turner dived into proceedings with a look at

Each project was first assessed online to

the evolution of the awards, before providing

reach the shortlist stage, before the panel met

a glimpse of what’s to come in 2020: “As

at Bulgari Yacht Club in Dubai for a day of

AHEAD continues to grow we are developing

deliberations. Taking to the stage at Caesars

this platform in new ways. Earlier today for

Forum, Pallavi Dean, chair of the judging

EVENTS

panel and Creative Director of Dubai-based

standard in experience-led design” according to

the Year. The judging panel commended the

architecture and interior design studio Roar,

the judges. Other winners included Omaanda in

project for its compelling design, which in their

spoke of the criteria the judging process looks

Namibia for Guestrooms, The Merchant House

words “unites grandeur with the raw industrial

to, which includes operational efficiency,

in Bahrain for Lobby & Public Spaces, and

edge of central Cape Town”.

use of budget and space planning, as well as

hosts Caesars Bluewaters Island Dubai – which

aesthetics and guest experience. Dean then went

triumphed in the Event Spaces category.

Winners will now go head-to-head in their categories to compete against other regions,

on to praise the passion, professionalism and

Dubai’s new hotels struck gold across a range

with worldwide champions set to be crowned at

energy of her fellow judges, before handing over

of categories too, with The Spa at Mandarin

the next AHEAD Global edition in January 2021.

to Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large and host for the

Oriental Jumeira – designed by Silverfox Studios

evening, Guy Dittrich.

– applauded for “creating a journey with true

A full list of winners can be seen overleaf, while

Winners were revealed by AHEAD’s loyal

meaning” through its use of intricate and

photography of the event can be viewed online

line-up of sponsors and supporters, with victors

atmospheric detailing, while Zabeel House at

at www.aheadawards.com/mea.

getting their hands on a bespoke crystal glass

the Greens’ Lah Lah won best Restaurant, and

trophy designed by Lasvit. Four Seasons Resort

Bishop Design was victorious in both the Bar,

Seychelles at Desroches Island emerged as the

Club or Lounge and Hotel Newbuild categories

winner of the Resort and Landscaping & Outdoor

for Wavehouse at Atlantis The Palm and Studio

Spaces categories, with Eco-id’s scheme admired

One Hotel respectively.

for blending seamlessly with the surrounding

The big star of the night however was Cape

landscape using warm tones, exposed woods,

Town’s Gorgeous George – envisioned by

wicker furniture and raw materials. Meanwhile,

interior architect Tristan du Plessis – which

the award for Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps

took home four awards including Renovation,

went to Shipwreck Lodge, which also picked up

Restoration & Conversion; Suite; Visual Identity

the New Concept trophy after “setting a new

and the highly-coveted AHEAD MEA Hotel of

129

BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE Warehouse at Atlantis The Palm – Dubai, UAE Atlantis the Palm / Solutions Leisure Group DSA Architects / Bishop Design EVENT SPACES Caesars Forum at Caesars Palace Bluewaters – Dubai, UAE Meraas Holdings / Caesars Entertainment Corporation K/M2K Architecture & Interior Design GUESTROOMS Omaanda – Windhoek East, Namibia Zannier Hotels / Zannier Hotels Interiors HOTEL NEWBUILD Studio One Hotel – Dubai, UAE Vice Versa Facilities / Roya International Hazel Wong / Bishop Design

130

RENOVATION, RESTORATION OR CONVERSION Gorgeous George – Cape Town, South Africa Tobias Alter / Urbane Citizen Architecture / Tristan Plessis Studio LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island – Seychelles Albwardy Investment / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts One Degree North / Eco.id Architects LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES The Merchant House – Manama, Bahrain The Merchant House / Campbell Gray Hotels Gulf House Engineering / Summit Interior Design LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS Shipwreck Lodge – Skeleton Coast, Namibia Journeys Namibia / Natural Selection / Trip Travel Nina Maritz Architects / Women Unleashed

EVENTS

RESORT HOTEL Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island Seychelles Albwardy Investment / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Eco.id Architects RESTAURANT Lah Lah at Zabeel House by Jumeirah – Dubai, UAE Jumeirah Group / LW Design SPA & WELLNESS The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira – Dubai, UAE wasl Hospitality & Leisure / Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Design & ARchitecture Bureau / Silverfox Studios SUITE Gorgeous George – Cape Town, South Africa Tobias Alter / Urbane Citizen Architecture / Tristan Plessis Studio

VISUAL IDENTITY OF THE YEAR Gorgeous George – Cape Town, South Africa Tobias Alter / Urbane Citizen Architecture Tristan Plessis Studio / JANA + KOOS NEW CONCEPT OF THE YEAR Shipwreck Lodge – Skeleton Coast, Namibia Journeys Namibia / Natural Selection / Trip Travel Nina Maritz Architects / Women Unleashed THE AHEAD MEA HOTEL OF THE YEAR Gorgeous George – Cape Town, South Africa Tobias Alter / Urbane Citizen Architecture Tristan Plessis Studio / JANA + KOOS

131

EVENTS

Sleep & Eat

19-20 November 2019 LONDON Sleep & Eat returned under the guiding theme of Social FlexAbility to explore how hospitality design can pioneer new forms of connection.

Words: Kristofer Thomas, Ben Thomas and Donna Salek Photography: © Rob Jones (Unless stated otherwise)

R

eturning to Olympia London for a second edition

THE EXHIBITION

following its expansion to include an F&B element,

Forming the largest section of the show, Sleep & Eat’s

Sleep & Eat 2019 brought the hospitality design

exhibition floor provided a platform for both established and

community together from 19-20 November for a look back

rising suppliers to highlight key new releases. Highlights

at the projects, trends and concepts that defined the year,

included bathroom manufacturer Laufen, who debuted the

as well as an assessment of the market landscape to come.

much anticipated Marcel Wanders collaboration The New

Cementing its reputation as a key date for hoteliers,

Classic – a range of sculptural fixtures with a cosmopolitan

developers, architects, interior designers and suppliers alike,

spirit constructed from the brand’s own Saphirkeramik

this year’s show orbited a central theme of Social FlexAbility,

material – and German water specialists Grohe, who

with each strand exploring ideas of disconnection in the

returned for a 14th year to present its groundbreaking 3D

technology age as well as the power of hospitality spaces

metal-printed taps. The lighting sector, meanwhile, was

to pioneer a remedy. Running parallel, the international

represented by a balance of experimental installations and

exhibition welcomed over 160 leading suppliers to showcase

classically inclined fixtures. London-based Cameron Design

the latest product releases and innovations, and was

House presented its bespoke Inari chandelier – a fluid,

complemented by a series of spaces designed to facilitate

intertwining form inspired by the Finnish lake of the same

networking and new connections.

name – whilst Astro Lighting exhibited its minimal Eclipse

“With the rise of electronic and social media, people are starting to disconnect from each other, both by accident and

and Fold lights, a pair of simple yet bold circular and linear designs respectively.

choice,” explained Mark Gordon, Brand Director of Sleep &

Elsewhere, soft furnishing manufacturer Ena Shaw

Eat, regarding the show’s guiding theme. “The challenge for

spotlighted its range of contract curtains, blinds and soft

hospitality designers will be to provide flexible spaces where

furnishings, and Alarwool its wide selection of premium,

users can activate the social experience of their choice. This

custom-woven wool carpets, which appear throughout

year, we asked our design collaborators to share their vision

the recently inaugurated The Standard, London. The

on how this might become reality in a hospitality setting.”

best of British design was on show at stands by furniture

133

EVENTS

manufacturer Morgan – who introduced the

THE CONFERENCE

“We think of ourselves as the intersecting

Kenyan forest-inspired Kaya collection – and

Curated this year by Supper Contributing

moment

Chelsom, where standout pieces from the

Editor Heleri Rande, the Sleep & Eat conference

programming, events and content, where it

expansive Edition 26 lighting range drew a

explored topics ranging from designing

all comes together in four walls. It’s not just

steady crowd of attendees.

hospitality experiences underwater to thriving

sleeping, working and eating.”

between

design,

hospitality,

in a data-driven world. The schedule kicked off

Closing out day one, Supper Assistant Editor

THE SPACES

with a discussion between Sleeper’s Managing

Jenna Campbell moderated the Bedrooms Are

Once again at the heart of the exhibition floor,

Editor Catherine Martin and Amar Lalvani, CEO

Boring panel, bringing together F&B experts

providing a place for delegates to network or

of Standard International, with the hotelier

from Shangri-La, The Langham, Rocco Forte

simply catch their breath, 2019’s Sleeper Bar took

tracing his journey from joining the brand in

and Marriott for a look at the new concepts

the form of a timber-clad counter surrounding

2011 to unveiling its UK debut in 2019.

guests can expect through 2020 and beyond.

a live tree. Designed by Michaelis Boyd, and

“Before I even went to my first day working

“At the end of the day, It’s not about latest

responding to the Social FlexAbility theme

at The Standard, I was already looking for a

trends, it’s about lasting trends, and we have

with a versatile, distinctive and guest-oriented

London location,” he recounted. “We saw the

to be careful about how much we cater to

concept, the bar drew inspiration from French

building and immediately thought that’s it –

the niche market,” noted Lydia Forte, Group

Author Jean Giono’s celebrated short story ‘The

that’s the one. A lot of people have said how

Director of F&B for Rocco Forte Hotels. “But

Man Who Planted Trees’ – a tale celebrating

they thought it was an ugly building, but the

we must also consider that this is the first time

the power of the natural environment. Having

history of The Standard has always been to

that five generations – all thinking in slightly

created an environmentally-conscious mix

take obsolete buildings and do something truly

different ways – are occupying the market, and

of elegant design and sustainable materials,

special with them.”

so flexibility is equally important.”

the tree was then adorned with a selection of

Concerning the design industry’s capability to

Kicking off day two, Christoph Hoffmann,

front covers from Sleeper’s two decade run in

combat loneliness and urban isolation, A Holistic

CEO and co-founder of 25Hours Hotel Company,

celebration of the magazine’s 20th anniversary.

Answer to Urban Living explored the ways in

took to the stage to discuss the ups and downs

Examining the theme from a different angle,

which hospitality design could alleviate both

of his brand’s journey – from moving beyond

the event’s VIP Room was designed this year

physical and psychological symptoms. “What

European borders to partnering with Accor

by Megre Interiors. Transforming the oak-

will ultimately keep people returning to these

Hotels. The charismatic CEO, who picked up

panelled Olympia Club Room into a vibrant

kinds of spaces is a sense of trust,” suggested

the Outstanding Contribution Award at AHEAD

floral-inspired space arranged to promote

Kayla Pongrac, Senior Designer at The Design

Europe 2019, began by stressing the importance

connection, Megre’s Gather concept featured

Agency. “It’s important in this urban context

of developing a brand rather than a hotel chain:

a lighting installation at its centre resembling

to give people something they can believe in, to

“We’ve always wanted to grow organically. It’s

a flickering fire, with the orbicular seating

integrate the local culture and vernacular, and

not about the sheer size of the company or

surrounding it referencing the gathering pits

adapt to what the whole city requires. In the

the number of hotels, it’s more about creating

around which humans have congregated for

case of shared spaces like co-working facilities

brand values and a common denominator,” and

millions of years.

in city locations this should be at the forefront

went on to divulge how the brand are working

of the design process.”

to inject the same DNA into each 25hours

Similairly, the Wilson Associates-designed Hub provided a dedicated networking and

Rande also sat down with Josh Wyatt, CEO of

property. “If we find the right energy and the

co-working space – the latter function a key

NeueHouse, a series of collaborative workspaces

right people, then a lot of our core elements and

feature in the new wave of increasingly flexible

set within iconic buildings including Los

the atmosphere we look to create will remain.

hotel spaces. Inspired by the form of a circle,

Angeles’ Bradbury Building and the original

One of the major parts of our DNA is to keep it

and laid out as a closed curve around which

CBS studio, for an inside look at how the young

alive through the staff,” he mused.

guests stood to face each other, The Hub made

brand has created an offer that balances the

extensive use of closed-loop recycled elements

human element with impressive returns.

A pair of complementary panels looking to the future of hospitality proved a significant

whilst furnishings and fixtures by Astro,

“The most important thing was creating a

draw, with only standing room available for a

Knightsbridge Furniture and Atlas Concorde

sense of dynamic community, where there was

discussion between Richard Coutts, Director of

added a contemporary edge.

always something happening,” Wyatt recalled.

Baca Architects, and Ben Fitzgerald, Operations

135

© Will Stanley

© Mark Luscombe-Whyte

EVENTS

Sleep Sets by Twenty2Degrees and Miaja Design Group brought the show’s theme of Social FlexAbility to life

Manager at CoreMarine, regarding the task

series of spaces in which six architecture and

we developed a flexible platform in place of a

of designing on, near or under water. Paying

design practices looked to demonstrate that

bed, which can rotate and adjust to the needs of

particularly close attention to his work creating

hotels, restaurants, bars and other hospitality

the occupant, and then built around that with

Under – a restaurant five and a half metres

spaces can be at the forefront of defining new

satellite functions that can be pushed away with

below the surface of the North Sea off Norway’s

environments and interior innovations

ease,” commented Managing Director, AnneMarie Sabatier.

coast – Fitzgerald explained that “a huge part

Inspired by the idea that no two guests are

of the experience is how little it disrupts the

the same, Twenty2Degrees developed a flexible

Taking on the first of this year’s Eat Sets,

environment surrounding it. Not only is it a

guestroom space for the social traveller, where

Name Architecture devised one continuous plane

restaurant experience, but a biological one

a motto of ‘Dance, Sleep, Work, Play’ was

in the form of a table, at which visitors could

too, and with this balance in place we can go

channelled through distorted riffs softened by

choose their social experience according to their

on to introduce sustainability and educational

plush fabrics, and warm timbers set against a

position. “The first idea that came to our mind

elements in the future.”

vibrant backdrop. “We started by thinking about

is the fact we don’t often face each other in

Speaking of the future, Above: Designing

adaptability and how to make the space social,

today’s dining spaces,” said Founding Director,

for Space, saw charismatic designer Johannes

organic and local,” commented Creative Director

Nathalie Rozencwajg. “To bridge the situation,

Torpe share his experiences collaborating

Joe Stella. “Our room concept is a metaphor

we decided to work with an ellipse rather than a

with members of the emergent space tourism

for that, because for us, social flexibility is all

round table, which creates different focal points

industry. “What fascinates us about space is

about bringing people together and having a

and distances between people.”

the desire to understand everything within and

good time.”

The sixth and final room set looked to spark

beyond it,” he suggested. “Thinking up these

Taking a similarly collective approach, Miaja

face-to-face interaction, with SpaceInvader

kinds of spaces has long involved creating the

Design Group chose to challenge the common

Design envisioning a bar without a bar, which,

universe they are possible in, but now, with

belief that social interaction is impaired at

through its layout and design, would become a

more and more companies stepping into the

the hands of technological devices, creating a

space for discussion. Speaking on the process,

market, it becomes a realistic proposition.”

guestroom that encouraged shared experiences.

John Williams, Founding Director, explained:

Closing the conference, Rande sat down with

“We wanted Elevation to be an experience and

“Everybody socialises in different ways. In the

a panel of designers to take a look at what sets

an opportunity to have a moment of quietness,

context of the bar, there could be groups of two

a true eco hotel apart, and whether guests can

which is what this world needs more and more,”

or ten, so maintaining that element of flexibility

still have a guilt free experience at a price point

founder Isabelle Miaja noted.

was key when developing the concept.”

that demands luxury. Chris Miller, Creative

Billed as the ‘Tradition of the Future’

Director for Design Group Italia, who oversaw

meanwhile,

guestroom

“What a fantastic two days!” Gordon

the interior design of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

channelled the designer’s Scandinavian heritage

commented as the programme wrapped up.

in Iceland, noted of the project: “It’s in the DNA

through a light and warm scheme paying tribute

“Once again, Sleep & Eat has proved to be where

of Iceland to be sustainable and eco-friendly,

to nature, sustainability and organic materials.

the European hospitality design community

because the Blue Lagoon is part of a geothermal

“We all have various needs when it comes to

meets. Be it on our busy exhibition floor, at our

energy generating station, so there is no carbon

hotels, but if we can develop rooms that are

late-night party and new networking events, or

footprint. For us, it was more of a basic premise

adaptable and take a holistic approach, then I

in our best-attended conference yet, we were

for the whole project, so the journey was how

believe that we can design well for the guest of

delighted to see so many of the great and the

do we create a luxury experience in what is

the future,” she admitted.

good come together.”

essentially a lava field.”

Maria

Tibblin’s

Working with build partners Stilles, Hat Design constructed a guestroom that users

Sleep & Eat 2020 will take place from 17-18

THE CONCEPT ROOMS

could control and re-create, applying the

November, at London Olympia.

Social FlexAbility was brought to life most

same philosophy of integrating social hubs in

prominently as part of the Sleep & Eat Sets, a

public areas to the private space. “To do this,

www.sleepandeatevent.com

137

AHEAD Europe 18 November 2019 LONDON

Diversity reigns at the AHEAD Europe ceremony, with the best hotels of the year showcasing a wide variety of form, function, shape and size.

AHEAD Europe announced its winners at a block

to adapt within a shifting industry, as well as

party-themed ceremony in November, taking

the whirlwind rise of the playful brand. Its latest

over Battersea Evolution in collaboration with

opening – 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord – was

Global Founding Partner Grohe for a Brooklyn

also honoured with a statue in the Restaurant

beats-inspired celebration of the best hotel

category for the Dreimeta-designed Neni, where

designs across the continent. Taking the prize

vibrant art, pastel tones and feminine touches

for Guestrooms and claiming the prestigious

combine for an indulgent and social F&B space.

AHEAD Hotel of the Year statue, the night’s big

Diversity reigned across the rest of the interior

winner was the Palomba & Serafini-designed

prizes, with the film-themed Cinema Paradiso

Palazzo Daniele, a 158-year old aristocratic

at Puro Łódź Poland claiming the award for

residence masterly transformed with a balance

Event Spaces – where judges praised both the

of preserved history and modernist minimalism.

unconventional approach and its clearly defined

“Palazzo Daniele is truly different,” the

vision – whilst the regal elegance of Belmond

judging panel noted, “a unique and rare hotel

Cadogan’s light, airy and inviting lobby saw the

experience.”

London hotel and G.A Design take home the

The evening kicked off with the Outstanding Words: Kristofer Thomas Event Photography: © Sven Eselgroth

138

accolade for Lobby and Public Spaces.

Contribution award, and 25hours Hotel Company

Describing the space as having “a real sense

CEO Christoph Hoffmann taking to the stage to

of place throughout that perfectly matches

collect his Lasvit-designed trophy. Having led

the building’s architecture”, judges named

the group from a single property in Hamburg

Soho House Amsterdam’s lounge as the finest

in 2005 to a global portfolio of 13 hotels and a

Bar, Club or Lounge. Meanwhile, the leafy

partnership with hospitality heavyweight Accor

ambience of Can Bordoy’s signature garden –

today, the prize recognised Hoffmann’s ability

incorporating 70 different plant species – was

EVENTS

judged as the best example of a landscaped

“sophisticated and tasteful, where everything

hotel blending elements of retail, co-working

outdoor area.

from art and furnishings to beautiful landscaping

and hospitality, which took home the New

Representing the Greeks, Dexamenes Seaside

create a sense of complete coherence.” And in

Concept award, and the Jean-Phillipe Nuel-

Hotel’s oceanfront accommodation – set in an

the Newbuild category, it was Mollie’s Motel &

designed Ponant Le Champlain, which claimed

abandoned wine factory on Kourouta beach –

Diner – a nostalgic project in Buckland paying

victory in the Transport category. And last but

was named best suite, and described as “the

homage to the traditional American roadside

not least, the award for Visual Identity went

height of unpretentious luxury,” whilst further

diner – that took the prize.

to Norway’s Amerikalinjen, with Scandinavian

inland, the similarly rural Euphoria Retreat –

“Based on the quality of its simplicity, Mollie’s

Design Group’s branding identified as the

carved into the base of a Mystras mountain

deserves many more locations,” one member of

standout entrant thanks to its colourful,

– claimed the Spa prize for its “exemplarily

the panel surmised. Showcasing the wide range

succinct scheme that incorporates heritage

execution and ability to meet the varied health

of scale present in the shortlist, the expansive

elements of the former Norwegian American

needs of its guests.”

Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland – a 62-suite

Line offices the property occupies. Closing

Hotel Conversion went to The Langley, where

property built directly into an 800-year-old

out the night, AHEAD presenter and Sleeper

Dennis Irvine Studio transformed a Grade II-

lava flow and encircled by mineral waters –

Editor at Large Guy Dittrich congratulated the

listed stately Buckinghamshire home, restoring

took home the Resort Hotel prize, whilst the

ceremony’s winners, all of which will now go on

a sense of majesty to the 18th-century hunting

Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps statue went to

to compete in their respective categories against

lodge with deft touches of baroque detail and

Manshausen 2.0, a collection of sustainably-

other regional winners from Asia, the Americas

historic accuracy. Elsewhere, it was Heckfield

constructed cabins on the banks of a Norwegian

and MEA as part of AHEAD Global in 2021.

Place – another Grade II-listed, 18th century

fjord that judges described as “a contemporary

home – that was named best Renovation

outdoor room created from natural materials in

A full list of winners can be seen overleaf, while

& Restoration, with judges praising the

a breathtaking location”.

photography of the event can be viewed online

collaborative efforts of interior designer BWT London and architects Spratley & Partners as

The

night’s

other

winners

included

at www.aheadawards.com/europe.

Copenhagen’s The Audo, a hybrid cultural space

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BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE Soho House Amsterdam – The Netherlands Aedes / Soho House & Co. / Kentie & Partners / Soho House Design

RENOVATION & RESTORATION Heckfield Place – Hampshire, England Morningside Group / Heckfield Place Spratley & Partners / BWT London

EVENT SPACES Puro Łódz – Poland Genfer Group / Puro Hotels ASW Architekci / Superfutures

LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden – Palma, Mallorca Mikael Hall / OHLAB

GUESTROOMS Palazzo Daniele – Gagliano Del Capo, Italy Petrucci / Gabriele Salini / GS Collection Palomba & Serafini Associati HOTEL CONVERSION The Langley – Iver, England City & Country Hotels / Marriott International / Fredrick Gibberd Partnership / Veretec / Dennis Irvine Studio HOTEL NEWBUILD Mollie’s Motel & Diner – Buckland, England Mollie’s Motel / Soho House Design

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LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES Belmond Cadogan Hotel – London, England Cadogan Estates / Belmond Blair Associates Architecture / G.A Design LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS Manshausen 2.0 – Manshausen Island, Norway Børge Ousland / Stinessen Arkitektur RESORT HOTEL The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland – Grindavik Blue Lagoon Iceland / Basalt Architects Design Group Italia

EVENTS

RESTAURANT Neni at 25Hours Hotel Terminus Nord – Paris, France Invesco Real Estate / Hua Kee / 25Hours Hotel Company Axel Schoenert Architects / Dreimeta

VISUAL IDENTITY OF THE YEAR Amerikalinjen – Oslo, Norway Fremtind Forsikring / Nordic Choice Hotels & Resorts / Kritt Arkitekter / Puroplan / Scandinavian Design Group

SPA & WELLNESS Euphoria Retreat – Mystras, Greece Evoikos / Euphoria Retreat / Deca Architecture Natalia Efremoglou & Partners / Ethnokat

NEW CONCEPT OF THE YEAR The Audo – Copenhagen, Denmark SpaceCo / Jonas Bjerre-Poulson & Nathan Williams

SUITE Dexamenes Seaside Hotel – Kourouta, Greece Karaflos D&SIA / k-studio TRANSPORT Ponant le Champlain Groupe Artemis / Compagnie du Ponant Vard Shipyard / Jean-Philippe Nuel

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION Christoph Hoffmann – CEO, 25Hours Hotel Company THE AHEAD EUROPE HOTEL OF THE YEAR Palazzo Daniele – Gagliano Del Capo, Italy Petrucci / Gabriele Salini / GS Collection Palomba & Serafini Associati

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ai15780485677_blackband.pdf

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10:49

SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

Floorcoverings From recycled rugs to geometric tiles, we take a look at the latest innovations shaping the world underfoot.

Nanimarquina’s Shade collection is inspired by nature and blends two gradients in the same plane

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3.

1. Looking Glass Deirdre Dyson

2. /Re/Purpose Jennifer Manners

3. Decorative Collection 2020-22 Egger

Inspired by the act of looking at and through glass, Deirdre Dyson’s Looking Glass collection comprises eight different carpet designs including Transparent – a reinterpretation of decorative shapes on a coloured vase; Light Between – a play on contrasting monochrome grading with the illusion of light; Slivers – stemming from a series of small flat discs of overlapping glass; and Looking Through – emulating the distortions of objects when looked at through a water-filled flask. Deirdre Dyson’s work as a fine artist has afforded her the skill of creating striking colour palettes and beautiful compositions, which enhance surfaces and complement a variety of settings. www.deirdredyson.com

Jennifer Manners’ /Re/Purpose collection of plush pile rugs – handcrafted from 100% recycled plastic – offers a luxurious yet eco-conscious solution to meet the need for hardwearing and stainresistant rugs. Discarded polyethylene components, which would otherwise find their way into the ocean or a landfill, are processed using heat and water to create a surprisingly soft and robust yarn. Its fine, matte appearance resembles that of wool, whilst its composition from plastic means that the rugs are resistant to dirt and strong cleaning products. Available in five designs with bespoke options of colour, size and pattern, the pieces are ideally suited for commercial projects. www.jennifermanners.co.uk

Building on the success of its current range, the new Egger Decorative Collection 2020-22 is the company’s largest product launch since 2017. The company revolutionises its portfolio every three years, and this cycle will see the range boast over 250 decors, including new textures, colours and woodgrains, with a specific focus on the latest design trends. New aesthetic options have been introduced to the popular Feelwood range, making the selection of woodgrain finishes more extensive than ever; high-end material reproductions of marble, granite and ceramic have been developed to meet demand; and newly added solid colours help achieve bold contrasts in design. The PerfectSense collection has also been refreshed, adding material decors available in gloss, matte and topmatt, as well as an increased range of matching and accent edging to achieve a high value look with minimal effort. In addition, Egger has further developed its digital services, set to launch this year, which will provide a means of bringing its collections to life and make it easier for designers and customers to make the right choices. “Our new collection will provide customers with the freedom to develop amazing design concepts knowing that Egger will provide high-quality products that will bring their ideas to life,” says Andrew Laidler, Director of Decorative Sales. www.egger.com

BREATHTAKING CARPETS ENGINEERED TO LAST

At the heart of our 200 year old brand is a genuine enthusiasm and pride for what we do.

From palaces to hotels, restaurants to public buildings, convention centres to airports, over the years Brintons carpets have contributed to make the worlds’ most beautiful interiors.

Sleeper - Dec 2019.indd 1

www.brintons.net

We stay true to our core values, offering our customers an outstanding experience through exceptional products and a fantastic service.

People who understand the importance of lasting value choose Brintons.

03/12/2019 12:27

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4.

1. The Parlor Brintons

2. Shade Nanimarquina

3. Leather Flooring Alma

4. Ábaco Roca

The Parlor collection by Brintons takes its inspiration from traditional parlour games that Surrealist artists would play to pass the time and unlock their creative sides.

The range features unique Axminister designs with surprising linear transitions, whilst glowing neon hues contrast with moody velvet textures, bringing to mind intimate social spaces such as public houses which hosted the greats of the literary and art worlds and have long held a strong sense of community. Each fully customisable Axminister broadloom design is woven in Brintons’ signature 80% wool and 20% nylon yarn blend, offering a combination of performance, longevity and comfort. www.brintons.net

Inspired by moments in nature where different colours blend together, Nanimarquina’s Shade collection is created through a complex technical process to achieve density, regularity and fluidity. Each rug demonstrates an elegant and simple design, where two gradients converge harmoniously in the same plane – one vertical and one horizontal – using six transitional, complementary shades. In 2019, the range was expanded to include a selection of outdoor rugs, which look and feel like the indoor version but are instead crafted from a PET fibre. This ensures that the surfaces are highly resistant to water, as well as any adverse weather conditions. www.nanimarquina.com

Made from leather that has been tanned, technically processed and finished for flooring use, the Alma Floor collection boasts water repellent qualities and is designed to age elegantly and develop an elegant patina. The leather range is available in a variety of colourways, embossed textures and tile designs, while the catalogue has been indexed with a guide to highlight which options are the best choice for different levels of footfall.

Prior to being released, each of Alma’s leathers undergo independent testing to ensure that they are suitable to be used with underfloor heating and that they pass both wet and dry slip-resistance tests for hospitality settings. www.almafloor.co.uk

Combining versatility and functionality, Ábaco takes the nuances of cement to new levels, improving the structure with the durability of porcelain tiles. Conceived for use on both floor and wall, the range combines formats, colours and finishes for interior and exterior areas, highlighting its worn effect filled with micro-textures.

Available in a wide colour range of neutral and rusty hues, the collection features decorative lines with reliefs and organic or geometrical effects. Available finishes include Natural, closer to crafted cement; Lapado, a resistant satin finish; and In&Out, a soft and highly anti-slip surface that can be applied to both indoor and outdoor settings as well as façades. www.roca.com

EYE-CATCHING GEOMETRIC DESIGN Oversized, isosceles triangles embellish the fabric of the new drapilux 809 series. Muted and smoky pastel and natural tones create an elegant semi-transparent fabric. Discover this series and other new arrivals on drapilux stand C 56 in Hall 8 at the Heimtextil trade fair.

More at: www.drapilux.com

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1. Fidelio & Ocha ICE International

2. Curio Newhey

3. Décor Amtico

4. Wall Rugs Stellar Works

For Fidelio and Ocha, ICE’s designers studied the archives of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, taking inspiration from the shape and scalloped edges of swan crockery to create a rug with a shell-like appearance and flared wave texture, crafted from a mix of wool and silk in soft colours. Ocha, meanwhile, takes cues from a teacup with a cream-coloured glaze; the design capturing fragility and strength through different shapes, colours and textures. The handpainted background of the rug also conveys the delicacy and craftsmanship of the cup, with a dark-to-light gradient complemented by flecks of gold, inspired by the japanese art of Kintsugi. www.rugs.nl

The Curio collection by Newhey combines a vintage look with a contemporary Ikat-like diamond pattern, featuring a handmade feel through its styling.

Inspired by textiles that celebrate natural and authentic details, the series sits comfortably in both traditional and contemporary interiors. Crafted using Colortec technology at 4m wide and available in eight colours, Curio is suitable for heavy commercial use and high levels of footfall. Newhey’s efforts to increase sustainability have also seen it apply Evobac on its products, a highly sustainable backing material made from 100% recycled plastic, added using a hot melt carpet backing line. www.newheycarpets.co.uk

Amtico has introduced a range of Décor statement floors to its collection of luxury vinyl tiles. The 19 products have been crafted following research into traditional ceramic styles, resulting in bespoke, practical looks for commercial applications. The range consists of five key styles: Geo emulates traditional Victorian tiles in modern colourways, while Corona features complementary colours and repeating shapes, and Corona Black + White expresses the same traditional style in pure white and graphic slate. Elsewhere, Echo is a versatile geometric design in six colourways, and Marble is complemented by field or perimeter fill patterns. www.amtico.com

Drawing inspiration from various textures and patinas, the Wall Rugs collection

by Stellar Works displays a series of balances and contrasts, creating interplays between rough and smooth, and light and shadow. The range interprets the intricacy of how surfaces age, such as old walls and buildings of different natures, mirroring fragments patination and texture for distinctive patterns of elegant colours, allowing the tactile walls to resemble soft floors. The rug names – Dune, Moon, Nude, Tundra, Midnight and Gold – channel the same sensuous mechanisms and constant flow of memories, reflecting a mood rather than a specific colour. www.stellarworks.com

Genuine leather floor tiles for luxury commercial and residential environments

Our brochure and samples can be ordered via our website at www.almafloor.co.uk or from visiting our London E1 Studio.

T: +44 (0)20 7377 0762 • info@almafloor.co.uk • www.almafloor.co.uk

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1. Talí Ferreira de Sá

2. Bespoke Service Havwoods

3. Wild Side Stark

4. Desert Lights Shaw Contract

The Talí design draws inspiration from the concept and form of a drum and the instrument’s ability to bring people together through rhythm and dance.

Composed of mohair, the rug’s design process began working with the shape and volume of the drum, deforming and decomposing its elements into coloured spots. Talí is one of 11 styles in the brand’s recently launched Candombe collection, which ranges from abstract to classic designs, each able to be customised to suit bespoke projects. Founded in 1946, Ferreira de Sá produces handmade rugs thanks to artisans who share the same passion for bespoke carpets. www.ferreiradesa.pt

Havwoods Bespoke is a premium service created to assist architects and interior designers in achieving their desired effects, without compromising on style or quality. The service allows clients to build their ideal floor of any size, colour or pattern. Shade, texture, shape and width can be customised to match specific requirements, while changes can be made to stock products or entirely new products alike. Slip resistance, light reflection and other specifications and certifications can also be considered when working with the service, ensuring that the finished product meets both aesthetic and practical needs. www.havwoods.co.uk

Stark Hospitality and Contract has introduced a bold, impressionistic variation on animal print with its eyecatching Wild Side collection. Featuring designs that bring a playful, imaginative energy to interior spaces, the custom collection uses intricately hand-knotted and hand-tufted axminster carpet to introduce a desirable residential quality into hospitality settings, while the range’s versatility give designers greater choice when working within commercial spaces. Stark launched its Hospitality and Contract line in 2018 and has since grown into the sector with a series of new products and innovations. www.starkhospitalityandcontract.com

Created as Rockwell Group’s sixth collection in collaboration with Shaw Contract, Desert Lights is a new carpet and rug range drawing inspiration from the plants and geography of Southwest America; the hues and subtleties of desert light as it moves from dawn to dusk; and the sense of wellness associated with time spent in the desert. The rugs use two different construction methods: the first is a broadloom carpet utilising Tailor Tuft, the second making use of Canvas, a high-speed printed production process in stunning 76 dip high-definition. The rugs are finished with serged edges for a luxurious aesthetic. www.shawcontract.com

All our shown and mentioned decors are reproductions.

Egger PRO Laminate Aqua+ Make a splash www.egger.com/aquaplus

Water resistant laminate flooring from EGGER, available in 18 trend-led decors.

The trend orientated collection provides a high quality, functional product for both commercial & domestic applications, suitable for steam & machine cleaning.

Five times more resistant to water swelling than standard laminate, the flooring is well suited to bathrooms, kitchens, restaurants & bars.

For more information contact us at EFPUKsales@egger.com

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SPOTLIGHT

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1. Toundra Vincent Sheppard

2. Four Seasons Toronto Creative Matters

3. Vulcano Ark One

4. Lulworth Porcelain Mandarin Stone

The Toundra rug by Vincent Sheppard features a flat-woven structure and is available in three sizes, with three striking colour patterns bringing subtle shades to outdoor spaces. The high-performance collection comprises the Mist, Sunset and Sahara styles, each of which has been developed to complement a variety of furniture pieces and interior schemes.

On top of that, the outdoor rug offers a soft texture underfoot, enabling guests to walk around comfortably witout shoes.

Manufactured from durable polyester fibre and made to withstand rain, sun, snow and dirt, Toundra can be cleaned easily using a high-pressure water hose for a brand-new look. www.vincentsheppard.com

Made under fair trade conditions with certification from Swiss NGO Label Step, Creative Matters’ handcrafted products include original custom carpets, rugs and wallcoverings for hotels, cruise liners, luxury retail and commercial spaces. Manufactured using a variety of techniques according to the distinct requirements of each project – from matching specific aesthetics to meeting budgets and design specifications – its collections can be seen in properties such as Park Hyatt, St Regis, Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons, as well as on Royal Caribbean vessels and in luxury retail spaces including Bergdorf Goodman, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. www.creativemattersinc.com

Comprising a series of thermally treated floors, Ark One’s Vulcano collection serves as a suitable alternative to timber.

The treatment of the wood is done in its own thermal chamber, without the use of any chemical additives, but purely with heat, wind and water. The series is available in three shades boasting darker colouring, whilst the swelling and shrinking behaviour of the wood has also been reduced, ensuring that Vulcano can benefit from an increased resistance to mould and other internal problems. All of the wood used by Ark One is ethically sourced, and, as part of its sustainability efforts, the company replants two trees for every one that is cut down. www.arkone.co.uk

Mandarin Stone’s collection of Natural Stone floors provide a timeless backdrop and an inherent natural beauty that stands the test of time. Choices in the range include limestone, marble, slate and travertine in an array of finishes and formats. Significant developments in digital image technology mean that man-made porcelain floor tiles can now replicate a wide range of other materials including wood, stone, concrete and metal amongst others. The brand recently launched a number of antique stone effect porcelains as a result, such as the Lulworth collection, which offers two shades – Buff and Grey – both available in 1cm interior and 2cm exterior options. www.mandarinstone.com

C R E AT E A S E N S E OF WONDER SA A DIYAT ROTA N A RESO RT & VILL AS, A BU DH A BI

· KCA INTER N ATIO N A L, DU BAI ·

Cruise ship lounge furnished by UHS International #MakeAStatement at Sea uhs-group.com | 0330 1222 400

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Anthology Volume 07 Anthology has introduced Volume 07, a collection of ten wide-width wallcoverings that explore human interaction with the natural world.

Combining semi-plain, large and small-scale patterns, the series is curated to harmonise with the building in which it resides, amalgamating motifs and techniques with interiors of all tastes.

Designs such as Brutalist Stripe and Ammonite highlight the contrast between old and new, while beaded embellishments create a distinctive, sophisticated texture. The range also features cork for the very first time. www.stylelibrarycontract.com

SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

Kettal Joali Maldives Spanish manufacturer Kettal has collaborated with design studio Autoban to furnish the lounge and villa terraces at Joali, a five-star resort located on the island of Muravandhoo in the Maldives. Whilst devising the scheme, Autoban sought to fuse the indoor and outdoor spaces of the property with the exotic and idyllic landscape that surrounds it, using local materials such as bamboo and coconut fibre in line with the aesthetic of the island. The firm also created architectural elements based on traditional and artisanal techniques used by the

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craftsmen of the Maldives, and were particularly discerning when choosing the furniture, demanding it be both functional and movable.

Blending naturally with the soul of the complex, Kettal’s pieces include the basket armchairs designed by Nanna and Jorgen Ditzel, as well as the Club armchairs and Cala dining chairs by Doshi Levien. Sofas from the Riva collection and dining tables from the Park Life range by Jasper Morrison also appear, as do the Mesh and Vieques tables by Patricia Urquiola. www.kettal.com

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CASE STUDY

SHOWROOM OPENING

Janus et Cie Raffles Singapore

VitrA Creative Hub

Janus et Cie has revealed details of its involvement in the sensitive restoration of Raffles Singapore. Tasked with spearheading the threephased refurbishment was New York-based studio Champalimaud Design, who, along with collaborators Aedas Singapore, Beca and Studio Lapis, chose to feature a number of Janus et Cie collections including Deauville II chaise lounges, black-and-white striped Inlaid side tables and Amalfi barstools and armchairs – the classic silhouettes of the Amalfi collection embodying the hotel’s timeless and uncompromising design. Located just steps away from the brand’s flagship showroom in the island city-state, Raffles first opened in 1887 and was declared a National Monument a century later by the Singapore Government. The property has, over the years, gained both local and international recognition as an oasis for the well-travelled, and is deeply valued for its historical significance and unique heritage.

“There are few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities in which they are located – and none more so than Raffles,” says General Manager, Christian Westbeld.

“The newly restored property will provide an experience like no other.” www.janusetcie.com

VitrA is set to open a new 5,600ft2 creative hub in London’s Clerkenwell this Spring, generating an experiential space for architects, designers and thinkers with dedicated areas for product specification, events and workshops. Located in the heart of the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area, the development will occupy two floors of the Piercy & Companydesigned Turnmill Building, with the ground floor showcasing the brand’s collaborations with renowned creatives such as Ross Lovegrove, Sebastian Conran, Terri Pecora, and most recently, Claudio Bellini and Arik Levy. There will also be a seminar area for talks and an active brassware display, where visitors can experience VitrA’s basin taps in action. On the lower ground floor meanwhile, a specification area will demonstrate the brand’s catalouge of WCs and basins, as well as its range of tiles, flush plates and bathroom accessories. In addition to these showcases, an immersive 4D theatre will allow visitors to visualise and walk around their bathroom as they design it thanks to a virtual reality headset. www.vitra.co.uk

www.jardinico.com +32 (0)56 89 04 10 info@jardinico.com

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CASE STUDY

Grohe Grohe Goes Zero Grohe has pledged to become the first sanitaryware manufacturer to achieve carbon-neutral production by 2020, stepping up its campaign with the ‘Grohe Goes Zero’ initiative. Having converted all five of its production plants worldwide – as well as the logistics centres in Germany – to run on green electricity in July 2019, the company will start the new fiscal year by offsetting unavoidable CO2 emissions through two compensation projects.

“More than ever, manufacturers like Grohe are in demand to take on responsibility and strive towards more sustainability,” says Thomas Fuhr, CEO of Grohe. “For years now, we have been investing not only in research and development in order to produce intelligent, sustainable solutions, but also to a large degree in a resource-saving value chain. With ‘Grohe goes Zero’,

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we are now setting an example for the entire industry: we are actively addressing the CO2 challenge by increasingly avoiding emissions and, if this is not possible, compensating for them.”

The initiative is linked to numerous measures taking place at the Grohe plants, promoting the long-term reduction of the carbon footprint and conserving resources. The brand has built a state-ofthe-art test laboratory in Hemer, Germany, while newly launched technologies such as the material-saving 3D metal-printing process further aid its sustainability efforts. As a result, Grohe has been able to increase its energy efficiency by 24% and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by around 40% since 2014, meaning that the brand has already exceeded its 2021 targets of 20% across both. www.grohe.com

Industry Experts in Interiors & Bespoke Joinery Setting The Standard Since 1897

Tel: 0116 2706946 25 Morris Road, Leicester, Le2 6AL www.eemith.co.uk Social @eesmithcontracts

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Focus SB The Kelly Hoppen Collection Focus SB has collaborated with acclaimed designer Kelly Hoppen for a debut collection of electrical wiring accessories. The eponymous range features five styles including Pinstripe: a plate that juxtaposes colour, shape and texture by setting clean metallic lines against a matte backdrop; Fifty Fifty, a subtly bright statement piece combining two alternating colour blocks that display harmonious contrast; and Dot, blending modern touches with details inspired by timeless jewellery. The Corner plate, meanwhile features geometric detail in the bottom right hand cedges and explores the architectural composition of triangles, and Plank embodies Hoppen’s modern design aesthetic, encompassing sleek lines and shadow details. www.focus-sb.co.uk

Dowsing & Reynolds Hepworth Featuring an ergonomic tapered profile, the Hepworth Contemporary Door Handles by Dowsing & Reynolds are constructed from hardwearing zinc and available in finishes including bold matte black, satin gold, classic silver or graphite. Developed with a range of interior schemes in mind, the piece has been designed as a versatile, detailed and complementary finishing touch to a scheme. The Hepworth can be purchased as a handle only, or with a key escutcheon plate to match. www.dowsingandreynolds.com

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AFTER OVER THREE DECADES OF SUPPLYING THE BEST BATHROOM ACCESSORIES, WATERBURY HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH QUALITY. WHEN THE BEST HOTELS IN THE INDUSTRY THINK QUALITY, THEY THINK WATERBURY. VISIT US AT SLEEP + EAT 2019 AT OLYMPIA LONDON 19TH -20TH NOVEMBER AND SEE OUR NEW RANGE AND MORE

TEL: +44 (0) 121 333 6062 FAX: +44 (0) 121 333 6459 W W W . W AT E R B U R Y. C O . U K

EMAIL: SALES@WATERBURY.CO.UK

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Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage Bang & Olufsen has launched its first ever soundbar with the Beosound Stage, featuring an elegant frame available in natural aluminium, bronze tone or smoked oak, that runs all the way around its perimeter and houses a seamlessly integrated sensory control panel. The natural and bronze tone frames are made from a single piece of forged aluminium, resulting in no visible seams, while the smoked oak version features traditionally crafted dovetail joints, a detail typically seen in Scandinavian cabinetry.

Beosound Stage also comes with Dolby Atmos, which heightens the soundstage to give the audio a three-dimensional effect. www.bang-olufsen.com

Vibia Pin Designed by Ichiro Iwasaki for Vibia, the Pin collection is defined by an interplay of geometric forms; lean lines pair with a bold, circular base and diminutive dome shade for a silhouette that recalls abstract symbols. Powered by an LED light source, its tips radiate a soft nimbus of light and, whether displayed individually or in customised combinations, Pin creates a striking architectural statement with a distinctly playful appeal. At Stockholm’s Grow Hotel, Pin lights are built into wooden headboards in the guestrooms and lend a delicate, organic sensibility to the streamlined décor. www.vibia.com

Tribu Elio Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, Tribu’s Elio collection is characterised by a softly rounded silhouette that draws inwards to create a cocoon effect. The chair is framed by natural teak that supports the seating shell primarily through the back legs, while the handwoven seats draw upward and inward to create a warm, intimate shelter, enhanced by the colours of woven Tricord rope.

The weaving fuses heritage textile techniques with contemporary solution dyeing to create a material that mimics the gentle touch of light, while the rich gradient effect in the seat and backrest is achieved by weaving multiple colours of yarn into one strand. www.tribu.com

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THE VISUAL WORLD OF HOTEL DESIGN ... dive into the fascination!

www.TOPHOTELDESIGN.com

SPECIFIER

Jung LS 1912 Toggle Switch The LS 1912 Toggle Switch by Jung is a reinterpretation of a classic design, developed in a modular fashion so that no screws are visible, neither in the cover plate that is flush with the bezel, nor in the switch itself. Matching its respective material, the toggle is available in a cylindrical, conical and cubic form, with chrome-plated brass used as the basic finish. Meanwhile, the LS 1912 design with a chrome finish features a cubic toggle, while for the brass classic, stainless steel, aluminium and dark variants, there is a choice between a conical and a cylindrical toggle. The switch can also be combined with all onegang to five-gang bezels from the LS range, including the LS 990, LS Design, LS Plus and LS Zero. www.jung.de

Ebb & Flow Horizon Danish lighting brand Ebb & Flow has re-introduced its Horizon range, building on the model’s popularity as a pendant with new versions suitable for both walls and ceilings. Designed by founder Susanne Nielsen, the statement lamp is made from mouthblown glass and finished with a gold or silver metal cover plate, as well as a solid metal fitting to the back of the lamp for both wall and ceiling installations. It also comes in three sizes and several colour options, making it suitable for a variety of interior schemes in hallways, restaurants and guestrooms. www.ebbandflow.dk

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THE SMALL BUT MIGHTY WORKHORSE

AVAILABLE AT:

SPECIFIER

Morgan Kaya Taking its name from sacred forests spread along 200km of the Kenyan coast, Morgan’s new Kaya lounge collection combines crafted timber frames, gentle curves and soft upholstery. As with a lush woodland, the chair’s frame finds strength in numbers, with individual timber sections kept small with multiple lightweight supports in place of a single, larger component. Technology also plays a crucial role in Kaya’s production, with the frame’s smooth, curving lines made possible by CNC machining, while any timber removed during its manufacturing process is used to help heat Morgan’s production facility with a biomass boiler. www.morganfurniture.co.uk

Marshall Headphones Acton II Voice The new Acton II Voice speaker by Marshall Headphones features three dedicated class D amplifiers that power dual tweeters and a subwoofer to deliver a well-balanced, powerful audio experience.

The compact unit – the smallest of its kind in the Marshall lineup – also allows listeners to use their voice to play and control their music hands-free through Amazon Alexa, from selecting their favourite playlist or turning up the volume to teaching them a new chord progression on the guitar. With multi-room music on Alexaenabled devices, guests can also wirelessly play different songs in each room or play the same song throughout an entire space. www.marshallheadphones.com

Alexander Rose Surf Sunbed Inspired by the sea, the Surf Sunbed by Alexander Rose joins the brand’s well-established Cordial collection, manufactured using fully welded powder-coated aluminium frames, which are handwoven with Olefin marine grade rope in a traditional basket pattern. The rope features a thick rubber core, which adds strength and significantly reduces drying time, while the hidden wheels at the front of the sunbed allow for easy movement. The Surf model can either be used inside by the pool or outside, where it can withstand a wide range of weather conditions. www.alexander-rose.co.uk

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Architecture and design recruitment. By Dezeen.

www.dezeenrecruit.com

SPECIFIER

Morbern Europe Amulet Morbern Europe’s new slate of releases includes a selection of digitally printed fabrics available by the roll, including Amulet, Celebration and Americana, which are also suitable for outdoor applications. The coated fabrics not only cover but enhance and protect surfaces to exact design specifications, withstanding high seating traffic, rigorous cleaning and allweather environments thanks to a process of adding proprietary wear layers over the digitally applied ink.

This enables the brand’s Martindale abrasion to meet 300,000 cycles and also provides greater bleach resistance. The colour palette and custom design options for the fabrics are also vast due to the firm’s ability to apply primary ink droplets, while the patterns are available in four different embossing textures for a wider choice of finish. www.morberneurope.com

Thomas Crapper Shevington Console Basin The latest addition to Thomas Crapper’s growing portfolio is the Shevington Console Basin, a statement piece featuring Rubenesque curved lines and freestanding legs. A unique and stylish bathroom design choice, the basin is manufactured from fine fire clay and measures 1,000m x 600m. It is available in zero-, one- and three-tap hole options for a variety of solutions and looks particularly striking when combined with the brand’s polished brass products. “The Shevington Console Basin has already received a lot of interest and we’re confident it will become a Thomas Crapper classic,” says Managing Director, Paul Dwyer. “The soft curves and flowing lines make it the perfect console basin for anyone who’s looking for that timeless luxury feel.” www.thomas-crapper.com

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Making the impossible possible www.deloitte.co.uk/ths Š 2019 Deloitte LLP. All rights reserved.

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SPECIFIER

Rocky Mountain Hardware Element The Element Collection – the latest range of art-grade bronze handles from Idaho-based Rocky Mountain Hardware – marries a series of minimal profiles with 12 hand-applied finishes for an elegantly simplistic piece of interior architecture. Comprising thumb-latch, entry, privacy, patio and passage models – and a choice of high polished bronze, dark silicon, darkened white, and medium finishing shades amongst others – the collection is compatible with all mortise lock functions. Crystal and glass knobs are also available on certain members of the collection. Employing old-world techniques in its production line, each Rocky Mountain Hardware product undergoes a 20-step process and touches no less that 30 hands on

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its way to completion. Founded in 1994, the company also manufactures solid hand-cast bronze architectural products including lighting, tile, bathroom and kitchen fittings, for both indoor and outdoor use. 2019, meanwhile, saw Rocky Mountain Hardware launch its debut technology product, RMHWireless, a fully customisable, bluetooth-enabled smart entry mortise lock. Incorporating keyless entry capabilities, the product can be combined with any lock entry set including grip-to-grip, grip-to-lever and more. “At Rocky Mountain Hardware, we continue to prioritise the importance of innovation, quality craftsmanship and superior customer service,” says Christian Nickum, the brand’s President. www.rockymountainhardware.com

2020 Vision: Redefining the Rules The International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) is the most influential and globally diverse meeting place for the hotel industry.

Now in its 23rd year, IHIF continues to be the most influential and globally-attended meeting place for the hotel investment community.

The three-day event, attended by over 2,500 hospitality and tourism decision-makers from over 80 countries is the place where deals are done and important industry decisions are made. IHIF attracts a very senior gathering and among them nearly every major hotel chain CEO, influential global tourism ministers and the largest group of investors and hotel owners. Over 70 companies sponsor the event which is testament to the amount of business and new opportunities IHIF can deliver. Over 200 speakers take part in the educational programme, all chosen because they have something important to say and advice to give. IHIF focusses on delivering opportunities to anyone who currently operates within the hotel and tourism industry or who wants to do business in this sector, including: • Investors

• Lawyers

• Hotel Owners

• Designers

• Lenders

• Architects

• Hotel Chain CEOs and Executives

• Consultants

• Financial Advisers

• Timeshare Developers

• Real Estate Agents

• Tourism and Government Officials

@ihifevent @ihif_event The International Hospitality Investment Forum @IHIF_News #IHIF2020

Register today to benefit from three days of unrivalled networking opportunities, outstanding evening receptions, an exhibition and the very best educational programme.

Register today at www.ihif.com

Architectural Vision Panels

For Doors & Walls

Create a feelgood environment.

Complete glazing kits - Fire rated options - Easy installation

indoor • outdoor | residential • hospitality • commercial chairs • stools • lounge chairs • benches • tables info@martaonline.eu • +31 6 430 30 426 • www.feelgooddesigns.eu

North 4 Design Ltd T: 0208 885 4404 www.north4.com

ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 88 AD Associates AHEAD

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Egger

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EPR Architects

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Newhey Carpets

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Ethimo

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Albrecht Jung

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CHECK-OUT

From Booth to Broadway

25hours Hotels and analogue expert Supersense launch a lobby recording booth that sees guests creating their very own vinyl records.

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Picture the scene: it is the wee small hours, and

production booth allowing guests to make their

you – a musician on the road – are fast asleep in

own customised LP, recording either directly

your hotel bed. The place is dormant but for a few

into the microphone or from a smartphone input.

stragglers at the bar downstairs, but suddenly

Users can personally create their own cover

you wake with a jolt; elated and confused in

art too, with the installation taking a distinctly

equal measure, a mercurial idea rolling around

DIY approach to hotel entertainment in hopes

your head. Inspiration has struck, but there is

of providing guests with a more memorable

no pen to write it down, no dictaphone handy to

souvenir than the classic t-shirt, fridge magnet

document the melody. You mash at your phone’s

or towel liberated from the guestroom.

notes in an attempt to preserve the outline, but it’s fading, then gone.

The booth joins a series of Supersense installations being rolled out across 25hours

Beyond just musicians, all creatives know the

hotels as part of the We Create Memories

feeling of letting that big idea slip by, but fear

programme, with other interactive relics

not – in one hotel in Vienna, this could soon be

including VHS tape players, typewriters, polaroid

a thing of the past.

cameras and more. And who knows – with the

Partnering with analogue concept store

touch of a button, the idea that got away could

Supersense, 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier

be the next smash hit, and a few lucky 25hours

has installed Phonocut in its lobby – a vinyl

guests might be in for a room upgrade.

Bes p oke l i g ht i ng by C he l som Custom Lighting for the restaurant and bar at Alex, Lake ZĂźrich by Campbell Gray Hotels. Designer: Brady Williams.

chelsom.co.uk

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