Sleeper 102

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

HÔTEL MADAME RÊVE – PARIS • HARDING BOUTIQUE HOTEL – SRI LANKA • ONE HUNDRED SHOREDITCH – LONDON

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SPRING/ SUMMER COLLECTION 2022

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CONTENTS ISSUE 102 084

HOTEL REVIEWS

068

One Hundred Shoreditch

068

Hotel Motto

077

Harding Boutique Hotel

084

No.1 by GuestHouse

091

Matild Palace

096

The House Hotel

102

Hôtel Madame Rêve

108

Cashel Palace

114

Room2

123

London Vienna

Ahangama York 108

Budapest

Jeddah City Yard

© Jerome Galland

© Edmund Sumner

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Paris

County Tipperary Chiswick

FEATURES Meeting... Kemper Hyers

048

As Auberge Resorts Collection embarks on an ambitious global expansion, its Chief Creative Officer reveals how he is drawing on past experiences to enhance the group’s design aesthetic.

Meeting... Almanac Hotels 054

With the launch of Almanac Hotels’ new lifestyle collection approaching, the group’s father-daughter duo discuss creative and operational freedom, mixing family with business and their pragmatic pipeline.

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CONTENTS ISSUE 102 096

FEATURES Meeting...

Dream Hotel Group

056

Design Details

132

Developing Diriyah

139

As Dream prepares to make its debut in the Middle East, CEO Jay Stein discusses how the operator is setting its sights on emerging global markets while bolstering its portfolio in the US. From landscaping to public spaces to visual identity, Sleeper’s new section focuses on the details that contribute to the overall experience.

Honouring Saudi Arabia’s past while looking to the future, Diriyah Gate is set to become a new hotspot for luxury hospitality.

REGULARS 048

139

© Kimberley Hasselbrink

032

004

161

Check-In

030

Drawing Board

032

The Lobby

059

Business Centre

148

Lighting & Control

161

Specifier

175

Check-Out

194

P h B e r n a r d T o u i ll o n

S HO P ON - L INE : e t h i m o . c o m

Showroom L o n d o n , d e s i g n c e n t r e C h e ls e a H a r b o u r M i l a n / Pa r i s / R o m e / C a n n e s / C o l o g n e S a l o n e d e l M o b i l e . M i l a n o 7 – 12 J u n e / h a ll 10 s ta n d D 2 0

K I LT b y M a r c e ll o Z i l i a n i

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RH.COM/CONTRACT Six Senses Ibiza, Spain Winner of two AHEAD Europe Awards (2021)

Create, innovate.

Design.

www.kettal.com

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outdoor luxury

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER Hôtel Madame Rêve, Paris © Jerome Galland

By Default or Design

W

hen I first joined the hospitality industry some 15

manufacturing process. In turn, this is encouraging suppliers

years ago, sustainability was the new buzzword on

to examine and improve their own practices.

people’s lips. It was the topic of conversation on

One of the best examples of driving change we’ve seen is

stage at various conferences, and hastily added to a hotel’s

Room2 in Chiswick, billed as the world’s first whole life net

marketing materials to show that they were indeed ‘doing

zero hometel. There’s solar panels, a green roof and FF&E that

their bit’. But rarely was it a raison d’être. Ask the critics, and

is manufactured nearby, both to support the local economy

being sustainable often equated to little more than recycling

and cut down on transport emissions. The property even has

the mountain of plastic bottles that were disposed of on any

its own lab for gathering real-time information on energy

given day.

consumption, a system that has seen major hotel groups come

Back then, being sustainable was largely focused on

knocking for advice. Given the steep rise in energy prices in

operations – changing the bed sheets less frequently,

recent months, those who were early adopters of renewable

measuring water usage in the shower and encouraging guests

energy are now reaping the rewards. Being green is suddenly

to turn the lights off when they leave. Conversations around

all the more attractive – not only is it good for the planet, it

who should take responsibility to drive such change would see

makes financial sense too with the return on investment far

fingers pointed at the owner, who often didn’t see the value

better than it was just a few years ago. This subject topped the

in investing in such costly measures, or the guest, who was

agenda at the International Investment Forum in Berlin in May

keen for their hotel stay to be kind to the planet, but didn’t

– a sure sign that sustainable practices are being considered

want to pay more for the privilege. Through the 2010s, it was

from the outset rather than simply being an add-on once the

only the select few who had the foresight to be sustainable.

hotel is up-and-running. Accor’s Sébastien Bazin summed

For the mostpart, it was all talk and little action.

it up perfectly when he said that for the past 15 years, the

Now, it seems that finally, real change is coming. Whether

sector has wrongly been thinking about compensating for

it’s due to the pandemic or the rising cost of energy, there’s a

our actions. Speaking at ITB earlier this year, he stated that

noticeable shift in hospitality and its impact on the planet, so

contribution rather than compensation was key; how can the

much so that almost every project landing in our inbox talks of

hospitality industry contribute positively to the planet? It is

sustainability in some way. But what’s particularly noticeable

this current shift in mindset that will drive change in ensuring

is that being green now extends across the entire life-cycle

that hotels are sustainable not by default, but by design.

of a hotel, from design and build to operations and eventual demise. Architects and interior designers are developing their own materials libraries, selecting fabrics, floorcoverings and furniture – everything that goes into the making of a new hotel – that not only make use of recyclable or sustainable materials, but employ a net zero approach through the entire

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

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PARALEL COLLECTION

by Gabriel Teixidó

24/02/2022 12:25:55

GUEST BOOK

123

084

© Dimitris Vlaikos

© Edmund Sumner

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096

077 Bernd Schlacher

084 Jonathan Ashmore

123 Robert Godwin

096 Maria Vafiadis

“The goal was to build a bridge between the 1920s and the 2020s, using Austrian artisanry in the same way it was onehundred years ago,” says Bernd Schlacher, owner and Creative Director of Motto Group on his first hotel. Having established himself in Vienna as a successful restaurateur, the Styrian native has expanded his portfolio in the city, working with local architect Arkan Zeytinoglu to create an urban retreat that celebrates homegrown craft while taking cues from a favourite Paris hangout.

As founder of London- and Dubaibased studio Anarchitect, Jonathan Ashmore has built a diverse portfolio of residential, leisure, hospitality and cultural projects around the world. He has recently completed the design of Harding Boutique Hotel on Sri Lanka’s south coast, where a passion for craftsmanship and materiality is evident throughout. Clean lines, well-ventilated open-air spaces and a connection to the landscape all contribute to a scheme inspired by the Tropical Modernism of Geoffrey Bawa.

“Reducing carbon is something that we can agree on globally,” says Robert Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group and Founder of Room2, a hometel brand that is setting new standards for sustainable hospitality. Following openings in Southampton and Hammersmith, the group recently launched its third site in Chiswick, where a net zero approach informs the entire project, from localised design to renewable energy sources. “Going forward, we will only build whole life net zero hotels,” Godwin adds.

Born in Greece, Maria Vafiadis founded MKV Design in 2000, and has since specialised in hospitality projects, developing an expertise in the revitalisation of iconic heritage properties. At Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Budapest, she has sympathetically incorporated contemporary elements to the fabric of the listed building, bringing new life to the city landmark. Vafiadis will be explaining more about her design philosophy at the inaugural Sleeper Sessions, taking place in Mykonos in May.

027

FRONT DESK @SleeperMagazine

EDITORIAL

DESIGN

FINANCE

Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner

Design Manager David Bell

Finance Director Amanda Giles

Production Dan Seaton

Group Financial Controller Sarah Healey

m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor Catherine Martin

c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

Assistant Editor Ben Thomas

b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Eleanor Howard

e.howard@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

PORTFOLIO

a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

s.healey@mondiale.co.uk

Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi EVENTS & MARKETING

Commercial Lead Kirsty Studholme

l.levi@mondiale.co.uk

Accounts Assistant Kerry Mountney

k.mountney@mondiale.co.uk

k.studholme@mondiale.co.uk

Event Manager Vicky Cruse

CORPORATE

Content & Research Olivia Mavers

Chairman Damian Walsh

v.cruse@mondiale.co.uk ADVERTISING

Business Development Rob Hart r.hart@mondiale.co.uk

Business Development Charlotte Gowing c.gowing@mondiale.co.uk

o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk

Data & Marketing Lauren Blain l.blain@mondiale.co.uk

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CHECK-IN

Albin Berglund As Bergman Design House nears completion on a new hotel project in London, the studio’s co-founder and Managing Director sails to Mexico for a fantasy break to a resort that epitomises barefoot luxury.

Where are you?

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

achieved in Norwegian cuisine – making it

The perfectly deserted Soliman Bay, just north of

Barefoot luxury describes it perfectly, but it’s

a visual and tasteful experience with a local,

Tulum in Mexico. There’s a light breeze through

also thoughtful – a place that is calm, natural

organic focus – is brilliant and I can only

the palms and the waves are good enough to

and comfortable. The architecture is humble yet

imagine what he would do with Mexican food.

have some fun in the water.

the attention to detail is exquisite with a focus on materiality and craftsmanship. Interiors

And what’s on the menu?

How did you get there?

feature a light, organic palette that soothes and

Local dishes, prepared like pieces of art.

I sailed across the Gulf of Mexico from Miami in

comforts; it’s a sanctuary. Everything has been

the 100ft catamaran we are currently designing.

thought through, from the view, sound and

Would you like something to drink with that?

taste to the smell, touch and environmental

A gin – Brockmans, hence my dog’s name –

awareness – it all works in harmony.

prepared with grapefruit and blueberries, just

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

Federico Echaiz Bornemann, the General

as it should be!

Manager from Belmond Maroma, who along

Who designed it?

with his staff, provides a true sense of place.

Mexican architect Luis Barragán. He had an

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

understanding of rich minimalism, colour,

An Old Fashioned to finish the evening.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

reflection and the play of light.

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

My dear friend Michael Bonsor, Managing Director at Rosewood London, hence the top-

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

Nothing. I fall asleep counting the stars through

notch service and bespoke feel.

It’s up on the rooftop with views across the

the skylight.

bay towards the mountains. Planters separate Who are you sharing your room with?

the space into semi-private booths with lounge

Would you like a newspaper in the morning?

My doberman Brockman, who is always by my

furniture adding to the relaxed feel. There’s a

Not here. Just coffee, sunshine and fresh air.

side. He is my best friend and partner-in-crime.

buzz about it too thanks to the flowing drinks,

Is there anything you would like waiting for

the theatre of the open kitchen and chilled tunes

What toiletries would you like to freshen up?

being played by the DJ.

I always bring my own – La Prairie.

Who are you dining with this evening?

Swimming pool, spa or gym?

My wife and business partner Marie Soliman,

The private gym on my terrace gives me all I

along with Brockman; fashion designer

need for a workout to the sight and sound of

Alexander McQueen (my greatest inspiration);

the waves.

you in your room?

A dog-friendly bed and Voss water for us both.

Luis Barragán (I have so much to learn) and Salvador Dali for a touch of madness.

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS The Other House, Kensington; Nor, Norway; Hilton Brussels, Belgium www.bergmandesignhouse.com

What’s your essential travel companion?

My Bose headphones and my notepad. They are

Who’s manning the stoves?

always with me, whether working, training or

Johnny Trasti from Trasti & Trine, a hotel and

relaxing, so I can sketch things that inspire me

restaurant in Northern Norway. What he has

while listening to a sweet tune.

031

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Sanya Horizons SANYA BAY

Büro Ole Scheeren has revealed its vision for a tropical

building’s energy footprint. The offsets and openings

resort complex in Sanya Bay, scheduled to open in

between the volumes feature balconies and walkways as

2026. Occupying a 83,500m2 site that stretches along

well as vertical planting that almost doubles the amount

the beachfront, the project is funded by CDF Investment

of green space on the site.

& Development Co and comprises two hotels under IHG brands – Regent and Hotel Indigo.

This merging of architecture and nature is evident in much of Scheeren’s work. Speaking to Sleeper, the

Set amongst landscaped gardens, the complex is made

architect comments: “I’ve always been interested in

up of stacked horizontal volumes that are planimetrically

how we live and I think the pandemic has encouraged

curved to embrace the ocean and further enhance the

people to consider the importance of space more than

vista. Every guestroom comes with a private terrace,

ever before. There are certain qualities that we have

while a spacious outdoor deck features restaurants,

always tried to develop through our projects – the

lounges and a 153m-long infinity-edge swimming pool.

integration of nature, outdoor space and fresh air, and

Taking into account environmental responsibility and

the ability to oscillate between zones of togetherness

sustainable performance, the façade is a deep hexagonal

and individuality. All of these experiences are crucial

grid that provides protection from the sun and allows

to the quality of our lives, and architecture plays a key

for natural cross-ventilation, thereby reducing the

role in achieving that.”

DRAWING BOARD

The Ned NoMad

Membership Collective Group (MCG), a global

access to a programme of events ranging from

platform of physical and digital spaces, is set

talks with thought leaders to seasonal parties

NEW YORK

to take The Ned to the USA with an opening in

and festivals worldwide.

New York in June 2022.

wraps, MCG has also revealed that The Ned will

167-key property follows the 2017 launch of The

expand its New York portfolio further in 2022

Ned London, which picked up three accolades

with The Ned Midtown. According to the group,

at AHEAD Europe – including the Hotel of the

each property will be designed to reflect its

Year – for its restoration of Sir Edward Lutyens’

location, though the ethos will remain the same;

iconic Midland Bank.

to create a space for like-minded professionals

In taking over the former NoMad Hotel –

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Membership Collective Group, Sydell Group Interior Design: Soho House Design www.thened.com

034

While further developments remain under

Marking the brand’s international debut, the

to meet, work and socialise.

housed in Broadway’s iconic Johnston Building,

Since becoming a publicly listed company in

which dates back to 1903 – MCG will honour

2021, Membership Collective Group – formerly

the structure’s original architecture, while Soho

Soho House Group – has significantly ramped-

House Design are set to refresh the interiors.

up development, with properties in Stockholm,

Once refurbished, the hotel will comprise a

Los Angeles, Copenhagen and Brighton all

mix of public and private spaces, including a

in the pipeline. The latter will mark its first

restaurant and bar along with the members-

coastal site in the UK and third house outside

only Ned’s Club, housing a mezzanine and

of London, infusing a Grade II-listed building

rooftop bars as well as a terrace restaurant. A

with influences from Brighton’s Art Deco

membership to Ned’s Club also offers exclusive

architecture and seaside ambiance.

RINGS by CHELSOM EDITION 27 N OW AVA I L A B L E

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DRAWING BOARD

Hilton

Hilton Worldwide has signed a management

“We have experimented with new expressions

agreement with Tokyo Tatemono to open Hilton

of traditional Japanese design techniques in every

KYOTO

Kyoto in 2024, marking the flagship brand’s

part of the hotel,” explains a representative of

debut in the former Japanese capital.

Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio. “We hope that

Located in Sanjo-Kawaramachi in the heart of downtown Kyoto, the 313-key property will

036

Hilton Kyoto.”

house four F&B outlets, ranging from a café and

Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President of

bar to an all-day dining venue and specialty

Development for Asia Pacific at Hilton,

restaurant. Additional facilities include a gym,

comments: “With its strategic location and

spa and indoor pool, as well as an executive

signature Hilton hospitality, Hilton Kyoto will

lounge, banqueting space and meeting rooms.

be ideally suited to serve business and leisure

Hilton Kyoto will bring together the unique

demand in the market, and we look forward to

qualities of the city – old and new, culture and

meeting the diverse needs of guests through our

history, people and their stories – serving as a

portfolio of brands in the city.”

conduit to connect guests and the community.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Tokyo Tatemono Operator: Hilton Worldwide Architecture and Interior Design: Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio www.hilton.com

guests will feel sense of space that is unique to

The property is the third development inked

Conceived by Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio,

by Hilton Worldwide in the city, following the

a firm known for its statement ceilings, the

2021 opening of Roku Kyoto – which falls under

interiors draw inspiration from Kyoto textiles,

the LXR brand – and Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto

incorporating elements from the Orimono

Shijo Karasuma, which is scheduled to arrive

tradition of weaving to create a blend of

later this year with 250 guestrooms, a full-

authentic heritage and modern comforts.

service restaurant and bar.

NANA designed by HANNE WILLMANN – Handmade in Germany by FREIFRAU MANUFAKTUR GmbH – www.freifrau.com

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DRAWING BOARD

Hotel Genevieve

Austin-based hospitality company Bunkhouse

have called Louisville home, while the Parisian-

has revealed plans for a new 122-room property

style rooftop restaurant and bar will nod to the

LOUISVILLE

in Louisville, scheduled to open in Spring 2023.

city’s namesake, King Louis XVI, as well as

Marking the group’s debut in the state of

vibrant local flora. The interiors firm is also

Kentucky, Hotel Genevieve is set to bring

set to add a feminine touch to the guestrooms,

community-style amenities including a mini-

where soft curves complement bespoke detailing

market selling groceries and fresh local produce

that pays homage to Kentucky’s quilt culture.

to the NuLu neighbourhood.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Mountain Shore Properties Operator: Bunkhouse Group Architecture: LLW Architects Interior Design: Rohe Creative www.hotelgenevieve.com

In line with its ethos of creating authentic

Designed by Memphis studio LLW Architects,

community-driven experiences, Bunkhouse is

the hotel’s identity is inspired by a regional type

collaborating with nearby vendors, sourcing

of limestone, Saint Genevieve, which is a key

local furniture and hiring staff from the area.

ingredient in bourbon production and remains

“Our commitment to the communities we

prevalent throughout Texas, providing a link to

enter is genuine, and we intend to celebrate

the origins of Bunkhouse as it embarks on a

the character of the NuLu neighbourhood across

new chapter.

cultural programming, ingredient sourcing

Inside, Philadelphia’s Rohe Creative will

for the menu, and the selection of regional

honour the nuances of the city, delving into

makers and products in the retail mix,” says

its history beyond bourbon and horses. Bold

Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman of Standard

colours, playful furniture and a vivacious art

Hotels and Bunkhouse Group. “We could not be

programme in the lobby and restaurant lend

more thrilled with the collaborative team we’ve

themselves to the rebels and revolutionaries that

created to introduce Bunkhouse to Louisville.”

© Rohe Creative

038

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

DRAWING BOARD

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge KENYA

040

Marriott International has signed an agreement

selection of materials to the earth-toned colour

with Baraka Lodges to enter the luxury safari

palette, creating harmony with the National

segment in Africa. Slated to open in 2023, JW

Reserve and inviting guests to connect with

Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be located

nature and focus on their wellbeing.

within the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of

Conservation of the land and its inhabitants

Kenya’s best-known wildlife conservation and

will be at the heart of the project, as the

wilderness regions.

lodge aims to employ up to 50 locals from the

Plans for the newbuild resort show 20

Masai community. In addition to cultural and

accommodation tents – including one

wildlife experiences, there will also be learning

presidential pavilion and two interconnecting

opportunities for guests looking to further

canopied suites – each with a private terrace

immerse themselves in the destination.

overlooking the Talek River. Communal

Speaking to Sleeper, Tony Capuano, CEO of

amenities comprise a restaurant, lounge bar,

Marriott International, said of the milestone

spa and a spacious outdoor terrace with fire pits,

project: “Today’s traveller is focused less

which will play host to traditional Masai dance

on acquiring goods and more on acquiring

performances in the evening.

experiences. When we talk to our customers

Drawing inspiration from the elements,

about their aspirational travel experiences,

interiors – led by Dubai-based designer Kristina

high on that list is an African safari, so it was

Zanic – exude an authentic sense of place in a

a natural growth of our portfolio to enter that

nod to the location. The surrounding landscape

space. Looking ahead, I expect we will continue

will be reflected at every touchpoint, from the

to expand our offer in this segment.”

A SWEDISH DESIGN STATEMENT

DRAWING BOARD

042

Fedje Hotel

Bergen-based studio Saunders Architecture has

The second and third wings slope in opposite

revealed its design for a 75-room hotel, distillery

directions, with one leading to a rooftop that is

NORWAY

and park on the west coast of Fedje in Norway.

accessible to the public – a nod to the Norwegian

Forming part of a wider masterplan devised in

law of Allemannsretten, which grants citizens

collaboration with local whisky distillery Feddie

the freedom to roam on uncultivated land. Here,

Ocean, the project is set to bring new tourism

rocks will double as seats, whilst local herbs are

opportunities to the island.

grown for the hotel restaurant.

“If the proposal was just to build a hotel,

In harmony with the island vernacular, the

we would not have accepted the commission,”

façade comprises locally sourced pinewood

says studio founder Todd Saunders. “So many

shingles and recycled slate, with the former left

destinations invest in a single project, but we

untreated to age over time and the latter placed

don’t have much faith in that idea. The people

on the more exposed north and east sides of the

at Feddie and the locals are thinking bigger.”

building to withstand the elements.

Built in a U-shape with three wings that

Though interior details remain firmly under

envelop an internal courtyard, the hotel

wraps, guestrooms are set to be orientated

draws inspiration from Norway’s agricultural

towards the ocean, with a bar, spa and restaurant

structures, typically grouped in a way that offers

on the uppermost levels will follow the same

shelter from the wind. The central arm rises

approach. “The hotel is located on the island’s

above the ground and is cantilevered from the

finest building plot, so we must highlight the

other wings, enabling guests to access a viewing

landscape,” says Saunders. “It should bring out

point that looks out to the sea.

the best of its surroundings.”

Le musée d’Arte

Showrooms

London

Paris

Culemborg

Los Angeles

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DRAWING BOARD

Raffles Back Bay

Raffles Boston Back Bay has topped out ahead

Square, and a Raffles Spa with a 20m indoor

of its 2023 opening, marking the brand’s first

pool and fitness centre, as well as a rooftop

BOSTON

mixed-use property in North America.

garden terrace lounge and a ballroom with

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Investor / Owner: Cain International, Madison Realty Capital Developer: Trinity Stuart Development Operator: Accor Architecture: The Architectural Team Interior Design: Stonehill Taylor, Rockwell Group Main Contractor: Suffolk www.raffles.com

By securing the air rights over the adjoining

views over the Charles River. The hotel interiors

University Club, developer The Noannet Group

have been envisoned by Stonehill Taylor, while

has constructed a 35-storey building that

condos are by Rockwell Group.

employs a cantilever structure designed by

“From its cantilevered structure to its

Boston-based engineers McNamara Salvia and

distinctive curved form, this graceful tower has

The Architectural Team (TAT). The innovative

been designed to enrich the urban fabric and

system utilises a combination of concrete

offer a new set of experiences for Bostonians

superstructure and steel trusses – all supported

and visitors alike,” says Michael E. Liu, Senior

by a series of 130ft-long concrete caissons

Partner and Design Principal at TAT. “Seeing

anchored in bedrock. With the completion of

the final beam raised is a major step towards

the structure, the project team can now finalise

this goal and a proud moment for the team.”

the installation of a glass curtainwall façade.

Heather McCrory, CEO for Accor North and

Inside, the hotel’s 147 guestrooms will be

Central America, comments: “Raffles is one

joined by 146 residences and 16 gathering

of the most prestigious and beloved brands in

spaces, ranging from intimate to social and

the Accor portfolio, and to see this exceptional

including venues open solely to residents.

project – the first of its kind for the Raffles

Highlights include six F&B outlets, a three-

brand in North America – brought to life with

storey Sky Lobby perched high above Copley

such precision and care is truly remarkable.”

© Stonehill Taylor

044

DRAWING BOARD

Le Grand Mazarin

French operator Maisons Pariente will open its

In bringing the décor to life, the designer

fourth property this October in the form of Le

looked to play with contrasts in colour and

PARIS

Grand Mazarin, a Martin Brudnizki-designed

materials to create a grandiose aesthetic that is

hotel with 61 guestrooms – including 11 suites

both whimsical and warm.

– a restaurant, bar and swimming pool.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Maisons Pariente Interior Design: Martin Brudnizki www.maisonspariente.com

046

Leslie Kouhana, President, and Kimberley

Located close to the group’s Hôtel de Ville

Cohen, co-founder and Artistic Director of

near the Seine, at the corner of Rue de la Verrerie

Maisons Pariente, comments: “Le Grand

and Rue des Archives, the property fuses French

Mazarin is a hotel that is above all for Parisians

Classicism with a sense of refined modernity.

– a place where they can meet. It’s a real bias

“The literary salon of yesteryear was one of

that can’t be found anywhere else in the capital.

the main sources of inspiration for Le Grand

This will be the first urban hotel in our collection

Mazarin,” says Brudnizki. “We wanted the hotel

to embody the Maisons Pariente spirit of simple,

to feel as though it had always been a part of

warm luxury and sincere, generous service. We

Le Marais’ landscape, so we sought inspiration

imagined Le Grand Mazarin as a place to live

from the houses of the aristocratic era, where

with multiple influences, a place to meet and

figures from literature, art and music gathered

share, a showcase of elegance where refinement

in sumptuous residences to exchange ideas.”

sublimates the mix of styles and eras with fun.”

Brudnziki continues: “Our aim was to reignite

Established by Patrick Pariente, founder of

this historic ambience for the modern day, where

clothing brand Naf Naf, Maisons Pariente is a

guests feel as though they have arrived home

collection of luxury hotels with a presence in

and have the freedom to express themselves.”

Provence, Saint-Tropez and Méribel.

CO LLECTION SO N AR _ DES I G N BY PAT R I C I A URQ UI O L A L AUFEN 1892 | SWI T Z E R L AN D

Meeting…

Kemper Hyers As Auberge Resorts Collection embarks on an ambitious global expansion, its Chief Creative Officer reveals how he is drawing on past experiences to enhance the group’s design aesthetic.

Words: Ayesha Khan • Portrait Photography: © Kimberley Hasselbrink

I

t’s hard to imagine that Kemper Hyers, whose resumé

game-changing concept puts environmental responsibility

reads like a who’s-who of top hotel brands, culminating

above all else and has now grown to a portfolio of nine hotels

in his current role as Chief Creative Officer at Auberge

with several more in the works.

Resorts Collection, got his start in an industry that is worlds away from hospitality.

Hyers attributes his success in the industry to a roundabout career trajectory that exposed him to a wealth of inspiration

Born in South Carolina and raised in Virginia, Hyers

and knowledge. “In the world of hotels, you need to be able

arrived in New York in the 1980s as an aspiring dancer and

to do everything,” he explains. “You must be able to tell a

choreographer – a period he likens to the movie Fame.

story, paint a picture and create magic – it’s like theatre,

But after four years as a Broadway hopeful, an exchange

so having started in the theatre really helps.” The creative

programme to China whet his appetite for travel, prompting

also believes that his stint in styling has contributed to his

him to pursue a profession in which he could see the world.

skillset. “In retail, you’re always thinking about what can

His path soon led to the world of design and a Master of

be done to enhance the product,” he continues. “In hotels,

Architecture degree at Columbia University. After spending

you’re selling more than just a bed; what guests are buying

several years in the late-80s running an interior design firm

today is the feeling of being transported somewhere, the

with a college friend, Hyers progressed to styling for the

feeling that they’ve been immersed in the destination. That

nation’s leading publications and furniture retailers. This led

to me is retail.”

to a fruitful collaboration with lifestyle guru Martha Stewart,

In his latest role, one that he’s truly settled into over

to whom Hyers owes much of his inimitable design flair; he

the past four years despite the pandemic and resultant

still refers to her as one of his greatest mentors and “the

industry-wide economic challenges, Hyers is hard at work

Wikipedia of style”.

managing an ambitious design schedule. When we meet, he’s

In yet another serendipitous turn, Hyers was one day

just stepped off a flight from California, where he has been

called by none other than Barry Sternlicht and asked to join

putting the finishing touches to Stanly Ranch, Auberge’s

Starwood. Cutting his teeth in hospitality with brands like

third venture in Napa Valley.

Le Meridien and Sheraton, Hyers then teamed up with the

Asked what attracted him to the group, Hyers is quick to

visionary to birth the 1 Hotels brand. Ahead of its time, the

reply: “At Auberge, we curate intimate hotels that have a

049

MEETING…

MEETING…

Etéreo (top) in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Bishop’s Lodge (bottom) in Santa Fe both channel Auberge’s intimate ethos through a homely design aesthetic

“In the world of hotels, you need to be able to do everything. You must be able to tell a story, paint a picture and create magic – it’s like theatre, so having started in the theatre really helps.”

scale, making the experience incredibly personal. They’re

hotel will reflect that unique story so we wanted to work

genuine and that’s a by-product of scale,” he explains,

with the best storytellers in the world; we chose Roman and

pointing to the group’s people-centric ethos. “All good

Williams for their ability to hone and develop a narrative.”

brands come from the heart. Our hotels aren’t owned by

The New York-based design duo’s experience as Hollywood

giant corporations, they’re owned by passionate people –

set designers also stood them in good stead for the project.

perhaps someone whose father grew up in the property,

“Their movie-making background, obsession with objects

or where they spent their summers.” Hyers adds that each

and unique approach to transforming the Julia Morgan

Auberge hotel has a unique approach to both design and

landmark make them the perfect fit,” Hyers adds. Among

personnel, so that the experience truly feels like staying

the intriguing design flourishes in store for the 2023 opening

at someone’s home. All front desks are being removed,

are trapezoidal elevator cabs fully restored from the 1900s,

for example, taking away the transactional feel to arrivals,

one of which leads to a clandestine bar.

while chefs are selected for their passion and connection to

Auberge Resorts Collection has also made a push on the

a particular location. “We don’t follow the typical formula of

East Coast of the United States, acquiring icons such as the

bringing in a superstar chef and having them open whatever

Vanderbilt Mansion in Rhode Island and the Mayflower in

iteration of their brand,” he confirms.

Connecticut. For its third East Coast installment, Auberge

Hyers’ approach to selecting design collaborators is just

is looking to New York’s verdant Hudson Valley, where

as antithetic to convention as Auberge’s properties are. He

Wildflower Farms will open later this year on a 140-acre site

often chooses to work with those who have never designed a

with orchards, gardens and fields of wildflowers. “We have

hotel before. “I gave AvroKO their first hotel project,” he says

owners based there who are devoted to the idea of bringing

with a smile, reflecting on the ensuing success of the New

a new style of luxury to the region,” Hyers confirms, adding

York-based studio, now a firm favourite in hospitality. For

that Ward & Gray are overseeing interiors, which pay homage

the design of the recently opened Commodore Perry Estate

to country inns in a contemporary way. “That doesn’t mean

in Austin, Hyers enlisted Ken Fulk for his unique style of

empty cabins with a minimalist aesthetic, but rather a

storytelling. “I like finding people with something deeply

layered design vocabulary we like to call wild comfort.”

personal to say because it brings a place to life,” he notes.

Further south is perhaps the most meaningful project

“Everyone we appoint is here to oversee the entire project;

in Hyers’ portfolio, bringing him back to his birthplace of

they’re here to design a journey, not just finishes.”

Charleston in South Carolina – a city he feels “is the most

Despite global economic concerns, Auberge’s development

beautiful place in the United States.” Perched on Johns Island

pipeline is bullish. “We opened five hotels in the past

on the banks of the Kiawah River, surrounded by golden

four months,” says Hyers as he recalls tales of his recent

spartina grass, giant oak trees and shallow marsh flats, The

travels. In its native California, the group has an impressive

Dunlin is described by Hyers as “riotous fun with a southern

four hotels, three of them in the state’s sprawling wine

charm”. A tall order, but one that was met with zeal by local

country. It is here too, that Auberge is making its first

style icon – and, of course, hotel design novice – Amanda

urban foray, having taken over the storied Hearst Building

Lindroth, who he refers to as “a complete tastemaker”.

in San Francisco. “The Hearst is the tale of a family that

Offering a flavour of what’s to come, Hyers reveals that his

shepherds a great American legacy,” Hyers explains. “Our

favourite spot is a whimsical bar filled with bird cages.

051

MEETING…

“Our hotels aren’t owned by giant corporations, they’re owned by passionate people.”

The group that was once known as a hyper-

the region. Slated to open in 2023, the cluster of

local California mainstay is now continuing

reimagined 16th-century UNESCO buildings will

its global expansion with locations as far

showcase the surrounding acres of magnificent

and wide as Punta de Mita and Florence, and

Baroque gardens and Chianti winelands, with

Hyers is beaming as he talks about each of his

guestrooms and suites gazing upon panoramic

creative saplings. In Mexico, at the forthcoming

views of the terracotta cityscape. “It will be

Susurros Del Corazón, he deftly paired architect

magical – guests exit the hustle and bustle of

Bob Glazier with Paul Duesing, who he admires

the city streets and enter a serene world of olive

for his deep understanding of Mexican craft.

trees and country palazzos as far as the eye can

“The push and pull of these two talents create

see,” he reveals. “They will be transported to

a vibrancy that makes the property sing like

another place.”

nowhere else,” he quips.

Later this year will see the opening of Wildflower Farms in New York’s verdant Hudson Valley, where the resort is set amongst orchards, gardens and fields of wildflowers

052

Looking at Hyers, it is remarkable that he’s

In typical Auberge fashion, the group chose

ever-engaged and not in the least weary from

to make its European foray in none other than

his red-eye flight. His passion for design

Tuscany. “Collegio alla Querce is a project of a

clearly drives him, and he takes nothing for

lifetime,” Hyers exclaims. “A former college that

granted. In fact, Hyers sees his role in the

was in the fabric of Florence for generations, we

world of hospitality design as somewhat of a

want to honour its heritage by using hyper-local

civic duty. “I have to propel design and the

design firm Arch Florence, who are based close

hospitality community forward, and I am very

to the hotel. The result is a passion and literacy

committed to that,” he concludes, all said with

in what makes the city unique.” Hyers adds that

the inimitable Southern charm and authenticity

Leeu Collection, owners of the property and

that has gotten him so far, and will no doubt

friends of Auberge, are equally enamoured with

continue to fuel his success.

INSPIRED BY NATURE

DESIGNERS & MANUFACTURERS OF WORKSPACE FURNITURE Part of the

Portfolio

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21/02/2022 10:23

Meeting…

Almanac Hotels As Almanac Hotels prepares to launch its new lifestyle collection, the group’s father-daughter duo discuss creative and operational freedom, mixing family with business and their pragmatic pipeline.

Words: Eleanor Howard

PROFILE Tina Haselbacher and Herbert Haselbacher, Founder, Group President and CEO Based in Vienna, Almanac Hotels is a growing collection of boutique properties.

The brand’s debut came in 2018 with the launch of the 91-key Almanac Barcelona, and there’s a modest pipeline of new ventures across Europe. In addition to the forthcoming openings below, further destinations of interest include Lisbon, Madrid and Rome, and long-term, the goal is to take the collection global with major US cities such as New York and Los Angeles on the cards.

Upcoming Openings: Almanac X Prague (2022); Almanac Vienna (2022/2023); Almanac Zagreb (2024)

054

I

never imagined that I would be part of this

our portfolio as it meant we could operate our

industry,” remarks Herbert Haselbacher,

own projects as per our own vision.” And thus,

founder, Group President and CEO of Almanac

Almanac Hotels was born.

Hotels, as he looks back on his unconventional

Today, WSF still owns a few assets managed by

career path that landed him in hospitality. “I

third-party operators, though the majority will

simply loved to travel and stay in hotels.”

eventually join the Almanac portfolio following

FROM BASKETBALL TO BUSINESS

refurbishment. “It’s very important that we don’t dilute the Almanac brand. We’re no longer

Before founding Almanac Hotels and its parent

looking for third-party companies to operate our

company WSF Group, Haselbacher balanced

hotels because we want to establish the Almanac

playing professional basketball for the Austrian

brand. In order to do that, we have to renovate the

men’s national team, whilst also studying

existing properties to bring them up to standard,

economics at university. His degree provided

only then will we call them Almanac Hotels.”

him with an innate business acumen that allowed him to transition from sportsman to

A FAMILY AFFAIR

businessman seamlessly. Between the 1980s

Haselbacher didn’t achieve all this by himself –

and 90s, Haselbacher began making waves in

he had the support of his family, both personally

the hospitality industry, first transforming a

and professionally. A true family-run business,

Viennese rubbish dump into a golf club, then

son Patrick shares his father’s aptitude for

as General Manager at Hotel Bosei, where he

economics, helping drive the financial side of

lived with his wife and two children. As CEO of

the business, while his wife was responsible for

WSF Group, founded in 1990, he spent the next

the group’s artistic direction for several years.

20 years developing the company’s counter-

Daughter Tina followed in her footsteps, joining

cyclical investments, in-house assets and project

the company as a practising architect ten years

management expertise before deciding to take

ago, before taking an executive role in 2019. Was

the business one step further in 2015.

this a foregone conclusion? “Deep down in my

“We would spend all this time and money

heart, I always knew I was going to belong to this

buying and developing properties, to then give

company because I’ve seen both my parents work

them away to operators,” he explains. “We

really hard and achieve so much over the past 30

realised we wanted to incorporate them into

years with little-to-no resources,” explains Tina.

MEETING…

“We need to grow, but we don’t want to be in a position where we can’t give our hearts to each and every project because then we would lose our one-of-a-kind approach.”

HERBERT HASELBACHER

“My brother and I are very thankful because we

our own architectural department responsible

SLOW AND STEADY

wouldn’t be where we are today, as a family or

for the overall artistic direction of every property

Though the collection currently comprises only

a business, without the risks my father took. As

but believe it is important to outsource too,”

one hotel – Almanac Barcelona – the brand has

a family business we have a lot more freedom to

she says. “We always try to choose an interior

substantial plans to expand its European footprint

develop and create the visionary projects that we

designer who is forward-thinking and can design

with properties slated to open in Vienna and

want to without having to follow all the rules that

outside the box.”

Prague later this year. The latter will mark the

The local approach extends to every aspect of

launch of Almanac X, a new portfolio of lifestyle

the guest experience, from music and scent to

hotels with a contemporary, laid-back approach

cuisine and art. “We really want our guests to

to luxury as well as a decidedly epicurean focus,

The family-run nature of the company has

feel the city they’re in, so when we’re developing

championing traditional, seasonal, sustainable

allowed Almanac to adopt an astute approach

hotels, we work with local suppliers, artists and

fare with a pioneering ethos. Still, the family

to development. “The most important thing

chefs.” For example, Michelin-starred Spanish

don’t want to get ahead of themselves; this is a

is that we are very opportunistic, and we

chef Rodrigo de la Calle puts local and seasonal

hotel collection with a heart and soul, as Herbert

can make decisions very quickly. We cannot

produce in the spotlight at Almanac Barcelona’s

concludes: “We need to grow, but we don’t want

afford to be in tenders and waste our time in

plant-based eatery, Virens, while the upcoming

to be in a position where we can’t give our hearts

price wars, but I believe we are very good at

Prague outpost will feature a concept store that

to each and every project because then we would

looking at opportunities and evaluating the

stocks locally-made products.

lose our one-of-a-kind approach.”

larger companies have to adhere to.”

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

risk. As a family, we try to make our decisions collectively.” Though his daughter jumps in with a caveat: “That sounds really easy, but it’s not always that way. We don’t always agree with one another, but we do come to an agreement, and once we have, we stick with it and work together towards that goal. We’re still a small company, so we try to see every day as a new challenge and adjust our strategies according to the needs of the business.”

STIMULATING THE SENSES So, what makes an Almanac Hotel? “Most of the properties are old buildings and renovations,” explains Herbert. Tina elaborates: “From an architectural point of view, historic buildings have a lot of potential because they have a soul.” Such buildings act as the perfect canvas on which to allow local culture to shape each hotel’s story through design. Though Tina has a design background, interiors are often a collaboration with a local firm. “Within the company, we have

© Tres Cinco Uno

Meeting…

Dream Hotel Group As Dream Hotel Group prepares to make its debut in the Middle East, CEO Jay Stein discusses how the operator is setting its sights on emerging global markets while bolstering its portfolio in the US. Words: Ben Thomas

PROFILE Jay Stein CEO Dream Hotel Group

CEO Jay Stein is bullish when it comes to Dream

because it’s the namesake of our founder and

Hotel Group’s development plans. With more than

our only five-star brand, and the latter – opening

40 years of experience under his belt, 27 of those

this fall in time for the Fifa World Cup – because

As CEO of Dream Hotel Group, Jay Stein oversees the evolution and expansion of the company and its portfolio of four brands: Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels.

at Dream, the industry veteran has experienced

it’s our first location in the Middle East and will

the peaks and troughs of hospitality, and didn’t

set the stage for our expansion in the Gulf. We’re

let the events of late deter his ambitions to take

also launching Your Nature, an Unscripted Eco

the company’s portfolio of brands global.

Resort in Belgium later this year.

Tell us more about Dream Hotel Group’s

How do you select the architects and designers

growth strategy in the US...

for each new project?

We’re betting big on not-so-big cities. There’s

We not only look at each project, but each venue

demand for our upper-upscale, lifestyle-led

within that project to find the best option for the

destination hotels in emerging markets across the

location. If we partner with the right architects

country from Nashville, Louisville and Cleveland

and designers, then they will take our vision

to Memphis, San Antonio and Oklahoma City.

and elevate it to new levels. Varying concepts

These are untapped markets with a void to fill

at the same property always speak to the overall

and we’ve been capitalising on that trend for over

personality of the hotel, though every space

five years.

has its own voice and plays to the needs of the

Having established itself in the US, signing deals in coastal cities as well as cultural destinations and emerging inland markets, the operator is on track to double its portfolio by 2030, venturing into select international markets such as Mexico, Belgium and Qatar.

Recent Openings: Dream Nashville; The Chatwal Lodge, Catskills Upcoming Openings: Dream Doha (2022); Your Nature, an Unscripted Eco Resort, Belgium (2022); Dream Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico (2023)

building and community.

Are you considering both newbuilds and conversion projects?

Does the design brief change for every hotel or

Our pipeline features an equal mix of adaptive

are there commonalities between properties?

reuse projects like Dream Louisville, and

Since our inception, we’ve been committed to

newbuilds such as Dream Las Vegas. We love

pushing the boundaries and expectations of what

a good story, so a building with history and a

a hotel stay should be, bringing our signature

unique personality is always attractive to us.

style, social programming and communityrooted approach to each new development. No

056

Which openings are you most excited about?

market is the same, and no Dream Hotel is the

That’s a toss-up between The Chatwal Lodge

same – it’s not just about the market, it’s also

in the Catskills and Dream Doha. The former

about the submarket and the micro-locality.

MEETING…

Which other markets are you looking to enter?

years ago, they would say “I need to be in New

advantage of the emerging regions. That said,

As you can imagine, deals take time to iron

York, San Francisco, Los Angeles or London”. At

we are always exploring new opportunities in

out, but they all share one commonality: every

Dream, we see the middle of America. That’s not

London and Toronto, together with major cities

new development represents either a market or

to say we’re ignoring the major cities – far from

in the US such as San Francisco and Chicago.

submarket we feel is currently underserved by

it – but there is so much growth potential away

the lifestyle sector. Now that we have the major

from the gateway destinations. Why shouldn’t

Which of your brands would you like to expand

coastal cities covered in the US – with properties

someone in Louisville or Oklahoma City have

most internationally?

in New York and LA – we’re setting our sights on

access to cool lifestyle experiences? These places

For a relatively small group, Dream casts a

the middle of the country. It all started in 2017

may not be global gateways today, but they do

large halo in a brand sense. Given the increased

with our first Unscripted hotel in Durham, North

have significant metro area populations. The

momentum and demand driving our Dream

Carolina, where we transformed a Mid-Century

way we see it, is if one-million people live in a

Hotels brand, it lends itself well to international

motor lodge. Since then, we’ve been busy signing

market but there’s only a handful of great hotels

expansion. We are however often surprised by

big deals in small- to medium-sized markets

and restaurants, then there’s huge opportunity.

what markets respond most for our brands, and

such as Memphis, Cleveland, Oklahoma City,

When travellers visit a new place, they always

have seen strong interest in developing The

San Antonio, Louisville, Atlanta, Dallas and

ask where is good to eat, drink and stay. When

Chatwal in Mexico, where two are currently

downtown Miami, which are all slated to open

they ask these questions, we want them to say

under development in San Miguel de Allende and

in the next four years. We’re also in discussions

Dream. Locals like to party, and travellers like

Valle de Guadalupe. We recently broke ground

with independent developers in more than 25

to hang-out where the locals are. If we build for

on the second project and expect to share more

markets, where our product would be a great fit.

the community first, the rest will follow – that’s

details very soon, so stay tuned!

our approach.

Why are you focusing on Middle America?

Putting so much emphasis on smaller cities

How does your international growth strategy

may seem unusual, but it works for us. We like

differ from that in the US?

collaborating with independent developers and

We’re looking forward to raising the Dream

local owners who live, work and play in their

profile in the Middle East later this year with

markets because they want to make a statement

the introduction of our Doha property, as

– these are passion projects for them. They

well as expanding our brands in new markets

handle all the heavy lifting, finding lenders and

domestically. We aren’t against international

partnering with local banks to fund the project.

growth, but there is so much opportunity here

If you were to talk to lifestyle companies ten

in the States that we would be remiss not to take

“It’s not just about the market, it’s also about the submarket and the micro-locality.”

057

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

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12/04/2022 16:29:20

THE LOBBY

Out of this World While the likes of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are in the process

Due to open late 2022, the camp will also feature a central

of making space travel a reality, most of us won’t be soaring

lounge and restaurant with an experienced team of chefs,

to the moon and back any time soon. Until then, White

hosts and expert guides on hand. And, as with all its camps,

Desert is developing its own otherworldy experience: Echo,

White Desert has designed Echo to be dismantled without a

a new space-inspired eco-camp set against the backdrop

trace, leaving no more than a transitory impact on Antarctica.

of Antarctica. Envisioned by White Desert’s founder and

“The fusion of space and exploration seemed entirely

CEO Patrick Woodhead and realised in collaboration with

natural to the Antarctic environment, as only there do we get

construction partner Skulpod, Echo will comprise six sky pods

such vast moonscapes, needle-point mountains and incredible

that look as if they have been beamed down from outer space.

ice formations,” explains Woodhead of the project. “I am

Crafted from composite fibreglass and able to withstand

often asked what travelling to Antarctica is really like and my

winds of over 300kph, the climate-resistant shelters feature

response is always the same – it’s the closest you can get to

expansive floor-to-ceiling windows commanding views of

being on another planet.”

the dramatic landscape. Inside, the futuristic interiors are designed with retro space-age detailing, accompanied by original photographs taken from the International Space Station by retired astronaut colonel Terry Virts.

© Andrew Ling

THE LOBBY

© Rasmus Hjortshoj

Sharpen-Up Danish homeware brand Vipp adds to its portfolio with a one-room retreat in a former pencil factory.

“This is not your average hotel,” says Julie Cloos

factory’s original safe, which can now be

Mølsgaard, the interior designer behind Vipp

accessed by guests, while a sleek, powder-coated

Pencil Case, a one-room retreat nestled in a sunlit

steel pedal bin from Vipp’s own collection is a

corner of a former pencil factory in Copenhagen’s

reminder of the brand legacy. As the story goes,

Islands Brygge district. “It’s more like a studio or

founder Holger Nielsen started the business

atelier, eliciting an artistic ambience and holding

after crafting the item for his wife’s hairdressing

a rare quietude in the heart of the capital.”

salon back in 1939. Existing for almost a century

Indeed, the fifth development from Danish

without any alteration to the design, the bin is

homeware brand Vipp certainly offers the city

now described by second-generation owner Jette

something new, but like many hotels around the

Egelund as a “timeless icon of Danish design”.

world, it draws inspiration from the past.

industrial site is a natural palette of beige to

1930s – with the complex also incorporating

warm grey together with floor-to ceiling curtains

spaces for pop-up events – the 90m2 apartment

by Kvadrat, an eclectic display of artwork, and

features wood as a recurring theme, which pays

furniture from the Vipp collection including a

homage to its previous life as a production facility

Cabin dining table in solid oak and Jura stone.

for yellow school pencils and a showroom for

And naturally – in something of a full circle

flooring specialist Dinesen. As such, the wide-

moment – a set of Viking pencils is thoughtfully

plank solid timber flooring in the bedroom has

provided, encouraging residents to explore their

been retained, with natural cracks preserved and

creative side. And if they aren’t satisfied with

locked with oak butterfly joints.

their sketches, a Vipp bin is – rather conveniently

Mølsgaard also opted to make use of the

060

Bringing a homely feel to the otherwise

Occupying a Bauhaus-style building from the

– on hand to dispose of it.

Amanu armchairs & table by Yabu Pushelberg Discover more at tribu.com

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14/04/2022 15:30

THE LOBBY

© Opposite Office

In the Pipeline German architecture studio Opposite Office reimagines part of the Nord Stream gas pipeline as a capsule hotel.

With Europe considering whether it can afford

communal areas include a foreign language

to shut-off Russian fossil fuels following the

school and assembly hall for workshops and

country’s attack on Ukraine, the future of Nord

discussions around climate, social, health and

Stream – a set of natural gas pipelines that run

economic policy issues. The ultimate aim is to

under the Baltic Sea to Germany – is unclear.

create a venue for cultural exchange, and there’s

Should energy imports be blocked, then the

also a “walk of freedom” connecting the spaces.

project’s landing station in Lubmin may be left defunct just a decade after its inauguration.

With that in mind, the German government

representative from each of the world’s nations

has commissioned architecture firm Opposite

selected for a 30-day residency to create what

Office to design an alternative concept for the

Hartl describes as a “UN for ordinary people”.

site, which involves turning 400 metres of pipes into 194 sleeping pods to form a capsule hotel.

“When envisioning Nord Stream 3, we asked ourselves whether we could do something

“Our aim was to use as little new material as

meaningful with the site if Europe were to

possible,” says Benedikt Hartl, founder of the

stop receiving Russian gas,” he explains. “As

Munich-based design studio. “The rooms are

architects we make a choice. Are we merely

within the pipes while the supporting structure

service providers, or do we care about the built

and interiors are made from regional timber,

environment within its social consequences?”

which binds carbon dioxide and provides a warm contrast to the steel and concrete.”

Alongside the pipes – which at a diameter of 1.153m offer just enough space to sleep –

062

Opposite Office’s proposal would see the bunks randomly raffled off every month, with one

Such thinking feeds into the notion that design goes beyond just bricks and mortar, creating spaces for people to eat, sleep and socialise – or in this case, to encourage peace.

THE LOBBY

Music for the Mind Hotels are increasingly becoming multi-sensory

experiences in the last two years, I myself have

spaces with appeal beyond the visual realm,

benefitted from conscious listening, both within

whether that be through signature scents or

a sound therapy setting and simply tuning into

interactive installations. The idea is extending to

the sounds of nature.”

spas too, with music becoming a tool to improve

Inspired by the healing power of nature, Swell

relaxation and promote positive listening habits.

recently collaborated with skincare brand Ishga

Harnessing the power of combining sound

at Kimpton Blythswood Square in Glasgow,

therapy, biophilic melodies and bespoke

composing three sound treatments for the hotel’s

compositions, international DJ Brian d’Souza –

spa. Authenticity was key to the experience, so

aka Auntie Flo of Open Ear Music – has launched

d’Souza travelled to the Hebrides – where Ishga

Swell, a new brand that provides hotel operators

sources its seaweed – to record natural sounds

with tailor-made sound solutions via an app.

and traditional Scottish instruments, which form

The treatments draw on d’Souza’s academic

the basis of the melodies. Using sound therapy

background in music psychology, exploring how

techniques, he then developed them to lower

tracks can alter emotion, behaviour, memories

heart rate, reduce cortisol and entrain brainwaves

and even trigger subconscious states of mind.

to a lower rate, helping transport guests’ minds

“I’ve always been a firm believer in the power

Taste and Place

to the archipelago.

of sound and its ability to affect the brain and

D’Souza concludes: “The healing properties

body in a multitude of ways,” says d’Souza,

of the natural world have been well-researched,

who has worked with IHG, Nobu and Mondrian.

and sound recordings are a simple tool that one

“Coming out of some personally traumatic

can transpose into most non-natural settings.”

© Andrew Cawley

064

“Hotels are the first ports of call for the traveller to encounter new people, produce, places, culture and flavours,” begins Taste and Place, the latest anthology from Design Hotels.

“What better way to experience this visceral connection than through food?”

Following in the footsteps of the group’s 2020 edition, which showcased 25 properties that were rewriting the narrative of modern hospitality, the new publication takes readers on a journey through a gastronomic lens, calling on writers, photographers, creative chefs and culinary innovators to share stories that go beyond the dish at member properties around the world.

From Rockhouse in Jamaica to Rastrello in Italy and Satoyama Jujo in Japan, the 352-page hardback offers anecdotes on self-production, social engagement and collaborative work practice, together with highlighting those respecting local cultures and ingredients, rethinking food waste and exploring bigpicture hospitality. There’s tales of dining in silent contemplation at the monastic Eremito in Umbria, sampling traditional home cooking at Tsingpu Tulou Retreat in China, and taking a spice tour at Zuri in Zanzibar.

Perhaps most pertinently, the volume also includes a story about how kitchen camaraderie has been created at Bursa Hotel in Kyiv, which has been forced to close for now due to recent events. As a sign of support, Design Hotels has pledged to donate this year’s online sale profits to humanitarian aid organisations suggested by its two member hotels in Ukraine.

O

ver 14 million disabled people reside in

the implementation of a ceiling track too, which

the UK – that constitutes 18% of the

we have incorporated into the design of our

population. So why, in 2022, are we

Liberty rooms. This can hoist guests from the

still witnessing thousands of hospitality venues

bed into a mobile shower chair, subsequently

breaching basic access rules? And how can we

allowing access to all areas of the bathroom.

address this? I became very aware of inaccessible

Architects and designers must acknowledge

spaces following a battle with Guillain-Barre

that space is very important in adapted

Syndrome. My confidence and self-esteem

bedrooms, and the bathroom is no exception.

plummeted, and I often felt like a burden to

The en suite has to be spacious, with roll-in

the people I was with. Hotels, restaurants and

access to both the shower and the room itself. It

bars didn’t make going out any easier. Instead,

is also recommended that toilet seats are slightly

my fears and frustrations were often further

elevated to account for wheelchair manoeuvres,

compounded, as venues simply didn’t have the

and installing a fold-down seat in the shower.

facilities to cater to my accessibility needs.

Another key feature at Hotel Brooklyn is our

Many disabled people undergo similar

wide, accessible lifts. More and more venues are

experiences whilst going about their day-to-

reported to not have a functioning lift, which

Liberty Lodgings Drawing on his own experience, Robin Sheppard of Bespoke Hotels explores how can architects and designers can implement accessible solutions in their hospitality projects.

day-lives, which is why we as hoteliers, designers

immediately places physical limits on wheelchair

and architects, must work together to equalise

users. It is imperative that designers factor in

our services and enhance the hotel experience

fully functioning, spacious lifts, preferably with

for disabled guests.

tactile buttons to enable wheelchair users to

To achieve this equality, I have made it my

access all areas of the hotel freely.

mission to overhaul the perception of accessible

Alongside technical solutions and forward-

rooms in hotels – venturing away from clinical,

thinking design choices, the appropriate care

hospitalised spaces and coining the term ‘liberty’

and consideration from staff can make a hugely

to replace the word ‘accessible’, to promote the

positive impact on the experience of anyone

rooms in a more positive light. After all, meeting

visiting a venue. The collective philosophy is

obligations is the letter of the law, but the spirit

that showing interest and commitment can

must surely be to offer style and aspiration.

be just as important as smart design, which I

At Bespoke Hotels, we launched Hotel

wholeheartedly agree with. After all, once the

Brooklyn in 2018 with 20 accessible bedrooms

collective mindset regarding disability changes,

branded as Liberty rooms. This spin on inclusive

other crucial components, including the design

accommodation provides guests with ample space

and accessibility of hotels, will surely follow.

for mobility, which we believe all architects and

066

designers should be prioritising. It is also worth

Robin Sheppard is President of Bespoke Hotels and co-

noting that although it is important to create a

founder of the Blue Badge Access Awards. Established

stylish accessible room, over-decorating in the

in 2016, the awards are a global initiative bringing

form of rugs and large plants should be avoided,

together a competition created to reward design, as

as this can impede movement. We recommend

well as empathy and emotional intelligence.

The NoMad London

J.T.Kalmar GmbH | Bennogasse 8 | 1080 Vienna | Austria | +43 1 4090880-0 | sales@kalmarlighting.com

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068

One Hundred Shoreditch LONDON Lore Group champions sustainability and adaptive re-use in its refurbishment of a neighbourhood favourite.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: Courtesy of Lore Group (unless otherwise stated)

A

s hotel openings go, it’s fair to say that One Hundred

assets, as with Pulitzer Amsterdam. In London, the group

Shoreditch has caused quite a stir since making

counts Sea Containers as part of its Collection portfolio, a

its debut earlier this year. Fashion shoots, product

classification that sees each hotel take on a distinct look and

launches and a raucous opening party – not to mention

feel based on the characteristics of the location. As such, One

a gathering for Sleeper’s own globetrotting team of

Hundred Shoreditch has little in common with its Thames-

contributors to coincide with our 100th issue – have put the

side counterpart.

property firmly on the map.

Occupying a prime spot on Shoreditch High Street, the new

So why such the big splash? The history of One Hundred

addition is very much of its place, and though recognisable

Shoreditch requires little introduction; the pandemic-

from its previous life, it now carries a more elevated aesthetic

enforced closure and subsequent deflagging of the former

in line with the ongoing changes to this part of the city.

property – a hugely popular hang-out for the co-working

“When we took over the property, we were careful to retain

crowd – sent shockwaves through both the hospitality sector

the DNA – the elements that made it so popular,” continues

and loyal locals. Lore Group, which already owned the asset,

Taylor. “But given that the existing fan base had grown-up,

had opted to take over operations, but knew they had a

our aim was to create a hotel for a grown-up community.”

mountain to climb in getting people through the doors again.

The ambition is one that is shared by Lore Group’s

It was undoubtedly a bold move given the former lifestyle

in-house design studio, led by Jacu Strauss. “My aim

hotel’s cult status, but one that David Taylor felt came at the

was to create a new hotel concept that reflects how the

right time. “This area has grown and evolved over the last

neighbourhood has evolved over the past decade, yet at the

10 years – Shoreditch residents aren’t who they were back

same time fight for sustainability and sensible architectural

then,” explains the newly-appointed CEO. “We wanted to

re-use,” explains Strauss. “We worked with elements of the

reflect this new maturity, so when the pandemic hit and the

previous design, keeping some features and enhancing them

hotel had to close, we saw it as an opportunity to refurbish

to elevate the look and feel of the property and create a new

and launch under our own collection.”

guest experience.”

With properties on both sides of the Atlantic, Lore Group has

Architecturally, the façade has been given a facelift with

been steadily building its presence in recent years, through

Juliet balconies and awnings on the upper floors, but perhaps

both the transformation of landmark buildings – such as

the most notable intervention is the striking new oriel

the former National Bank in Washington DC, now home to

windows that cantilever over the street. Not only do they

Riggs – and the acquisition and repositioning of existing

break up the monolithic structure, but they bring an entirely

069

The design team introduced bold pops of colour to the public spaces via vibrant artworks and sculptures

070

new look to the exterior. Where the oriels really

Rounding out the F&B offer on the ground floor

come into their own is from the guestrooms,

is a soon-to-open take-out hatch for Goddard &

with each bay furnished with a cosy armchair,

Gibbs, as well as a grab-and-go café – already

making for a delightful spot from which to take

popular amongst locals – serving Shoreditch

in the city over a glass of wine.

favourite Ozone Coffee. Down in the basement,

Another of the major structural changes is

the hotel takes on a very different character.

the additional glazing to the frontage of the

Entered via an unadorned stairwell that exposes

street-level F&B venue, Goddard & Gibbs. A

the bones of the building, Seed Library is the

new wine bar is designed to attract passers-by –

latest venture from Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka

particularly on a spring day when the windows

Mr Lyan, who has bars at a number of other Lore

neatly bifold upwards for al fresco supping –

Group properties. The subterranean cocktail den

while the main restaurant that previously sat

is perhaps the most pared back space in the

behind retail units has been opened up for a dose

hotel, with the design based around the idea of a

of natural daylight. Inside, the British seafood

seed store. Subdued lighting and artworks made

eatery takes its inspiration from the fishing

using seeds complement an earthy palette with

villages and seaside towns that dot England’s

timber panelling and pops of red and orange

coastline, with vibrant artworks made by one

in the upholstery, making for an almost retro

of Lore’s own designers using sand. Drawing

feel. Best suited to late-night lounging, Seed

the eye is the centrepiece, an abstract sculpture

Library couldn’t be any more different to the

inspired by the towers of balancing pebbles

rooftop, a light-filled oasis with a bar, terrace

often seen at the seaside; visible from across

and private events capabilities. In replanning

the restaurant, it also serves as a focal point for

the space, flexibility was key, and so a number

single diners sitting at the stools encircling it.

of changes have been made to create break-

© Caitlin Isola

071

In the guestrooms, emphasis is placed on calm and comfort with a palette of natural materials including linen, cotton, cork and timber

072

out areas and enhance flow. The 600ft2 One

worked closely with Strauss throughout the

Hundred Room for example, is equally suited

refurbishment. “From a sustainability point of

to a lounge set-up with its low-slung modular

view, there was plenty of quality worth keeping

seating as it is to a cocktail reception or dinner.

so we didn’t want to just throw things away for

For meetings, there’s the usual AV equipment,

the sake of it.”

which can be creatively concealed by a huge

In building on the former scheme, the team

parachute hanging from the wall when not in

retained the parquet flooring in the lobby,

use, though the real attention-grabber is the

sanding and re-staining it for a lighter look.

spectacular view of the city, as seen via floor-

The reception desk is also as it was, but

to-ceiling corner windows. The bar meanwhile,

now with added hanging tapestries. And in

which will open fully in the summer, takes

the guestrooms, headboards were kept and

inspiration from California’s Palm Springs with

reupholstered, as were the generous banquettes

lush greenery, succulents and cacti creating a

in the studios. Of particular note is the 6m-long

conservatory feel, which opens out to a full-

solid oak communal table in the lobby – a staple

length outdoor terrace. The star of the show

of the former property – which was returned to

here is the dazzling pink marble bar, topped

the workshop to be given a new lease of life.

with polished gold lamps to complete the look.

“We didn’t want to turn our back on the people

Though some aspects of One Hundred

who used to come here every day and choose to

Shoreditch are all-new, the design team have

sit there, so we contacted Benchmark and asked

been savvy in retaining and reusing many

if they would take back the piece of wood and

elements. “We looked at what was here and

rework it,” explains O’Sullivan. “They were able

what could be re-used,” explains Caitríona

to sand it back and finish it in a different shape

O’Sullivan, Design Director at Lore Group, who

and colour.”

Even with the new additions, sustainability

There’s a notable contrast between the

and the environment has been an important

public and private spaces, a conscious move

consideration. Soft furnishings are largely

that overnight guests will come to appreciate

natural and include linen and cotton; cork –

at the end of a long day. “In the guestrooms,

a particularly sustainable material – has been

emphasis is placed on calm and comfort, while

added to the walls in the lobby for both visual

the restaurant and bar spaces retain the fun

effect and acoustic softness; and the sculptural

and energy for which this part of London is so

totem poles that decorate the public spaces have

well known,” confirms Strauss. “I wanted to

been shaped by Jan Hendzel Studio using timber

contrast the raw and urban surroundings with

that would have otherwise gone to waste.

spaces designed to feel more natural and tactile,

Though the hotel still shows some of its

And delight it does. Strauss and his design

added layer of detail that introduces a softer,

team have been sensitive in their approach to

more mature ambiance. Sheer drapery lining the

the interiors, while Taylor lauds the increased

windows and timber slats overhead add warmth,

“kerb appeal” of the new-look façade as well

while furniture is made for lounging. There’s

the buzz of the restaurant and bars. But for

also an abundance of greenery throughout

a hotel that was previously held in such high

the property, and bespoke artworks such as a

regard amongst its neighbours, final judgement

bold installation over the lobby bar made from

must fall to the local community. And if trying

paper by Mio Gallery. Other pieces, including

to find a spare seat in the lobby on any given

handpainted canvases and tactile tapestries, are

afternoon is anything to go by, then Lore Group

by Strauss himself, and join oversized pottery

can rest assured their venture has paid off.

vases that are themselves a work of art.

074

but always with a bit of pop to delight.”

industrial heritage, the new incarnation has an

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Lore Group Architecture: Henley Halebrown Interior Design: Lore Group Graphic Design: Colt Lighting Design: Illuminate Procurement: The Cardy Group www.onehundredshoreditch.com

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2022-04-01 9:31 AM

Hotel Motto VIENNA Twenties Vienna meets Twenties Paris at restaurateur Bernd Schlacher’s new hotel in the Austrian capital.

Words: Rick Jordan Photography: Courtesy of Motto Group

F

irst-time

the

There’s something of Loos in almost every

landmarks of Vienna’s central Ringstrasse

visitors

navigating

contemporary building in the world, really, and

could be forgiven for thinking the city’s

while the Neoclassical statues on the exterior

architectural heritage begins and ends with the

of Hotel Motto would make him queasy, he

Austro-Hungarian Empire – all those glacial

would certainly approve of the sheer quality

big-hitters brocaded in imperial Baroque and

of materials. A suit tailored in grey Prince of

Neoclassicism. But Vienna has always embraced

Wales check – pink pocket square neatly folded

a rich variety of ideas, and any architectural

in breast pocket – would go rather nicely in

tour worth its salt would surely include Hans

the lobby, where murals of pink-uniformed

Hollein’s mid-1980s Haas Haus, an audacious

bellboys and affable cheetahs roam the walls,

postmodernist turret of mirrored glass that

a little like characters from Kay Thompson’s

reflects the medieval skyscraper of St Stephen’s

Eloise books, but actually painted by Rome-

Cathedral opposite, and the blank-faced

based studio Chez Dade, also behind the decor

Goldman & Salatsch building by Adolf Loos

at San Pietro in Positano and Hotel de Ricci in

on Michaelerplatz. Loos was a key figure in

the Italian capital.

European Modernism, stripping away exterior

Hotel Motto opened in late 2021 after five

decoration and introducing interlocking interior

years of design, renovation and construction,

design with a passion for sumptuous materials.

delayed by the pandemic. It’s the first hotel

He designed – but never built – a house for Jazz

from Bernd Schlacher, a man known in Vienna

Age icon Josephine Baker and wrote essays on

as a successful restaurateur, whose sleek, white

‘Why a Man Should be Well Dressed’, arguing

Motto am Fluss appeared on the southern bank

that the English tailored suit was the most

of the Donaukanal in 2010. Schlacher says

versatile, unfussy clothing for a modern man.

the Fluss design was a modern homage to

077

The fabric used to cover headboards and wardrobe doors is a Motto signature, picked out

by Vienna-based fashion designer Lena Hoschek

078

Venice’s canalside Hotel Bauer, but turned to Paris

Strauss, son of waltz composer Johann, was born here

for inspiration at Motto, in particular a favourite

in 1827, and the property later became a popular café

hangout in Le Marais, the Christian Lacroix-designed

and society hangout for painters, writers and actors.

Hôtel du Petit Moulin. “I wanted to create a bubble

As Hotel Kummer, it was the inspiration for the setting

where Twenties Vienna meets Twenties Paris,”

in The Hotel New Hampshire, the bestselling 1981

he explains. “That period between the wars when

novel by John Irving, who had studied in Vienna in

everyone wanted to party.” Schlacher bid for a few

the early 1960s under Günter Grass and often returned

Art Deco chandeliers from The Ritz Paris at auction,

to the city in his fiction.

which he had reproduced, along with the sofa in the

For his reimagined retreat, Schlacher turned to

lobby, the lights in the lift and a couple of wall lights,

Vienna-based architect Arkan Zeytinoglu to realise

but the rest of the hotel’s design is a celebration of

his vision. Zeytinoglu has worked with Sir Terence

Austrian craftsmanship. “The design attends to every

Conran on The Guesthouse, also in the capital, and

detail, right down to the ventilation grill. The goal was

on the Austrian pavilion for Shanghai Expo 2010. For

to build a bridge between the 1920s and the 2020s,

Motto, he restored the exterior with its Neoclassical

using Austrian artisanry in the same way it was 100

statues and columns, while completely gutting and

years ago when that still meant something, in the

replacing the interior, adding an extra floor and a

process supporting local metal workers, locksmiths,

two-storey barrel-vaulted roof with dormer windows.

upholsterers and carpenters.”

Zeytinoglu also reorganised the main staircase so the

There’s been a hotel on this corner of Mariahilfer

lobby can be reached from both Mariahilfer Strasse

Strasse – now the city’s main shopping street –

and Schadekgasse, while a piano nobile on the first

since the 17th century, which by 1872 had become the

floor acts as a Wiener Salon for private dinners and

Hotel Kummer, and in 1904 was more or less rebuilt

events. Certainly the most striking feature is the

while keeping its slanted and oversized corners. Josef

diamond-shaped white lattice grid that fronts the top-

Guestrooms channel a sense of lyrical Romanticism, bringing together tasselled floor lights, cocktail stands and Deco-style mirrored tables

floor restaurant and bar, Chez Bernard, which brims with green foliage and Mid-Century seating such as Thonet chairs. On the floor, solid oak parquet was laid in a star shape to reflect the dome overhead, while steps lead up to the rooftop bar – the final piece of the hotel to open in Spring 2022 – with a sweeping zinc countertop and cityscape views.

“The inspiration here is a historical one,” says Zeytinoglu. “As there was an exchange of ideas between late 19th century Vienna and Paris of the same era, many elements can still be traced today. In this context, history, tradition and handcraft were revived. That was the motivation for us to create all the furniture from scratch, along with the fabrics, textiles, patterns, doorknobs and ceramics – we wanted to preserve its authenticity.”

That authenticity can be found in the spiralling oak bannister that curves down the seven-floor stairwell, atop paperclip-like metal rails and terrazzo tiles, and in the brass arrow above the elevator, pointing to floor numbers but also to a lyrical Romanticism found throughout the 83 guestrooms and eight suites with their parquet

080

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082

floors, pull-chain toilets and tasselled floor lights.

interned with Vivienne Westwood, mixes traditional

Showers are encased in industrial-chic frames of

forms such as the dirndl with a rock’n’roll sensibility

steel and glass, and there are angular brass reading

– her designs have been worn by celebrities like Katy

lights, marble-topped consoles, cocktail stands and

Perry, Lana Del Rey and Dita von Teese. “Vienna is a

Deco-style mirrored tables. Along with the showpiece

city very much influenced by the Art Nouveau era,” she

staircase, most original pieces were designed by

explains. “Art Nouveau drew a line over every object,

Zeytinoglu himself, working with small, often family-

from street lamps to tableware, so I thought it would

run artisanal firms. Gander, for example, from East

be good to dress the staff in the interior prints. I didn’t

Tyrol, created much of the furniture and fabrics,

want them to look too formal because while Motto is a

drawing on historic prints for inspiration, while

marvellously sophisticated hotel, there’s no stiffness.”

South Tyrol’s Small Lichtstudio Eisenkeil made the

While lockdown delayed the opening, it also gave the

bespoke designs for the 1920s-style bedroom lights.

team breathing space to consider different approaches.

The shower tiles – a brown and white geometric

Schlacher had the brainwave to launch a standalone

pattern, also found in the lobby – came from Spanish

Motto Brot patisserie and café on the Mariahilfer

manufacturer Cevica.

Strasse side – something of a novelty for a sweet-

Meanwhile, the fabric used to cover the headboards

toothed city yet to embrace the hipster coffee shop –

and wardrobe doors is a Motto signature, which guests

selling sourdough croissants and baguettes as well as

will spot being worn by staff around the hotel. It’s

upcycling unsold bread into the hotel’s signature beer.

a vintage print on dark grey silk with lush tropical

With global hospitality names lining up to open in

flowering trees and birds, and was picked out by

Vienna – both Rosewood and Mandarin Oriental arrive

Vienna-based fashion designer Lena Hoschek, who

this summer – Hotel Motto represents a homegrown

used it on Hawaiian shirts, skirts and dresses combined

design ethos that should be cherished. Here, at least,

with Carhartt trousers and Air Jordans. Hoschek, who

it’s possible to have your cake and eat it.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Bernd Schlacher Operator: Motto Group Architecture: Arkan Zeytinoglu Interior Design: Bernd Schlacher www.hotelmotto.at

www.jardinico.com

Harding Boutique Hotel AHANGAMA Paul Harding continues his family legacy with a new hotel on Sri Lanka’s south coast, enlisting design practice Anarchitect to pay homage to the Tropical Modernism of Geoffrey Bawa.

Words: Mandi Keighran • Photography: © Edmund Sumner

W

hen Australian entrepreneur Paul Harding decided

Ashmore decided to build upwards rather than outward. “The

to create a boutique hotel on Sri Lanka’s south

building is the same height as the palm trees in the adjacent

coast, it didn’t come as much of a surprise to those

grove,” he says of the structure. “The beauty of this is that

who knew him. Nor was it surprising that the hotel’s design

we were able to connect the hotel to the dense, tropical

took inspiration from the distinctive Tropical Modernism

landscape and create a new perspective for Ahangama.”

pioneered by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

084

The hotel’s six guestrooms are split over three levels, with

Born in Melbourne to a Sri Lankan mother and Australian

a rooftop bar named Mr M as a nod to Harding’s great uncle.

father, Harding fell in love with the country and its culture

There are two room types – three ocean rooms at the front

as he grew up. There was also a family connection to the

with views over the Indian Ocean, and three rear garden

hospitality industry in that his great uncle, Gem Milhuisen,

rooms with the primary view over lush greenery. These

was one of the nation’s first hoteliers. Back in 1966, he

panoramas were inspired by some of Bawa’s later works,

commissioned Bawa to design The Blue Lagoon in Negombo

which were in turn inspired by Le Corbusier. Internal views

– not only was it Bawa’s first resort project, but also one of

have also been framed in the same way, creating a play

the first official resorts in the country.

between the different levels and spaces.

With a desire to continue his family legacy and create a

The strong connection with the outdoors is further

destination hotel that celebrates his passion for the country,

developed with plenty of well-ventilated, wide-open spaces

Harding bought a plot of land in Ahangama, a laidback

such as outdoor showers, given privacy by indigenous plants

surf town on Sri Lanka’s south coast. He commissioned

and screens. The ocean rooms also feature polished concrete

Anarchitect to design the property after coming across their

bathtubs set into the corner of the terrace, with stunning

work on a private villa in Sri Lanka on Instagram. “Having

beach views framed once again by timber screens. “We

a presence on social media and Paul witnessing that we

wanted to draw the landscape in and connect it with all of

were actually in Sri Lanka doing work played a part in him

these moments,” says Ashmore.

contacting us,” says Anarchitect founder, Jonathan Ashmore.

The landscape also takes centre stage on the pool deck,

The small plot in Ahangama had the remains of a two-

which is raised to provide privacy from the adjacent

bedroom, single-storey home that had been irreparably

pedestrian walkway. “By raising the pool, we could create

damaged by the devastating tsunami of 2004. Because of

an elevated café, bar and terrace, all of which offer views

the compact footprint and to avoid over-developing the site,

over the low-lying tropical growth towards the beach and the

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Anarchitect opted for an open-air stairwell running the height of the building, with small nooks on each floor for moments of respite

ocean beyond,” says Ashmore. “Our approach was about forming a connection across the multiple levels.”

Furthering the approach, Anarchitect opted for an open-air stairwell running the height of the building, with small nooks on each floor for moments of respite. “We didn’t want a narrow, enclosed staircase, but rather a feature that becomes a social aspect creating dialogue between different levels on the property,” continues Ashmore. The stair also allows air flow from east to west to cool the building, and the evocative sound of the tropical plants moving in the wind to permeate the interior.

“When you walk out of your room, you are not in a corridor, you are outside,” says Ashmore.

“That’s something I felt was key with a lot of Bawa’s work. He was able to break down the boundaries between indoor and outdoor space and embrace the climate.”

Taking inspiration from this idea, Harding Boutique Hotel has an element of permeability to the elements, but is also protected from heavy rainfall. “You get the drama of the monsoon, but not the negative effects,” explains Ashmore.

086

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The major challenge was how to create an

detailling. Both are sturdy enough to withstand

experience that feels connected to Sri Lanka

the elements and neatly align with Anarchitect’s

in an authentic way within a contemporary

passion for craftsmanship and materiality, an

structure, and the practicalities of constructing

approach that is evident through a number of

such a building given the location by the

their projects.

ocean. “The salt in the air is highly corrosive,

While the hotel is very much of its place,

creating issues around longevity of materials,”

Ashmore also took inspiration from a softer,

says Ashmore. “So, we looked at methods and

Scandinavian design aesthetic. Fabrics –

materials of typical Sri Lankan construction that

including sheer curtains and sun blinds –

could be adapted to a contemporary design – it

have been used to blur the boundary between

was a global-local approach.”

interior and exterior spaces. “The sliding

The contractors, a second-generation

screens, curtains and blinds are intended to be

family business, were particularly excited

interacted with,” he notes. “We want people to

about these challenges according to Ashmore.

take ownership of the space for the duration of

“They connected the building with the Tropical

their stay.”

Modernism of Bawa,” he says. “This kind of

With the successful execution of one hotel,

architecture – which harmonises with the

Harding is already keen to expand his concept

landscape, climate and natural airflows – is

together with Anarchitect. “We are now

within the Sri Lankan architectural discourse.”

discussing another hotel in Sri Lanka, possibly

The material selection also serves to form

in Talpe,” says Ashmore. “But it won’t be the

a connection with the surroundings; a local

same. The Ahangama hotel is an appreciation of

hardwood is used generously throughout

the heritage of Tropical Modernism and the era

while granite stone is carved with Sri Lankan

of Bawa with its own character.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Paul Harding Operator: Harding Boutique Hotels Architecture and Interior Design: Anarchitect www.hardingboutiquehotels.com

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No.1 by GuestHouse YORK Brothers Tristan, James and Tom Guest continue their collaboration with designer Martin Hulbert at a Regency townhouse in Clifton.

Words: Matt Turner Photography: Courtesy of GuestHouse Hotels

L

ocated within a handsome, Grade-II listed

stone façade, huge sash windows and towering

Regency townhouse just a Viking’s axe

ceiling heights within. The reception area is

throw from the historic walled centre of

atmospherically decorated with dramatic black

York, No.1 is in fact the second property from

painted walls and candle-lit spaces referencing

newly created brand GuestHouse Hotels.

York’s Gothic and ghostly past.

Brothers Tristan, James and Tom Guest made

Plenty of original features have survived its

their first steps into the hospitality sector, having

near 200-year history, including an impressive

sold their family business, with the acquisition

staircase, which Hulbert has accessorised with an

of No.15 Great Pulteney in Bath – an existing

installation of antique violins and lantern-style

boutique hotel previously operated within Ian

lighting. From the reception area at the foot of

and Christa Taylor’s Kaleidoscope Collection –

the stairwell, with its glass encased candelabras

in October 2019.

and vintage pottery displays, guests can access

For that project, the siblings re-enlisted

a variety of public areas.

interior designer Martin Hulbert, who had also

In the Marmalade Lounge, warm honeyed

worked on the original scheme for Kaleidoscope,

tones of woven fabrics, wood and wicker

to complete its transformation into their debut

provide a backdrop to afternoon teas and fireside

development. With the securing of a second site

reading. Hulbert’s own range of wallcoverings

in York’s Clifton district in 2020, they turned to

and upholstery – a collaboration with Romo

Martin Hulbert Design once again.

Fabrics’ Zinc Textiles – features extensively. And

“York is a city with such soul, history and

geometric artworks on the walls, commissioned

a fabulous back story, that we felt it really

from a friend’s niece studying at the nearby

important to reflect that in the design,” says

university, are a modern interpretation of the

Hulbert. On arrival, guests are greeted by a stately

stonework flooring patterns of York Minster.

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Bathed in warm honeyed tones, the Marmalade Lounge features geometric artworks that honour York Minster’s flooring patterns

On the opposite side of the Georgian townhouse, an identically proportioned room plays host to the bar.

the surrounding Clifton neighbourhood.

The functioning model steam train circling the space

The hotel’s location, just a 10-minute walk from the

is an obvious yet playful reference to York’s rich rail

city centre, was a significant attraction for the Guests;

history, while the grandly framed artwork of fictional

No.15’s position on Bath’s architecturally celebrated

aristocrat ‘Lady Rhubarb’ adorning the main wall is a

Great Pulteney is similarly just off-centre, and the

more obtuse nod to the local tradition of ‘forcing’ the

brothers say future sites ideally will be too.

growth of rhubarb in subterranean cellars.

“We feel there’s a real opportunity to create an

To the rear of the building, accessed via a corridor

aspirational brand for secondary cathedral and

flanked by an old-fashioned apothecary cabinet, a

university cities and towns around the UK,” they

lighter look and feel imbues the restaurant, with its

explain. “There are lots of great hotels in amazing

white wishbone chairs, display shelves of porcelain

settings in the countryside or in London but in the

tableware, and hues of turquoise and duck egg blue.

smaller provincial centres, many of them don’t have

Of 39 rooms in total, there are two standout suites

092

fireplaces, decorative cornicing and leafy views over

the offer those towns and cities deserve.”

situated directly above the lounge and bar. Formerly

It might seem inevitable that a family of hoteliers

the library and drawing room of this stately home,

called Guest would one day end up with their name

these are now reinvented as the ‘Bootham Rooms’.

literally above the door, but that wasn’t part of their

Four-poster beds and freestanding baths are kept

original plan. It was only during lockdown, as the

discretely separate by a bespoke piece of waist-height

brand began to crystallise, that they realised it was

joinery, while a cleverly conceived stacked block of

possibly too much of a gift to ignore: “We thought

casegoods – referencing the tower of York Minster

the first thing any branding agency we speak to is

– houses the minibar, wardrobe and other amenities.

going to say is use the family name and initially we

Many of the other rooms feature original Georgian

thought we would resist that,” say the brothers. “But

093

when we started telling the story of taking the

basement to provide treatments using ethical

traditional guesthouse, modernising it as more

and eco-friendly products from Pinks Boutique.

of a luxury experience without being too formal,

The F&B offer is emphatically local, as is the

we thought we could have a lot of fun with it

choice of suppliers of fabrics and furnishings.

and that it might resonate with people. We did a

The menu makes extensive use of products

lot of thinking and digging down to create that

sourced from nearby farms, butchers and bakers.

narrative of what ‘guesthouse’ means today.”

Cocktails feature Yorkshire Dales Distillery’s

Moving forward, they confirm locations within a two-hour radius of London will be the goal.

within the county at Little Wold Vineyard.

This approach allows them to go in any number

“A big part of our strategy is to connect with

of different directions, pointing out that York is

the local culture,” the trio conclude. “The best

just under two hours away, as close if not closer

hospitality brands embed themselves within the

than Bath, despite the perception that it’s a long

community. We’re trying to do that with our

distance from the capital.

choice of suppliers, as we intend to be present

The Guests also acknowledge that whilst

094

artisanal spirits. There are even wines made

in these cities for a long time.”

they may focus on acquiring and converting

It was the original nomenclature of No.15

existing hotels, most of the ones that meet

Great Pulteney that inspired the simple yet neat

their requirements will still need significant

strategy of naming each hotel after its street

redevelopment and renovation – particularly

number. Next up is No.124 – GuestHouse number

in introducing the spa facilities, which soon

three – on Brighton’s ocean-facing Kings Road,

became a key cornerstone of the brand having

another Grade-II listed property converted from

inherited an existing spa in Bath. In York, they

an existing townhouse, in this case the former

converted World War II air raid shelters in the

Granville Hotel.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: GuestHouse Hotels Interior Design: Martin Hulbert Design www.guesthousehotels.co.uk

096

Matild Palace BUDAPEST MKV Design revives a listed landmark on the banks of the Danube, working alongside Puhl & Dajka Architects to create a hotel that fuses heritage with contemporary.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Courtesy of Matild Palace

T

here’s a new piece of magic in Budapest courtesy of MKV

– a two-storey steel frame clad in decorative stone – and

Design, which has transformed the city’s neglected

included the city’s first lifts. The street-level retail spaces

South Klotild Palace into a Luxury Collection Hotel by

were accessed via a passageway with full-height ornamental

Marriott. Led by Maria Vafiadis, MKV has a rich experience in

wrought iron gates and a high vaulted ceiling, into which

revitalising heritage properties, but Matild Palace presented

horse-drawn carriages could enter. The mezzanine, reached

ample opportunity for the designer to bring in many new

by magnificent staircases, was home to offices, above which

elements, despite the property being not only listed but also

were several large apartments on each of the original three

a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “For the owner, this was not

floors. These plus a new top floor have all been reconfigured

just another hotel, but rather one where they wanted to do

around two courtyards to create 130 guestrooms and suites.

their very best,” states Vafiadis of this jewel in the crown for

Within the grandeur of the detailed stucco work of the

Öyzer Group, with ownership via their Hungarian subsidiary

passageway is the first of MKV’s notable interventions; two

Melis Investment.

large chandeliers of overlapping delicate porcelain tiles that

Acquired nine years ago, it then took three years to obtain

pay homage to the local Zsolnay tiles seen on many of the

the necessary building permits – the same length of time

city’s grander buildings. A sense of passion for the hotel is

needed to construct the original building, completed in 1902.

conveyed by General Manager Selim Olmez: “Maria was great

That the renovation took five years is indicative of the level

to work with. She treated the palace like it was her own,

of complication and attention to detail. Working alongside

taking a personal approach with attention to every detail.”

local firm Puhl & Dajka Architects as well as Hungarian

He recalls one of Vafiadis’ visits when she a noticed that a

contractors, the new elements sympathetically inserted have

new chandelier was installed at the wrong height. As a result,

created a monument fitting this city’s great glory.

hundreds of pieces of porcelain were dismantled and then

The hotel is one of a pair of elaborate buildings flanking

reassembled in the correct position.

the Eastern end of the Elisabeth Bridge across the Danube

Arriving guests head to the lobby lounge, the sitting room

River. The bridge marks the approach to the city from

of the palace, where beneath a towering courtyard volume,

Vienna, which is symbolic because the driving force behind

heritage furnishings sit alongside custom-designed pieces

both palaces came from the former Archduchess of Austria,

by MKV. At its centre is a jewel-like glass chandelier of a

Princess Clotilde. It is the fictional return of the Duchess

fragile filigree decorated with floral details. A large double-

to Budapest and her desire to revive the palace as a luxury

height installation of images celebrating Budapest’s history

hotel that informs the design narrative for MKV’s interiors.

also provides separation from a new lift bank. Vafiadis sees

The avant-garde Duchess was ahead of her time; the palace

the adjacent reception as the least traditional area yet has

was a mixed-use project using a new construction technique

still incorporated Art Nouveau-inspired tiles on the walls and

097

In the lobby lounge, a jewel-like chandelier is decorated with floral details, while a double-height installation of images celebrates Budapest’s history

ceiling. Beneath is a sculptural bronze desk, behind

and stained-glass elements old and new. The rooms

which smartly uniformed staff welcome guests.

on all but the top floor have soaring 4m high ceilings

From the small Swan Spa to the Duchess Bar on the

with tall leather upholstered headboards embroidered

rooftop, MKV’s involvement was total. Sustainable too

with an Art Nouveau pattern that matches the homely

from the point of view of the quality of materials used

detail of a decorative pillow beneath.

– particularly the handsome solid wood herringbone

On the brand-new top floor are loft suites with full-

parquet – and the craftsmanship. Guest bathrooms

height louvre windows punched through the sloping

feature large slabs of book-matched Calacatta Oro

mansard ceiling. Designed with the imagination of the

marble, installed using techniques of times past but

Duchess as a patron of the arts, the sloping windows

delivering a modern experience that is built to last.

provide city views and all the light an artist could

“It’s not about being fashionable, but more to do with

possibly need. A more modern feel with platform

longevity and durability,” explains Vafiadis.

sofas, low shelving and plenty of artwork are a

The interiors gently tell the story of the returning

098

welcome differentiator for any operator.

Duchess, celebrating the palace’s location, culture and

The calming basement spa is compact yet well

social ways, while the city is brought into the hotel

equipped, comprising a gym area, treatment rooms,

too. The colours of its rooftops – blue-green patinated

hammam, sauna, salt and steam room plus a crushed

copper dancing with the aquamarine and yellow gold

ice fountain. The transitioning blue colourways of the

of historic tiling – are seen in pixelated carpets and

walls is striking, as are the solid marble side tables

rugs by Turkish supplier Stepevi and in the spa-

in the relaxation area. Keeping things local are the

like bathrooms, which feature Dornbracht tubs and

swans of the Danube, the graceful sweep of their necks

turquoise glass mosaics interleaved with gold. Cultural

inspiring both the spa’s name and its ceiling light

heritage is evident in the omnipresent craftsmanship

fitting. Similar elements of the light fittings are seen in

across the city. In the hotel are ceramic, wrought iron

the corridors, where guestroom entrances feature wall

099

panels patterned with peacock feather motifs.

by night. A restored hydraulically operated stage

The same idea is used on the glazed walls of the

lifts not only the band but the spirits towards

new upper levels, where natural references are

the mezzanine gallery above.

in keeping with Art Nouveau tendencies.

including the entire façade and rebuild of

Spago restaurant by Wolfgang Puck and The

the three-storey Crown Tower Suite, was

Duchess bar. Spago’s light Mediterranean-

painstaking in its precision and thoroughness.

Californian cuisine by Austrian-born Puck,

Work on the stucco finishes of the passageway

whom Olmez introduced from time spent

took a team of three to four people a year to

at St Regis Istanbul, suits the open kitchen

complete, but it’s worth it. From Puhl & Dajka’s

and restaurant layout, which spills out onto

clever insertion of two glass-sided walkways

a pedestrianised street via a winter garden

high above, guests get up close to the detailed

extension. The bar meanwhile is a finale of

rows of sunflowers and tulips decorating the

fantasy and decadence led by the backlit Onyx

vaulted ceilings plus symbolic owl, eagle and

counter. Here, extravagant gestures include

other busts above entrances.

giraffe sculptures, brass peacocks holding up tables and vivid wallpaper by Pierre Frey.

100

The restoration of such historical elements,

Two differing elements are the street level

The narrative is an important driver of MKV’s work at Matild Palace. The inventiveness and

Complementing the two venues is Matild Café

exuberance of the new interiors are a refreshing

and Cabaret, a heritage space where the envelope

approach to renovations. Vafiadis describes

could not be touched. Reigniting the glamour of

her gestures as “a heritage respected and now

the former Belvarosi Café is a large volume of

brought up-to-date” though there is much more

intricate delicacy, which transforms from a quiet

to this example of understanding operational

coffee spot by day to an upbeat burlesque venue

needs allied to the creation of experiences.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Melis Investment Operator: Marriott International Architecture: Puhl & Dajka Architects Interior Design: MKV Design Lighting Design: MBLD Main Contractor: Laki Épületszobrász www.matildpalace.com

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Bespo ke is a cu sto m ised m o d u l a r l in e dra i n syste m wh i ch m a ke s it po ss ib le to p ro d u ce f lo o r d ra in s in a ll le n g ht s. Fra m e s a n d g rat i n g s are placed en d - to - en d , m a kin g m a in te n a n c e e a sy a n d m a n a ge a ble.

T he so l u tio n is id ea l fo r sp a a rea s, ch a n g i n g ro o m s o r la rge bat h ro o m s.

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International Sales Manager: René Risom +45 2889 7490 / rer@unidrain.dk

The House Hotel JEDDAH CITY YARD The House Hotels makes its debut in Saudi Arabia with an old-meets-new development designed by architect Ayman Al-Mehmadi and Studio Noor.

Words: Nicola Chilton • Photography: © Omar Shalhoub

J

eddah is different, so the city’s motto

look reveals connections to the destination and

says. With its location on the Red Sea

its heritage. Befitting of Jeddah’s history as a

and history as the gateway to the Holy

place where cultures mix, the architecture of

City of Makkah, it has long been home to a

the building is by native architect Ayman Al-

multicultural population and a cosmopolitan

Mehmadi, with interiors overseen by David

feel that is palpably different from other cities

Hodkinson and Luc Lejeune of Saigon and

in the region. But these days, the whole of

Athens-based Studio Noor.

Saudi Arabia is different, with changes that

Al-Mehmadi’s concept for the building was

had previously been unthinkable coming at

one of simplicity and minimalism, with a façade

an unprecedented pace. And The House Hotel

made from Saudi-sourced stone cladding. “We

Jeddah City Yard, part of Kerten Hospitality and

added a touch of teakwood representing the

a member of Design Hotels, is riding the wave

Hijazi architecture of Old Jeddah,” he explains,

of this change.

referencing the traditional structures in the

Just a few years back, women were absent

Being located in the residential neighbourhood

Chatting in the lobby with Maria Bou Eid, one

of Al Rawdar, as the anchor of the new City

of the first female General Managers in the

Yard lifestyle development, the building is

country, it’s clear that she is proud of her team

purposefully low-rise. “It’s on a more human

and what they are achieving. Currently about a

scale, closer to people’s eyes and merging with

quarter of staff are female, with more women

the surroundings,” continues Al-Mehmadi.

being actively recruited, and around 35% are

The structures have been oriented in a way that

Saudi, the rest split over multiple nationalities.

creates wide-open outdoor living spaces, with

“Saudis are the main concentration of our staff

an interior street and central piazza home to

because we want people to understand Saudi

cafés and restaurants, where guests can lounge

hospitality,” says Bou Eid. “Our main mission

on the Ethimo seating and sample local delights.

is to share our culture.”

102

city’s Al-Balad district.

from front-of-house roles in Saudi hotels.

“One aspect of the design was inspired by the

While the overall design of the hotel may

welcoming spirit of Saudi Arabia, providing a

feel minimalist and contemporary, a closer

social experience that suits various preferences

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In the lobby, a restrained colour and material palette provides a backdrop for individual pieces of furniture and works by Jeddawi artist Abdulrahman Al Maghrabi

and moods,” Al-Mehmadi confirms. A rooftop pool

served alongside zaatar croissants and choux puffs.

and soon-to-open co-working and events spaces will

The lobby also hides an unexpected secret. To the side

add to the multifunctionality.

of the café are wooden steps that lead up to a hidden

Much of the inspiration for Studio Noor’s interiors pays homage to a particular period of history. “Jeddah

Arabian Peninsula for gatherings and conversation.

had some of its golden days in the 1970s and 80s, and

“Although the majlis is usually a public place to

at this time a lot of public artworks were commissioned

receive guests, it is not public enough to be set in

and installed throughout the city,” says Hodkinson.

the middle of the lobby,” explains Lejeune. “There is

Furniture items that would have been on-trend in

always a sense of privacy in Arabic culture. Our way

that era have been given an update with contemporary

to encompass all of this was to make it more private

colours and materials, juxtaposed with traditional

by positioning it at the top of the steps.”

patterned fabrics on modern pieces.”

From here, guestroom corridors pack a design

Entering the light-filled lobby, the first impression

punch with eyes drawn to the striking carpets. “It

is one of space, with soaring travertine walls and

is directly inspired by Bedouin traditions and fabrics,

large spatial volumes contrasting with low-slung

with patterns and colours reproduced from materials

seating arranged in intimate groupings. The colour

collected on our intense scouting expeditions,” notes

and material palette is restrained, letting individual

Hodkinson. While they may have their roots in historic

pieces of furniture and artworks by Jeddawi artist

patterns, the effect is contemporary, a blend of rich

Abdulrahman Al Maghrabi stand out, with tactile

colour and geometric detail.

elements – from unpolished stone to textured carpets, fabrics and smooth wood – providing counterpoints.

104

majlis based on the seating areas found across the

Another Arabic design touch in the corridors is the mashrabiya-style wall panels, found in houses

At the centre of the lobby is the vintage-chic Azha

throughout the region where they typically provide

Café, where artisanal roasts and Arabic coffee are

shade and screen indoor spaces from external view.

R E S E T YO U R S PAC E A N D M I N D W I T H LU X U RY O U T D O O R F U R N I T U R E F RO M

LEISUREPLAN.CO.UK / +44 (0)1279 816 001 / SALES@LEISUREPLAN.CO.UK

“These pieces were originally created on felt as

the neighbouring Almohra Museum, a private

divider panels or window screens by Cairo-based

collection of antiques from around the world, or

studio Encode,” says Lejeune. “We worked with

forging connections with local artists and cooks.

them to research connections between Egypt

Come evening, live musical performances draw

and Saudi Arabia, of which there are many, and

a crowd of young Jeddawi creatives, while the

developed the panels on wood in order to make

daily bakhoor ceremony sees the air scented

them stronger and sturdier for the high-traffic

with traditional fragrant woodchips.

public areas.”

experience here,” says Bou Eid. “We ask, why is

heritage continue into the bedrooms. Design

the guest here? Are they coming just to sleep, or

elements feature subtle materials and colours,

do they want more than that? This is where we

but with references to geometric patterns found

make a difference, by understanding the guests

in Islamic art as well as details found in wooden

and what they’re looking for.”

constructions around Al-Balad – the latter

In a country where tourism is in its infancy,

inspiring the statement wooden panel behind

there’s a new generation of Saudis eager to take

the bed. “The idea of the rooms was to design

up roles in the industry. “Not everyone has a

them as comfortable spaces, but in relation to

background in hospitality,” Bou Eid continues.

the outside, which can be harsh in terms of

“We select people for character and attitude,”

temperature and glare,” Hodkinson confirms.

106

“There’s a reason behind every single

These contemporary takes on Arabian

It’s an exciting time for young Saudis making

As the name suggests, The House Hotel aims

their first foray into hospitality, as well as those

to make people feel at home while showcasing

visitors choosing to explore the country for

Jeddawi culture and the people who bring

the first time. Jeddah, as they say, is indeed

it to life, whether it’s by arranging access to

different. And so is The House Hotel.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Pure Houses Operator: Kerten Hospitality Architecture: Ayman Al-Mehmadi Interior Design: Studio Noor Visual Identity: Ghada Al-Mehmadi Lighting Design: Abdulaziz Al-Azem Landscaping: Francis Landscapes www.househotels.com

108

Hôtel Madame Rêve PARIS Hotelier Laurent Taïeb collaborates with architect Dominique Perrault to reimagine the French capital’s Louvre Post Office.

Words: Abby Lowe • Photography: © Jerome Galland

S

ome cities are so transformative that you can lose yourself in its streets. Paris is one of those cities.

Somehow, it seems to bind itself to visitors, fizzing in

the veins like an intoxicating panacea for the humdrum of life. Days spent there can be intense, but inevitably leave you longing for more and Madame Rêve is a translation of that feeling encountered in hotel-form. Both a bow to its past and a statement of intent, the new property adds to a city already purring with spirit.

Opening its doors was no mean feat; the renovation of the old Louvre Post Office in the 1st Arrondissement took

over nine years to complete. But during that time something special arose. Not just a hotel but a place to savour all the fragments of life that come together to create meaning. That’s no accident, of course, as it became hotelier Laurent Taïeb’s objective as soon as he laid eyes on the iconic building, but the completion process was a creative undertaking – how to replace the artistic essence of a structure with such clearly defined identity while also starting afresh?

“It was a very personal project – a contemporary tale that I imagined for myself and wrote for others,” he explains.

“The creation of the Louvre Post Office building in 1888 struck my imagination and I was fascinated with that period of history.” So that’s where he began, in the 19th century, taking inspiration from the cavernous spaces and ubiquitous French know-how to tell the building’s story. “This is where the idea of the grand café with its 8m-high ceilings came from,” he adds. “I also wanted to express my fascination with The Vienna Secession by drawing inspiration from Josef

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Emitting a honeyed warmth like that of the guestrooms, signature restaurant La Plume is centred around a champagne-hued bar carved in Calacatta Oro marble

Hoffmann for the chandeliers, eventually made

“Many items have been sourced by French

by Mathieu Lustrerie. They are truly reminiscent

artisans,” he says. “Namely Henryot & Cie,

of the grandeur of historic places.”

whose distinctive chairs can be spotted at Le

And that’s exactly what Madame Rêve Café

Jules Verne restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower

is too – a monument that doubles as a busy

or dotted around the Louis Vuitton Foundation.

modern meeting point. Drenched in luxe

Londoners may also recognise the Pierre Frey

textures, it glows the colour of molten amber

fabrics, previously used to dress the interiors

and showcases crafts inspired by French

at Sketch in Mayfair.”

innovators. There are whispers of French Art

Décor in the guestrooms, all situated on the

Nouveau master Emilé Gallé in the glasswork

third floor, is centred around mesmerising

and nods to revered ébéniste cabinetmaker

walnut woodwork and solid oak floors. But

Louis Majorelle in the furniture. This theme

despite this undeniable denseness, they still ooze

continues throughout the hotel, with art by

femininity. Made-to-measure velvet curtains

Olivier Masmonteil, Inès Longevial and María

cover the windows, while furniture carved with

José Benvenuto on display, plus 800 works of

sensuous curves and café au lait colours add

Mail Art donated by a private collector hung on

softness to the scene, paying homage to Taïeb’s

the walls of the 82 guestrooms and suites.

late friend Andrée Putman, whose motto was

Taïeb himself designed much of the

“life must be golden”. Presumably this also

furniture, which has either been custom-made

explains the giant glass roof, and why more

or sensitively restored. It’s a combination of

than half of the rooms have balconies – there’s

vintage and contemporary styles that means

nowhere better for watching the ebb and flow

Hôtel Madame Rêve remains rooted to its

of daily activity unfold below.

foundations but has one foot in the present.

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The hotel’s signature restaurant, La Plume, is

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located on the same level and emits a similar honeyed

of tiny diamonds. Even locals won’t struggle to

warmth to its neighbours. The champagne-hued

embrace the wonder of their hometown here, exactly

marble bar is the main centrepiece, though the patio

as Taïeb intended.

ensconced by 100 different plant species thrums on

Born in Tunisia, Taïeb grew up in Paris’ northern

dewy nights. The menu, inspired by Taïeb’s travels

suburbs. “Saint-Ouen was my playground,” he

and developed by Executive Chef Benjamin Six of Zuma

recalls. “At the flea market I used to wander among

fame, brings in a lively, metropolitan mix of guests

the stands, inspired by all the different eras. This is

and locals. “It’s a place where both Parisians and

where I first created my aesthetics.” Once the seed was

tourists can mingle,” Taïeb muses. “We are attracting

planted, he went on to establish some of Paris’ most

a fun and creative crowd, introducing a new energy

popular restaurants, yet nowhere bears the emblem of

to the city.”

his creativity quite like Madame Rêve, a place he hopes

But it’s arguably Le Roof that steals the show.

will redefine the city’s hospitality landscape. “It was

A spectacular wraparound oasis up on the fourth

important to us that we create a home-from-home,”

floor, the expansive 1,000m2 deck is semi-glazed

he says. “That has never been seen before in Paris.”

and features a bar and terrace furnished with sun

That Taïeb will achieve this goal is without doubt

loungers in a vibrant yellow. Bursting with lush

– Madame Rêve is the kind of hotel that lingers in

greenery and blossoming cherry trees, the sky garden

the memory long after leaving, much like the bespoke

offers panoramic views of the city, with jewels like

cedar and rose scent made by Olivia Giacobetti that

the Church of Saint-Eustache, Beaubourg and the

wafts through its hallways. Everyone will find

Panthéon all visible. It is especially magical at dusk,

something to love here, from bon vivants to nomadic

when the last rays of sun silhouette the Eiffel Tower

workers to locals looking to rediscover their city. “It

against a silken peach sky; and once darkness falls,

is an invitation to live with joy, pleasure and desire,”

when the City of Lights begins to twinkle like a blanket

Taïeb concludes. Few will be able to refuse it.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Laurent Taïeb Architecture: Dominique Perrault Interior Design: Laurent Taïeb Lighting Design: Mathieu Lustrerie, Go House Branding: Cake Design www.madamereve.com

Redefining Surfaces.

Redefining Projects.

Hipotels Mallorca, Balearic Islands

More than 72,700 m2 of the ultra-compact surface Dekton® by Cosentino were used in the construction and launch of these two luxurious complexes

Projects Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace & Hipotels Gran Playa de Palma Architect Estudio de arquitectura MORRO & SERRA Dekton® Surface 72,700m2 Façade Dekton Edora Natural Collection

COSENTINO UK 01256 761229 / info.uk@cosentino.com / Follow Us: F T

25 Year Warranty.

Find more projects, technical info and inspiration at cosentino.com

Cashel Palace COUNTY TIPPERARY The Magnier family put their faith in a trusted team of architects and designers to restore a former palace in the south of Ireland.

Words: Nicola Chilton • Photography: © Michelle Chaplow

B

reathing new life into a historic landmark can be a challenge, especially when it’s one that holds a special place in the hearts of its community. Cashel Palace

had long been known as the place for celebrations, birthdays and anniversaries, as well as an overnight stop on the drive between Dublin and Cork, before it closed its doors in 2014.

Being positioned on the main street in the small town of Cashel in County Tipperary, the hotel’s journey – from closure to renovation to reopening – was carefully and curiously watched by residents and visitors alike. Expectations were high, but General Manager Adriaan Bartels is confident that the newly opened property will have a positive impact on the town. “By connecting with, purchasing from, hiring and welcoming local residents, we’re bringing a rebirth to Cashel,” he explains, adding that the aim, at heart, is simple.

“We want to maintain a sense of Irish hospitality by offering a warm welcome in comfortable surroundings, served by friendly yet professional staff.”

Arriving just two weeks after the hotel’s launch, there is a buzz in the air. It’s full of people who have popped in from town or driven over from other parts of Ireland to get a first look at the transformation. The smiling staff seem genuinely excited to be welcoming guests, adding their own energy to the ebullient atmosphere.

Interior designer Emma Pearson confirms that the hotel’s

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Original features remain intact in The Drawing Room, where equestrian-themed artworks nod to the Magnier Family’s stud farm

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owners, the Magnier Family – who also own the

known for Parliament House in Dublin, which

nearby Coolmore Stud, considered the world’s

later became home to the Bank of Ireland.

largest and most successful thoroughbred

Featuring Pearce’s signature Palladian style,

racehorse breeding operations – had a very clear

with an imposing brick façade to the front and

vision for the property. “Mrs Magnier wanted

limestone to the rear, it was originally built

the hotel to be very much like an Irish country

as the home of Theophilus Bolton, Archbishop

house,” says Pearson, the two collaborating

of the Church of Ireland. The church sold the

closely on the project. “She wanted it to have a

building in 1959, and in May 1962 the first

special, more personal feeling for guests.”

iteration of the hotel opened, hosting Richard

Stepping into the entrance hall, there’s a

Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Ronald Reagan and

sense of being welcomed into somewhere that

key figures from the horse-racing community

feels more than a hotel. Perhaps it’s the natural,

over the years. It closed in 2014, and eight years

easygoing friendliness of the staff. Perhaps it’s

later has been reborn as a member of Relais &

the fact that the reception is in a cosy wood-

Chateaux, complete with a new Garden Wing,

panelled room off to the side, making guests

meeting facilities and a spa.

feel as if they are arriving at their destination

Reddy Architecture + Urbanism provided

rather than merely checking-in. Or maybe

architectural services for the masterplan

it’s the excitement that comes with the hotel

and design of the new buildings, as well as

already being full of visitors who are clearly

the integration into the existing historical

enjoying its new look. Whatever it is, it feels

elements. Director Mark Kennedy of the firm’s

pretty close to Mrs Magnier’s vision.

Kilkenny office describes the issues faced

Cashel Palace was designed and built in 1732

working with such an iconic landmark. “The

by Irish architect Sir Edward Lovett Pearce, best

two greatest challenges of transforming Cashel

The Residents’ Bar – a favourite space of interior designer Emma Pearson – features a handsome timber counter and back-bar surrounded by works of art

Palace were interlinked – the resolution of the

sensitive interior restoration, was conscious

levels between the existing structures and the

that changes were in keeping with, rather than

gardens, and the provision of universal access

dominating, the existing structure. “We needed

through the building. The architectural form

to respect the history and cultural significance

needed to be sympathetic in terms of scale

that the palace has in Ireland,” he confirms.

and style to the existing structures, without

“We didn’t want to destroy or do any harm to

becoming a pastiche interpretation or too

the building at all.”

outwardly contemporary.”

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A number of original features remain

Materials used – stone, brick, lime render,

intact, including the Corinthian columns and

glass and lead – reflect those present in the

wood panelling in the entrance hall, and the

existing palace and have been incorporated

main staircase of red pine with hand-turned

with a restrained approach and simple

banisters. The latter are currently covered in

detailing. New limestone was sourced locally

a striking carpet featuring herringbone and

to match the colour of the existing material.

stripes based on a fragment that Pearson

Corresponding to the palace’s front elevation,

found at an antique fair, fell in love with, and

brick was introduced for the new spa, but this

subsequently had made.

time in a textured, water-struck version from

Down in the basement, home to the cosy

Germany, with a colour sympathetic to the

Guinness Bar and Bishop’s Buttery restaurant,

building’s rear limestone exterior. Windows,

the original stone floors are still in place.

doors and wooden interiors were all crafted by

During the redevelopment, every flagstone was

local joinery specialists too.

lifted and numbered, a damp-proof membrane

Jonathan Dinnewell, Director of Smallwood

and underfloor heating added, and the stones

Architects and part of the team involved in the

replaced in their original positions. The vaulted

bespoke hotel bedroom furniture

Hilton Hotel, Glasgow

Made in the UK | since 1997 info@curtisfurniture.co.uk | 0113 248 0605 | www.curtisfurniture.co.uk

Curtis Furniture SPACE Nov_Dec.indd 1

21/10/2021 11:10

ceilings of Bishop’s Buttery have been enhanced

that’s at once imposing and cosy with deep

with thoughtful lighting and mirrored walls that

sofas, a large fireplace and a twinkling crystal

reflect back into the space. Magnetised tabletop

chandelier, equestrian-themed paintings are

lamps provide just the right amount of low-level

complemented by a dramatic portrait above an

illumination for dining, while pagoda lights are

antique console. Mrs St George by Irish painter

inspired by an antique discovered by Pearson,

William Orpen surveys the scene with poise and

with added chains at the end of which hang tiny

a touch of insouciance.

mitres in a nod to the traditional headgear worn by bishops.

With guestrooms in both the original

eclectic mix. The equestrian theme continues,

palace and new Garden Wing, Pearson had

but there are also several sketches and a street

an opportunity to create different interior

scene by LS Lowry. The bar is a favourite space

styles that would suit the various architectural

for Pearson, who recounts a tale of a guest

narratives. While some may feel unexpectedly

bursting into song and everyone joining in.

minimalist in design, this was intentional,

“That’s what we want, to make it feel homely,”

ensuring a timeless look and feel where quality

she notes.

of fixtures, fittings and fabrics replaces anything trendy or gimmicky.

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Next door in the Residents’ Bar, reserved for hotel guests only, the art takes on a more

And homely it is. With just 42 rooms and suites, there’s a sense of intimacy throughout

One design element that’s impossible to

the hotel, but also a feeling of grandeur befitting

miss throughout the property is the art, a

a place with such history. If its first two weeks

mix of originals and replicas of pieces that

of operations are anything to go by, Cashel

exist in the Magnier’s family collection. In

Palace is set to reign as a much-loved Irish

the Drawing Room, a high-ceilinged space

landmark for many years to come.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: The Magnier Family Architecture: Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, Smallwood Architects Interior Design: Emma Pearson Lighting Design: Hugo Lighting Landscaping: Tommaso Del Buono Main Contractor: Mulcahy Construction Project Manager: KSN Management www.cashelpalacehotel.ie

Photography: KlunderBie

Birdy lamp

by Isidro Ferrer

Handmade Wood Lighting Since 1994

Wood

touched by

Light

www.lzf-lamps.com

hello@lzf-lamps.com

Room2 CHISWICK From responsible FF&E to clean energy, Lamington Group’s West London retreat is a blueprint for sustainable hospitality.

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Andrei Botnari

R

esearch by Booking.com shows that

“Reducing carbon is something that we can

travellers are more conscious than ever

agree on globally,” says Godwin as we sit down

about their environmental impact, with

to discuss the West London site’s sustainable

70% of those surveyed last year saying they were

strategy. “At Room2 Chiswick, this means not

more likely to choose a hotel that implements

only measuring our emissions and offsetting

sustainable practices.

them, but assessing every element of carbon

Removing single-use plastics and cutting down on food waste is no longer enough, with

produced. Any unavoidable emissions are then offset through verified removal processes.”

every aspect of a hotel’s life cycle – from its

Such stringency has seen the hotel become one

construction to its interior design and day-to-

of the first in the world to account for its entire

day operations – now under the microscope.

carbon footprint, with the siblings choosing

For Room2, a hometel brand launched by

suppliers – whether that be local craftspeople,

Lamington Group in 2015, the need to create

manufacturers with science-based targets or

greener accommodation was essential from the

those with a roadmap to net zero – that are

get-go, with brothers Robert and Stuart Godwin

on a similar journey as them or align with the

setting out plans to develop a design-led

environmental values of the brand. “The next

portfolio that leaves little trace on the planet.

step will be working with artisans and suppliers

Following openings in Southampton and

to improve their practices,” Godwin continues,

Hammersmith, the pair earmarked a former

adding that given indirect emissions make up

wallpaper factory in Chiswick as the location

around 90% of the brand’s carbon footprint,

for their third development, and soon the eco-

the new Chiswick hotel will become something

conscious ethos evolved into a net zero approach

of a blueprint for the 5,000 keys it hopes to

that informs the project from top to bottom.

introduce to the UK by 2030.

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“Going forward, we will only build whole life net zero hotels and are focused on reducing the embodied carbon footprint of our portfolio.”

ROBERT GODWIN

ARTISINAL APPROACH

Before entering one of the 86 rooms, guests are greeted

To reduce its carbon footprint whilst giving back to the local

with handmade mosaic signs manufactured by local designer

economy, Room2 sourced much of its FF&E from within a

Janita O’Toole, who, like many others involved in the hotel,

ten-mile radius of the hotel, working with interior design

started her business as a lockdown project. Once inside,

studio House of Dre and procurement agency Dodds & Shute

artisanal touches are aplenty, from geometric artworks by

to find artisans in and around the area.

Chiswick resident Roberta Fox – which pair well with the

“Our hotels are inspired by their locality, with each

bold palette of the brand – to striped headboards, comfy

property built to be different, like a home,” says Diana

banquettes and quirky bed throws by Slow Down Studio.

Darmina, Interior Design Manager at Room2. “In Chiswick,

The ethos continues into the bathrooms, where Letts’

we drew from the neighbourhood’s Arts & Crafts movement,

mirrors and tiles by Granby Workshop are coupled with

which resisted mass production. Our modern interpretation

hand-sketched wallpaper by Petronella Hall that depict

of the movement stretches from wallpapers, artwork and

dancing human bodies. Rounding off the accommodations

tiles to the hand-knotted lights, wayfinding and even the

are homely touches like dried flowers, Roberts radios and

room numbers. Every element has a story to tell.”

bits-and-bobs boxes.

Starting in the lobby, a tabled seating area described by Room2 as the “jungle booth” is illuminated by a single

MINDFUL MATERIALS

bulb beneath a hammered brass shade, while a colourful

Together with a localised design approach, Room2 also

handcrafted mirror from Alfred Newall’s Bobbin collection

introduced materials that were more sensitive on the

puts a contemporary twist on historic lineage. The open-

planet, according to Darmina: “Dodds & Shute made it their

plan space is also home to waste-conscious restaurant Boca

mission to deliver responsibly-sourced FF&E,” she explains.

– more on that later – where bespoke furniture by British

“The process involved carrying out in-depth audits of the

manufacturer Fabrili in nearby Hounslow joins hanging

supply chain, reducing the hotel’s footprint first before then

pendant lights from Bermondsey-based consultant Foundry

offsetting unavoidable emissions.”

and a blue communal table by Granby Workshop, who have

In a nod to William Morris’ Red House in Kentish Town

left the edges of its ceramic tiles exposed to show the depth

of Bexleyheath, the glass entrance foyer contains reclaimed

of the veining that runs within them.

terracotta floors and shelving from a nearby metal works,

Moving through the ground floor and into the marble

which is dotted with an abundance of locally sourced plants

covered lifts, Dali-esque mirrors – a particular design

inspired by the greenhouses of London’s Kew Gardens. To

highlight for Darmina and the team – crafted by South East

the left on arrival are stacked concrete slabs that divide the

London artist Kieran Letts using a steam bending process and

ground floor spaces, while overhead, raindrop-like pendants

UK timber add whimsical character to a typically functional

made from recycled glass bring warmth to the industrial

area, while custom-made wallpaper from Maiden Marbling

ceiling and exposed pipework.

has been printed by Vescom, whose factories all run on renewable energy.

“The concrete blocks bring an unfussy informality that is key to the Room2 brand,” say House of Dre. “It’s about

125

“Our hotels are inspired by their locality, with each property built to be different, like a home.”

DIANA DARMINA

bringing a realness to a commercial space that

bathroom amenities from vegan brand Doers

is akin to a domestic environment.”

of London. Even in the hotel’s laundry room,

From here, FSC-certified woods feature

washing powder is provided in bulk to eliminate

heavily in the lobby, including reclaimed timber

the need for residents to bring their own, while

floors, a long walnut-coloured desk that looks

in the gym, PVC yoga mats are replaced with

out onto the street through the hotel’s Critall

cork alternatives.

windows, and Scandinavian-style dining chairs constructed without glue – meaning they can

ORGANIC OPERATIONS

be dismantled and reassembled for future

While its environmental impact has been

use. Much of the marble used throughout is

reduced through design and materials, the

reclaimed too, from the Arabescato dining

work that Room2 is doing behind the scenes is

tables to a black bar topped with dainty lamps

what has seen a number of major players come

and fronted by antique elm, which honours the

knocking for advice.

ancient Japanese yakisugi technique through its approach,

development has, and will, rebalance both its

guestroom corridors are lined with sustainable

embodied and operational carbon throughout

carpets by Ege – crafted from recycled fishnets

the hometel’s entire lifecycle, meaning all

recovered from the ocean – while bed throws

emissions – from its original construction and

comprise 80% recyclable cotton, and thoughtful

interior materials to its ongoing maintenance,

touches include a reusable market bag for

future refurbishments and the eventual

extended stay guests, wooden Do Not Disturb

clearance of the site – will equal zero.

Continuing

A black bar in the lobby is lined with dainty lamps and fronted by antique elm, which honours the Japanese yakisugi technique through its charred style and tactility

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Using 89% less energy per square-metre than a typical UK hotel, the brand’s Chiswick

charred style and tactility. the

conscious

signs and refillable dispensers containing

“First, we measured our carbon footprint

JUNG_AZ_KNX_Hotel_236x275mm_EN_Paths.indd 1

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On the ground floor, a communal table is topped with blue ceramic tiles by Granby Workshop, who left the edges partially exposed to highlight the depth of their veining

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to understand it and identify target areas that

have also been installed to convert all the energy

could be improved straight away or over time,”

needed for heating, cooling and hot water. 36%

says Melisa Gooding, Sustainability Officer at

more efficient than traditional systems, the

Room2. “A company’s footprint is split into

pumps work in two ways: in warmer weather,

direct and indirect emissions – or Scope 1, 2

the ground acts as a heat sink by taking excess

and 3. While we may have less control over

heat from the building, while in colder weather

Scope 3 [all sources not within an organisation’s

this is reversed, with the ground absorbing the

supervision] we remain committed to assessing

cool and becoming a heat source for the hotel.

and reducing them. This is where choosing the

Meanwhile on the roof, solar panels feed

right partners and suppliers, as well as working

into the renewable energy plan, while a ‘blue’

with them from the start, comes in.”

element reduces localised flooding by slowly

Despite the challenges presented by the

discharging up to 50,000 litres of rainwater,

supply chain, Room2 did everything in its own

and a ‘green’ element features 200 tonnes of

power to ensure the hotel was as green and

soil and wildflowers that promote biodiversity

efficient as possible. Occupancy sensors detect

and absorb CO2, along with bug hotels and

movement in the guestrooms and corridors so

beehives that will eventually provide honey to

that lighting and heating automatically switches

flavour dishes at Boca and be sold as part of the

off when they are not inhabited, while ultra-

hotel’s retail offer.

low-flow pressure showers use less water

The same circular approach is taken to waste,

thanks to their aerated fixtures, and a low-

with Room2 fastidious about sending zero to

heat hot water system is expected to reduce

landfill. In the guestrooms, specially made

energy consumption by 9%. Ground source heat

three-in-one bins – adorned with handy icons

pumps, tunnelling some 200m below London,

to indicate which wrappers go where – separate

C R E ATE TH E PERFECT BLACKOU T F O R Y O UR HOTEL RO OM

The new FMS ® Dual is a unique motorised two channel curtain track system to prevent light from entering the room.

THE WORLD BEHIND YOUR CURTAINS

FOR_adv_FMSDual_236x275sleeper_140422_V2.indd 1

www.forestgroup.com

15-04-2022 13:54

As part of its net zero operations, Room2 Chiswick houses a lab in the basement for gathering real-time information on energy consumption, water usage and air quality, while rooms feature three-in-one bins that separate food waste from packaging, meaning it can be turned into energy

mixed packaging from food so it can be turned into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion, while Boca’s menu has been adapted to eliminate the need for fryers or extractor fans. Potato peelings are also made into vodka, and other waste is recycled or available on surplus food app Too Good to Go. “One of the biggest challenges when it comes to operating a net zero hotel is identifying where most of the carbon emissions are generated,” says Gooding, who adds that using advanced technology means that maintenance teams need to learn new systems.

Much of the learning takes place in the basement as well as two guestrooms that operate as labs, providing real-time granular information on energy consumption, water usage and air quality. Data from the lab is then used to monitor how sustainability interventions are welcomed, including signage on reducing energy via recipe cards or encouraging them to turn off in-room plug sockets.

A groundbreaking hotel that packs a design punch, Room2 Chiswick has set a new standard for sustainable hospitality – it’s more than just bamboo straws here. “Going forward, we will only build whole life net zero hotels,” Godwin concludes, adding that the group is hoping to introduce 5,000 new keys to the UK by 2030.

“In doing so, we will be focused on reducing the embodied carbon footprint of our portfolio.”

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B AY M A S T E R M 1 F I B E R - F L E X

TUUCI.COM

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DESIGN DETAILS

© MGallery

ARCHITECTURE

DongFengYun Mi’Le Constructing a new hotel without a single steel bar or nail is no mean feat, but it’s exactly what Chinese sculptor Luo Xu did at Accor’s DongFengYun Mi’Le in Yunnan Province, opting to use traditional red brick architecture in place of more contemporary building methods. Forming part of DongFengYun Art Village – a cultural complex featuring museums, galleries and workshops – the MGallery property is set amidst a series of Surrealist buildings that rise out of the landscape in wondrous dome-like forms. The hotel itself is set around an internal courtyard and reflection pool, where locally fired bricks are used to create curving façades with neatly symmetrical arches, wrapped around towering furnaces that pay homage to the region’s pottery traditions. These deeply-rooted elements were embraced by Hong Kong’s Cheng Chung Design, who drew inspiration from the site’s cultural context for the interiors, envisioning spaces that harmonise with the destination. “The building carries the traces of time, quietly lying on the red soil with magnificent posture,” say the studio. “Every detail retains a sense of local craftsmanship and tells its own story.”

DESIGN DETAILS

LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES

The Madrid Edition Late Mexican architect Luis Barragán was a master

Champsaur’s artistic approach – it’s the tunnel-like

of light and colour, using an interplay of the

passage that captures the attention, casting a vibrant

natural and the artificial to design his buildings

glow over the white walls and oak parquet flooring

and interiors. And it’s this idea that has inspired

through the clever use of hot pink lighting. “One of

the arrival experience at The Madrid Edition,

the interesting things about a collaborative project

where British architect John Pawson and French

like The Madrid Edition is the fresh perspectives

designer François Champsaur have dreamt up an

it gives you on your own work,” Pawson explains.

arched hallway that would be worthy of Barragán’s

“We set the spaces – the proportions, surfaces,

approval. Though the lobby bar beyond is distinctly

junctions and choreography – and then step back

Edition with a minimal aesthetic – highlighting

and observe the transformational impact of light,

the fusion between Pawson’s refined elegance and

furniture and art.” © Nikolas Koenig

Setting the Standard in Specialist Joinery & Interior Fit-Out Since 1897

w w w. e e s m i t h . c o . u k 2 5 M o r r i s R d , L e i c e s t e r, L E 2 6 A L // 0116 2 7 0 6 94 6

“It’s about challenging people to act in new ways, and to make a transformation into the future, where love and community comes first.”

23rd August 2022 Villa Copenhagen – Denmark

Time for change

Bringing people together

Let´s get straight to the point. We need to aim higher to reach the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Lobby’s aim is to wake up the hotel industry. To open its eyes to the threats and opportunities presented by the climate emergency and create a room for change. A room where people can meet, share, and exchange thoughts and ideas to build a greener industry.

We created The Lobby to bring people together across industries for developing long-term relationships in the hotel business. We like to think this is the reason The Lobby is now considered the most important hotel event in the Nordic countries.

A green future

Stay in touch with regular updates on our website and social media channels to see how to join and what we’re doing.

This year’s Lobby will focus on sustainability and the challenges the hotel industry faces.

The industry needs to come together and commit itself to making better choices to minimise its social and environmental impact.

To create real change, we need to mean it and create a difference in everything we do. Not because the sales figures tell us, but because we want to create a better and more humane world.

At The Lobby, we host a platform to enable motivation, inspiration and new angles on sustainable ideas that can be implemented within the industry.

Tune in to hear top speakers talking from the heart, bringing new perspectives and a focus to help you make changes for the better.

000

The Lobby will take place on 23rd August 2022 in Copenhagen.

Meet new friends and be inspired to make the right decisions.

Book your ticket and get more info at www.thelobbycph.com

MEDIA PARTNER

SPONSORS

Washrooms for Bars Restaurants Retreats Airports Studios Workspaces Hotels Train Stations Universities Schools Hospitals Offices Museums Galleries Theatres Cafés Ideal Standard Hygiene Redefined LE ARN MORE idealspec.co.uk

Developing Diriyah Honouring Saudi Arabia’s past while looking to the future, Diriyah Gate is set to become a new hotspot for luxury hospitality.

S

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Courtesy of Diriyah Gate Development Authority

audi Arabia’s construction pipeline

prospect and one of the main focuses at the Future

is moving at a record-breaking pace.

Hospitality Summit in May, where investors,

At the time of writing, data from

owners, developers and operators will gather to

Tophotelprojects shows that 138

discuss investment, sustainability and innovation.

developments totalling 54,034 rooms

The hottest topic in question will be Saudi’s

are in progress across the Kingdom as

so-called giga-projects, which form a sizeable

it looks to redefine its global image and diversify the

chunk of the US$7 trillion set to be invested by its

economy away from oil.

government as part of Vision 2030. In issue 96 of

From the city to the coast, the outlook for

Sleeper, we reported on the launch of five major

the country’s hospitality sector is an exciting

ventures – The Red Sea Project, Neom, Qiddiya,

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Paying homage to the local vernacular, low-rise buildings will encompass rooftop terraces, decorated doors and large coutryards

“Our masterplan for Diriyah diversifies the destination with new revenue streams and sectors, opening Saudi Arabia up to global tourism whilst representing home for natives.”

JERRY INZERILLO

Amaala and AlUla – that feed into this strategic

employment environment, comprising various

destination with new revenue streams and

framework, each of which places great emphasis

professional backgrounds including over 80%

sectors, opening Saudi Arabia up to global

on sustainability and preserving the existing

of workers being Saudi, with a focus on talent

tourism whilst representing home for natives.”

environment.

drawn from Diriyah itself as well as across the

Since then, construction has gathered

wider country. Additionally, in its Vision 2030,

THE BRANDS

momentum and new additions have been

Saudi Arabia set out a pledge to increase female

On the hotel front, the development’s 38 brands

announced across the country, including

employment in the workforce from an average

– 15 of which have been revealed so far – will be

Diriyah Gate – the transformation of an ancient

of 22% to 30%. DGDA is a committed supporter

across two of DGDA’s four masterplans, namely

city located just northwest of Riyadh. Centred

of this transformative economic and social

Diriyah Gate and Wadi Safar. Marriott is kicking

around UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif,

reform and is proactively leading the charge on

things off in 2022 with a 141-key hotel from

the original home of the Saudi Arabian royal

this with 33% of our employees being female.”

The Luxury Collection, while other confirmed

family and the country’s first Saudi State,

Instilling a sense of Saudi Arabian pride is

brands include Four Seasons with a 150-key

Diriyah is regarded as one of the most historic

central to DGDA’s plans, which involve adding

hotel designed by Aedas and Elastic; Rosewood

regions in the Kingdom and its evolution will

new assets every year from 2022 until the

with a 250-key resort launching in 2025; and

therefore be sensitive, paying homage to over

development’s completion in 2026. The first

Armani with a 70-key property managed by

300 years of heritage throughout its hospitality

of those is Bujairi Terrace, a 15,000m2 dining

Emaar Hospitality Group.

venues, cultural experiences and retail outlets.

destination opening later this year with outposts

While many details remain under wraps at

from four Michelin-starred restaurants – Bruno,

present, plenty more luxury operators will be

THE VISION

Tatel, Hakkasan and Long Chim – and other

adding to the mix before 2026, from Campbell

Designed as one of the Middle East’s most

F&B brands serving a mixture of international

Gray, The Address and The Ritz-Carlton to

walkable cities, the SAR64 billion development

flavours and Middle Eastern cuisine. In keeping

Baccarat, Capella, Raffles and Park Hyatt, with

forms part of Saudi Arabia’s goal to reach 100

with the ambition to empower women, culinary

each asked to reinterpret artistic and cultural

million tourists by 2030, with Diriyah hoping to

entrepreneur Deem Albassam is set to introduce

traditions through a contemporary lens.

attract more than a quarter – 27 million to be

three of her brands upon completion, while

This brief will be particularly important to

exact – of these local and international visitors.

casual dining scene maverick Natasha Sideris

the west of the development at Wadi Safar,

According to Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of

will bring her African-inspired Flamingo Room

once a meeting spot for traders and travellers

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA),

by Tashas, and chef Roaya Saleh has plans to

from Asia, Africa and Europe. Currently home

the giga-project will add SAR27 billion to

combine organically sourced, seasonal and local

to a series of large farms, the 65km2 area is

the Kingdom’s GDP while giving back to the

ingredients for dishes at Villa Mamas.

to welcome hotels from Oberoi and Six Senses,

community through 55,000 jobs for natives.

“We are ensuring that Diriyah’s cultural

“Our project intersects with the three key

landmarks are complemented by leading

pillars of Vision 2030: Vibrant Society, Thriving

hospitality brands, fine dining experiences

When selecting the appropriate fits for the

Economy and an Ambitious Nation,” he says.

and world-class retail offerings,” Inzerillo

destination, the developers evaluated each

“The development will also offer a diverse

continues. “Our masterplan diversifies the

hospitality asset through a masterplan-wide

with low-density wellness facilities top of the agenda for attracting weekend customers.

141

“The design vision pays homage to the traditional Najdi style, celebrating the beauty of the local aesthetic.”

ROLAND WONG

Set for completion in 2024, Diriyah Square will serve as a gathering place for hotel guests and residents, offering culture and entertainment venues together with a mix of global retail brands and artisan souks

142

framework of criteria, taking into consideration

partner brands share the same vision,” he

its location, inventory and experience, together

confirms. “We ask them to provide guests with

with the desired positioning and target audience.

attention to detail, a luxury level of service and

“One of the key aspects we kept in mind was the fact that most guests will be experiencing

a product that honours this historic setting.”

hospitality in Diriyah for the first time, so we

THE DESIGN

want that experience to be a memorable one,”

This authentic ethos will feed into the design

says Imran Changezi, Director of Business

of the development, with every structure

Development for Hospitality at DGDA. “Other

acting as an interpretation of traditional Najdi

significant considerations include overall

architecture – a style featuring low-rise,

brand equity, uniqueness, alignment with our

compact and organic buildings with rooftop

organisational mandate, and mutual respect for

terraces, decorated doors and large courtyards

the traditionality and history of the region.”

– with the key principles of New Urbanism.

DGDA hasn’t been afraid to select brands new

Working with architects Ayer Saint Gross

to the Middle East either, with LXR Hotels &

and Tropman & Tropman, DGDA has developed

Resorts, Orient Express and Fauchon all set to

multiple typologies of Najdi mudbrick

make their debuts in the region over the next

architecture to ensure it delivers buildings

four years – the latter bringing Parisian art de

that are up to modern construction standards

vivre and French gastronomy to the desert in

while mirroring the look and feel of the region

partnership with Yakoon Hospitality.

from centuries gone by. To this end, the unique

Changezi adds that given Diriyah Gate

materials and colours of At-Turaif will be

is looking to deliver authenticity across all

emulated across the site, with design playing a

its districts, every hotel will align with the

crucial role in honouring Arabic tradition.

aesthetics and landscape of Saudi Arabia. “Our

“The design vision pays homage to the

acquabella.com/en

144

traditional Najdi style, celebrating the beauty

Arabian hospitality – typical of Najdi times. He

of the local aesthetic,” explains Roland Wong,

adds: “The design elements of the hotels and

Chief Design Officer for DGDA. “The layout,

branded residences will enrich the district and

building form and materials therefore respect

form an inspirational destination, not only for

and reflect the adjacent heritage site.”

guests but residents of Riyadh.”

For Armani Hotel Diriyah, this involves

With construction under way on several giga-

incorporating architectural lines that enhance

projects across the Kingdom, the challenge

the region’s precious materials, creating a

now for DGDA is to release tenders as early as

subtle interplay of volumes, light and shadow

possible to ensure it secures contractors in an

that Giorgio Armani himself says will generate

increasingly active market: “We are focused on

“a dialogue between the past and present”.

attracting and retaining the best talent from

In addition to its sensitive architecture and

across the globe,” says Chief Development

design, the Armani property will house several

Officer Mohamed Saad. “While we are happy

suites with their own spa and swimming pools,

that Saudi Arabia is now a favoured destination,

as well as 18 exclusive self-contained branded

it also makes the market more competitive, with

residences featuring furniture by the brand.

other giga-projects looking to gain traction.”

Wong confirms that this level of opulence

Despite the competition, developers are

is something that all operators are expected

confident there is an appetite for this type of

to introduce at Diriyah, given that many of

project, pointing to the city’s projected growth

the clientele will be VIP and VVIP: “The hotels

and the anticipated demand from both national

must evoke ultra-luxury, from a tailored arrival

and international tourism. It will certainly be

experience to public areas, restaurants and

interesting to follow the project’s progress in

accommodations designed to facilitate Saudi

the plans being realised.

CONFIRMED PROJECTS Address Hotels & Resorts – 200 keys Armani Hotels & Resorts – 70 keys Baccarat Hotels & Resorts – 200 keys Campbell Gray Hotels & Resorts – 200 keys Fauchon Hospitality – 80 keys Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts – 150 keys LXR Hotels & Resorts – 80 keys Oberoi Hotels & Resorts – TBC keys Orient Express – TBC keys Raffles Hotels & Resorts – TBC keys Park Hyatt – 150 keys The Ritz-Carlton – 195 keys Rosewood Hotels & Resorts – 250 keys Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas – TBC keys The Luxury Collection – 141 keys

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Hotel Construction Pipeline Americas As one of the most active hotel development markets in the world – second only to China – the USA dominates the construction pipeline in the Americas; in total, Tophotelprojects counts 403,604 rooms across 1,995 projects in its database, of which around 70% are in North America.

The cities of New York, Los Angeles and Miami top the chart in terms of the number of rooms in the pipeline, while Nashville and San Francisco are proving increasingly popular amongst developers and operators. Recent announcements include Hilton’s dual-branded Canopy and Homewood Suites in Downtown Nashville, and a 180-key Rosewood in San Francisco designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and Joyce Wang Studio. Elsewhere, construction at one of the region’s largest projects – the 3,700-key Fontainebleau Las Vegas – is once again under way, with the long-delayed resort set to bring new conferencing, gaming and entertainment facilities to the Strip when it opens in 2023.

Development in Mexico is continuing at pace too, with the nation counting 122 projects in the pipeline, and in Canada, ventures from Andaz, Canopy and W see Toronto become the only city outside the USA to make the top 10. In all, over 1,000 hotels are expected to open across the region before the end of 2023.

TOP CITIES NEW YORK Projects 53 Rooms 12,653

SAN FRANCISCO Projects 27 Rooms 5,388

LOS ANGELES Projects 50 Rooms 10,113

ATLANTA Projects 25 Rooms 5,305

MIAMI Projects 34 Rooms 7,116

AUSTIN Projects 24 Rooms 4,520

DENVER Projects 18 Rooms 3,464

NASHVILLE Projects 34 Rooms 6,641

CHICAGO Projects 18 Rooms 4,562

TORONTO Projects 17 Rooms 3,613

TOP COUNTRIES

Projects Rooms

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

148

Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

USA 1,455 277,176

MEXICO 122 25,555

CANADA 72 12,761

BRAZIL 54 12,107

ARGENTINA 35 4,043

6

7

8

9

10

COLOMBIA 35 5,841

DOM REP 25 19,366

CHILE 22 3,389

PERU 19 3,085

CUBA 16 4,318

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 403,604 rooms in the pipeline across the Americas, 38% (756 projects) are in advanced stages of planning and a further 34% (673 projects) are currently under construction, with interior design schemes and FF&E fit-outs being planned and implemented.

VISION

PRE-PLANNING

PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

PRE-OPENING

Projects 83 Rooms 25,533

Projects 329 Rooms 61,548

Projects 756 Rooms 146,601

Projects 673 Rooms 144,251

Projects 154 Rooms 25,671

GROUPS AND BRANDS Of the major operators, Marriott International has the largest pipeline in the Americas, led by the AC, Faifield Inn and Aloft brands as well as the long-stay Towne Place Suites. For Hilton Worldwide, there’s notable growth from Tapestry Collection, in which each hotel has its own unique style.

339 294 120 86 52

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hampton by Hilton

54

6,528

Home2 Suites by Hilton

48

5,977

Hyatt Place

45

6,095

AC Hotels

34

5,487

Hilton Garden Inn

34

5,011

Cambria Hotels

34

4,576

Fairfield Inn & Suites

33

3,744

Tapestry Collection

31

4,541

Towne Place Suites

29

3,147

Aloft Hotels

29

4,552

YEAR OF OPENING

2022 (26%)

2023 (28%)

2024 (11%)

2025 (4%)

UNCONFIRMED (31%)

149

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BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

From net zero to net positive

very proud of what our industry and tourism at

said he would be happy to forfeit the pipeline to

large contributes to so many underprivileged

meet the group’s commitments.

Further impetus to get hotels to take a greener

populations.”

Bazin called for a change of mindset. “For

approach to business has come in the form of

Dirk Bakker, head of EMEA hotels at Colliers,

the last 15 years, all of us have been wrongly

a new approach launched by the Sustainable

said the entire sector has an obligation to show

thinking about how could we compensate

Hospitality Alliance. The Pathway to Net Positive

guests how they are taking the lead. “The

what we do, and we have to go completely the

Hospitality will enable owners, operators and

whole hotel industry has a way of confronting

opposite, from compensation to contribution -

brands to start working towards a common

consumers to educate them. People who stay

could we therefore contribute positively to what

goal, which SHA chairman Wolfgang Neumann

in your hotels are confronted with your actions

we do, as opposed to compensating.”

says is imperative for the sector.

and with your educated staff. It’s all about

“If only people accept changing that line and

mentality - if we don’t live ESG and don’t drive

mindset, then you gladly accept that you’re

it, it won’t happen.”

going to open 250 hotels; you make sure those

Speaking at an ITB Berlin session with senior hotel leaders, Neumann declared: “It’s time for

250 are contributing much more than the 100

us to look beyond having zero impact – we must

Nakul Anand, executive director at Indian

recognise the immense potential we have to

hotel group ITC, said his hotels are already

make a lasting positive impact on our world. Let

well advanced in taking steps to green existing

Bazin said he had seen a noticeable shift

us not get entrenched in the art of the possible.”

operations. “All our 20 properties that we own

in mindset in the Middle East over the last

hotels you would not have opened.”

The pathway breaks down actions into four

are LEED platinum satisfied. We have three

four years, where there is now a focus on

stages: starting, advancing, accelerating and

LEED zero carbon certified and we hope to get

sustainability.

leading. The March 2022 publication sees

another eight or nine by the end of the year.”

HA PERSPECTIVE

coverage of the first two stages, allowing any

But the challenge remains with hotels that

hospitality business to make a start on its

the group operates, but does not own. “It’s a

By Andrew Sangster: The challenge for the ESG

journey. SHA members are still working on the

difficult job to get through to the owners, so far

‘movement’ is in getting away from platitudes

later stages of the pathway, aiming to publish

it’s only owned properties. The owners hate to

to meaningful action. Activist-based initiatives

those in a release later in 2022.

be sold to, but they love to buy. But many of the

are inevitably platitudinous; and cynical, lazy or

owners are now coming back to us, and asking

complacent businesses and their executives find it

how they can get certified.”

easy to spout platitudes in the hope of avoiding closer

Panellists discussed what they have already achieved, the challenges of methodologies, and ways for the sector to reconsider what is

Operations, too have seen major changes:

scrutiny on their actions.

“55% of our power is from renewable resources,

A decade or so ago I used to play tennis with a

Measurement is a key issue for all those

we recycle 99% of our waste, we successfully

director at a major financial PR outfit. Corporate

involved. Accor CEO Sebastien Bazin commented:

mitigated single-use of plastic from all our

Social Responsibility was the then acronym du jour.

“In order to be successful, there’s only one word

operations in all our owned hotels, and have

He got an office junior to write the CSR blurb in the

- methodology.” He noted the differing impact

reduced dependency on water. We’ve achieved

annual reports of his clients as no-one that mattered

of geography, brand and market position: “The

our 2030 targets - it is possible.”

read it. But change is coming thanks to meaningful

responsible development in tourism.

carbon emissions of a Pullman in Paris have

Bazin said that as Accor signs more hotels, the

measurement metrics that lead to corporate

nothing to do with an Ibis in Sri Lanka. It’s

trickier it will be to adhere to green principles.

accountability. The role of bodies like the Sustainable

granular, it’s a methodology, but start with your

“I have no doubt in my mind that some of the

Hospitality Alliance is less about saving the world

employees.”

hotels we had in mind prior to Glasgow are no

directly but more about setting standards that are

Bazin said one major contribution of the

longer the same ones being opened. It’s very

capable of being implemented commercially.

hotel industry is its ability to deliver jobs to

likely that in some resort destinations, where

This is not exciting work, and it is tempting to

developing economies. “The one thing we,

there’s a fear of not having enough water, that

listen to all the passionate pleas about saving the

Accor, should continue doing, is take people

you simply should not be continuing with a

world for the next generation instead. But the real

away from poverty. More than half of the

hotel; it is the wrong location, it’s going to be

change is going to come by crunching through Excel

people we hire never had a job. We should be

to the detriment of the local community.” He

spreadsheets to establish a systematic method of

151

measuring ESG goals. The measurements go way

to make the rules, not corporate executives.

Fund took a 13% stake in the business, as

beyond the hotel industry (although it is important

Friedman emphasised that corporate executives are

additional shareholders also committed to a

that hospitality makes its voice heard and is not

the employees of the owners of the business. These

fundraise. The resulting EUR70m injection, plus

disadvantaged relative to other industries). And

owners, notably institutional funds, are requiring

a EUR33m loan from OakNorth Bank, put the

thus, SHA’s work is about influencing these broader

higher ESG standards thanks to political pressure.

business in a position to carry on with planned

cross-industry standards regimes.

To maximise profits, change in ESG practices are

developments, which should see Staycity at

US-based body IFRS (which incorporates the

increasingly needed. It is not a case of doing good,

more than 5,000 keys in the coming months.

International Accounting Standards Board) is a

but instead about ensuring you can continue to make

key place where global metrics are going to be

money. This, not platitudes, will drive change.

hit 21.2% in the next three years, according

established. The accounting standards are now required across 140-plus countries; its initiative around ESG, the International Sustainability Standards Board, looks likely to be instrumental in

Ready for a longer stay

to Savills. London and Munich are the cities facing most growth in supply, ahead of Istanbul and Manchester. Marie Hickey, director of

Serviced apartments continue to attract

commercial research at Savills, said that

In Europe, the ISSB hub is Frankfurt and globally in

investors, as the sector maintains its

developers are not just looking at capital city

San Francisco where the Value Reporting Foundation

performance lead on the traditional hotel sector.

markets: “This shift reflects a combination of

was set up. The VRF and the Climate Disclosure

Latest to attract further backing is the

rising developer and investor awareness of the

Standards Board are now consolidated into the IFRS

Brookfield-backed Edyn, which is pushing

sector and its operators, alongside operator

Foundation to support the ISSB. The foundation

ahead with acquisitions to boost its pipeline.

appetite to expand into new, relatively under-

conference takes place this June in London.

A further GBP105m of debt funding has been

served markets. These markets also tend to

Very soon then, there will be global standards on

agreed with lenders Blackstone Mortgage Trust

present a greater degree of opportunities.”

which ESG credentials will be measured by global

and KSL Capital Partners, adding to a GBP195m

investors. They will not be perfect and will undergo

debt facility agreed in September 2021.

taking ESG beyond platitudes.

Edyn, Staycity and Accor’s Adagio Aparthotels are the leading European brands, while Hyatt is

radical evolution over time. SHA and bodies like the

The latest tranche will cover Edyn’s recent

making a play with its Hyatt House aparthotel

Energy and Environmental Alliance have a critical

acquisition of the Hotel Ascot in Zurich,

brand. But the sector remains substantially

role in representing hospitality within these wider

which will be converted to an 80-unit Locke

unbranded, and according to Richard Dawes,

frameworks. Hospitality leaders should be less

aparthotel, and support a project in Lisbon,

EMEA director of hotels at Savills, that is

interested in activism and more focused on ensuring

where a convent building in the city is being

positive for those looking to invest: “With 60%

that their operations meet the new standards and

converted to provide the largest Locke to

of current European stock still unbranded,

that the new standards treat hospitality in a sensible

date, featuring 369 apartments. Both sites are

there is still significant opportunity for brand

and fair manner.

expected to open in 2023.

expansion, and we expect to see more private

The future of ESG is less about platitudes and

Last year, Edyn opened seven Locke locations

equity vehicles enter the market, backing new

virtue signalling; and much more about ensuring

in the UK, Ireland and Germany, plus two Cove

and existing operators in order to help establish

your business delivers on the key metrics that are

sites in the UK. With Lisbon and Zurich, it now

and drive platform expansion.”

being measured.

expects to open six properties within the next

In 1970, Milton Friedman wrote his famous essay

152

These new units are feeding growth in the European serviced apartment sector that will

two years.

The sector is also seeing more new brands.

Choice Hotels recently refreshed its existing

“The social responsibility of business is to increase

Meanwhile, leading brand Staycity is

Suburban extended-stay brand as Suburban

its profits”. That is still true today, despite all those

expanding fast, with a pipeline of openings that

Studios, convinced there is a new niche with

articles in the likes of the Harvard Business Review

include some delayed from the Covid period,

serviced apartments for an economy extended

and the Economist suggesting Friedman is outdated.

as well as those previously planned and under

stay product. Choice CEO Patrick Pacious

A careful reading of Friedman shows he wanted

construction. Last year, Staycity opened sites

commented: “The modernisation of Suburban

businesses to maximise profits but only within the

including Heidelberg, Bordeaux, Manchester

signals that the brand is poised for growth,

“basic rules of the society, both those embodied in

and London, while it started 2022 with a launch

and that Choice is dedicated to expanding its

law and those embodied in ethical custom”.

in Frankfurt.

foothold in the extended stay segment with the

These “basic rules” are being changed. And the

During the pandemic, Staycity attracted fresh

change is being driven within the political sphere, as

funding and an equity injection, agreed at the

it should be. In a liberal democracy, I want politicians

end of 2020. The Ireland Strategic Investment

best investment opportunity for franchisees and experience for guests.”

The group has developed a modular conversion

BUSINESS CENTRE

kit and is targeting hotel owners who would like

the growing scale of the sub-sector. In the investment

lending services for many years alongside its

to switch into the sector. Suburban currently

triumvirate of yield, liquidity and volatility, it is

mainstream business, but has stepped up

has 70 sites, with 27 of the new studio format

liquidity where investors have the most concerns

activities in the last two years. Its most recent

signed into its pipeline - with the aim to grow

about serviced apartments.

loan is for UK hotel investor 4C Hotels, which

that number substantially.

The period during the pandemic lockdowns has

has borrowed GBP7m to acquire the Exhibitionist

Also new to the allied co-living niche is Folk,

certainly enhanced how volatility is viewed and the

hotel in London. “With our hotel experience,

a new brand launched by DTZ Investors, who

rising cost of labour will help give a comparative

we’re a lender that can take a commercial view,”

formerly looked to back The Collective. The

advantage in terms of returns, but the depth of the

said Tom Betts, Topland’s director of structured

first Folk site is a 222-studio property in north

market is still relatively shallow.

finance. “And we wouldn’t have been so big in

London, with two further sites in south London opening later this year and early next year.

HA PERSPECTIVE

Savills estimated transaction volumes at just

this space, if it wasn’t for Covid.”

under EUR1.2bn across Europe at the peak in 2019

The company likes to lend on a short-term

and last year it fell just below the decade average of

basis of up to two years, covering a range of

a little over EUR500m, half of which was in the UK.

positions for clients, including supporting

By Andrew Sangster: Extended stay hotels look like

The fact that Savills was able to report that

cashflow, recapitalising businesses, acquisitions

being winners in the recovery just as they were

serviced apartments are already approaching the

and capex. “We are targeting larger loan

winners during the pandemic lockdowns. Savills,

yields achieved by leased hotels shows the strength of

facilities of GBP10-100m,” said colleague

in its European Serviced Apartment Market report,

belief in the sub-sector. As it scales up more, further

Sumeer Bose, “but currently have been lending

published this month, found London RevPAR for

tightening looks likely but the operationally more

up to GBP50m.”

serviced apartments were 17.9% down in December

complex nature of the product will keep residential

2021 compared to the same month in 2019. By

yields beyond reach.

Betts acknowledges that clients are likely to move onto a mainstream lender once their

contrast, the overall hotels sample showed a 40.5%

On a final note, it is interesting how slow the US

hotel business is stabilised. But, with banks

decline in RevPAR. At the depths of downturn,

brand companies have been to bring their extended

needing the comfort of up to two years of

while hotels had to close, serviced apartments were

stay products to Europe. So far, only IHG has made

decent cashflow before they commit, Topland

often able to stay open, adding to the perception of

much of a splash and the slow progress of Staybridge

is providing a useful bridge.

resilience.

Suites has been more like gentle ripples.

4C managing director Al-Karim Nathoo, whose

And now, during the recovery, the squeeze on

Perhaps Wyndham will make the leap: its yet to

bid for the Exhibitionist was successful thanks

labour availability and its rising cost again provides

be unveiled economy brand, going by the code name

to Topland’s support, commented: “There are

favourable conditions for serviced apartments.

Project ECHO (Economy Hotel Opportunity), has

some attractive acquisition opportunities in the

“The relatively better margins found in the sector is

already secured a pipeline of 50 sites over the next

market now as some operators either downscale

likely to prove a greater draw to investors as income

five years in the US.

or exit the sector. But the challenge had been finding these opportunities and having the right

security has moved further up the agenda,” says the Savills report. This will, of course, all help tighten yields on serviced apartments. But probably the most important aspect is the blurring of lines with

Finding funds

the much lower yielding residential market. Savills

New funders are making headway in the UK’s

predicts that the blurring with build to rent is set to

hotel market, as traditional lenders remain slow

intensify.

to return to an increasingly active market.

funding partner. Topland responded fast and structured a facility that worked for us, meaning we could be quickest to getting a deal over the line for this new acquisition.”

Betts said that while Topland is mainly offering straight loan deals, there is always the option to joint venture, or agree an equity slice.

Savills said: “There is now a greater focus on

Challenger bank Cynergy has just launched

cost and inventory management. Something that

development loans, while niche lender Topland

Cynergy is focused on lending in the GBP1-

serviced apartment operators have significant

has achieved a milestone GBP200m of lending

30m range, with most of its transactions between

experience in.” The prediction was for more serviced

to the hotel sector with its latest deal. The new

GBP5-15m. “We’re opportunity driven,” said

apartment operators to move into BTR and co-living

lenders offer customers speed and certainty

relationship manager Steve Crosswell. We cover

management, or incorporating these elements into

in a market where bidding for assets is highly

the whole range of needs, and for us the key

their own offer. Examples cited include Adagio

competitive, and where many operations still

drivers are around who it is, and the quality of

having co-living at its Paris Bercy property.

need funds to recover from the pandemic.

the assets.”

Will this make yields tighter for serviced

Topland, which is a long-established direct

The bank lent over GBP300m during the

apartments? A bit, but probably more important is

investor and owner of hotels, has been offering

Covid period, and now focuses on how clients

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BUSINESS CENTRE

are planning to build back: “It’s the recovery

tabled for a hotel asset sale. The newcomers are also

piece.” Cynergy is looking for long term

surprisingly old school when it comes to assessing

relationships with growing businesses that will

risk – and looking for a clear end date. I asked one

require further support as they expand, such as

of them what they thought of ground rents as a way

pub-hotel group Oakman. In February, Cynergy

of raising funds for a business. Short answer – not

advanced almost GBP18m of additional funding

much.

to Oakman, building on a two-year relationship and taking its total funding to GBP29m. The

HA PERSPECTIVE

facility has a one-year interest only term

By Andrew Sangster: The speed of the recovery,

followed by a two-year repayment period.

despite all the headwinds from war and inflation,

Cynergy has ambitious growth targets and,

still looks rapid. The fact we are reporting on the

thanks to a flat structure, Crosswell said

availability of development funding within a year

applicants will have a clear decision within

or so of the worst downturn the sector has ever seen

typically 10 days. “If we can’t do something,

is remarkable.

we’ll tell someone very quickly why.”

Debt funds and challenger banks were already

Development funding is a new avenue. “We

making inroads prior to the pandemic but the

think there’s an opportunity - and we’ll look to

operating crisis caused by lockdowns has accelerated

retain the client post-development.” Crosswell

the trend. Back in 2018, JLL said debt fund investment

sees now as the big chance for Cynergy: “The

into global hotels hit USD49bn in 2017, up from just

big banks are coming back, but it’s probably a

USD16bn in 2009.

bit slow.”

During the pandemic, funds became more

Others active in the space are challenger bank

aggressive rather than less. Leverage went up

OakNorth, which continues to back a range of

(even when based on 2019 trading levels) and

hotel and hospitality businesses. In January,

yields have been heading down. Savills said that

it agreed a GBP42m loan to support The Inn

yields for London leased hotels contracted to 3.5%

Collection, with the funds destined to refurbish

on average in February 2022, down from 4.0% in

13 existing properties, and acquire further

February 2021. The expectation historically is that as

additions to the 26-strong portfolio.

conditions normalise, the high street banks return,

And another recent lender in the London

offering more competitively priced debt. But will this

hotel market has been HIG Europe Realty. The

be the case during this cycle? The scale and size of

investor, which backs a range of businesses

the offering from debt funds and challenger banks

internationally, agreed GBP76m of mezzanine

suggests that this is not a short-term play driven

financing for Shiva Hotels as it looks to

solely by market opportunity. And there may yet be

upgrade its portfolio of London properties.

further new entrants.

Riccardo Dallolio, managing director and head

In the US, Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

of HIG Europe Realty in London, commented:

have long been a feature of loans to commercial real

“We believe that London’s five-star sector

estate. But in Europe the market has struggled to

will emerge as a winner coming out of the

gain a foothold.

pandemic.”

Despite hitting all-time highs in delinquency in June 2020, when USD21bn worth of loans, 23.5% of

HA PERSPECTIVE

issuance, were at least 30 days late paying, CMBS

By Chris Bown: While the traditional mainstream

has continued to be a feature. Data provider Trepp

lenders are busy nursing their existing portfolios

said that in all of 2021, 12% of total CMBS issuance

out of the pandemic, the newcomers are seizing the

was backed by hotels, only slightly down on the 15%

moment. They promise a quick, clear decision that

immediately pre-pandemic. Covid has accelerated

allows borrowers to know quickly where they stand

many trends: debt financing is clearly one of them.

- ideal in situations where multiple bids are being

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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

BUSINESS CENTRE

1.

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4.

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry 1. Canada

Driven by the final weeks of Expo 2020, Dubai’s hotel industry reported occupancy of 91.7% in March; this is the first time it has recorded such levels since 2007, when there were roughly 90,000 fewer rooms in the market. Looking at daily data, occupancy was higher than 90% for 25 days during the month with a peak of 96.0% on 24 March.

Occupancy -11.2% to 53.3% ADR +0.7% to CAD149.73 RevPAR -10.5% to CAD79.87

Occupancy 91.7% ADR AED891.46 RevPAR AED817.90

2. USA

4. China

In the USA, March data shows that occupancy and RevPAR were the highest since July 2021, lifted by Spring Break travel. Among the top markets, Tampa reported the highest occupancy at 84.7%. Those with the lowest occupancy for the month include Minneapolis (50.1%) and Chicago (54.5%), while San Francisco has the steepest decline when compared to 2019, down 23.4%.

Occupancy -6.2% to 64.0% ADR +10.9% to USD146.61 RevPAR +4.0% to USD93.82

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3. Dubai

For the month of March, hotel performance exceeded 2019 levels for the first time since the pandemic began, due to the elimination of almost all Covid-related restrictions across the country.

Among the major markets, Vancouver saw the highest occupancy – though at 65.7% this is still a 12.0% decline from 2019 – while British Columbia was the best-performing province (63.2%).

Mainland China’s hotel industry surpassed its 2019 comparable in ADR for the Lunar New Year, even with substantially lower occupancy.

Driven by increased travel amongst the upper classes, the country’s ADR reached CNY766.95 during the holiday period (31 January-6 February), which is 9.6% higher than during the festival period in 2019 (CNY699.47).

Occupancy -54.5% to 31.6% ADR +9.6% to CNY766.95 RevPAR 59.7% to CNY242.46

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

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

T H E C A R LT O N T O W E R J U M E I R A H , L O N D O N

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

CALLING ALL OWNERS, OPERATORS, ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS… Have you been involved in a new hotel opening over the past 12-18 months?

Enter AHEAD for a chance to be crowned the best in hospitality experience and design and attend our global awards ceremonies to network with the industry’s movers and shakers

V I S I T W W W. A H E A D AWA R D S . C O M F O R F U R T H E R I N F O R M AT I O N O N C R I T E R I A A N D J U D G I N G

20 SEPTEMBER 2022

6 OCTOBER 2022

ANDAZ - SINGAPORE

NEW YORK

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E X T E N D E D T O 2 0 M AY

10 NOVEMBER 2022

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EVOLUTION - LONDON

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Mayfair Mini Design by Diego Fortunato

THE PERFECT LIGHTING COMPANION A light to grab and go, the portable Mayfair Mini is powered by a rechargeable battery and can be moved exactly where needed -indoors or out- via its slender yet sturdy stem.

Discover

SPOTLIGHT LIGHTING & CONTROL

From lamps to pendants to chandeliers, we explore the latest products illuminating hotels around the world.

Manutti Lumo Designed by Koen Van Extergem to complement outdoor settings, Manutti’s Lumo lamps feature a slim figure crafted from an elegant mix of materials including powder-coated aluminium and Iroko hardwood. Both wireless and rechargeable, the outdoor LED lights last for up to 20 hours on a single charge and can be moved easily depending on the occasion. The luminaires are managed by remote control, which allows the light temperature to be adjusted from cool white at 5,000K to warm white at 2,700K. The lamps are also available in three different sizes and two powder-coated aluminium shades of white and lava. www.manutti.com

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Hector Finch Acanto Lantern

2. Laskasas Clarke Table Lamp

3. Il Fanale Madame

4. Chelsom Decorative Touchless Switching

The Acanto pendant from Hector Finch takes its shape from an antique lantern, with the silhouette recreated in blown glass. The gold leaf decal is hand-applied at a specialist workshop in northern Italy and made from real gold leaf, which is then ‘cooked’ on. The acanthus leaf design is a pattern that dates back centuries; Acanthus flowers were reproduced during the Renaissance and are still used today on Italian ceramics and majolica. The Hector Finch Acanto pendant is a fusion of a traditional pattern employing modern techniques and is another example of the company’s use of artisanal workshops to create unique and elegant products. www.hectorfinch.com

Established in Porto in 2004, Laskasas is a furniture design brand known for creating handmade furniture, upholstery and metalwork pieces for residential and commercial projects around the world. ​​Its pieces are produced using the expertise and wisdom of craftsmen with decades of experience in operating its factory in north Portugal – one of the few remaining places where time serves quality and attention to detail. The company’s new Clarke table lamp bears a striking look of exclusivity – its spherical shade pairs well with the Nero marquina polished marble base, while the light can emit a welcoming glow from any setting, be it a hallway or a living space. www.laskasas.com

Il Fanale’s latest solution comes in the form of its Madame lamps collection, featuring light and elegant lines that attract the attention of the observer like a dancing ballerina. The elements that make up its shape represent a radiating torso and meticulously proportioned head, adorned with a small sphere.

Madame is available in natural brass or a two-tone version, as a pendant lamp – in single or double options – wall lamp and ceiling spotlight. Founded in 1979 by Fausto Dalla Torre and his wife Luisa, the Italian manufacturer combines a passion for lighting with an artisan knowledge to produce high quality lamps for the contract market. www.ilfanale.com

Developed in the wake of the pandemic, Chelsom’s Decorative Touchless Switching (DTS) system is a customised accessory that can be built into any of its standard or bespoke lighting products, from a table lamp to a wall light application. The DTS comprises an infrared sensor that detects when a hand passes over from a distance of 5cm, activating a switch to turn the light source on and off. The switch can be mounted within a table or desk lamp base, as well as the backplate of a wallmounted sconce or reading light. The technology can also operate from 100 to 240VAC, and is fully compatible with both conventional and LED light sources. www.chelsom.co.uk

The light emotion.

MOLECOLA Collection design by Fabrizio Fava

ilfanale.com

SPOTLIGHT

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4.

1. Focus SB Control Switches

2. Kalmar Lighting NoMad London

3. Dernier & Hamlyn Bespoke Lighting Inspiration

4. LZF Lamps Omma

Created to meet demand from luxury smart home integrators, IoT technology and design consultants, Focus SB’s Control Switches collection can be configured to suit various functions, whether programmed for lighting and shading controls, or used with inline dimming packs. Designed with enough space for several switches on one faceplate, the range offers a proprietary system interface solution with a traditional aesthetic and is compatible with inline dimmers, lighting controls and home automation. It also boasts the advantage of providing a low-voltage option available in component form and LED indicator switch options. www.focus-sb.co.uk

Kalmar Lighting was invited to develop and produce bespoke fittings for NoMad London in collaboration with Roman and Williams. The manufacturer supplied bespoke luminaires for all guestrooms comprising of a collection of sconces, floor lamps and table lamps totalling approximately 1,050 pieces. An Art Nouveau chandelier made from clear glass and acid-edged details adorns the guestroom ceilings while floor lamps are reminiscent of Kalmar’s Mid-Century originals. The company supplied a further 150 fixtures to the hotel’s public areas, including a chandelier comprising twelve red arms and topped with white shades in The Library. www.kalmarlighting.com

Dernier & Hamlyn has been making bespoke lighting for hotels and restaurants around the world since 1888.

Sometimes, architects and designers approach the manufacturer with fullyformed designs, material specifications and CAD drawings; however, it often takes D&H’s design, engineering and manufacturing expertise to move from an idea to a bespoke light fitting that is aesthetically pleasing, functional and appropriate for its setting. Alternatively, designers can source inspiration from Dernier & Hamlyn’s product portfolio, requesting reinterpretations of existing products using alternative materials, dimensions or perspectives. www.dernier-hamlyn.com

LZF combines traditional knowledge, handmade by expert craftsmen, with technology and research. The brand’s latest lighting solution, Omma, is an inventive fixture whose individual modules have a butterfly-like silhouette.

In Eli Gutierrez’s prepossessing design, it is almost possible to imagine the lamp’s wood veneer modules, artfully edged with metal, fluttering in a gentle breeze.

Omma is available as a suspension lamp ​​with four different configurations, a table lamp – with either one or two modules – and a floor lamp with a single module. Individual modules rotate up to 180 degrees, allowing the user to create a range of lighting moods. www.lzf-lamps.com

CONTROL SWITCHES

by Focus SB A stylish collection of low voltage control switches for use with inline dimmers and smart control systems. Available in bespoke component form or as complete products for design flexibility.

For an unrivalled bespoke design and finish solution.

focus-sb.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Astro Edward

2. RH Rivage Round Chandelier

3. Leds C4 Noway

4. Jung LS Zero

Designed for hospitality settings, the Edward collection adds a sophisticated glow to hotel guestrooms. A traditional style filtered through a modern lens, its decorative details are pared down in favour of clean, fluid lines. It pairs with Astro’s Tapered Drum 155 shade in fabric or metal finishes, allowing for different looks depending on the combinations chosen. Created in multiple variations, the range includes a striking desk lamp, a single wall light and a twin wall light, each purposefully designed at a larger scale to create an impression in spacious interiors.

Every piece features the same robust die-cast construction, in matte black with light-reflecting matte gold details. www.astrolighting.com

Minimalist in form yet dramatic in effect, RH’s Rivage chandelier – designed by Timothy Oulton – celebrates the beauty of calcite, a translucent stone with a warm, natural glow. Suspended from slender steel cables, a halo of polished stone is expertly pieced to create a smooth, continuous surface, while subtle illumination from within highlights the organic colouration and veining. The collection features both round and rectangular chandeliers available in a variety of sizes. Each fixture is a one-of-akind statement that has been artisancrafted with meticulous care. Owing to variations in natural material and hand craftsmanship, no two are alike. www.rh.com

Envisioned by Francesc Vilaró, Noway stands out for its weightlessness, letting light take centre stage. The design has a gravity-defying effect and lightness, providing high visual comfort with minimal materials. The collection comes in different versions – including pendants and floor lamps – from purer to more complex, experimenting with a double shade, different colour combinations and light effects to provide a more visual presence. The Noway luminaire is offered in black and gold finishes, with or without a floor counterweight. There is also a Noway Smart version that works with a digital control system using a driver or integrated connective device. www.leds-c4.com

Suitable for plastered walls, wooden slats, furniture made of MDF or solid wood, the LS Zero switch is a flush-mounted variant of the classic Jung LS 990, creating a flowing transition between surface and control. With the system, more than 200 electrical functions from switches to sockets and from conventional to Smart Home can be realised in a minimalist, flat design without special tools and device boxes, but with commercial components.

LS Zero is available as a duroplast version, as well as a noble brass option, tone-in-tone with the wall or furniture or alternatively as a coloured accent in the brand’s 63 matte Les Couleurs Le Corbusier colours. www.jung-group.com

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Preciosa Crown Sydney

2. Sanipex Group Decorative Lighting

3. Vibia Mayfair Mini

4. Vincent Sheppard Mora

For Crown Sydney, Preciosa Lighting has created a striking staircase light and sculpture feature that follows the shape of the staircase, connecting the first four floors of the hotel. The installation features nearly 400 blades, the bottom 100 of which end in illuminated crystal blocks to create a crystal ring chandelier in the lobby. The installation is also dynamic and programmable, meaning the colour of the lights can be set and changed based on the desired scene.

For maximum options, every 5cm of each blade is programmable. Crown Sydney hired lighting and audio visual consultancy FPOV to design scenes that can be accompanied by a musical effect. www.preciosalighting.com

Sanipex Group has unveiled a comprehensive new lighting category to meet rising market demand from A&D professionals across the UK, Middle East and Africa. The collection comprises unique lighting products that bridge the gap between art installation and interior design. With contemporary wall and pendant lighting solutions, as well as table and floor lamps from innovative designers and manufacturers, every piece is crafted to command attention and enhance the space in which it is placed.

The lighting category, including European brands and Sanipex’s own Gymkhana brand, features collections that blend aesthetic with technological innovation. www.sanipexgroup.com

Created by Diego Fortunato, Vibia’s new Mayfair Mini table lamp makes a striking statement in a small-scale design. A modern reimagining of the traditional 18th-century bouillotte light, the fixture features a slender steel stem that rises up to bisect its shade. Mayfair Mini exudes an elegant equilibrium with its intriguing interplay of straight lines and curved contours. The sculptural silhouette measures a diminutive 38cm x 20cm and casts a contained pool of diffuse, downward light that creates an intimate atmosphere. A small opening at the top of the shade also emits a glow, balancing the brightness below and lending the look of light intersecting the stem. www.vibia.com

Mora is a new outdoor lantern collection designed by Belgium-based Studio Segers for Vincent Sheppard. Sleek, tactile and luminous, the light comprises a variety of handwoven lanterns supported by a powder-coated steel frame, each casting a warm muted glow through a tightly-strung acrylic rope shell with a unique shadow play. Whether used as a standalone piece or grouped together with other sizes, Mora adds a cosy ambience in any position. The cordless outdoor lantern features a solar or mains rechargeable LED lighting unit, enabling it to be moved easily. Mora is ideal to submerge any outdoor setting in a warm glow as the evening draws in. www.vincentsheppard.com

Candle

by Benedito Design

SPOTLIGHT

Q&A

Gabriel Scott As Canadian furniture and lighting brand Gabriel Scott celebrates its 10th anniversary, founder Scott Richler discusses Floating Ideas – a collaborative project envisioned with leading designers including Sybille de Margerie, Studio Munge and Kelly Hoppen.

What is the inspiration behind Floating Ideas?

To mark our 10th anniversary, we commissioned six inspirational designers and architects to reimagine our best-selling and most iconic product, the Welles Chandelier. The title ‘Floating Ideas’ came to mind because, when you float an idea, you want to see what it inspires in others and how far it can be taken.

Why did you centre the project around the Welles Chandelier?

Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, the Welles Chandelier is a true representation of Gabriel Scott’s design philosophy: to design and manufacture modular products to custom specifications, making it the perfect fixture to be interpreted in different ways.

How have you reimagined the iconic fixture?

Over the past five years, Gabriel Scott has reinterpreted the Welles steel fixture by introducing alabaster white and smoked grey glass options, and then most recently launching a new textured glass finish. These additions, along with the flexibility of the Welles, has inspired architects and designers to develop bespoke versions for hospitality projects all over the world. It’s been an inspiring journey to see how they have utilised this fixture in so many incredible hospitality projects that we thought it would make sense to invite a select few to be a part of its design evolution.

How did you go about selecting the six designers?

We wanted to ensure we had a good breadth in terms of global coverage as well as sector experience. It was important to me that we have a Canadian practice be a part of this project, so Toronto-based Studio Munge was a natural choice. As our first showroom was located in New York, it was also crucial we had

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someone to represent the design community there, such as Michelle Gerson. Rockwell Group were one of our very first clients when we launched back in 2012, so it seemed fitting to invite them to join in our celebrations. We have also admired Sybille de Margerie’s work for some time, while Guan Lee had been doing a lot of experimental work with materials like Polyrock at Grmsdyke Farm – I thought it would be an interesting material to use in the Welles. And finally, having recently opened our first London showroom, we obviously had to enlist a UK designer, and they don’t come more renowned than Kelly Hoppen.

What brief did you give each designer?

When we were originally designing the Welles, we were looking to create a lighting fixture that would meet two objectives: it had to be expandable without making use of rods and accomplished using a modular system. With this in mind, we gave the same design brief across the board; that concepts must adhere to the intentions and principles on which the Welles is based, but also offer complete flexibility in the way they interpret its design, whether this be in materials and finishes, size, vertical or horizontal configurations, and so on.

What’s next for Gabriel Scott?

This series of collaborations is the start of a new approach to infuse the brand with more creativity and diversity. It’s been an incredible journey to go on with these six designers and we’re looking forward to doing further collaborations in the future. There’s something special about fusing design from other industries, so we’ll certainly be exploring the worlds of fashion, jewellery and design to continue pushing the boundaries of what we produce and deliver. www.gabriel-scott.com

FLOATING IDEAS MILANO DESIGN WEEK 6−12 JUNE 2022 Six international designers. The Welles chandelier reimagined for Gabriel Scott’s 10th anniversary.

KELLY HOPPEN CBE ALESSANDRO MUNGE GUAN LEE MICHELLE GERSON SYBILLE DE MARGERIE DAVID ROCKWELL

Gabriel_Scott_Milan_Sleeper_Magazine_Advert_Artwork_Right_Hand_Page.indd 1

19/04/2022 15:40

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Castro Lighting Rainforest

2. Pholc Turner

3. Brokis Jack O’Lantern Table Lamp

The Rainforest collection by Castro arose from the celebration of nature silhouettes, its elements and movements. A fusion between the artistic design, authenticity of traditional Portuguese metal work techniques and creative craftmanship, the range’s chandelier channels refinement and grace, with its goldplated brass and clear crystal glass – applied by hand – bringing a delicate charisma that resembles nature in full bloom. A broad-leaved masterpiece of modern lighting design, along with falling raindrops and butterflies, looks to transport guests to remote locations and the open sky.

The handmade suspension lamp is also customisable by size and the distribution of its elements, making it suitable for spacious living rooms, dining rooms or hallways with high ceilings. The Rainforest collection can cater for a variety of styles too, whether that be MidCentury Modern, Modern Classic or Art Deco. www.castrolighting.com

Inspired by astronomy, geometry and craftsmanship, the Turner pendant creates a sophisticated soft mood, with its expression balancing the preciseness of its orbital structure with the fragility of its enfolding fibrous cocoon material. The smallest in the family, the Turner 50, opens new possibilities for hallways, bedrooms or as a natural element in a Turner constellation – side by side with its larger sibling, the Turner 65. Turner is a handmade, eyecatching pendant with an ever-changing appearance.

“Turner is a versatile pendant lamp handcrafted in Italy using a technique established in the 1940s. Still, its soft, timeless expression feels just as relevant today,” says Pholc founder, Maja Norburg. “The new and smaller Turner 50 is a perfect choice for hotels or in large installations together with the Turner 65. This is a remarkable design lamp, blending contemporary shapes with craft legacy.” www.pholc.se

Designed by Lucie Koldova, the Jack O’Lantern Table Lamp – comprising a marble base, metal frames and a pearl interior – rounds out the variable Jack O’Lantern family. The new table version combines the beauty of handblown acid-etched glass in smoke grey, light pink or triplex opal colours with either a Carrara marble or santinated Nero Marquina marble base, while frames come in copper, chrome or chrome black liquid metal coatings. The Jack O’Lantern table lamp is available in two sizes, with the small version measuring 325mm x 260mm. It can be hung separately or in vertical lighting arrangements, and in addition to the suspension variant, there is also a wall composition featuring five frames joined in a single module for up to five glass spheres, which rely on nothing more than gravity to stay in place.

This subtle and geometrically balanced light offers a wide variety of combinations. www.brokis.cz

Mandrake Bohinc Studio

Nobu, London Portman Square David Collins Studio DESIGN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE REFURBISHMENT

Kimpton Fitzroy Tara Bernerd & Partners

Four Seasons Hampshire Martin Brudnizki Design Studio

WE ARE A BRITISH COMPANY SPECIALISING IN BESPOKE CONTEMPORARY AND HERITAGE LIGHTING DESIGN, MANUFACTURE AND REFURBISHMENT FOR THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR.

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SPECIFIER

SPECIFIER

Nanimarquina Tones Designed by Nani Marquina in collaboration with artist Clàudia Valsells, the Tones collection comprises four rug models that have been developed using two techniques: a hand-tufted technique allows Valsells’ work to be transferred quite literally, while the ancestral technique of kilim provides an aged and irregularly woven appearance by using Afghani wool. For the artist, the shift from her usual medium of paint to the nuances and textures of fibres and wool was an interesting challenge. www.nanimarquina.com

SPECIFIER

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Ethimo Calipso

L.Ercolani IO

Designed by Ilaria Marelli for Ethimo, the Calispo lounge collection comprises three modules – 120x120cm, 180x120cm and 240x120cm – each featuring a base made from natural teak slats and an aluminium frame that makes the lounge seats appear as if they are floating. The range’s soft cushions are also available in three sizes – 100x100cm, 170x100cm and 200x100cm – and free of the base on which they rest on, which is larger than the cushions themselves to allow the positioning of the elements to be flexible depending on the setting. The unattached backrests meanwhile feature a special system that ensures the body is fully supported, with the inner padding made from a mixture of different densities of rubber. “I envisioned Calipso as a versatile design with minimalist, elegant lines. A system whose modular spirit enables the creation of multiple reconfigurable solutions, ideal for integrating into a wide variety of outdoor settings,” Marelli explains of the outdoor seating, which comes in melange white and blue and is complemented by coffee tables featuring aluminium frames and either an oval or round top. “It ranges from the simplest of layouts, such as a linear sofa or peninsula, through to a system for the contract world with endless combinations in terms of length and layout. The special thing about the concept is that all the elements resting on the oversized teak base are free floating, so that they can be moved according to taste and desire, offering the possibility to have free space or an accessory next to the seat.” www.ethimo.com

L.Ercolani has launched the IO collection, a range of coffee and side tables that take inspiration from the earth’s solid foundations.

The sinuous profile and rounded, plank-like legs create a continuous, uninterrupted silhouette from top to bottom, while a homogeneous, unblemished surface is perfect for displaying books, magazines and various design objects. Emboldened by elements of his Nordic upbringing, designer Lars Beller Fjetland has fostered a great appreciation for nature and its indispensable presence in the field of design, channelling this through organic curvature and structural integrity. Lars explains that “the IO Collection was designed with naturalistic features that users can’t help but interact with; soft curves and soothing matte finishes”.

His inspiration, paired with L.Ercolani’s longstanding tradition of craftsmanship, has resulted in an intrinsic collection that is available in pale ash and rich walnut timber, with the elemental warmth of natural wood a soothing complement to IO’s refined profile. The ash variation is offered in nine bespoke finishes, including a natural option and the new Modern Tones series by Christian Møller Andersen, comprising shades like vintage red, ochre, oceanic, original, darkened, off-white, warm grey and black. Founded by Italian-born furniture maker Lucian Ercolani, L.Ercolani celebrates the timeless and sensory appeal of classic Mid-Century design, devoting itself to artistry and the understanding of wood from decades of studying the material’s aesthetic and structural qualities. www.lercolani.com

SPECIFIER

The Fine Bedding Company Vegan Down Providing a solution for hoteliers who want luxury bedding without having to compromise on their environmental credentials, The Fine Bedding Company’s Vegan Down uses a fibre-blowing technique to create comforting, down-like layers, while a loose cassette structure holds volume, trapping air and warmth. The hypoallergenic range also features a Smartfil filling – made up of super-fine fibres manufactured from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles – which offers a breathability that is comparable to down.

Crafted from sustainably-sourced cotton meanwhile, the casing boasts a 233 thread-count, while the duvet can be used all year round at 10.5 tog. www.finebeddinghotels.co.uk

Gommaire Organic Living Belgian interior design brand Gommaire has added to its Organic Living range of indoor and outdoor pieces, introducing soft shapes in teak and powder-coloured green glassware. New to the interior collection are the three-seater Neil sofa, Nora and Line carpets, while a chair now completes the Carol series with variants in anthracite for inside and natural grey for outside. For exterior settings meanwhile, the Abe table and low Carlo table are complemented by the Sally and Carlo armchairs – the latter also comes in a low version to match with the table – while hardwearing, weather-resistant fabric Chenille can be used in both indoor and outdoor hospitality environments. www.gommaire.com

Acquabella Opal Quiz Spanish bathroom brand Acquabella has unveiled a new variation of its Opal Quiz freestanding bathtub for Spring/Summer 22. Originally launched to celebrate the manufacturer’s 25th anniversary and recipient of European design laurels including a Red Dot award, the tub – featuring a geometric design, characteristic textures and wide variety of colours, including lighter hues like blanco, beige and cemento as well as darker tones such as moka, lava and negro – is now available in a two-colour version featuring pale baby blue and white contrasts. Combined with neutral tones or used as a standalone piece, Opal Quiz Colour adds a modern elegance to bathroom environments. www.acquabella.com

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Lara Gabrielle Interiors | Jaysam Contractors | Marco Joe Fazio Creative Agency

bespoke stone fabrication for over 50 years

#stoneexperts #bringingstonetolife www.stone-circle.com

SPECIFIER

Q&A

Betül İnci Parla As Parla prepares to reveal its rebrand, the company’s Head of Design talks principles, projects and plans for the future.

What has changed since you joined Parla?

I started at Parla as a product designer and, thanks to the company’s commitment to young talent, I have had the opportunity to design, manage projects and help shape the direction we are going over the past 10 years. The owners have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone multiple times, giving me a wellrounded experience and education. I now lead the design team, ensuring that projects always link back to our ethos.

How do you describe Parla’s approach to design?

We focus on three principles, the first is fusing simplicity with influences from our cultural heritage and an artisanal approach to form, technique and the use of materials. The second is making sure that every piece of furniture we design, craft and manufacture works in harmony with the environment in which it is being placed.

And finally, we strive to be sustainable and measured in all aspects of our processes, using time, resources and materials efficiently.

What differentiates Parla from others in the industry?

We act as consultants on each project, with a team of designers working with our 15,000m2 factory in Turkey, which comprises specialist workshops for metalworking, glass, wood and upholstery.

This means we can push boundaries, experiment and innovate to create solutions that blend an artisanal style with technology.

Tell us about Parla’s plans for 2022…

Our new branding and designs are set to be revealed at various trade shows internationally, starting with Clerkenwell Design Week in London – stand DF12 of Design Field – then in America, France, Saudi Arabia and Dubai. One of the pieces that we’ll be showcasing is my Nigiri Chair – recipient of a Good Design Award – as well as the Rimo armchair designed by Berrak İlkcan Şener.

What’s your vision for the future?

From the moment I began working for Parla, I knew that it could become more than just a furniture manufacturer – I wanted it to grow into a company known for its own designs. We are now on that path but have not yet arrived at our destination. I’m excited to be leading this journey of transformation and help Parla become a brand that is celebrated for contemporary furniture design, nurturing young talent, and ensuring equality and diversity. www.parladesign.com

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SPECIFIER

Crown International Naomi Channelling sophisticated minimalism that is subtle and refined, the Naomi freestanding mirror by Netherlands-based manufacturer Crown International has been designed with an organic and restrained profile that blends into a variety of bathroom aesthetics.

Crafted from solid brass with a matte black finish, the cosmetic table mirror boasts a 3x magnification for close-up reflections.

Naomi joins the brand’s other freestanding option, Cosmo, together with wall-mounted products such as Akemi, Neve and Bella – all of which feature rounded profiles. www.crowninternational.com

Tece TECEflushpoint Depending on the situation or preference in terms of comfort, there are different needs when it comes to actuating a toilet flush. For those with limited mobility, for instance, it can be more practical and convenient if the flush plate is located on the side of the wall and not directly behind the cistern as usual. As such, sanitary technology brand Tece has launched TECEflushpoint, a pneumatic toilet remote control that can be positioned freely around any of its universal cisterns within an operating radius of 1.7m. Whether installed in solid walls, drywalls or furniture, the dual flush actuator is placed on the drain valve with just one click and connected to the pneumatic hoses coming from the flush button, meaning no other modifications are necessary in the cistern. The design and feel of the remote control are also purist, with the second release on the WC blending into the bathroom space in a visually restrained way. TECEflushpoint is available with either a round or square cover in the colourways of white, glossy chrome and matte chrome, as well as a single-flush option. www.tece.com

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SPECIFIER

Sanipex Group Sestriere Produced in Italy, within the shadow of the Alps, the Sestriere by Bagnodesign range comprises mixers for washbasins, baths and showers, each of which combines clean lines, stone handles and a polished look with the durability needed for hotel environments.

To cater for a variety of aesthetic preferences, the collection is also offered in several marble – black, grey and white – and metallic finishes – chrome, brushed nickel, PVD gold and lacquered Zanzibar – finishes. Three- and five-hole versions add to the versatility of Sestriere, as do wall- and deck-mounted options. www.sanipexgroup.com

Forest Group FMS Dual The new FMS Dual series from Forest Group is a unique motorised two channel track system that helps prevent light from entering a room through the creation of a curtain overlap, ensuring that hotel guests get a good night’s sleep. A single curtain motor from the drapery hardware manufacturer is sufficient to operate the curtains in the two channels, and in addition to single and double pleated curtains, a wave pleat can also be applied. FMS Dual covers up to 7m in one piece, while the system can be extended up to 14 metres. Assembly components are offered in similar colours to the track for consistency, while carriers and ceiling mounts feature predrilled holes and cover caps for easy installation. www.forestgroup.com

Ideal Standard Calla and Joy Neo Ideal Standard has added to its Atelier Collections with Calla and Joy Neo, both designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba.

Inspired by the Victorian age and early ceramic production, Calla comprises basins, pedestals, toilets, bidets and a freestanding bathtub – all featuring simple geometric shapes with horizontal and vertical lines – while Joy Neo represents an evolution of Classicism, combining classic, square design elements with either cross or lever-handles. Available in two finishes, Magnetic Grey and Chrome, Joy Neo offers single lever basin mixers, dual control basin mixers, wall-mounted basin mixers and three-hole basin mixers as well as other bath and shower products. www.idealstandard.com

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SPECIFIER

Ultrafabrics Tencel As Ultrafabrics strives towards having all its product portfolio made from 50% rapidly renewable or recycled materials by 2030, the animal-free performance fabric brand has partnered with Lenzing – a leader in the production of sustainable wood-based fibres – to incorporate its Tencel Modal fibres as a backcloth within its Dwell, Eco Tech, Geom, Pearlized, Ultraleather and Ultraleather Pro collections. Manufactured using beech wood sourced from FSC – Forest Stewardship Council – or PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification – certified, sustainable forests in Austria and neighbouring countries, the fibres will allow Ultrafabrics’ products to maintain their soft and natural drape, support body temperature regulation and contribute to the brand’s long-lasting softness. Tencel Modal also offers a superior structural foundation, while upholsterers can expect an easy application and overall dimensional stability to furniture pieces or vertical surfaces. www.ultrafabricsinc.com

Unidrain GlassLine The GlassLine shower screen by Unidrain features a black frame and 10mm of clear tempered glass that is available in three sizes: 800-1,000mm and a height of 2,104mm. Installed discreetly and securely without any visible display of fixings, screws, fittings or joins, it can be mounted to the left or right and fits tile thicknesses up to 15mm for walls and 20mm for floors. The screen is lowered into a shower base – located under the bathroom flooring – before being attached to the wall, creating a stable and watertight showering space. Its black frame sits against the wall, covering any edges to generate a smooth finish, while the unseen groove-in-thefloor-flange means that the installation of the colour co-ordinating black line drain is both fast and efficient. Enclosed in black powdercoated metal, the interior panel of each glass screen is treated with Cleantech nano-treatment, increasing hygiene standards and ensuring it is extremely easy to clean and maintains a clear finish. www.unidrain.com

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ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 102

143

Kohler

065

AD Associates

Acquabella

058

Laufen

047

Albrecht Jung

127

Leds C4

169

Aliseo

Leisure Plan

105

Arte

018-019 043

L’Ercolani

196

Astro

002

Ligne Roset

024

Barlow Tyrie

089

LSA

063

Beck

157

LZF

121

Chelsom

035

Mandarin Stone

Creative Matters

076

Manutti

016-017

Crown International

195

Minotti

012-013

Cruise Ship Interiors Expo

189

Modio

107

Curtis Furniture

119

Palecek

155

Dekton

113

Paolo Moschino

Dernier & Hamlyn

173

Parla

122

167 029

135

Pholc

041

EPR Architects

090

Point

026

Ethimo

005

Preciosa

073

EE Smith

Fast

181

Radical Innovation

Find – Design Fair Asia

185

Rak Ceramics

022-023

177 008-009

Fine Bedding

075

RH Contract

Focus SB

165

Riobel

095

Forest Group

129

Roca

087

Freifrau

037

Roman

171

Sanipex

Gabriel Scott Gommaire

020-021

Stellar Works

145 006-007 014-015

Gresham

049

Stone Circle

179

Hector Finch

045

Table Place Chairs

174

Heimtextil

183

Tece

150

HICAP

188

The Hotel Show

187

HIX

191

The Lobby

Ideal Standard

138

Tophotelprojects

190

Il Fanale

163

Tribu

061

Jardinico

083

JC Hospitality

117

136-137

Tuuci

131

Unidrain

101

Kaldewei

081

Vibia

160

Kalmar

067

Victoria & Albert

079

Vincent Sheppard

039

Kettal

010-011

193

CHECK-OUT

Flying Without Wings

Known for its fantastical accommodation, Treehotel adds a new experiential stay to the treetops – where birds and humans co-habitate in nature.

Ever dreamt of gliding gently on the breeze

footbridge, the 34m2 cubic cabin is designed to

like a bird above the trees? Or spending a few

completely immerse guests in the surrounding

days recharging with only the natural world for

forest, with the wooden boxes serving to provide

company? Then look no further than Biosphere,

a nesting ground for local wildlife, including a

the latest addition to Treehotel in Swedish

variety of bird species as well as bats. Inside the

Lapland, where Kent and Britta Jonsson-

cabin, a minimialist scheme of organic materials

Lindvall have spent the past decade building a

along with a dark colour palette focuses attention

series of cabins that each responds and interacts

on the floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows,

differently with the surrounding forest. Having

through which guests can observe the wildlife

collaborated with some of Scandinavia’s

from the comfort of their bed. And for those who

renowned architects, the duo recently enlisted

want to get even closer to the action, there’s also

Bjarke Ingels Group to dream up a new concept

a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views across

that would further amplify Treehotel’s focus

the canopy. Though guest experience is at the

on sustainability and natural tourism. Working

heart of Treehotel, rest assured this is no flight of

with Swedish ornithologist Ulf Öhman, Ingels

fancy. Ultimately, Biosphere supports the hotel’s

has created a floating guestroom suspended in

sustainability mission by aiding the conservation

the Harads pines, with the façade enveloped

of the local bird population and strengthening

in no less than 350 bird houses. Accessed via a

their natural habitat.

© Bjarke Ingels Group

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