GUEST BOOK
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© 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.
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