Sleeper 108

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

ART’OTEL BATTERSEA POWER STATION – LONDON • ENNISMORE • THE CŌMODO – BAD GASTEIN

Ito wall light in Matt White, with wireless and USB device charging

astrolighting.com

CONTENTS ISSUE 108 066

HOTEL REVIEWS

091

The Cōmodo

066

Art’otel Battersea

072

Capella

078

R48 Hotel & Garden

084

Six Senses

091

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

096

Bad Gastein London © John Athimaritis

Sydney

Tel Aviv 096

Rome

Abu Dhabi

© Pion Studio

LOCATION REPORT DOHA

072

Katara Towers

104

The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort

111

The Ned

116

FEATURES Meeting... Ennismore

046

Meeting... Rowena Hockin

052

As Ennismore’s joint venture with Accor approaches its third year, those at the helm reveal how the partnership is shaping up and why brand differentiation is fundamental to its future success.

© Matthew Shaw

With the desire for local experiences on the rise, the Curatorial Director of Bar Studio explains the process of evoking a sense of place through design.

003

CONTENTS ISSUE 108 FEATURES

078

Sowing the Seeds

126

Into The Wild

132

Spotlight... Stellar Works

154

As green space rises on the list of requirements for today’s traveller, the role of landscape architecture in hospitality experience and design is becoming more important than ever.

With guests seeking experiential stays to escape the hustle and bustle, traditional hotels are expanding their offer to include lodges, cabins, camps and treehouses that foster a connection with nature.

© Timothy Kaye

132

REGULARS

116

© Joe Chua Agdeppa

084

161

© Amit Geron

004

Stellar Works envisions the guestroom of the future, partnering with industrial designer Tej Chauhan to develop a kit of parts.

Check-In

028

Drawing Board

030

The Lobby

055

Design Details

124

Business Centre

144

Lighting & Control

161

Spa & Wellness

174

Specifier

177

Check-Out

194

RH.COM/CONTRACT Elite Body Sculpture, Harley Street, London, UK

Create, innovate.

Design.

www.kettal.com

EDITION 28 New Lighting Collection

L AU N C H I N G AT

CHELSOM.CO.UK

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L O N D O N

BY EDC 77 MARGARET STREET - LONDON W1W 8SY T. +44 020 73233233 - INFO@MINOTTI.CO.UK

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HORIZONTE SEATING SYSTEM | MARCIO KOGAN / STUDIO MK27 DESIGN YOKO ARMCHAIRS | INODA+SVEJE DESIGN DISCOVER MORE AT MINOTTI.COM/HORIZONTE

11/03/23 08:16

Introducing the 100% wool concept – luxury by nature Our premium collections for the contract market combine sublime comfort and aesthetics and are now also available in 100% pure wool made from extra long and extra durable wool fibres.

Wool is known for its natural luxury and comfort. Now, we can offer it for our premium Colortec collections. We use only the finest selection of 100% pure new wool crafted from extra-long and therefore extra-durable wool fibres originating from the UK. You can choose from four premium constructions and your colour choice and design options are completely free. The wool concept is a first step towards a circular system, where we can separate and recycle carpet backings while composting the wool fibres. It’s a highly sustainable option and we’re working hard to make this soon possible – so we can take another step towards realizing our ambitions to deliver the world’s most sustainable carpets.

The 100% wool concept gives you: · 100% pure new wool from UK and New Zealand · Free and unlimited colour choice · Custom designs for your project · Natural raw materials ideal for circularity

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2023

sustainable design at your feet

27/04/2023 16.42

Sandua. collection designed by Robin Hapelt

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outdoor luxury

@manutti_official

manutti.com

31/01/2023 16:28:06

Bespoke chandelier crafted in Britain for Studio Frantzén, Harrods | © Andrew Beasley northern-lights.co.uk

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

AP_236X275_HOTEL_DIEU_SLEEPER_LRC.indd 1

10/12/2019 09:14:27

WELCOME

ON THE COVER Art’otel Battersea Power Station, London © Klunderbie

All In A Day’s Work

T

he team here at Sleeper Media HQ visit countless hotels

the on-site initiatives go far beyond anything that I personally

in our line of work, ranging from glitzy newbuilds

have seen in action at a hotel (full feature coming in a future

in the heart of the city to remote lodges in far-flung

issue of Sleeper). As for the sewage treatment works, this is a

destinations. On the surface, it may appear a life of luxury –

significant investment to purify waste water before it returns

road-testing the spa and sampling the cuisine – but behind

to the ocean – the open-air filtration system looks more like

the scenes there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.

a nature reserve than a waste facility.

Aside from experiencing the facilities of a newly-opened

The entire Soneva experience was eye-opening and I implore

hotel – delving into the design details and observing how guests

anyone to witness their initiatives and not make changes to

engage with spaces – there’s hard-hat tours of construction

their daily life back home, the key take-away from the resort

sites (fully garbed in hi-vis jacket and steel toecap boots),

being that even small changes can have a positive impact.

the occasional look at operations back-of-house, and in a

My visit happened to coincide with Earth Day, an

recent instance, an inspection of the on-site sewage treatment

environmental movement that aims to drive positive action

works. Exploring waste disposal is not the typical make-up

for the planet. The annual event brings an opportunity for

of a hotel tour – nor is it something you would expect to read

organisations to shout about their planet-friendly activities,

about in the pages of Sleeper – but it soon became apparent

and though the cynics amongst you may feel it’s little

that this particular sewage treatment works is part of a bigger

more than greenwashing, such ‘appreciation days’ do raise

story; that of environmental accountability.

awareness of important issues. And there are plenty of hotels

The hotel in question is Soneva Jani in the Maldives,

doing good for people and planet.

which, under the leadership of founders Sonu and Eva, has

It is worth noting however, that despite its pioneering

been pioneering in its commitment to tackling environmental

initiatives, Soneva wasn’t expressly celebrating Earth

issues, particularly those associated with the perceived impact

Day. Why? Because, in the words of Ritu – the resort’s

of luxury hospitality. Naturally, plastic bottles are banned, as

permaculturist, who takes such passion in her work that the

are single-use straws – but Soneva took this action back in

principles of her role are ingrained in her own daily life –

1998, long before others had even considered the impending

“every day is Earth Day at Soneva”. Words to live by.

environmental crisis. Today, all resorts in the portfolio strive to set the benchmark for responsible tourism and the key role it plays in conservation, proving that luxury, sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand.

From the solar power and organic gardens to the vast recycling centre and extensive Waste-to-Wealth programme,

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

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17/02/2023 15:46

GUEST BOOK

116

084

072

066

As Design Director at David Chipperfield Architects’ Berlin office, Alexander Schwarz has envisioned his fair share of cultural institutions, including the German capital’s listed Neues Museum.

Such experience boded well for Schwarz’s latest project, The Ned Doha, which involved the conversion a former Ministry of Interior building into a luxury hotel and members’ club. Using the building’s existing 1970s fabric as a foundation, the architect preserved and reconstructed the development in equal measure.

Hotelier and restaurateur Mati Broudo returned to Tel Aviv from New York in the 1990s to launch the city’s first boutique hotel, and has since inspired many others to follow suit, creating a culture of cool on the Israeli coast. More than two decades later and the entrepreneur continues to make his mark on Tel Aviv’s hospitality scene, with the highly anticipated opening of R48 Hotel & Garden – a Bauhaus building turned 11-suite hotel on Rothschild Boulevard – becoming the most talked about development in the city of late.

© Yves Drieghe

084 Mati Broudo

© Pion Studio

© Marion Schönenberger

116 Alexander Schwarz

066 Piotr Wisniewski and Barbara Elwardt Having worked together since 2018, Piotr Wisniewski and Barbara Elwardt combined their mutual passion for hospitality design in 2021 with the launch of WeStudio, seeking to create cohesive spaces with a story to tell. The studio’s hotel debut, which has since developed into a boutique brand, has seen a former spa facility transformed into a contemporary mountain refuge that revels in warm woods, deep colours and plenty of curves – all bathed in the Alpine light of Austria’s mountains.

072 Jaime Hayón Spanish designer Jaime Hayón is known for breaking down the boundaries between design, art and decoration, with his eccentric style of whimsical objects and playful patterns making waves in hospitality and beyond. Working in collaboration with Studio Moren and Russell Sage Studio, the artist has brought his flamboyant flair to Art’otel Battersea, drawing on the Power Station’s heritage as well as its future as a cultural district to devise interiors that fuse bold art, a kaleidoscope of colour and Hayón’s signature smiling faces.

025

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

Deputy Editor Ben Thomas

b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Cara Rogers

c.rogers@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 Dolan k.dolan@mondiale.co.uk

k.studholme@mondiale.co.uk

Events Co-ordinator Olivia Mavers

CORPORATE

Content & Research Ellie Foster

Chairman Damian Walsh

o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk ADVERTISING

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

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

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

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B O L D b y ETH I MO DE S I GN S T U D I O K I LT cH A iR b y Ma r c e ll o Z ilia n i

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Showroom

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CHECK-IN

Ella Bridgland Seeking inspiration for her first solo project, the founder of Studio Ella takes a fantasy break on a leafy Hong Kong island, where nature dictates the pace of life.

Where are you?

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

Rachel Whiteread, whose understanding of form

Green Island off the coast of Hong Kong, which,

The hotel is made up of a series of horizontal

and evocative use of materials inspires me no

as the name suggests, is lush and home to many

platforms that slice through the terrain to align

end; Ethiopian nun and pianist Emahoy Tsegué-

species of flora and fauna. The island operates

with the horizon – a paradox to Hong Kong,

Maryam Guèbrou, whose music brightens the

at a pace dictated by nature.

which is known for its density and verticality.

darkest of days; Tom Dixon, who taught me the

My villa is open-plan and uninterrupted by

fundamentals of design – I practice his lessons

How did you get there?

walls, creating the illusion of a continuous flow

daily; writer Julian Barnes, for his telling of The

I arrived via a spiralling titanium slide designed

between inside and out. The roof, supported by

Only Story; and Italian architect Carlo Scarpa –

by artist Carsten Höller. Taking full advantage

thin steel columns, appears to float and allows the

the master of craftsmanship and detail.

of Hong Kong’s mountainous terrain, the slide

fully glazed façade to open up to our own secret

is both efficient and thrilling – two crucial

cove. Movement, light and views are framed by

Who’s manning the stoves?

components of any memorable experience.

characterful internal travertine partitions that

Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules – her cuisine is

glisten in the changing light, while the art and

colourful and comforting.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

furniture celebrate craftsmanship. The space is

I am greeted by the earthy, rich scent of the

anchored by the largest bed I’ve ever seen; the

And what’s on the menu?

jungle after the rain, as well as the sweet sound

100% organic cotton Baea sheets are ultra-soft

Three humble ingredients served in multiple,

of birdsong, and a Skyspace installation by

and instantly send me to heaven.

imaginative ways. Ingredients are like materials;

James Turrell. I don’t notice who else is there, I’m on my own phenomenological journey.

I like to experiment and explore their potential.

Who designed it?

It’s a collaboration between Geoffrey Bawa – the

Would you like something to drink with that?

And who’s at the concierge desk?

father of Tropical Modernism – and Japanese

A glass of Pinot Noir from The Donum Estate

Kristina Snaith-Lense, General Manager from

artist Kazuo Shiraga, who has an ability to

in California. The estate has a monumental

The Upper House in Hong Kong. She has the

express the relationship between human, spirit

sculpture collection amongst the vines – I love

ability to put everyone in her presence at ease.

and material. Above the bed hangs Shiraga’s

this combination of art and wine.

1985 painting, Suiju; it is a constant reminder Is there anything you would like waiting for

of life, death and action.

you in your room?

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander.

An ice-cold glass of water in an ultra-thin

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

Shotoku Glass. The Japanese do it best.

There are several spread across the island. I

What toiletries would you like to freshen up?

start the evening with an aperitif at the bar on

La Mer - it has transformative powers.

top of the lighthouse. There is no menu here;

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Confidential but coming soon... www.studioella.co

the drinks are classic and served over crystal-

Early morning alarm call or late check-out?

clear shards of ice with a perilla leaf garnish.

In a city that moves at lightning speed and a schedule that is planned by the minute, waking

Who are you dining with this evening?

up to crashing waves and enjoying a morning at

My husband Damian, along with British artist

my own pace is the ultimate luxury.

029

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Jayasom Wellness Resort AMAALA

Red Sea Global (RSG) has partnered with wellness operator

partnership with RSG,” says Karen Campbell, CEO of Jayasom.

Jayasom to bring a multigenerational health offering to its

“Together, we will set new standards for global wellness travel

forthcoming Amaala development.

industry and help propel the industry to the next level.”

Comprising a family wellness product as well as an adults-

John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG, adds: “Jayasom will offer

only zone, the resort has a planned total of 153 guestrooms

our guests a holistic sanctuary where they will be surrounded

and 24 branded residences, with the goal being to immerse

by the natural landscape of the Red Sea coastline. We want

guests in a journey of personal transformation. The facilities,

visitors to truly appreciate the beauty of this unique destination

spread across 7,000m2, will cover all aspects of wellbeing

while focusing on their transformative journey through the

including holistic health, physiotherapy and fitness to

world-class wellness facilities on offer. This partnership is yet

nutrition, aesthetic beauty and spa experiences. This will be

another exciting step in growing our luxury brand portfolio.”

complemented by an extensive conscious cuisine offering across multiple outlets.

Further spaces across the resort will be dedicated to contemplation, self-healing and self-discovery, with the

The resort will form part of Amaala’s first phase, which expects to welcome guests in 2024. Upon completion, Amaala will comprise over 3,000 rooms across 25 hotels, as well as 900 residences, retail, dining and recreational facilities.

masterplan designed to cocoon guests within a horseshoe-

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the development, with the

shaped natural land formation that cleverly integrates wellness

entire destination powered by 100% renewable energy. The

trails, yoga pavilions and labyrinths.

giga-project targets a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040,

“Health is a key motivator for travellers today and we are honoured to be leading the way on this ambitious project in

which will be achieved by the expansion of key natural habitats that encourage biodiversity to flourish.

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

El Cosmico

Texas-based hotelier Liz Lambert has joined

and a colour palette born from the local terroir,

forces with Danish design studio Bjarke Ingels

making El Cosmico feel as if literally erected

TEXAS

Group (BIG) and 3D construction firm Icon to

from the site on which it stands.”

reimagine and expand El Cosmico – a 21-acre campground hotel in Marfa, Texas.

Breaking ground in 2024, the new 62-acre

collaborating with BIG and Icon, not only do

community will feature large-scale, 3D-printed

I get to fulfil this dream, but do so using 3D

structures including domes, arches, vaults

printing that marries the oldest principles

and parabolic forms, with shared communal

of raw earth-based building with futuristic

facilities including a pool and spa.

technology that is quicker, more efficient and

The resort’s design will be informed by

032

sustainable than modern construction.

the connection between the desert landscape

“What’s more, the innovation and beauty

and cosmic organisations, with a primordial

of the structures we can build using this

architectural vernacular that can only be

technology extends far beyond the box. I’m

achieved by 3D printing.

excited to explore its capabilties right here in

“Our challenge was to evolve and expand

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Liz Lambert Developer: Icon Architecture: Bjarke Ingels Group www.elcosmico.com

Lambert comments: “I’ve had a vision to evolve El Cosmico for many years. In

El Cosmico’s legacy while honouring Liz

our own cosmic landscape under the stars of far west Texas.”

Lambert’s contemporary Texan aesthetic,” says

Upon completion, El Cosmico will continue

Veronica Acosta, Project Leader at BIG. “Guests

to celebrate the convergence of creative culture

will find themselves surrounded by surreal

and the minimalistic natural environment of the

organic shapes, Euclidian circular geometries

Marfa region.

point1920.com Paralel Collection

by Gabriel Teixidó

Sleeper_242x281_MAYO2023.indd 1

10/03/2023 8:51:02

DRAWING BOARD

Tivoli

Minor Hotels has announced the expansion

Rajakarier, Group CEO at Minor International

of its Tivoli brand in the Middle East with the

and CEO of Minor Hotels. “With a fantastic

MUSCAT

addition of a 180-key property in the Omani

location in Muscat, the new property will offer

capital, scheduled for completion in 2026.

exceptional facilities to both business and

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Oman Real Estate Investment Services Operator: Minor Hotels www.minorhotels.com

034

Located within La Vie, a mixed-use

leisure guests, with a world-class golf course

development in Muscat Hills, the newbuild

on its doorstep and easy access to the many

hotel will offer 80 guestrooms and 100 branded

cultural attractions the city has to offer. We look

residences, as well as multiple dining options

forward to working with the team at ORIS to

including a rooftop bar and restaurant, a

bring the hotel to fruition.”

lobby lounge café, a sports bar and an all-day

Nasser Rashid Al Shibli, Chief Real Estate

dining restaurant. Guests will have access to a

Officer at OMINVEST, comments: “ORIS aims

swimming pool and gym, an Anantara spa, a

to develop iconic projects in Oman and has a

ballroom and four meeting rooms.

proven track record of delivering good quality

The project is being developed by Oman Real

projects, effectively and efficiently, we expect

Estate Investment Services (ORIS), the real

nothing less with La Vie. As the name suggests

estate arm of Oman International Development

– translating to ‘the life’ – we want to bring a

and Investment Company (OMINVEST), one of

blast of zest and style to Muscat through this

the region’s largest investment firms.

mixed-use development.”

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting

Minor Hotels currently operates three Tivoli

future addition to the Tivoli portfolio and the

properties in Qatar, with another newbuild

brand’s upcoming debut in Oman,” says Dillip

launching in Bahrain in 2024.

DRAWING BOARD

Scandic AARHUS ISLAND

Swedish construction company NCC has signed an agreement with Bassin 7 Erhverv to build a Scandic hotel on Aarhus Island in Denmark.

Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the development comprises 342 guestrooms, a 2,000m2 wellness centre, a sky bar and several restaurants, as well as retail outlets, a rooftop viewing terrace, a conference centre and 16,000m2 of office space.

“It’s not many times in your career that you have the chance to realise a hotel that is extraordinary in so many ways,” says Søren Faerber, Head of Scandic Denmark. “Aarhus will now gain a special hotel with life and atmosphere both inside and outside the building. I am pleased that we, the client, the advisory team, NCC and Aarhus Municipality have come to an agreement on the project and, from Scandic’s perspective, we are looking forward to inviting the city to an extraordinary experience.”

Catarina Molén-Runnäs, Head of Building Nordics at NCC, adds: “Our client has worked with the architect to develop an exciting hotel project. It is big and demanding, but one of our strengths is that we have the expertise and size to manage a project like this. We’ve been involved in the process from an early stage, and that bodes well for the construction. We’re looking forward to getting started.”

Scheduled for completion in September 2026, the project – a turnkey contract – holds an order value of approximately SEK two billion.

036

© BIG / Bucharest Studios

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Bassin 7 Erhverv Developer: NCC Operator: Scandic Architecture: Bjarke Ingels Group www.scandichotels.com

DRAWING BOARD

Sindalah

Marriott International has signed an agreement

“Neom is one of the most highly anticipated

with Neom to launch three properties on its

developments in the world and we look forward

SAUDI ARABIA

luxury island destination Sindalah, situated

to working with its team to develop these three

in the Red Sea off the northwest coast of

exciting properties,” says Jerome Briet, Chief

Saudi Arabia. The multi-hotel deal includes

Development Officer for Europe, Middle East &

Saudi Arabia’s first-ever Autograph Collection

Africa at Marriott International. “The Luxury

property, and two flagged as Luxury Collection.

Collection and Autograph Collection properties

Slated to open in 2024, the first Luxury

will express their own personality inspired by

Collection hotel will be a beach resort comprising

the natural landscapes of Neom. We continue to

70 guestrooms, including spacious villas with

see growth opportunities for our brand portfolio

private pools. The second property, situated

within the destination and Saudi Arabia overall.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Neom Operator: Marriott International www.neom.com

038

in the retail and marina district of Sindalah,

Chris Newman, Executive Director for Hotel

is an all-suite resort offering 115 one-, two-

Development at Neom, comments: “Marriott

and three-bedroom accommodations. Both

International offers one of the most compelling

properties will feature several culinary venues

portfolios in the entire industry and enjoys a

and leisure facilities.

stellar reputation across the Middle East and

Also launching in 2024, Sindalah’s Autograph

Africa. We are thrilled by the prospect of

Collection features 66 guestrooms and suites,

working together and look forward to building

including one- and two-bedroom villas,

a hospitality experience that captures the spirit

together with multiple F&B options , a kid’s

of Sindalah’s year-long appeal, while creating

club and a spa.

unforgettable memories for our hotel guests.”

DRAWING BOARD

Sircle MILAN

Sircle Collection has announced the launch of Sircle Hotels, a new lifestyle brand set to debut in London this year, followed by a Milan outpost in 2024.

Currently under construction, Sircle Milan will breathe new life into Torre Velasca, a characteristic landmark designed by BBPR in the 1950s and one of the few modern buildings in the city centre. On completion, it will feature 72 ultra-luxury suites, a private members’ club and a spa, with interiors by Dimorestudio.

Occupying floors 19 to 26, the suites will range from 85-360m2, each with an outdoor terrace offering views of the city. Guests will also have direct access to the wider development’s outlets, including shops, restaurants and bars.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be expanding further into Europe, and at such a pivotal moment for Sircle Collection’s evolution,” says Liran Wizman, founder of Sircle Collection.

“Sircle Milan will add a new and exciting dynamic to the ever-evolving brand.”

Sircle Hotels joins the Sircle Collection portfolio alongside Sir Hotels, Max Brown Hotels, Park Centraal Hotels, Àterre and private members’ club concept The Cover. The group’s expansion is set to continue through 2024 and beyond, with further hotel openings in key cities around the world.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Sircle Collection Architecture: BBPR Interior Design: Dimorestudio www.sirclecollection.com

040

LIGHTING FOR LIFE

DRAWING BOARD

Svolvaer Hotel

Concrete

its

contrast between the three components,

architecture and interior design scheme for a

with the tower almost rock-like in its colour

LOFOTEN

new hotel in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago.

and materiality, featuring a rooftop profile

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Eiendomsspar Architecture and Interior Design: Concrete Local Executive Architect: Vindveggen Arkitekter www.concreteamsterdam.nl

Amsterdam

has

unveiled

Located on the Svolvær waterfront, the 200-

that recalls the organic lines of the nearby

key property features an open-plan ground

mountains. The horizontal building meanwhile

floor housing a lobby, library and bar, as well

presents a warmer and lighter palette. Clad in

as a café, restaurant and meeting rooms. The

reflective copper panels, it changes with the

areas coexist in a long glass volume spanning

light, showcasing different appearances based

from one side of the building to the other, with

on the time of day and season. The metallic

a transparency that invites public life in.

blades are also slanted, both for functionality

“The starting point of the design was to think

and aesthetic purposes. Functionally, they

about the experiences before thinking about

prevent birds from nesting and the build up of

designing the spaces,” says Lisa Hassanzadeh,

snow, and from an aesthetic point of view, their

Partner and Head of Interior at Concrete. “The

directions create a play of light and shadow that

spaces are adaptable and flexible, abandoning

gives the building a sculptural quality.

traditional programming in favour of a more

Completing the facilities are a rooftop

dynamic setup that offers greater freedom.”

restaurant offering 360-degree views, and a spa

The architecture is split into three sections:

with wood-fired hot tub on the outdoor terrace,

a 10-storey tower, an adjacent low-rise

where guests can take in views of Svolværgeita,

horizontal structure, and a glazed volume

a 150m-high granite pinnacle that dominates

housing the public spaces. There is a strong

the landscape.

© Concrete / Icecube

042

collection LES FORÊTS pattern TINTO

Showrooms

London

Paris

Culemborg

Los Angeles

arte-international.com

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DRAWING BOARD

Konoz

Global architecture firm Benoy has been

apartments as well as a 700-key apartment

appointed to design Konoz, a new leisure

complex alongside a business centre and new

RIYADH

destination on Riyadh’s Golden Strip. The

green space for the city. Transport links have

US$1.8 billion project – translating as ‘box

also been considered; the development includes

of jewels’ – is being developed by Abdullah

parking for 5,500 vehicles and links up with the

Al Othaim Investment Company, one of the

forthcoming Riyadh Metro System.

Kingdom’s largest shopping mall operators.

for a development that will transform the face

the city, the masterplan includes a 20,000m2

of Riyadh and bring an unparalleled mixed-use

entertainment city and a 250-key luxury hotel

offering to the city,” says Jamie Webb, Head

as well as F&B and retail outlets.

of EMEA at Benoy. “Our design aims to forge

Benoy’s scheme centres around the creation of a walkable neighbourhood, with four key

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Company Architecture: Benoy Landscaping: Uncommon Land www.benoy.com

044

“It has been a pleasure to work on the vision

Bringing together old and new parts of

destinations where people want to live and spend time with their family and friends.”

districts bringing together design details from

Other collaborators on the project include

historic and contemporary Riyadh. The aesthetic

Pragma Consulting, tasked with providing input

will be architecturally representative of the

on the development’s commercial strategy

treasure after which it is named, with clear

and planning to help inform the customer

visual nods to a variety of gemstones.

experience; Holmes Wood, which is helping

Aligned with Vision 2030, Konoz is positioned

to shape the development’s identity through

as a destination to live, work and shop. The

placemaking; and Uncommon Land, overseeing

development features 120 serviced residential

the design of its landscape spaces.

SHARAN PASRICHA FOUNDER AND CO-CEO, ENNISMORE

GAURAV BHUSHAN CO-CEO, ENNISMORE

MARTINA LUGER CHIEF BRAND & CULTURE OFFICER, ENNISMORE

CHARLIE NORTH GLOBAL VICE PRESIDENT OF INTERIOR DESIGN AIME STUDIOS

Meeting… Ennismore As Ennismore’s joint venture with Accor approaches its third year, those at the helm reveal how the partnership is shaping up and why brand differentiation is fundamental to its future success.

Words: Ben Thomas • Portrait Photography: © Ola O. Smit

T

he announcement of an all-share merger

Another crucial component to the venture was the

between Ennismore and Accor became a

continued involvement of original brand founders,

subject of much debate when it was first

with Christoph Hoffman at 25hours, Serge and

reported in November 2020, with many

Jeremie Trigano at Mama Shelter, and Laura Lee

in the hospitality sector curious to see

and Steve Brown at 21c Museum Hotels amongst

how the venture would play out.

those supporting the evolution of their respective

Once the news landed, Ennismore founder and co-

ventures. For Pasricha, this founder-built approach

CEO Sharan Pasricha was quick to reinforce that the

plays a pivotal role. “The brands have been lovingly

new asset-light entity – incorporating a total of 14

and painstakingly created by someone with a clear

brands – would run autonomously, with the culture

vision of where they want them to go,” he emphasises.

and purpose for which Ennismore is known remaining

“We therefore work with our brand founders to aid

at its heart. “This exciting partnership allows us to

development whilst ensuring we remain true to the

build on our combined portfolio of lifestyle brands,

brand’s purpose. Where we don’t have a brand founder

accelerate our growth and explore new markets,”

– at SLS, Mondrian and Hyde for example – I step

he said at the time, citing his eagerness to share the

in and collaborate with our global brand, design and

reins with long-time friend Gaurav Bhushan, who was

marketing teams to drive them forward.”

appointed fellow co-CEO of Ennismore in 2021.

Helping Ennismore to achieve this ongoing evolution

Having witnessed Ennismore’s organic growth over

are four in-house hubs, which include AIME Studios

the past decade, Bhushan was keen for the group to

– a team of interior and graphic designers; Carte

continue as a brand-led organisation, ensuring that

Blanched – a fully integrated F&B studio delivering

each individual brand remains authentic and relevant,

new culinary experiences; Staymore – a Digital

eliminating the risk of homogenisation. “Every brand

Product & Tech Innovation lab; and Partnership Studio

has a dedicated global team, meaning they focus

– building global brand and activation partnerships

on its narrative, guest journey and programming

with a localised feel. “Our most significant edge is our

worldwide,” he explains. “Whilst we ensure they

specialised in-house studios, which drive creativity

have a clear point of view and positioning within the

and innovation by obsessing over every touchpoint,”

collective, there is no centralised team working across

says Pasricha, who has worked closely with an in-

all 14. This gives individuals the freedom they need to

house design and creative team ever since founding

always evolve and bring something fresh to guests.”

the group in 2011.

MEETING…

MEETING…

Both Tribe Canary Wharf in London (top) and The Hoxton Poblenou in Barcelona (bottom) were designed

by AIME Studios with bright pops of colour and curated art collections

“Our most significant edge is our specialised in-house studios, which drive creativity and innovation, obsessing over every touchpoint.”

SHARAN PASRICHA

Following the merger, this collective of

bring fresh ideas. The difference is that we

portfolio. SO/ for example is rooted in fashion,

thinkers and makers remain steadfast in

understand our brands and can have close

so Luger and her team develop a style report

creating brands and experiences that deeply

conversations with their teams, so we’ve got

for new destinations, while 25hours draws

resonate and push boundaries through interior

the inside edge.”

inspiration from the art, culture, gastronomy

Much in the same way that Ennismore has

and stories of its surroundings. “Part of what we

retained the know-how of its original brand

do is understanding the context, not just market

founders, the group is working closely with

mapping our competitors,” Luger explains,

Ennismore has always used interior design

existing in-house designers; Benjamin El

highlighting how this feeds into programming

as a means to set its brands apart, with The

Doghaili, for instance, continues to shape the

and the launch of new hotels. “The strategy

Hoxton carving out a style that has inspired

creative vision for Mama Shelter as the brand’s

changes depending on the values of the brand,”

countless hotels worldwide, right from the 2006

Head of Design.

she confirms, referencing the recent arrival of

design, dining, technology and partnerships.

DIFFERENT BY DESIGN

opening of The Hoxton Shoreditch, which won

North has also joined forces with Prior and

Maison Delano in Paris, where discretion and

a legion of fans from day one. What was once

Ennismore’s Chief Brand & Culture Officer

privacy informed the opening party. “Rather

a small group overseeing this differentiation is

Martina Luger over the past two years to create

than inviting as many people as possible, we co-

now a 30-strong team of interior and graphic

a unique identity for each brand, defining

hosted two intimate sleepovers with members

designers, all under the direction of Charlie

clear characteristics for easier differentiation.

of the Parisian design community, who curated

North, Global Vice President of Interior Design,

“We knew it would be a major challenge to

the guest list and had the run of the house.”

and Alex Prior, Design Director of Graphics.

take on so many brands, but once we defined

“I joined Ennismore seven years ago and there

their overall identities, we had substance to

GLOBAL GROWTH

was only three of us at that point,” says North,

work with,” says North, adding that through

As Ennismore continues to expand, with 170

noting that the trio would oversee the design

24 hero images, his team can produce a design

projects in the pipeline at the time of writing,

process, like at Gleneagles where they worked

that aligns with the brand and location. Each

Luger explains that while the portfolio is

with David Collins Studio, Goddard Littlefair

Hoxton, for instance, is individually designed

complex, having the brands under one umbrella

and Macauley Sinclair. “After the merger, we

yet features a consistent language with a set

will allow for greater control going forward.

decided that EDS needed a new identity. When

of design signatures, allowing AIME to oversee

“All 14 have strong values, so we have a good

Alex and I were thinking of a studio name, we

projects without complications.

starting point but want to ensure that as they

wanted to pinpoint the key stages of our creative

Furthering its brand differentiation beyond

process, so decided on Analyse, Ideate, Make

design, Prior and Luger have put considerable

For North, while he is excited about the

and Evolve – or AIME for short. We spend a lot

effort into fine-tuning through graphics and

prospect of working on other Ennismore brands,

of time on research so that we know the brand,

marketing collateral, tapping into Luger’s

the immediate focus is on delivering several

the building, the area and its cultural nuances.

retail experience to summarise each with a

projects for The Hoxton in Europe, which began

From there we develop our ideas, prototype

statement – ‘bohemian and chic’ for Hyde;

prior to the merger with Accor. “Berlin is next,

and construct, and then evaluate to ensure our

‘functional and polished’ for Tribe; ‘sleek and

followed by Brussels, a second in Amsterdam,

brands always evolve.”

sculptural’ for Mondrian. “It must be crystal

Edinburgh and then Vienna in late 2023,” he

While the majority of AIME’s projects are

clear what each stands for,” she stresses, citing

confirms, adding that discussions for potential

currently for The Hoxton, North reveals that

how her team helped produce a mood board of

projects with SO/, 25hours and Delano are in

the studio is also applying its expertise to

inspiration points to inform their tone. “We

the early stages.

other Ennismore brands and restaurants.

then have pillars around the values and product

As AIME ventures further into the merged

“Like any studio, we sign contracts to provide

experience. Retail stores and hotels are both

portfolio, North and team are looking to

interior design services,” he confirms, noting

place-makers, and the successful ones aren’t

convey an authentic story that complements

that despite designing 90% of The Hoxton

just transactional, they are multifunctional and

the brand in question, whether that’s a ‘sassy

properties, there have been cases where AIME

form part of a community.”

and flamboyant’ Mama Shelter or an ‘opulent

evolve, they remain different.”

has outsourced due to multiple projects running

As with interior design and graphics, the

and mischievous’ SLS. The same goes for the

concurrently. “Collaborations with others can

branding strategy also varies across the

setting that each a hotel occupies, with North

049

MEETING…

“At AIME Studios, we love a building with a story and character because that informs the design narrative.”

CHARLIE NORTH

Featuring interiors by Lázaro Rosa Violán, the first Maison Delano in Paris acts as a cocoon from the city, with guestrooms and suites channeling relaxtion through ethereal shades of white and grey

050

suggesting there is more of a focus on the reuse

the location. “Normally the decision is made

of existing buildings, both from a historical and

from a numbers perspective, including room

logistical point of view. “At AIME, we love a

sizes, F&B programming and spa facilities,”

building with a story and character because that

says North. “We do however get involved from

informs the design narrative,” he notes. “Where

a space planning perspective, analysing whether

we don’t have that heritage, we are always able

a Hoxton could work within the structure, or

develop a narrative through the local culture,

whether it would be more successful as an SLS.”

community and history.”

For The Hoxton, there is also the consideration

In Barcelona for instance, the locally inspired

of Working_From, a co-working concept that

scheme at The Hoxton Poblenou is centred

North believes could be applied across the

around what the district was known for, so

Ennismore portfolio. “The name lends itself to

references have been made throughout to the

other brands,” he suggests, pointing out that

former textile quarter and its many industrial

the concept has been a success for The Hoxton,

workshops. Meanwhile on the West Coast of

so the design could simply be tweaked before

America, The Hoxton Los Angeles occupies

being applied to other brands.

a prominent Mediterranean Deco building

Luger agrees that opportunities are aplenty,

constructed in the 1920s, meaning the team

revealing that Ennismore’s growth potential

inherited a great deal of architectural details.

spans all brands and regions: “New openings

Working closely with Ennismore’s in-house

is something we’re not short of worldwide,”

development team, who take the lead on

she concludes. “We believe every brand has the

planning and permits – particularly in cities

potential to be global, but must also have the

with strict rules on hotels and key counts –

right footprint. Our portfolio is a drop in the

AIME assist in selecting the best brand to suit

ocean, so there’s much more to come yet.”

The emotion of light.

LANTERNE SLIM

design by DT Studio

ilfanale.com

Location, Location, Location

ROWENA HOCKIN CURATORIAL DIRECTOR BAR STUDIO

With the desire for local experiences on the rise, the Curatorial Director of Bar Studio explains the process of evoking a sense of place through design.

Words: Ben Thomas

O

ur projects have always been grounded in

of the city’s laneway culture. “Art provides a

place-based design,” says Rowena Hockin,

subtle layer that guests can choose to engage with

Curatorial Director of Melbourne- and

throughout their stay,” Hockin highlights. “They’re

Madrid-based Bar Studio, which specialises in

not forced to, but we love the idea that there’s a

designing luxury hotel environments. “Over our 20

subconscious permeation of the essence of a place.”

years in practice, we have seen the connection to place grow to become a much-valued approach to

LAYERING THE LOCALE

all aspects of hospitality.”

Beyond art, Bar Studio seeks to embed this sense

Having worked with Rosewood Hotel Group to

of locality across multiple design layers, from the

deliver its ‘Sense of Place’ mantra since 2009, Bar

overall concept to individual spaces and design

Studio is no stranger to the localisation of design

details. At Rosewood Villa Magna in Madrid – winner

and providing authenticity within the framework

of the Hotel Renovation award at AHEAD Europe

of a brand’s essence and guidelines. According

2022 – the team drew from several facets for the

to Hockin, the key is for designers to be involved

refurbishment of a 1970s landmark, including the

from the early stages of a project: “We begin our

sophistication of the Salamanca district, the history

design journey by developing an understanding of

and legacy of the site, and the former hotel itself.

the location, analysing the physical site and context,

As such, subtle references to traditional Spanish

but also drawing on influences from the culture

design come in the form of fabrics and colour

and history,” she explains. “This informs both the

palettes, while guestrooms balance old and new by

planning and volumetric response to the site, as

combining elements of Salamanca’s historic homes

well as providing cues for the design language.”

with the modern aesthetics of a Spanish villa.

Those cues are then interpreted in a contemporary

“Design is always an opportunity for storytelling,

way through patterns, motifs and locally sourced

which we approach through layering. Evocative

materials, as well as craftsmanship and art.

interiors, details and the thoughtful placement

AUTHENTICITY THROUGH ART For Bar Studio, art is central to creating narratives

engagement between the hotel brand and guests.”

within a design, whether that be combining local and

DIVERSIFYING BEYOND DESIGN

international influences – a new artist working with

While Bar Studio continues to inject local DNA into

a traditional technique – or assembling a collection

its projects through art, design and craftsmanship,

of pieces from natives. “Hotels are becoming art

the practice is also seeing more appetite to amplify

galleries in their own right through clever curation

local connections in diverse ways. That might be

and collaborations,” says Hockin. “We hope the days

through sustainable sourcing, with hotels calling

of bland hotel art are over.”

on nearby farms to supply their F&B venues, or

They certainly are at The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, which features a Melburnian art collection that

052

of objects create talking points that platform

an increased emphasis on hospitality training as a development pathway for the local community.

tells a story of the city’s past, present and future.

“The shift towards locality is largely down to

Partnering with gallerists Chapman & Bailey, Bar

travellers’ increased desire to connect with their

Studio fused indigenous works paying homage to

environment in more authentic ways,” Hockin

place and tradition with more avant-garde pieces

concludes. “This has driven a cumulative industry

bringing currency to the conversation of Melbourne’s

effort to continue to innovate and provide more

identity. And to bring it all together, street artists

points of engagement for guests, thus deepening

were commissioned to provide guests with a taste

the hospitality experience and, hopefully, loyalty.”

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19/04/2023 4:34 PM

THE LOBBY

Printing The Future “The need to contribute to a better, more inclusive and

challenges, generating as low an embodied and operational

resilient future is more urgent than ever,” say architecture

carbon footprint as possible.”

studio Hassell, which has teamed up with To.org and Nagami

For Nachson Mimran, co-founder of To.org, the concept

to develop a 3D-printed pavilion made from recycled plastic.

aligns with a belief that we must take a creative approach to

Having designed hotels for the likes of Meliá and Ovolo,

make the world a better place. “As a Creative Director, my

both of whom have received plaudits for their commitment to

aim is to encourage those in the arts, design, hospitality,

sustainability, Hassell drew on indigenous shelters to envision

philanthropy and construction to act responsibly and utilise

a pavilion that it is hoped will confront the global challenge

waste plastic effectively,” he explains. “Treating waste plastic

of material waste, and set a precedent in utilising plastic as

as the inexhaustible resource that it is and demonstrating

a resource for the built environment.

a commitment to the circular economy will help reduce

Currently under construction in Spain, the pavilion has

pollution and reverse the effects of climate change.”

been designed to be easily transported and assembled on-

Manuel Jimenez Garcia, founder of Nagami, concludes:

site, with the main structure 3D-printed in 24 separate pieces.

“We have more than five-billion metric tons of plastic waste

It can be can be modified to suit a variety of climates and

on our planet. As 3D printing scales up into the domain of

settings, and pushes the boundaries of 3D printing to create

architecture and construction, we can massively increase

full-scale functional architecture. “The implications of 3D

the demand for recycled plastics, and therefore speed up

printing at this scale are huge for architecture and we hope

the cleaning process of our oceans and landfills. We hope

we can apply this aspect of adaptability across projects,” says

this project will contribute to inspiring a new generation of

Hassell’s Head of Design, Xavier De Kestelier. “We wanted

architects to truly believe that a radical change in construction,

a pavilion that could exist off-grid and adapt to climatic

driven by eco-innovation, is truly possible.”

THE LOBBY

Rooted in Nature The latest treehouse concept

by Peter Pichler Architecture takes the traditional A-shape typology to new heights.

Peter Pichler and his team of designers are

which it sits, equating to a small footprint on

no strangers to the pages of Sleeper. From

the ground – just like the trunk of a tree.

sustainable treehouses in West Virginia to a barn-

The treehouses themselves are wrapped in

inspired hotel in South Tyrol – which scooped

a timber exoskeleton, which strengthens the

the Newbuild trophy at AHEAD Europe 2021 –

structure while also creating a modular interior

the Milan-based studio has built a reputation

build-up and layout. This modularity allows

for reinterpreting traditional typologies in

for the customisation of several floors, indoor-

contemporary fashion.

outdoor spaces, and glazed and solid walls – all

The firm’s latest concept, known as Youna

The façades meanwhile feature a double-

through the modernisation of conventional

layered timber lattice that envelops the

A-shaped cabins. Designed for alpine regions,

exoskeleton. The lattice creates a sense of privacy

the hospitality model comprises highly flexible

and blocks harsh sunlight while maintaining the

wooden pitched structures – available in three

mountain views from each of the areas inside.

dimensions for two, four and six guests – that blend in with their natural surroundings.

056

depending on location and guest needs.

Nature Resorts, reinforces this approach

“The overwhelming use of timber responds to both a conscious, sustainable choice and one that

The design references the idea of “a treehouse

stays true to the original treehouse typology,” say

without a tree”, according to the studio, imitating

the studio, which equipped the 115-218m2 cabins

both the archetypal gable roof of a traditional

with double-height gathering spaces, saunas and

treehouse and the proportion of the tree on

an outdoor tub. An elevated treehouse indeed.

Noa collection, designed by Enrique Marti

jardinico_outdoor www.jardinico.com

THE LOBBY

Luoghi Comuni

© Dorrie McVeigh

Fred’s Last Resort French maître d’hôtel Fred Sirieix is best known

to that, Accor is also offering the 21-year-old

as the frontman for Channel 4’s First Dates

a tour of its European hotels, from Warsaw to

series, connecting singletons first in a London

Montreux to Lisbon, to give insight into the range

restaurant and more recently at a spa resort in

of opportunities that exist within the hospitality

Italy. In his latest role, the TV personality has

industry and the span of Accor’s brands.

drawn on his hospitality expertise to teach 12

“Accor is a giant of the hospitality industry, so

budding hoteliers the tricks of the trade, putting

we are thrilled to offer our winning recruit the

them to work in a luxury resort on the Cote

chance to work for them,” says Sirieix. “During

d’Azur – where Sirieix trained as a youngster.

filming, our contestants got to experience the

Tasked with organising everything from fine-

luxury of Hôtel Les Roches Blanches in the South

dining events to a top designer’s fashion show,

of France. Now, Orlagh will receive a breadth of

the contestants learnt the ropes for a variety of

training that only an international hotel brand

positions, with winner Orlagh Hartnett offered

like Accor is able to offer – it really is a life-

a 12-month placement across three of Accor’s

changing opportunity.”

hotels in London: The Savoy, Sofitel London St James and Novotel London Canary Wharf.

058

Reflecting on how the hospitality sector has impacted his own journey to leading

Providing experience and know-how from

establishments, Sirieix concludes: “The

hospitality leaders, the tailored programme will

hospitality industry changed my life when I was

include training and development via the Accor

20 years old. It taught me the skills for success.

Academy, as well as a dedicated mentor and

Fred’s Last Resort is an opportunity that could

bespoke tuition on specific areas of interest. Prior

change the contestant’s life, as it did mine.”

“This book emerged from the need to tell the story of architecture in a way quite unlike how it’s usually told,” says Italian architectural practice Carlana Mezzalira Pentimalli of its newly released hardcover, which details the design inspiration for two public buildings – a music school and library – in the ancient city centre of Brixen, South Tyrol. Delving into the passage of time, the concept of place and methods informed by its anthropological approach, the 176-page publication sees photographs by Armin Linke – taken during site visits to Treviso, Brixen and Munich between 2020 and 2021 – placed alongside short annotations brought to life by graphic designer Lorenzo Mason, which have been written in English, German and Italian to help express the traditions of the Brixen community. In all, the publication denotes how the studio used these Luoghi Comuni – or common places – as vessels to create an “interval of reflection” that could prompt questions of what surrounds us. “With this project, we were given the chance to use construction to shape two simple ideas, that of the Wunderkammer [which translates to room of wonders] and the Kulturbaum [or culture tree],” explain Carlana Mezzalira Pentimalli.

“Both forms of architecture viewed as Luoghi Comuni.”

Sleeper_MayJun.indd 2

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Photography by Eric Petschek

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THE LOBBY

Heads in Beds Le Méridien Bangkok unveils a new room category, where sleep-inducing circular beds promise a serene night’s rest.

060

With today’s traveller increasingly prioritising

been a symbol of wellness,” explains General

wellness, it’s no longer enough for hotels to

Manager Dieter Ruckenbauer. “In the principles

solely be a place for guests to sleep – they must

of feng shui, it represents continuity, harmony

be designed for guests to sleep soundly.

and balance. For modern travellers, a round bed

In recent years, conversations around the

is not only a quirky design feature and a talking

importance of a solid night’s kip have become

point; it can ensure a deeper sleep and a greater

a commonplace – we know all about circadian

feeling of wellbeing.”

rhythms, the importance of avoiding blue light

And Le Méridien Bangkok isn’t the only hotel

before bedtime, and pre-slumber snacking faux

making moves to ensure a restful night. At

pas – so it’s little wonder that hotels are turning

Hotel de Len in Italy, colour palettes and scents

their attention to improving the sleep experience.

are selected to foster a calming environment,

At Le Méridien Bangkok, a new solution

while the Magma13 Sleep Radiance Panel –

comes in the form of circular beds, which are

positioned at the base of each bed – facilitates

said enhance sleep quality, ease stress and

sleep by rebalancing the energy of a space.

reduce tension. Taking centre stage in the

Meanwhile, a stay at Hästens Sleep Spa in the

recently refurbished Executive Round Rooms, the

Portuguese city of Coimbra sees guests choose

beds are far from just a gimmick; according to

from a comprehensive pillow menu and enjoy

psychologists, they allows the user to feel more

consultations with experts.

in command of their surroundings – ideal for

As travellers expand their knowledge of

anxious travellers – while their size offers greater

sleep further, hotels are making the necessary

freedom of movement. “The circle has always

adjustments to keep heads in beds.

Multi Form

Ph. Andrea Ferrari

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Eden sofa, design Rodolfo Dordoni

Outdoor Happiness

I

t is estimated that hotels are responsible

a thorough grounding in the scientific case for

for 1% of global carbon emissions, and with

environmental sustainability, core concepts

ESG moving from a voluntary marketing and

like inclusive innovation, and the regulatory

investor relations tool to become a regulated,

framework and relevant reporting options.

mandatory, accounting-based requirement,

Through teachings, guest speakers, case

businesses across the industry will gain

studies and discussions, those partaking in the

competitive advantage by fully understanding

programme will develop a personalised action

and embracing the opportunities ESG presents.

plan that enables them to oversee and inspire

The International Hospitality Investment

complex, comprehensive change across their

Forum (IHIF), taking place in Berlin from 15-17

companies. The partnership will then develop

May 2023, will continue to push the ESG agenda

further with a complementary ESG course for

following its ‘People, Planet, Profit’ theme in

general managers and hotel operating teams.

2022. Under this year’s theme, ‘Fortune Favours

“The EEA’s main ambition is to forge a

the Bold’, the conference will see leaders from

network of engaged and proactive industry

Schroders Hotels, WATG and JLL Hotels share

leaders with the knowledge, skills and ambition

insight on setting clear ESG goals, while a

to drive sustainable business practices forward

Educating on ESG The launch of a new ESG programme is set to help hospitality leaders integrate green measures into their businesses.

Words: Ben Thomas

062

breakout session will explore the extent to

across the sector,” says Ibrahim, who formerly

which ESG commitments impact demand from

held the role of CEO at the British Hospitality

customers, corporates and potential investors.

Association. “I’m delighted that we have signed

Also on the line-up is Ufi Ibrahim, founder

a formal partnership with King’s College London

and CEO of Energy & Environment Alliance

and King’s Business School to develop ESG

(EEA), a global coalition of hotel investors, asset

Executive Education specifically for hospitality.”

managers and operators working to transition

Dr Marc Lepere, Executive Education Lead on

the hospitality sector to net zero. Ibrahim

ESG & Sustainability at King’s Business School,

will discuss what needs to be done to develop

comments: “All businesses in the hospitality

impactful strategies in hospitality real estate,

sector need to know how to report on their ESG

from meeting shareholders’ needs to building a

measures and the best and most successful will

strong company culture and reporting results.

understand how to use that type of data to drive

With the aim of embedding ESG benefits

sustainable transformation. Done well, ESG

into the minds of hospitality leaders, the EEA

drives innovation, value and engagement across

and King’s Business School have also partnered

the whole business as well as mitigating risk.”

with industry experts to launch a new education

Lepere concludes: “We are proud to be

programme, which will give hotel owners and

collaborating with the Energy & Environment

operators the knowledge and insight they require

Alliance to help asset owners, the leadership

to integrate measures into their businesses.

teams of brands, franchises and independent

Kicking off in September 2023, the course

operators to understand the new demands on

will see small groups come together for in-

them, as well as the opportunity they have to

person and online learning, which will provide

lead the way to a sustainable future for us all.”

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he hospitality industry is no stranger

with a new lease of life, embracing both tradition

to welcoming new design trends; with

and modernity.

the likes of AI and smart technology

In Italy meanwhile, family-owned Tenuta di

ever-evolving, adjusting in line with these

Murlo is spread across an 18,000-acre estate,

developments is increasingly important for

where over 80 buildings on the property have

hotels that want to stay ahead of the curve. But

been renovated and restored to provide a bucolic

high-tech and contemporary doesn’t always

escape comprising nine private villas. “The

have to be the way forward. Case in point – the

scattered design offers guests the feeling of being

scattered hotel phenomenon.

in their own personal space and home without

Scattered hotels, or ‘albergo diffuso’, can be

being disturbed, with access to all the services

traced back to 1970s Italy, when an earthquake

they would typically find in a hotel directly in

in the Friuli region saw relief funds used to

their villa,” explains Carlotta Carabba Tettamanti,

restore houses for tourism purposes, bringing

owner of the development. “We also have several

money back into the area. Since developed into

common spaces that provide the sense of being in

an established model by tourism marketing

a standard hotel, and this combination of factors

professor Giancarlo Dall’Ara – the current

is a win-win.”

Albergo Diffuso As travellers continue to demand authentic experiences, could the scattered hotel model provide the answer?

Words: Cara Rogers

President of the Italian National Association

Despite its history in rural Italy, a strength of

of Scattered Hotels – the scattered hotel has

the scattered hotel model is its versatility, with

evolved beyond a crisis management strategy.

the phenomenon far from restricted to mountain

Put simply, the concept sees a network of pre-

retreats and country villages. The General Kyoto

existing buildings – typically houses – turned

– formerly Enso Ango – is dubbed Japan’s first-

into a hub of hospitality, often across small

ever scattered hotel, seeing the concept brought

villages in the countryside or mountains.

into the city. Comprising five buildings within

Allowing for the regeneration of perhaps

walking distance of one another, the property

otherwise neglected spaces, the concept can also

offers guests the chance to immerse themselves

facilitate the industry’s increasingly important

within the fabric of Kyoto whilst, technically, not

relationship with the planet, preserving historic

leaving the hotel’s grounds.

buildings and sites while reducing the extent of new construction required.

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The benefits for operators are plentiful. With studies showing that travellers increasingly seek

In 2018, the entire Swiss village of Corrippo

to feel integrated into a local culture – rather

was transformed into a scattered hotel. Finding

than be amongst a throng of tourists – adjusting

home in the Verzasca Valley, the former farming

the hospitality experience to match these desires

community has made a name for itself as

is a logical step for brands if they are to keep up

Switzerland’s first scattered hotel, with multiple

with their audience’s changing demands. A stay

houses now serving as guestrooms, and the

that is rooted in authenticity, not divorced from

village’s only restaurant converted into its

the destination and its culture, has the potential

reception. Plenty of original architectural details

to enhance guest experience, and in doing so

have been retained, while interiors were injected

boost a hotel’s value.

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The Cōmodo BAD GASTEIN Berlin-based practice WeStudio transforms a former spa facility into a contemporary refuge in the Austrian mountains.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Pion Studio

T

he hotels that dot the slopes of Bad Gastein – a spa town in the High Tauern Alps – could unquestionably double for The Grand Budapest Hotel in Wes Anderson’s movie

of the same name, their ornate façades gazing majestically at the Gasteiner waterfall.

A short stroll across town and with arguably better valley views than its grand neighbours, The Cōmodo has emerged from renovation; co-founders of Berlin-based WeStudio, Barbara Elwardt and Piotr Wisniewski, have transformed a functional five-storey block built in 1962 as a spa facility for employees of the Vienna City Administration. Elwardt, the founder of IOO Architekten for whom Wisniewski originally worked, also owns the hotel.

The Cōmodo is a contemporary refuge in the mountains.

Supremely glamourous, it revels in the comfort of warm woods, deep colours and plenty of curves – all bathed in Alpine light. A hotel where every situation has been carefully thought through – “everything is considered” explains Wisniewski. Take the swimming pool; the broad blueand-white stripes on the cushions of sun loungers pick up the detail of the oak lamella ceiling treatment whilst large globe pendant lamps are symmetrically suspended above the water. An Anderson-like attention to detail.

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The hotel’s Living Room features three adjacent seating pods, where classic and restored vintage finds are combined with new custom pieces evoking a ‘60s vibe

“We had a ‘60’s building with ‘60’s interiors,” says

It is such attention to detail that shows the real love

Wisniewski of his contextual starting point for the

in an owner-operated hotel. Take the napkins, simple

suave yet locally connected interiors, which include

grey-and-white stripes but discreetly different. Not

a gym and spa plus an unexpected 21-seat cinema.

standard. A more substantial detail is the carefully

The hotel’s Living Room, the lobby-bar-lounge that

ordered panelling in the valley rooms. “The whole

overlooks the valley through a glazed façade, has

layout is based on a 60cm module,” Wisniewski

three adjacent seating pods. “Some design classics

explains. Each panel measures 60cm x 100cm, so

and restored vintage finds are combined with new

too the opaque bathroom window and the framed

customised furniture evoking a ‘60’s vibe,” he

artworks. Bedside tables, every wardrobe module,

continues. In the deep burgundy of Cōmodo red is the

and the bed and desk are arranged around this 60cm

plump Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia,

grid. This unobtrusive consistency provides calm. “It

which sits alongside a black leather seating collection

avoids the uneasy feeling imperceptible irregularities

by Gae Aulenti, designed for Knoll in 1976. The Pebble

bring,” says Elwardt.

Sofa meanwhile is inspired by the soft shapes of stones

Wood panelling extends throughout the hotel,

from mountain streams and upholstered in a pale grey

including the ceiling of the De Leit restaurant and the

fabric from Kvadrat. Like the sun loungers, many other

adjacent co-working space. Above the bar, mirrored

pieces of furniture and lamps, the sofa is a design by

panels raise the slightly lower ceilings. Panelling was

WeStudio, fabricated by Polish firm Piltex.

a clear time-saver when it came to repositioning

Rounded and curving forms are everywhere,

mechanical services and helped with the short

softening the rectilinear building. There is gently

construction time of just 11 months. Works were also

fluted wood panelling on the bar counter. The same

kept simple with only a single column removed. And,

in the guestrooms, where the desks feature curved

as Elwardt reveals: “Austrian workmen have a motto

ends and tan leather chaise longues have cylindrical

saying it will always be ready on time,” referencing the

bolsters. The curvaceous volcanic form of the Etna

40-plus electricians on a single day in the immediate

ceiling lamps by Potsdam-based Mawa and the gentle

pre-opening period.

radii of the Follow Me lamps from Marset reinforce

“The biggest sustainability gain is the almost

the theme. Suites also boast semi-circular headboards

unchanged reuse of the structure including elevator,

reminiscent of works by Kelly Wearstler that inspired

stairwells – plus flooring and banisters – and

Wisniewski. The striking colours of the doughnut-

swimming pool,” explains Elwardt. The property has

shaped Ronda art piece from Zieta Studio, made by

new thermally and acoustically insulated windows,

inflating sheets of welded steel, adds further flair.

photovoltaic panels, underfloor heating and motion-

Wisniewski was like a kid in a candy store with shopping

sensitive corridor lighting, all helping to reduce energy

lists like these. More simplistically, much of Piltex’s

usage. Originally 45 rooms, The Cōmodo now has 70,

seating uses lacquered, tubular-steel frameworks. And

with nine rooms accessed via a bright yellow corridor

poetically, even the name of the hotel – derived from

on the lowest level. Further rooms facing the mountain

the Italian for comfort, convenience and cosiness –

are docked on the original concrete structure and built

appears in a rounded font. This and the visual identity

by regional carpenters in Austrian timber. Also crafted

are the work of Munich’s Vision Alpabet.

from timber are the sauna and sun deck on top of the

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adjacent pool block. Here the original stainless-

higher

priority

however

is

staff

accommodation. Elwardt is determined that

flooring in the stairwells and restaurant.

these 30 rooms will be connected, featuring

The restaurant, De Leit – meaning the people

the hotel’s design sensibility to attract the

or community in German – is a play on the

right calibre of employee. Additionally, a series

English word ‘delight’. On the menu are hearty

of longer-stay suites with kitchenettes and

portions of well-textured mountain food, think

saunas is under consideration. In progress too

potato mash with crispy celery. Like the wines,

is the second Cōmodo hotel, a 13-room 1920s

all is locally or regionally sourced. Above is an

villa situated south-east of Berlin, to which an

air duct painted in a steel-like finish, which

additional 16 suites will be added plus a wellness

manages to look like a structural beam, whilst

area, pool and small marina on the lakeside of

bread boxes hang from horizontal brass rods to

Storkower See.

save space on the counter beneath.

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A

steel pool has been retained, as has terrazzo

As a child Elwardt was fascinated by hotels

There is more fun with the artworks, sourced

and certainly, knew what she did not like

mainly from Berlin artists and photographers

following family holidays. Once she discovered

known to Elwardt, which supplement an artist-

the allure of Bad Gastein, caught in its nostalgic

in-residence programme. Even the wallpaper is

trap at the end of a U-shaped, glaciated valley,

art. Amberdesign created an overlapping play

she returned often. When the property that was

on the contour lines of local mountains that

to be The Cōmodo became available she snapped

mimics dragonfly wings and is custom-made

it up, acknowledging “I would not have done it

by Architects Paper. Wisniewski commissioned

without Piotr.” The Cōmodo is a hotel project

the first sculpture, a gold-painted weathervane

that has developed into a boutique brand of

of crazy sorts, for the upcoming Art Garden.

which they are rightly proud.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Ownerr: Barbara Elwardt Operator: The Cōmodo Architecture and Interior Design: WeStudio Branding: Vision Alphabet, Büroecco Landscaping: Hutterreimann Landschaftsarchitektur Main Contractor: Spiluttini Bau www.thecomodo.com

IMAGINE. DREAM. CREATE. D I S C O V E R U N L I M I T E D S H A D E C U S T O M I Z AT I O N .

S TA R T D E S I G N I N G T O D AY AT T U U C I . C O M / S H A D E S T U D I O

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Art’otel Battersea Power Station LONDON Jaime Hayón brings his flamboyant flair to a new landmark in London, where creative expression comes in the form of art and sculpture.

Words: Matt Turner Photography: © Matthew Shaw (unless otherwise stated)

F

or perspective on just how long it has taken for the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station to take meaningful shape, it’s worth looking back to the relaunch

edition of Sleeper in Autumn 2004. Even at that time, we described it as a “long-running saga”. Your writer was invited to an exclusive preview of developer Parkview’s plans for the site, displayed in a Toyo Ito-designed Serpentine Gallery pavilion, relocated and repurposed as a marketing suite in the grounds of the Power Station. These plans included a significant hotel component in the shape of two Hyattbranded hotels – one an urban resort, the other Europe’s largest conference hotel – that would have wrapped around the iconic chimney stacks.

Of course, these never materialised. Nor a did a more farfetched proposal from iconoclastic British-Israeli designer Ron Arad, who proposed perching a haute-couture hotel atop the Power Station with a horizontal elevator propelling guests from one end of the vast building to the other in hyperloopstyle pods. Other suggestions, including a giant theme park and a new home for Chelsea FC, similarly fell by the wayside.

Observers wondering whether the building would ever be brought back to life might have seen some relevance in the flying pig that famously hovered above it on the sleeve of Pink Floyd’s Animals LP. But now, some 20 years later, the Power Station has re-

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© Klunderbie

opened to the public and a district of London long-starved of high-quality hotel options has a new property in the guise of Art’otel Battersea Power Station.

The Power Station itself opened in October 2022 as a mixed-use development of retail, residential and office space, with a glass elevator whisking visitors to the top of the northwest chimney. The adjacent hotel is a key component of Phase 3 of the development, overseen

by Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) on behalf of a consortium of Malaysian investors. This phase has also seen the introduction of Electric Boulevard – a new pedestrian high street providing the main gateway to the entire development – plus 1,300 residential homes and a new tube station, extended from the Northern Line.

World renowned architects Foster + Partners and Gehry Partners have both been involved – Gehry with Prospect Place, a rippling set © Klunderbie

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of white buildings accommodating over half of the new homes planned. Foster + Partners

© Klunderbie

has designed another undulating structure to the

bar on the top floor, was designed by Russell Sage

west of Electric Boulevard, which brings together the

Studio, offering a pastel-hued interpretation of Art

remaining planned residential elements, as well as

Deco design in reference to the era in which the Power

offices, retail, restaurants and Art’otel’s new London

Station was originally created.

site. The top of the entire building is laid out as one of

On the other floors, Hayón has created a distinctive

the capital’s largest roof gardens – designed by James

identity for the hotel, blending Instagram-worthy

Corner Field Operations, creator of the High Line in

interiors with an eclectic collection of paintings, prints,

New York – with views of the Power Station, Battersea

photography, sculptures and tapestry. “I wanted to

Park, River Thames and the city beyond.

create a journey for guests and bring a completely

Each Art’otel features interiors inspired by a well-

new hotel experience to London, one that blends great

known artist, in this case Spanish designer and

comfort with a new vision of contemporary creativity,”

illustrator Jaime Hayón. London-based Studio Moren

he reveals. “Artistic expression is the soul behind the

meanwhile was appointed hotel architect, bringing

interior design of the hotel.”

its space planning expertise to the Foster + Partners-

Entering the property, guests are immediately

designed shell. The resulting scheme encompasses

greeted by a striking yellow Hayón sculpture of

164 guestrooms, multiple F&B spaces, a gym, spa,

an anthropomorphic figure named The Dreamer.

events spaces and heated rooftop infinity pool offering

Continuing into the hotel, the main lobby is inspired

panoramic views of the River Thames and close-ups

by surreal cubism, featuring a wall-length cabinet of

of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s architectural masterpiece.

curiosities displaying an array of objects curated by

Public spaces and guestrooms offer an eye-popping

Hayón from all over the world, including eclectic vases,

take on Hayón’s immediately recognisable aesthetic, a

ceramics and unique glass vessels. Contemporary

bold and colourful mélange blurring the lines between

Dali-esque artworks and books adorn the lounge areas

art, decoration and design. Joia, the restaurant and

beyond, leading to a curvaceous mirrored reception

Interiors offer an eye-popping take on Hayón’s immediately recognisable aesthetic, with contemporary Dali-esque art adorning the lounge areas

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desk topped with Silestone Calacatta Gold that

in art whilst enjoying Venetian cicchetti,

complements the Egger Alpine white laminates

antipasti, afternoon teas and brunches.

used elsewhere.

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Kate Sandle, Associate at Studio Moren

Furnishings include an extensive selection

explains: “Working collaboratively with other

of pieces designed by Hayón for Fritz Hansen

high-profile architecture firms appointed

– Fri lounge chairs, Lune sofas and Ro lounge

throughout Phase 3 of the Development, on

chairs alongside Analog tables and Caravaggio

a time-sensitive project under a construction

floor lamps. Coat hooks, vase and candleholder

management contract, has been challenging.

accessories also by Hayón ensure a consistency

We have led co-ordination of the hotel

to a design vision, which even carries through to

throughout design and delivery stages, liaising

joinery details such as skirting boards and door

with the construction team, consultants and

frames. The sweeping curved corridors only add

trade contractors to ensure the client’s vision

to the flowing organic feel of the interiors – a

is successfully implemented. Studio Moren

feel that continues into the guestrooms with

is honoured to have played a role in this new

their playful bold colour schemes.

chapter of London’s history.”

As one would expect, art plays an important

The long-awaited launch of Art’otel Battersea

role in the programming of the various spaces

Power Station has coincided with a surge in

with an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions

Park Plaza’s pipeline for PPHE Hotel Group,

regularly featuring up-and-coming artists, with

with another London hotel in Hoxton now due

guests able to download an app or ask staff for

to open in early 2024, a conversion of an office

a tour to learn about the various pieces. Ground

block in Zagreb, and the repositioning of the

floor all-day dining space Tozi also doubles as a

group’s properties in Rome and Budapest all

gallery where visitors can immerse themselves

now coming under the Art’otel umbrella.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) Operator: PPHE Hotel Group Architecture: Foster + Partners Executive Interior Architecture: Studio Moren Interior Design: Hayon Studio, Russell Sage Studio Procurement: Benjamin West Landscaping: LDA Design Main Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine Project Manager: Avison Young www.artotellondonbattersea.com

All decors shown and mentioned are reproductions

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Capella SYDNEY Pontiac Land Group entrusts Make Architects and Bar Studio with restoring a government building to its former glory, celebrating heritage and modernity in equal measure.

Words: Lauren Ho • Photography: © Timothy Kaye

ince the launch of its first property in Singapore in

S

All this comes together in a seamless pairing, skilfully

2009, Capella Hotels & Resorts has certainly made

saluting the country’s heritage while celebrating modern

its mark on the luxury hospitality industry. Best-

Australia. “Make has performed beyond expectation; they

known for delivering authentic guest experiences that shine

have stayed true to the heritage of the hotel and transformed

a spotlight on local heritage, culture and community, the

the building to allow us to bring it to life as a brand,” says

brand has since expanded its portfolio to seven hotels, with

Marc von Arnim, General Manager of Capella Sydney.

a further seven in the pipeline across destinations like Taipei, Kyoto and Riyadh.

Seven years in the making, its newest addition has

with various additions, so for the Make team, their priority

opened to much fanfare in Sydney’s former government

was to restore the pile to its original glory. “Our aim was

departments of education and agriculture, the former built

to keep and adapt as much of the building as we could, but

in the 1900s and the latter added in the 1930s. Situated in the

do so in a manner that avoids pastiche design details or

city’s Central Business District, minutes from Circular Quay,

replications of the existing fabric,” says Evans.

the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the transformation

As such, the walls added over the years were removed

of the heritage-listed sandstone buildings is the work of

to restore a connection to heritage staircases, while the

London-based Make Architects, whose expertise in working

sandstone façade was retained and the courtyard at the core

with historic properties – including Harrods in London and

of the property reinstated. Anchoring the hotel’s restaurant,

The Temple House in Chengdu – made them the perfect

bar and other public areas, this space now houses Aperture

candidates to “set a new benchmark for hospitality in

– a sunlit all-day dining venue with a 7m-high green wall

Australia”, according to Michelle Evans, Lead Architect on

featuring nearly 70 species of local flora. Taking centre stage

the project.

under the soaring ceiling is a kinetic installation named

And while Sydney’s hospitality scene has flourished

Meadow, designed by Amsterdam-based Studio Drift and

since the development first started, the hotel has certainly

comprising 18 diaphanous flowers that open and close in

raised the bar, thanks also to its interior design scheme by

mesmerising bursts.

Melbourne- and Madrid-based Bar Studio.

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Originally designed by NSW government architect George McRae, the structure had been chipped away at over time

Elsewhere, Make Architects added a four-storey extension

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At all-day dining venue Aperture, a kinetic installation designed by Amsterdam-based Studio Drift comprises 18 diaphanous flowers that open and close in bursts

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from the original roof, which has been slightly

the Auriga Spa, a gym, yoga platform and 20m

set back so it’s less visible from the street

heated swimming and vitality pool, which, as

below. Seamlessly blending in with the original

Evans notes, was challenging: “Inserting a pool

structure, the new addition celebrates the

mid-height into a building with guestrooms

existing architecture, taking its cues from motifs

below was complicated. But it was worth it;

– such as the sandstone vertical bays, curved

with its reflections, the pool almost becomes

corners and deep cornices – and mirroring these

its own gallery. Bar Studio’s interior design

using modern materials like anodised metal

and the incorporation of artwork to honour its

and glass. “The extension makes a positive

historical role as an exhibition space draws on

contribution to the cityscape for those looking

this further.”

down from the high-rise buildings nearby,”

These elements come together to create a

Evans explains. “At the same time, from the

rich framework for Bar Studio to bring the hotel

ground, it prioritises key views from Brent and

to life. From the 192 guestrooms to the three

Bridge Streets, while from Farrer Place, the

restaurants and bars and the homely Living

uppermost floor almost disappears.”

Room Lounge, which hosts daily cultural rituals

In another fusion of heritage and modern

including story evenings of local folk heroes

intervention, the sixth floor – the top level of

paired with signature cocktails, every space nods

the original building, a former gallery space used

to the history of the building while celebrating

by the government to showcase art exhibitions

Australia and staying true to the Capella brand.

– has now been transformed into the hotel’s

“Capella always finds unique opportunities in

wellness area, with carefully restored copper-

great locations and this project is no exception,”

lined roof lanterns that diffuse and draw in

says Stewart Robertson, co-founder and Creative

natural daylight. The space unfolds to include

Director at Bar Studio. “We aimed to create a

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hotel in which guests can sense the history of

furniture – rooted in the need for flexible

the place and simultaneously appreciate the

travel pieces in bygone days – has informed

contemporary design of the spaces.”

freestanding wardrobes and minibars that

Throughout, a pared-back palette of cream

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provide a warm, residential feel.

stone and natural timber generates a soothing,

Meanwhile, a 1930s-inspired interior –

neutral base for a layering of luxury details

with details such as black-and-white marble

that reflect the structure’s original aesthetic.

flooring and antique mirrors with decorative

“While the existing building’s exterior is intact,

arches – bring a restrained sense of glamour and

within the interior there were only a few small

timelessness to both McRae Bar and Brasserie

areas of heritage significance that needed to

1930. This backdrop sets a stylish stage for a

be incorporated,” explains Robertson. “These

curated collection of mostly Australian artworks,

became fixed reference points and we drew a

from the large-scale pieces by leading artist

great deal of inspiration from them.”

Judy Watson that dominate the ground floor

As a result, steel-panelled doors, windows

spaces to the colourful dots, swirls and dashes

and screens – inspired by the existing steel-

by rising star Otis Carey that adorn the walls of

panelled windows – unify the exterior and

McRae Bar. For Capella, the selection of works

the interior while introducing the concept of

effectively demonstrates both the heritage and

framed elements throughout the hotel. In the

modernity. “We are not just a hotel, we are a

guestrooms for instance, recurring motifs

destination,” von Arnim concludes. “We want

of timber or metal-framed portals define

to take every guest on a journey through the

the spaces, art and objects. Here too, natural

history of the building and Australia, while

wallcoverings, notes of tan leather, graphic

showcasing all of the amazing small businesses

carpets, bespoke light fittings and Campaign

we have collaborated with.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Pontiac Land Group Operator: Capella Hotel Group Architecture: Make Architects Interior Design: Bar Studio www.capellahotels.com

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

R48 Hotel & Garden TEL AVIV Israeli hospitality group R2M oversees the renovation of a Bauhaus landmark in Tel Aviv, where the design communicates a quiet, natural elegance.

Words: Amy Guttman • Photography: © Amit Geron

T

he renovation and restoration of a Bauhaus landmark on the iconic Rothschild Boulevard has become quite the talking point in Tel Aviv recently, with the

handsome edifice standing proud once again having been given a new lease of life courtesy of Heather Reisman and Gerry Schwartz. Together, the Canadian entrepreneurs have brought together a team of creatives to develop a hotel that is in keeping with the locale.

Dating back to 1933, the structure embodies the Bauhaus style that is prolific across Tel Aviv. Architects who emigrated here from Europe decades ago left their mark on the city, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status and putting the tree-lined streets on the map for design enthusiasts.

At R48 Hotel & Garden – named after its address at 48 Rothschild Boulevard – the hallmark curves of Bauhaus are immediately evident in the wraparound balconies and main staircase. Natanel Elfassy, co-founder of AN+ Architects, the agency that led the restoration, added a glazed extension and persuaded the Israel Conservation Authority to grant permission for an oversized, all-glass lift floating against a brick wall backdrop to replace the second staircase. “We wanted to connect the west façade and street level in one vertical element that is new, yet attached to the historical aspect, so proposed a slow-moving lift that allows guests to experience these different parts,” Elfassy explains.

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Interiors feature minimalist lines and a pale palette of soft greys and whites, which communicate a quiet, natural elegance

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R48’s proximity to Heseg House, an

and timbers including tulipwood, African teak

eclectic property built in the 1920s – also

and walnut accompany soft furnishings in white

owned by Reisman and Schwartz – demanded

linen to communicate a quiet, natural elegance.

consideration too, as the neighbouring buildings

Some furnishings, including headboards and

stand in dialogue with one another. “We viewed

casegoods, were created specifically for the

the project through the perspective of future

project, while others are from Studio Liaigre’s

use,” says Elfassy. “How can we rethink it or

own collection. Nothing here is overdone; the

make it relevant again? Creating the garden

design wows without overstating, and despite

became a way to form a connection with Heseg

being only a short walk from the lively restarants

House – it feels like a microcosm of Tel Aviv.”

and bars nearby, R48 is a veritable oasis.

Piet Oudolf, designer for the High Line in

The hotel’s art collection also impresses. Over

New York City, was brought on board to plan

the past two years, Art Source has collected

the landscaping for the Mediterranean garden,

25 pieces by emerging and established Israeli

bridging the two buildings with natural grasses,

artists – many of whose works are displayed

local Levantine flora and pomegranate trees,

in the country’s national museums and sold in

which also edge the swimming pool on the

galleries abroad. At R48, these can be viewed in

decked rooftop.

the lobby and each of the guest suites.

Studio Liaigre meanwhile was tasked with

The development of the property has been

the interiors, which feature minimalist lines

overseen by Israeli hospitality group R2M –

and a pale palette of soft greys, whites, blues

founded by Mati and Ruti Broudo – which also

alongside a dappling of yellow. The muted

operates Hotel Montefiore a few streets away, as

tones complement a city soaked in sunshine

well as gourmet eatery Delicatessen and trendy

for much of the year. Travertine slabs, granite

restaurant-bar Herzl16. At R48, F&B facilities

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include Chef’s Table, an intimate eatery with

a destination that’s no longer just cool, but

just nine tables, where an 11-course tasting

increasingly sophisticated. Mati says there’s

menu has been designed by Chef Ohad Solomon.

no way a hotel like R48 would have been viable

The Brasserie, a street-level, all-day café, is

ten years ago: “Since the UNESCO declaration,

also set to open in Summer 2023.

Tel Aviv has undergone significant change. It

Mati and Ruti are pioneering hoteliers and restaurateurs who returned from New York

for its own people.”

in the 1990s to open Tel Aviv’s first boutique

The hotelier is hesitant however to associate

hotel, as well as hybrid coffee shops, bakeries

the city with sophistication. “It’s like Manhattan

and restaurants that embody the edgy spirit of

meeting Key West. It doesn’t act like a wealthy

the Meatpacking district. The duo have inspired

city. It’s more of a socialistic place. Nobody

many others to follow suit, creating a culture of

dresses up for anything. Nobody wants to show

cool in the city.

off their clothing.”

The Broudo’s success coincided with a 20-

It’s a casual city, for certain, but while hotel

year evolution that has seen Tel Aviv attract a

guests at R48 are mostly Americans and Brits,

new and varied demographic. No longer simply

diners at Chef’s Table are local. Israelis are

an add-on to a trip to the holy sites, the city is

serious about food and are spending top money

the main attraction for many, including affluent

for creative cuisine.

investors, and the LGBTQ crowd.

088

has become what it wants to be, a relevant city

Mati is reluctant, but ultimately concedes:

These days, star chefs populate Tel Aviv’s

“Tel Aviv doesn’t have that glittering touch.

restaurant scene, and wine bars featuring Israeli

Travel to Tokyo or New York and the feeling is

vineyards are popping up around the city. R48 is

different. For me, I believe R48 is symbolic of

a one-of-a-kind project that seems to represent

the city’s wealth.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Heather Reisman, Gerry Schwartz Operator: R2M Group Architecture: AN+ Architects Interior Design: Studio Liaigre Art Consultant: Art Source Landscaping: Piet Oudolf www.r48.co.il

Award-winning outdoor furniture

Teak – Stainless Steel – Aluminium

www.teak.com

CUSTOM CORRIDOR CARPETING AT THE CANOPY HOTEL TORONTO, IN COLLABORATION WITH STUDIO MUNGE. CARPET DETAILS: 80% WOOL AND 20% NYLON, WOVEN AXMINSTER. MADE IN CHINA. PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ANDREA GIBSON CREATIVEMATTERSINC.COM LABEL STEP PARTNER – IMPROVING THE WORKING AND LIVING CONDITIONS OF CARPET WEAVERS, AS WELL AS PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY METHODS OF PRODUCTION.

CM_SLEEPER MAG AD_APR 2023_FINAL.indd 1

2023-04-19 3:40 PM

Six Senses ROME Six Senses marks its entry into Italy with an urban sanctuary that takes over an ancient palazzo in the historic capital.

Words: Lauren Jade Hill Photography: © John Athimaritis

S

tanding proud on Piazza di San Marcello,

was keen on exploring and maintaining in our

Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini is at the

project. We wanted to highlight the multifaceted

heart of historic Rome, just a short walk

layers of the building, the bringing together the

from monumental landmarks such as the Trevi

classicism of De Marchis and the rationalism

Fountain and the Pantheon. Most recently

of Quaroni.”

home to a bank and before that a cinema, the

The restoration of heritage sites is also at

palazzo was built by Tomaso De Marchis in the

the centre of Six Senses’ approach in urban

18th century – on the site of cardinal Giovanni

locations. As well as bringing the centuries-old

Michiel’s 15th century palace – before being

building back to life, returning it to the city as

enhanced with steel structural elements by

a site for locals as much as international guests,

Ludovico Quaroni in the 1950s.

Six Senses sponsored the façade renovation of

Now, behind a historic façade listed by UNESCO

neighbouring San Marcello al Corso church –

and protected by the Roman municipality,

the completion of which coincided with Six

the property has entered a new era under the

Senses Rome’s March 2023 opening.

stewardship of Six Senses, becoming an urban

Heritage, discovery and community are

sanctuary in a restoration and reimagination led

cornerstones of the project, with sustainability

by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola.

and a reverence for the city’s history and culture

“When visiting the building for the first

running through the entire hospitality concept.

time, an aspect that immediately sparked my

Original architectural details like the grand

curiosity was the architectural intervention

marble staircase and 600-year-old columns at

made by Quaroni in 1950s,” says Urquiola.

the entrance have been returned to their full

“The circular openings, the steel structure and

glory, while traditional materials like travertine

the double-colour scheme were all elements I

stone have been used alongside new design

091

Guestrooms combine timber panelling and marble furnishings with circular forms and earthy tones

additions such as ribbed wood boiserie as a nod

Such works are set against the light-filled,

to Roman tradition. A 4th century baptismal bath

high-ceilinged spaces of the palazzo, which

– uncovered during archaeological excavations

now combine swathes of marble, Cocciopesto

at the beginning of the 1900s – is also now

plasterwork and travertine limestone with

visible for the first time beneath glass floor tiles

furnishings in warm natural hues, graphic

in the open-plan ground-floor space housing

patterns and abundant planting.

café-restaurant-bar Bivium.

092

In line with the Six Senses philosophy, the

“Throughout the hotel, there are many

property places nature, as well as the spirit

details that speak about Rome, its heritage and

of the locale, centre stage. “Our aim was to

historical layers,” Urquiola explains. “Materials

emphasise guest wellbeing and the constant

and finishes are strongly linked to the city. On

contact with nature, which permeates all spaces

the wall of the reception, there’s a glass wall

through the use of materials,” says Urquiola.

characterised by a digital screen-printing

From the ground-floor public space to serene

paying homage to the frescoes at The Villa of

suites on the floors above, outdoor areas spill out

Livia. And in the spa, there’s a representation of

from the breezy interiors. A series of terraces,

the Apollo and Daphne myth linked to the theme

including the plant-filled rooftop, which will be

of wellbeing and the relationship with nature,

used as a bar or a setting for yoga sessions in the

especially water.”

warmer months, provide a hidden retreat amid

These details harmonise with contemporary

the historic cityscape. The produce of the olive

design elements and custom pieces – like rugs

and lemon trees and pots of herbs on the rooftop

by Urquiola for CC-Tapis – as well as artworks

also make their way into hotel’s kitchen, spa

from young artists offering a fresh take on

and eco-space Earth Lab, where workshops

Roman antiquity, curated by Federica Sala.

provide insight into sustainable living.

093

094

Biophilia further branches into the lobby,

rooms. A wet area also reproduces the Roman

where arched portals and sculptural furniture

bathing tradition with a calidarium, tepidarium

are surrounded by lush greenery. Guests enter

and frigidarium pools, as well a sauna, steam

from Piazza di San Marcello before heading into

room and experience showers. The space is

Bivium, which extends through the original

defined by pleasing rows of archways, while a

pedestrian gallery. “The gallery has special

bas-relief that takes inspiration from the myth

meaning to me; it is one of the most important

of Daphne and Apollo embellishes the walls.

features of the building,” reveals Urquiola.

As for the 96 guestrooms and suites, which

“As per traditional Roman palaces, the long

includes three individually designed signature

pathway marks the ground floor longitudinally

suites, the aesthetic follows the philosophy of

and connects the main entrance of Piazza di

the wider property with a combination of timber,

San Marcello to the secondary entrance of Via

marble, circular forms and earthy tones. Some

San Marcello.”

rooms overlook the hotel’s inner courtyard,

A circular bar crafted from green marble

while others offer views of the bustling Via

connects this high-ceilinged interior space with

del Corso and fresh façade of the nearby San

an outdoor courtyard for drinking and dining in

Marcello al Corso church. Though interiors are

the open-air. Inside, the multi-concept dining

distinctly contemporary, Urquiola has subtly

space is broken up with areas of lounge seating,

woven in details that reference the heritage.

deli corners and an open kitchen.

“Both in the design of the public spaces and

Downstairs, the spa is a tranquil retreat

the more private ones, we retained a strong

featuring a biohacking recovery lounge, serene

relationship with the fabric of the city,” she

studio for sessions in yoga, meditation and

concludes. “That inspiration imbues the hotel

sound healing, a hammam and treatment

through the materials, colours and finishes.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Orion Capital Managers Operator: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Interior Design: Patricia Urquiola Art Consultant: Federica Sala www.sixsenses.com

R A K- V A L E T RAK-Valet is an award winning bathroom collection designed by Patrick Norguet.

Featuring a contemporary and striking design, the range includes freestanding, wall hung and countertop basins, freestanding baths and a range of WC’s and bidet’s.

12152P - Sleeper Magazine Full page - Valet - 236x275mm.indd 1

03/05/2023 15:43

096

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental ABU DHABI Mandarin Oriental expands its presence in the Middle East, taking over an iconic palace landmark on Abu Dhabi’s Western Corniche.

Words: Eleanor Howard Photography: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

O

ne-thousand Swarovski crystal chandeliers, 200 fountains, 114 domes and 93,000m2 of marble – these are just a few of the design details that characterise

Emirates Palace. Opened in 2005 on the western end of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, the eminent landmark was originally conceived by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and brought to life by the late British architect John Elliott of WATG in collaboration with HDC Architects’ Reza Rahmanian, with the aim of uniting tradition and modernity whilst also promoting traditional values and cultural heritage. At the time, the beachfront property was regarded as one of the most expensive hotels ever built, with construction costs thought to be in excess of US$3 billion, or AED11.02 billion.

Now, the 390-key site has been relaunched by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, with Champalimaud Design brought onboard to breathe new life into the Arabian palace. “The city’s history, the patterns of ancient trading routes, rich with complexity and story and laden with gemstones and pearls, guided our concept design for the Emirates Palace,” explains the New York-based design studio. “The hotel, with its strong Arabic architecture, supports tradition and furnishes guests with a deep emotional connection to the location.”

Two years in-the-making, the renovation remains true to the property’s heritage, retaining traditional Islamic design elements while introducing contemporary updates that evoke a 21st century grandeur and more toned-down opulence. High

097

Six new vegan guestrooms offer compassionate design, sustainable bedding, plant-based in-room dining options and cruelty-free bath amenities

arches and ceilings for example are decorated with

either verdant gardens, hushed courtyards, or the

inlays of gold, Preciosa chandeliers and decorative

strikingly clear blue waves of the Arabian Sea.

shapes that offer a visual link to the ancient Arab

Meanwhile, the hotel’s new signature suites take

past, with neutral hues and contemporary artworks

spacious to another level with separate lounge areas

embodying the future of the Emirate. Maintaining its

and bedrooms, workspaces, private terraces and

status as one of, if not the most luxurious place to stay

balconies, in addition to generous bathrooms lined

in Abu Dhabi, the palace is notably the only hotel in

with marble floors and walls, dual sinks, Jacuzzi

the world to employ a Gold Leaf Specialist as part of its

bathtubs and roomy rainshowers. Suite guests also

in-house team, who is responsible for preserving and

receive priority-access to resort facilities, including

maintaining its one-million square metres of 24-carat

The EP Club – a new members’ club comprising 660m2

gold leaf.

of living, dining and relaxation areas including a

The first order of business was an overhaul of the

098

private beach.

hotel’s 302 guestrooms and 88 suites, which are spread

Demonstrating the operator’s commitment to

across two stately wings, East and West, that sit at the

bringing the palace into the 21st century, the revamp

end of wide marble corridors fanning out from the

marks the introduction of the region’s very first vegan

resort’s central dome. The new look is characterised

guestrooms. Conceived to ensure guests don’t have to

by a palette of sea-inspired pastels and golden hues,

compromise their lifestyle choices whilst travelling,

with curved marble tabletops, leather headboards and

the six rooms offer a 360-degree vegan experience with

velvet armchairs bringing rich textures to the serene

wooden floors replacing wool carpets, faux-leather

spaces. Proving that there’s no such thing as a room

furniture, sustainable bedding free from feathers,

with a bad view, each benefits from floor-to-ceiling

and cruelty-free bath amenities that align with the

windows framed by elegant drapes that open onto

luxury offered elsewhere in the hotel. The plant-based

a private balcony with outdoor seating overlooking

in-room dining menu is also a vegan’s dream with

100

an array of flavoursome meal options, as well

multi-sensory dining experience was conceived

as a mini-bar stocked with plant-based milk

to meet any preference guests at any given time

and snacks and a range of kombucha drinks.

of the day.”

Even the room keys are made from wood rather

Kooij also enlisted Italian chef Antonio Guida

than plastic, while all cleaning products used

to make Emirates Palace the home of his first

are plant-based and air-fresheners have been

restaurant outside of Italy - a move that has

replaced by a species of lily said to naturally

won great acclaim, with Italian restaurant

improve air quality.

Talea having already received a Michelin Star

The palace’s reflagging also marks the

in the months since opening. Setting the scene

addition of several new dining experiences to

for Guida’s traditional family recipes – the

an already extensive F&B offering, the newest

two-toned columns and walls are layered with

being Episodes, a multi-concept venue at the

artwork inspired by Italian landscapes – think

heart of the hotel, comprising a tea apothecary,

ports and palaces, lakes, cities and Roman

delicatessen, cake shop and gelateria. “We

ruins – and embellished by jewelled lights and

wanted to create something different from the

geometric flooring.

average lobby lounge,” explains Tom Kooij,

And there’s more to come. A 1,500m 2

Director of Food & Beverage at Emirates Palace

Hideaway Spa is due to open imminently, while

Mandarin Oriental. “We wanted a venue that

a new modern Lebanese restaurant will debut

was classic yet modern, elegant yet playful.

later this summer. Plans to launch a refined

The interior design is contrasted with a soft

Japanese restaurant and modern American

pink decorative plant element that is not only

brasserie are also in the pipeline, confirming

Instagrammable but also plays to the gold

that the future is bright for this jewel in Abu

already featured throughout the palace. The

Dhabi’s crown.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Emirates Palace Company, Abu Dhabi Government Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Architecture: WATG, Reza Rahmanian Interior Design: Champalimaud Design Main Contractor: Besix www.mandarinoriental.com

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FOR_adv_MRS_236x275SLEEPER(rechterpag)_201022.indd 1

THE WORLD BEHIND YOUR CURTAINS 20-04-2023 10:56

S LOCATION REPORT DOHA

oon after Qatar was awarded the rights to

to Qatar Tourism. Citing STR data, the report

host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the nation

states that in 2020, Doha had the 6th highest

set about putting its ambitious plans

occupancy rate in the world and the smallest

into action, building world-class stadiums

Fresh from hosting the FIFA World Cup, Qatar looks set to continue its growth with a pipeline of luxury hotel developments across the capital.

Words: Ben Thomas

RevPAR decline among key cities.

and a host of new hotels to accommodate the

Fast forward to 2022, following the reopening

estimated one-million visitors expected for

of borders to fully vaccinated travellers, and

the sporting spectacle.

the green shoots of recovery were promising;

During the 2010s, more than 150 new

H1 showed demand reaching pre-pandemic

hotels were thought to have been constructed,

levels of 3.1 million room nights, as recorded

marking a significant lift in new supply.

by Qatar Tourism. And full-year data from

The nation had more than just the football

STR revealed that both RevPAR and ADR

tournament in sight however, with long-

exceeded 2019 comparables. RevPAR reached

term plans to boost its tourism sector having

QAR420.07, up from QAR247.43 in 2019, while

witnessed the success of neighbouring Dubai.

ADR more than doubled to QAR738.95 largely

As such, a rumoured US$220 billion has been

due to the World Cup. Honing in on daily

spent on infrastructure, with the country’s

data, ADR peaked at QAR831.83 on Sunday

geographic location – which can be reached

18 December, the day of the final between

within a six-hour flight by 80% of the world’s

Argentina and France, while RevPAR topped

population – providing a helping hand in

QAR720.69 a day earlier.

attracting international visitors.

Occupancy also remained steady throughout

Like every sector that relies on tourism,

the duration of the tournament, peaking at

Qatar’s hotels were inevitably hit by the

89.1% on 26 November as Saudis flocked to

pandemic, with fewer tourist arrivals equalling

watch their home team face Poland. However

fewer room nights. Despite this, the nation’s

full-year 2022 occupancy came in significantly

performance fared significantly better than

lower at 57.0% – down from 66.4% in 2019 –

many other destinations worldwide according

owing to the volume of new supply.

With the eyes of the world on Qatar, it’s no

the design, while lifestyle-driven Dream Hotel

will bring Novotel and Sofitel to the area next

surprise that owners and operators saw the state

Group has enlisted New York-based firm Meyer

year with a combined 816 rooms.

– and in particular its capital – as a valuable

Davis for its Gulf flagship. Marking a pivotal

Beyond 2023, the construction pipeline

destination for new hospitality assets. Accor

step in the latter’s expansion strategy, Dream

includes an Edition in Doha’s central business

was amongst the most active groups, launching

Doha will take cues from local landmarks by

district, with Marriott seeking to stake its

six properties in Doha alone during 2022, while

Jean Nouvel, IM Pei and Zaha Hadid.

claim in the city’s buzzing trade hub, while

Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International

And there’s plenty more to come. According

2025 will see the arrival of a 152-key floating

both added to their portfolios with landmark

to the latest data from THP, there are 5,664

hotel on Qatari shores. Envisioned by Hayri Atak

openings. In addition to the new openings

rooms across 21 projects in the pipeline, with 15

Architectural Design Studio in collaboration

featured in this report, Hilton debuted its

of those slated to open before the end of 2023.

with naval architects and engineers, the resort –

Waldorf Astoria brand with a 429-key property

As expected, more than 90% of the hotels are

anchored on the coast yet with no fixed location

designed by WATG and Wimberly Interiors, and

newbuild, with owners and developers eager to

due to its mobile nature – will generate its own

Marriott unveiled St Regis Marsa Arabia Island

make their mark on the skyline.

electricity via solar, wind and tidal power.

overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

One such building that will undoubtedly add

With forward-thinking projects like these

Over the coming months, a number of

to the cityscape is Rosewood Doha, occupying

on the boards, it’s no wonder the country is

operators will capitalise on the city’s post-

towers inspired by the coral reefs of the Persian

set to attract six million visitors annually by

tournament tourism arrivals, including Hyatt

Gulf. Conceptualised by the Arab Engineering

2030, with tourism forecast to contribute 12%

with a new Andaz hotel in the West Bay area.

Bureau and Chief Architect Ibrahim M Jaidah,

of its GDP – double the current offering – by

For its design, the operator has tasked Madrid-

the property will rise 40 storeys above the

the beginning of the next decade. More visitors

based studio Brime Robbins with channelling

Lusail City Marina District and will feature 185

will of course mean more hotels, so expect to

Doha through a fresh lens, drawing on the

guestrooms and suites, 173 serviced apartments

see plenty popping up across the state as it

mix of heritage and innovation that defines

for longer-term stays and 300 residences

continues its steady growth post-World Cup.

the capital under the theme ‘Kaleidoscope of

available for purchase.

Culture’. Keeping up with the competition, Four

NH Hotel Group is also bolstering its

The following pages feature three recent hotel

Seasons will open on The Pearl in Summer 2023,

extended-stay portfolio with a 228-key serviced

openings in Doha, from a converted government

with Wimberly Interiors once again involved in

apartment property in West Bay, while Accor

building to a Mughal-inspired palace.

104

Katara Towers DOHA As Qatar continues to estabish itself as a tourist destination post-World Cup, a new jewel in the capital’s crown – featuring both Raffles and Fairmont hotels – could prove key to its appeal.

Words: Nicola Chilton Photography: © Paul Thuysbaert (unless otherwise stated)

T

he 2022 FIFA World Cup in

from outside, there’s an anticipation that this

Qatar may be over, but one of its

building may do the same for Doha. For now,

remaining legacies is the number

it’s home to two of the city’s new hotels – the

of new hotels that sprung up

ultra-luxury all-suite Raffles, and its sister, the

across the country to cater for

elegant, light-filled Fairmont.

the influx of travellers. With the

Each property takes up residence in one of

crowds long gone, this is the time for Doha’s

the crescent-shaped towers, connected at the

hotels to get into their stride, and for visitors

base by the vast Katara Hall. The scale of this

to experience them at a more leisurely pace.

event space is jaw-dropping, making anyone

Of the new additions to the Qatari capital’s

who stands beneath its stretched-fabric ceiling,

skyline, one futuristic building in particular

reaching 21m at its highest point and more

stands out: The Katara Towers. Shaped like

than six metres at its lowest, feel miniscule.

the crossed scimitars in the country’s national

Sculpted glass-reinforced gypsum floral reliefs

emblem, the building shimmers on the water’s

surround nine chandeliers made up of Murano

edge in the new neighbourhood of Lusail. In the

crystal leaves, and the space is entered through

same way that the Burj Al Arab made a hotel one

enormous doors, fronted by more of those floral

of Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations,

motifs in wrought iron, the tallest of which is

even for those only able to bask in its glow

15m-high and weighs a mammoth 35 tonnes.

© David Berridge 105

106

Guestrooms at Fairmont (top) take cues from the hotel’s waterside setting, while at Raffles (bottom), suites feature patterns of foliage, detailed metalwork and rich textures

But for most guests, the public areas, rooms and

those of the Katara Hall, with drapes softening the effect

restaurants will be the main draws, and it’s unlikely they’ll be

and calling to mind a traditional Arabian majlis lounge,

disappointed. Vaulted ceilings and even more of those floral

yet given a contemporary interpretation. A sophisticated

reliefs lead the way to the Raffles lobby and main atrium,

tabletop collection by FOH complements the elegant décor.

where drama is taken to another level. Stretching 42m in

Perhaps the most intriguing of the food and beverage

height, the atrium doubles as a kaleidoscope, with constantly

spaces is the Blue Cigar bar, with its soaring ceilings, central

moving images of blue skies and fluffy clouds projected onto

crystal chandelier, rich teal velvet drapes, and walls lined

a series of screens and mirrors in a mesmerising display that

from floor-to-ceiling with shelves housing 6,500 books,

continues up to the 11th floor.

including rare first editions like a 1778 copy of Robinson

Up in the suites, the drama resumes. There’s something of

Crusoe. Every single one is available for guests to read –

an Alice in Wonderland here, with patterns of foliage carrying

the rarest with gloves and magnifying glasses – alongside a

through to the corridors and in detailed metalwork. An in-

menu of literary-themed drinks and snacks.

suite welcome drink is served in a brown glass bottle with

While the Raffles and Fairmont may be two separate

a strip of dried rose petals on the side, looking like Alice’s

hotels, their interconnected nature means it’s easy for

‘Drink Me’ potion. There’s a strong sense of whimsy, but

guests to cross between the two and take advantage of

one that manages to stay firmly on the right side of elegant

their respective offerings. “What’s important for us is to

as opposed to kitsch. Each suite, from the 101m2 Urban to

make sure that whatever we do in one hotel complements

the 928m2 Royal Suite, is full of rich textures and thoughtful

the other,” says Christian Hirt, Managing Director of both

amenities such as carefully curated book selections, bedside

properties. “When looking at our F&B offering across Raffles

watch stands, silk eye masks and sleep sprays.

and Fairmont Doha, it’s almost a culinary world tour.”

Each suite also contains a ‘treasure box’, a mirror-walled

The complementary theme continues in the expansive spa

room-within-a-room. Carved wooden doors, featuring

facilities. “At Fairmont we focus on nutrition, recovery and

arabesques and geometric patterns in shades of bronze,

active wellbeing, while at Raffles, our spa concept is centred

brown and teal, open onto a walk-in bar complete with

around advanced beauty and wellbeing. The offerings are

sink, wine fridge, shelves covered in goodies, a serious coffee

different, yet complementary.”

machine, a selection of Wedgwood china, and a proper kettle in its own alcove – a joy for tea-drinkers.

The lobby of the Fairmont may not have its own kaleidoscope, but it’s not short of drama. A chandelier –

Bathrooms are equally dazzling, with crystal mosaic walls

one of the world’s longest – comprising more than 4,000

reflecting pale grey marble and the white surfaces of the

pearlescent raindrop-shaped cascades down through the

central large soaking tub in a space that feels full of light,

atrium. The colour scheme here is inspired by the desert and

even without an external window.

natural elements. Walls are covered in geometric patterns,

The restaurants at Raffles are a stark contrast to the suites, each embracing its individual identity with a distinctive

with sculpted surfaces looking like curtains being pulled back to lead onto the golden arches of the lift lobby.

design narrative. Geometric crystal chandeliers cascade

One floor above ground level, 24-carat gold mosaic tiles

down from lofty curved ceilings in light-filled L’Artisan. At

line the curved walls en route to the hotel’s restaurants.

Malaki, off the lobby, dramatic wrought-iron doors reflect

Similar to Raffles, the outlets embrace their own individual

107

© David Berridge

108

identities. At Dôme in the lobby, a 3.6m glass

a floating beach club that will be shared and

cloche houses cakes and pastries, resembling an

exclusively available for hotel guests.

oversized snow globe. Latin American restaurant

Art is also a major focus across the towers.

Vaya! features mosaics of underwater scenes

With an overarching theme focusing on Qatar’s

and tropical fish. And in fire- and ice-themed

role as a centre of cultural trade – where stories

restaurant Provok, life-sized ice sculptures are

from near and far have been shared for centuries

carved in-situ every few days.

– the artworks’ narrative traverses different

A departure from the romantic reverie of

cultures. From British artist Louis Thompson’s

Raffles, the rooms and suites at Fairmont are

Fire & Ice in Provok, comprising 108 objects

inspired by superyachts, taking cues from the

made from glass with desert sand suspended

hotel’s waterside setting. Filled with light,

inside, to Qatari artist Noor Abuissa’s Vertical

design features include white leather walls,

Landscapes, columns of marble that, when

pastel blue ceilings, swirls of aquamarine in the

seen from above, reference traditional Islamic

carpets, glass door handles speckled with gold

geometric patterns, but when seen from the side

flakes, and scalloped padded leather bed heads

allude to the developing skyline of Lusail, this is

reminiscent of the seashell in Sandro Botticelli’s

a collection with its roots firmly in the nation.

Venus de Milo. Bathrooms feature backlit onyx

Thompson’s work is representative of a

walls and ceilings, and showers are adorned

specific moment in Qatari culture, while

with floor-to-ceiling white and gold mosaics.

Abuissa’s is of Lusail as a fast-growing city.

Both properties boast their own pools and

Both feel perfectly appropriate of Doha today,

large terraces, each with its own mood, yet

and the role that these twin hotels play in a city

with equally spectacular views of the building

aiming to prove that there’s much more to it

towering above. Still to come is Privé Island,

than one sporting event.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Katara Hospitality Operator: Accor Main Concept Designer: Kling Consultants Main Lead Consultant: Dar Al-Handasah Shair & Partners Interior Design: Marcel Wanders Lighting Design: Bartenbach Art Consultant: Artlink Landscaping: Diversity Architects Main Contractor: HBK Project Manager: Juan Lecioni www.raffles.com • www.fairmont.com

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The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort DOHA WATG and Wimberly Interiors draw on India’s historic Mughal palaces to create a luxury resort that forges its own path in the Qatari capital.

Words: Nicola Chilton Photography: Courtesy of GHM

O

n a clear January morning, the

palaces,” Heyes explains. There is a clear

pearlescent domes of The Chedi Katara

design narrative drawn from these historical

Hotel & Resort glitter in the sun on top

structures, as well as from the Katara Cultural

of walls painted in the palest shade of robin

Village in which the hotel is located – “a

egg blue. The building’s sprawling façade, with

celebration of buildings and architectural styles

its rows of repeating arches, stands palatially

both regionally and from across the world,” as

above the waters of the Arabian Gulf, fronted by

Heyes describes it.

closely clipped lawns and cabanas that sit along the edge of a shimmering 60m pool.

Situated atop a manmade berm within a 66,000m2 waterside site, the hotel is the

The Chedi’s setting is a dramatic one. The

result of the combined talents of WATG and

domes, arches and central muqarna feel more

its interior design studio, Wimberley Interiors.

akin to the Mughal palaces of northern India

The property perches comfortably alongside its

than they do to a beach resort in Qatar, and

Katara Cultural Village neighbours, including

there are nods to the Taj Mahal and Udaipur’s

the Ottoman-style Golden Masjid mosque,

Lake Palace in the architectural detail.

an amphitheatre combining elements of the

While the potential is there for this to feel like

classical Greek theatre and Islamic features,

a pastiche, being located as it is on the Doha

as well as the turquoise and purple mosaic-

seafront, it doesn’t. Every element is intentional

covered Katara Masjid, with details designed by

and carefully thought out, according to Jeremy

a team of restoration experts from Istanbul’s

Heyes, Senior Vice President of WATG, the

Dolmabahçe Palace.

architecture studio behind the project.

The Chedi team are big fans of the location

“Our client had recently travelled to Rajasthan

too. “This is one of the few beach resorts in the

and was inspired by the beauty of the Mughal

city where all rooms offer views of the Arabian

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The architectural arches continue into the lobby, which steals the show with its voluminous proportions and elegant details

Sea, the Doha skyline and The Pearl Island,”

On the roof of the hotel, the pearlescent

says Director of Sales & Marketing, Ali Moussa.

mosaic-tiled domes sit atop chhatri, which

Heyes describes The Chedi as being a

were historically developed as windcatchers to

“juxtaposition of traditional detailing with a

direct cooler air into a palace’s internal spaces

modern twist”, and the arrival experience hints

as a form of natural ventilation. The ornamental

at the design story within. Approaching the

chhatri here are influenced by examples found

hotel from the curving driveway, the first thing

in Fatehpur Sikri and Agra.

a guest sees – aside from the main building –

Another key Mughal-inspired feature is the

is a large white sculpture, the Tree of Peace, a

muqarna, the ornate vaulting in the centre

symbol of growth, strength, beauty and revival.

of the beach-facing façade. “Whilst these

Beyond this, Mughal design inspiration

ornamental details can be found throughout

permeates throughout, most noticeably in the

the region, our research showed that the most

three tiers of arches that run along the main

geometrically perfect muqarnas are located at

façade. “The arches establish a hierarchy

the Royal Mosque in Isfahan,” Heyes reveals.

as they scale the building, starting with the

WATG’s design and detailing of the stone

heavier, more muscular details at the bottom

ornamentation was however modelled within

floor, before getting lighter, thinner and more

a 3D BIM environment. “This allowed the

elaborate on the upper storeys,” says Heyes.

contractor to cut the stone accurately using

In contrast, the arrival forecourt features an

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5-axis CNC water jet cutting machines.”

elaborate multifoil arch. “This was selected to

The exterior architectural design is carried

bring grandeur,” according to Heyes, as “the

through seamlessly to the interior. The arches

guest has a more time to take in the arch’s

continue into the lobby, with the same soft

detailed ornamentation.”

colour palette and elegant sculptural forms, and

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along the guestroom corridors as windows that

This mood continues in all 91 rooms, suites

let light in, highlighting the geometric forms

and villas, as Heyes explains: “The residential

that adorn the walls.

feel of the rooms is achieved with the careful

The lobby is a focal point of the hotel and

placement of beautifully crafted freestanding

the guest’s journey within it. “In the spirit of

furniture evoking a sense of space and

The Chedi, the lobby – architecturally in its

orientating guests to the sea view.”

proportions and also in its detailing – steals

And those views are everywhere. Arched

the show,” says Rachel Johnson, Senior Vice

balconies and windows frame the sea and sky,

President and Studio Director of Wimberly

but perhaps the best place to enjoy the vistas

Interiors in London. “It seamlessly carries the

is from the pool, situated along the front

guest in the spirit of the whole property, from

beach elevation and inspired by the reflecting

the arrival sequence to its heart.”

pools found in Mughal palaces. On a windless

At the sea-facing end of the lobby, warm

evening, the reflection of the imposing yet

light floods into a gallery-style lounge through

elegant structure in the water is nothing short

scalloped arched windows, where Mughal-

of breathtaking, with tiny lights in the bottom

and Ottoman-inspired artworks sit beneath

of the pool echoing the stars in the night sky.

10m-high ceilings. “The natural stone is

The overall feel is, as Johnson describes it,

balanced by the richness of the timbers, and

“pure escapism”. In a city where many of the

enhanced by the textures and softness of the

recent hotel arrivals have gone for modern

carpets and fabrics,” Johnson confirms, noting

grandeur and volume, The Chedi Katara Hotel

that everything is enveloped by hand-finished

& Resort strikes an imaginative, dreamy tone –

plasterwork relief, mouldings of the arches and

a beachside fantasy that’s comfortable creating

ornate panelling.

its own identity without following the rest.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Triple A Holdings Operator: General Hotel Management (GHM) Architecture: WATG Interior Design: Wimberly Interiors www.ghmhotels.com

The Ned DOHA David Chipperfield Architects and Soho House Design look to the past to create the present at a former government building in Qatar.

Words: Nicola Chilton • Photography: © Joe Chua Agdeppa

S

tep inside The Ned Doha and it’s clear that you’re somewhere very, very different. Eschewing the shiny towers of many of its new neighbours across the Qatari

capital, The Ned is looking to the past to create something that is completely contemporary.

Breathing new life into the former Ministry of Interior building designed by Lebanese architect William Sednaoui in the 1970s, the hotel is a rare example of adaptive reuse in a region where new purpose-built structures are the norm.

Combining their collective creative visions, David Chipperfield Architects and Soho House Design have taken what was once a functional office building and transformed it into a place of glamour and fun. For The Ned’s General Manager Niels Kristensen, the talents of both teams have proven to be the perfect combination. “When we set eyes on the building, one of the oldest in Doha, it was clear that the site offered great potential to be repurposed as a hotel and private members’ club,” he recalls.

Those familiar with The Ned’s original address in London will recognise certain key features that seem equally at home here as they are in the Lutyens-designed former Midland Bank headquarters. The live performance stage, the airy atrium, the collection of buzzing restaurants and the green marble sourced from the Greek island of Tinos speak to a design narrative that flows through both properties, regardless of how distinct their bones may be.

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Patterns and layers not only come through in the soft furnishings, but also in the backdrop of rich timbers and stone across the hotel

Alexander Schwarz, Partner at David Chipperfield

Atrium and The Nickel Stage are focal points of the

Architects’ Berlin office and lead on the project,

ground floor where we’ve seen an evolution in the way

describes the process of creating The Ned Doha as being

guests interact with the space, particularly during the

“preservation and reconstruction, in equal parts”.

evening when it comes to life with performances,”

Soho House Design’s Principal Architect Michael

says Kristensen. “I don’t believe there has been

Cowen agrees, adding: “Similar to The Ned London,

anything like this in Doha before.”

this building has a strong history and connection

Schwarz concurs, stating the building has been

to the city of Doha that we wanted to maintain and

transformed from a “dusty monument” to a “shiny,

promote. The restoration of the façade and the bold

glamorous destination”. “This is a place where guests

1970s geometric features – which appeal both to our

should enjoy themselves,” he emphasises. “It’s not a

own aesthetic and that of David Chipperfield Architects

museum, and I believe that’s interesting.”

– run throughout the scheme and provide the perfect

But while it may not have intentions to be a museum,

backdrop for the layered-in finishes, furniture and

the hotel is filled with museum-quality contemporary

fabrics that make it familiar as The Ned.”

artworks from across the region curated by Wadha

When Schwarz and team first started working on

Al-Aqeedi and Elina Sairanen, the co-founders of

the project, the structure had already been abandoned

Mathqaf – a research-based platform and curatorial

for a number of years. “It was not a typical, classical

organisation focused on art and culture from West Asia

refurbishment or a monument protection project,

and North Africa. The collection brings together more

rather a more holistic idea of what it’s possible to

than 350 works by 95 artists, 51 of whom are Qatari

do with a heritage building in a special cultural

and represent the different generational trajectories

situation,” he says.

that have shaped art in the country. 60 of the works

Schwarz brought experience of working on cultural institutions such as Berlin’s Neues Museum to the

were commissioned specifically for the hotel, many being inspired by the building itself.

project, with the aim of using the building’s existing

For the Mathqaf team, the process of working with

1970s fabric as a foundation, focusing on its distinctive

the architects and designers was a collaborative one.

combination of Modernist and Islamic architecture

“Considering the building was under construction, the

elements such as symmetry, sun-shading and the close

team helped us understand the spaces we had to work

relationship between structure and ornamentation, yet

with and advised on the placement of several large-

giving it a new character. “Places are unique, and if

scale artworks, but we mostly had the freedom to place

buildings celebrate that uniqueness of place, then they

the works as we saw fit,” says Al-Aqeedi.

are successful,” he suggests.

The key to The Ned Doha’s overall design success

The Ned is certainly celebrating that uniqueness of

was to find the perfect balance between the minimalist

place in Doha, and just a few months after opening, it

architecture and the layered interior design. “We

is already creating its own buzz around the city. “The

retained the architectural envelope to be true to the

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At pan-Asian venue Kaia, Soho House Design has fused bulbous chandeliers with jade-green cushioned seating and marbletopped counters

building, and elevated the design within,” says

pool, listen to live music, or discuss business

Soho House Design’s Principal Designer Severine

in Ned’s Club upstairs.

Lammoglia. “To achieve this, we balanced

The edifice’s main sculptural character

colours between the materials and fabrics used

comes from the cantilevered travertine façade,

to ensure a cohesive and calm space, whilst also

a fundamental part of its iconic identity. But in

embracing patterns and layers.”

order to turn a functional office building into a

These patterns and layers don’t only come

modern luxury hotel, a number of interventions

through in the soft furnishings, but also in

were required. “The Ministry radiated security,”

the backdrop of rich timbers and soft stone

says Schwarz. “It was theoretically a public

across the hotel. Bedrooms for instance layer

building, but a public building that was not

upholstered headboards on timber arches,

very accessible. Now, the hotel should radiate

Murano glass chandeliers and ribbed leather

accessibility and publicness yet also, to a certain

wardrobe doors, alongside handmade carpets

degree, protection. A protected place that’s

in silk and wool that adds a plush layer to the

open, which in itself is a kind of contradiction.”

base material palette.

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Schwarz and team added a large plinth that

There’s a consistent design narrative that

encircles the building, effectively a new ground

runs throughout each space, from the original

level and expansive outdoor space that had

elements to the newly constructed. What

previously not existed. The plinth acts both

was once, in the words of Schwarz, “a strict,

as a wall around the building, corresponding

rational, typical, Modernist office building”

with that sense of security, and also an elevated

is now a place where a cosmopolitan crowd of

terrace, simultaneously “protecting” the guest

Qataris and international residents and visitors

from the street while providing new open-

come to enjoy lunch, swim in the 30m-long

air spaces. That same mix can be felt at the

outdoor pool, surrounded by green-and-white

and out, resulting in outside areas that feel like

striped daybeds and cabanas that sit on speckled

inside areas and vice versa.”

terrazzo floors.

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Qatar’s summers are some of the hottest

“We created terrazzo flooring by mixing the

in the world, but these outdoor areas – from

existing stones with new, more colourful yet

the restaurants to the terraces and the Ned’s

complementary ones,” says Soho House Design’s

Club pool – are ambitiously designed with the

Senior Designer Sophie Baker, highlighting

intention of prolonging the pleasant outdoor

the fact that the floors were individually laid

season. So far, they’re proving to be a hit, as

onsite. “If guests look closely, they can see

popular with guests on rare rainy days as they

some pieces that are misaligned or chipped,

are in the sun.

which happened during the pouring process.

The Ned Doha’s adaptive reuse of a heritage

These imperfections are what highlights that

building gives hope that it might spark a

they were truly handmade.”

movement in the region for other similar

Another major architectural addition to

projects, with architecture having the potential

the building is the large concrete canopy

to make people perceive their cities differently.

that provides shade from the sun, as well as

“If we can show that a building is not an

dramatic light and shadow. The canopy sits

obstacle, but rather offers a chance to create

on top of the newly added outdoor sections

an interesting and unique place, then that will

including restaurants, pool and event space

be a game-changer for this region,” Schwarz

– a continuation of the original main edifice,

concludes. “It’s important to think of buildings

which Schwarz describes as a “counterpoint to

in cultural terms as well as sustainable terms.

the seriousness of the existing building”. The

If we have achieved something in that direction

canopy creates a “soft transition between inside

with The Ned Doha, I will be very happy.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Membership Collective Group Architecture: David Chipperfield Architects Interior Design: Soho House Design Art Consultant: Mathqaf www.thened.com

DESIGN DETAILS

HOTEL NEWBUILD

Hotel Karpaty Nature provides endless inspiration for architects and designers, with many looking to the local landscape when planning their projects. For Kyivbased Makhno Studio, the landscape in question for its most recent commission, Hotel Karpaty, is the Carpathian Mountains, which form an arc across Central Europe. Taking cues from the rugged peaks, the studio examined the contours of the land, designing a structure that resembles an ocean liner charting its course. “As we embarked on our journey to create Hotel Karpaty, we knew that minimising our intrusion on the breathtaking natural landscape was paramount,” the studio explains. “And so, we seamlessly integrated ourselves into the environment, becoming one with the organic beauty that surrounded us.” With integration in mind, the designers crafted a sloping roof profile that mimics the mountains when dusted in snow, while inside, the peaks are reflected in organic forms like a sweeping staircase, fluid furniture and a signature 3D tile crafted through the use of QuadroPod. “The unspoiled, raw nature that envelops us urged us to create something not only simple and organic but also striking and daring – an embodiment of our passion for innovative design,” the studio concludes. “Perched atop the summit like an age-old oak tree, the hotel serves as an eternal sentinel of the peaks, appearing as a continuation of the landscape.”

© Xx

Sowing The Seeds As travellers look to reconnect with nature, the role of landscape architecture in hospitality experience and design is becoming more important than ever.

Words: Ben Thomas

T

here is so much more to good

as guests look to reconnect with nature –

landscape design than simply

particularly in the wake of the pandemic –

creating a building with a pretty

the move towards indoor-outdoor spaces has

view,” says Philip Jaffa, founder

accelerated. “The hospitality industry has

and Director of London-based

changed dramatically over the past 25 years,”

landscape architecture studio

Jaffa explains. “What began in Hawaii and

Scape Design, which aims to forge emotional

Asia with the blurring of boundaries between

connections between the guest and their

architecture, interiors and landscaping has

environment. “In today’s resort market,

slowly but surely made its way to Europe,

the range of landscape facilities and outdoor

with outdoor experiences generating

experiences on offer has become a key driver

revenue. As every project is different, we

behind a traveller’s decision-making.”

weave elements of local history, culture and

In times gone by, operators have been

the natural environment into the design

guilty of adding a few potted plants amongst

narrative; it’s an approach that can unite the

the sunloungers for a makeshift garden, but

entire project.”

000

With every project, from Fairmont Taghazout Bay (left) to Grecotel Corfu Imperial (previous page), Scape Design looks to weave elements of the local history, culture and the natural world

“At a well-designed resort, travellers shouldn’t perceive a difference between architecture, interiors and lansdcape design.”

PHILIP JAFFA

DEEP-ROOTED DESIGN

includes pine and and olive groves, the studio

NURTURED BY NATURE

Ensuring the site makes the best use of the

envisioned a Riviera-style scheme that envelops

This connection between nature and guest

location means involving landscape architects

the villas that dot the landscape, taking guests

experience is what Jaffa believes will drive

in the earliest stages of masterplanning – or

on a journey through native Mediterranean

hoteliers to prioritise landscape design going

what Jaffa calls “land planning” – to identify

fauna. “With this project being a refurbishment,

forwards, underlining the positive impact of

the best to location for guestrooms and facilities,

the idea was to enhance the built environment

green spaces on both the guest experience and

not only from a guest perspective but from an

to immerse residents in the surroundings,”

their asset’s value. “Ten years ago, we were

operational and sustainability viewpoint too.

Jaffa continues, adding that elegant poolside

never asked to design a yoga deck,” he quips.

“At a well-designed resort, travellers shouldn’t

cabanas and a new rooftop lounge are part of the

“Now, it’s on every list.”

perceive a difference between architecture,

offer, set amongst Cypress trees and flowering

interiors and landscape design, because they

aromatic shrubs.

The evolution of wellness in hospitality has certainly aided the landscape architect’s cause,

flow into one another using shared details or a

Likewise, Scape Design’s scheme for

with some resorts opting to take spa treatments

language of art,” Jaffa notes, revealing that his

Fairmont Taghazout Bay in Morocco – which

outside and others looking to make use of

practice uses the styling of a hotel’s architecture

scooped the Landscaping trophy at AHEAD

medicinal plants. “As humans, we’re ultimately

to inform landscape features like pergolas and

MEA 2022 – takes cues from its locale as well

part of nature and are trying to rekindle our

shade structures, creating a sense of place that

as the indigenous Imazighen Berbers, who once

lost relationship with it post-pandemic,” says

resonates with the guest.

inhabited the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

Jaffa. “Part of going on holiday is also about

At Grecotel Corfu Imperial on the Ionian

Ten years in the making due to the significant

rest, relaxation and recuperation. That feeds

coastline, winner of the Landscaping &

masterplanning required for the bay itself,

into our world view as landscape architects

Outdoor Spaces award at AHEAD Europe 2022,

the property features a carefully considered

more than anything else, including architecture

this deep-rooted level of involvement saw the

layout that mimics the wadis – or dry ravines

and interiors.”

Scape team based on site for two months. This

interspersed with oases of wildflowers and palm

Beyond the spa, swimming pools and resort

move ensured that challenges were overcome

trees – followed by the tribe as they travelled

gardens, there’s also the growing number of

efficiently during the upgrade to the arrival

along ancient routes between mountains and

wellbeing programmes on offer at resorts,

experience, gardens, pools and terraces. “We’ve

sea. “It’s like a scene from Star Wars,” Jaffa

taking in al fresco experiences such as forest

completed over 20 projects in Greece, but no

explains, referencing a sunken spa garden that

bathing, hiking and birdwatching – all

two look the same,” says Jaffa, pointing out

was inspired by the rustic charm of Berber

chargeable of course, once again demonstrating

that the design here was inspired by the island’s

villages, scattered throughout the hillsides of

the revenue-generating potential of the great

historic links to Italy and its Renaissance-style

eastern Morocco.

outdoors. Jaffa also reveals that operators are

gardens. “The refurbishments in Greece are

Working with HKS Architects, Scape

increasingly asking Scape Design to apply its

tough because most properties we have worked

Design also minimised the visual impact of

expertise to F&B, with facilities ranging from

on were built during the 1960s and ‘70s and

the buildings, allowing the architecture and

outdoor bars and restaurants to entire village-

there’s no drawings,” he chuckles. “We have a

landscaping to influence the site equally; each

style squares featuring a variety of outlets.

plan but often don’t know what’s underground,

spa treatment building, for instance, is accessed

Kitchen gardens with orchards, vegetable

so must be flexible – there’s a lot of designing

through its own private garden with lush

patches and beehives are becoming popular

on the hoof, which is exciting.”

bougainvillea and aromatic rosemary trailing

too. As well as providing ingredients for on-

over the earthen-clad walls that surround it.

site restaurants, they can form part of foraging

Working with the existing plant life, which

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experiences and cooking classes, feeding into the

or shopping centres. “It’s easy to create the right

local and sustainable narrative. “Most hotels we are

microclimate if the correct approach for planting is

working on currently contain productive spaces set

incorporated into the design scheme,” he adds.

within the landscape,” Jaffa explains. “For the brands,

At the forthcoming Four Seasons Resort in Dubrovnik

it’s about creating memorable guest experiences. We

– for which Jaffa and team are overseeing the entire

can help them achieve that.”

landscape design from concept to completion – Scape

GOING GREEN

working with Zagreb-based architects 3LHD, LW

While the wheels are firmly in motion for greener

Design Group and Meyer Davis to draw on the cultural

hotels, Jaffa is concerned that there’s naivety amongst

potential and natural qualities of the site. Situated

architects and designers, with unrealistic proposals

within the tourist resort of Kupari, the project involves

being presented to clients prior to consultation with

the reconstruction of a historic property, as well as the

the landscape designer. “We’re seeing buildings with

development of a new hotel, residences and villas –

trees growing out of them and little space left for

all of which will be integrated into a verdant scheme

gardens,” he states, highlighting the importance of

featuring tiered gardens and plant-lined walkways.

being involved from the outset.

At the forthcoming Four Seasons Resort in Dubrovnik, Scape Design is working with architects 3LHD to draw on the cultural potential and natural qualities of the site

Design is hoping to achieve this sense of place by

As always, the aim for Jaffa is to foster a co-existence

Rather than simply ticking sustainability boxes,

with nature, which promotes harmony, wellbeing and

more emphasis should be placed on the locale and

an increase in local biodiversity, benefitting guest and

climate to ensure the building sits well within the

planet in equal measure. “The word landscape can

natural contour. “The hospitality industry is a long

mean so many different things to different people,”

way behind others when it comes to biophilic design,”

he concludes. “For me, it means being at one with

says Jaffa, referencing the trees and plants often used

the natural world. And for many travellers, that

as centrepieces under glass atriums in airport lounges

connection is fast becoming paramount.”

© 3LHD

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L E I S U R E P L A N . CO . U K S A L E S @ L E I S U R E P L A N . CO . U K + 4 4 ( 0 ) 12 7 9 816 0 01

The best room is Often outdoors

Into The Wild As guests seek experiential stays to escape the hustle and bustle, traditional hotels are expanding their offer to include lodges, cabins, camps and treehouses that foster a connection with nature.

Words: Catherine Martin

L

ook back in history and one of the

Senior Design Director at AutoCamp – a US-based

earliest forms of shelter was amongst

developer of experiential outdoor hospitality –

the treetops, with the leafy canopy

and now founder of Boundary Works. “Outdoor

providing protection from the sun and

recreation has been growing steadily since the early

the elevation serving to eliminate the

2010s and the pandemic was a major accelerant,”

risk of flooding. As man evolved, so

he continues, adding that increased regard for the

too did their lodgings; simple tents made from a

environment and a leaning towards low-impact

timber frame and animal hide advanced to semi-

developments are also part of the story.

permanent structures built using natural materials

Indeed, the pandemic has undoubtedly had an

such as mud and stone. In the centuries since,

impact, with hotels finding that guests no longer

construction techniques have become ever more

wanted to stay in such close proximity to others,

sophisticated, resulting in the metropolises we

nor – at the height of the crisis – share the same

know today. Yet despite the comforts of modern

public spaces. This has led to a whole host of new

life, there remains something quite appealing

ventures, ranging from single cabins nestled in

about being amongst nature – a human desire that

the wilderness to treehouses perched up above.

the hotel industry has recognised and subsequently

Some are self-contained units providing sleeping

seized the opportunity to diversify.

and cooking facilities, while others serve as a

“People are looking for experiences that they

standalone extension to the main hotel, meaning

cannot get from an urban hotel and the market is

that guests benefit from private lodgings as well as

responding with an array of new ways to connect

access to the usual hotel facilities, making use of

with the outdoors,” confirms Will Spurzem, former

them as much or as little as they like.

© Martine Marras

© David Higgs

© Lawrence Braun

Casa Rosalie (top) in the Perche region of France, Eastwind Olivera Valley (bottom left) in the Catskills and Find Sanctuary (bottom right) in California are designed to offer guests a stay in nature

“People are looking for experiences that they cannot get from an urban hotel and the market is responding with an array of new ways to connect with the outdoors.”

WILL SPURZEM, BOUNDARY WORKS

Staying amongst nature has been prevalent

However there’s plenty of variation across

the interiors are kitted out with a bedroom, en

across Africa for decades, with operators such

the sector, the common factor being that

suite with a rainshower and spacious vanity,

as &Beyond, Natural Selection, Great Plains

whether a lodge, cabin or camp, it’s set

and a fully functional kitchenette.

and Wilderness developing lodges and camps

amongst nature and aims to connect guests to

Lodgings such as caravans and cabins do

as a base for safaris. In recent years, increased

their surroundings. For instance, at Playa Viva

however come with a specific set of design

demand and elevated expectations have

– which won an AHEAD award in 2022 – the

challenges, partly due to their compact

been a driver for more luxurious, design-led

surrounding landscape of Mexico’s Pacific coast

floorplate. “The most basic trick to make any

lodgings that also consider the impact on the

is at the heart of the entire development. The

compact space feel bigger is to make sure

fragile ecosystems in which they sit. In 2017,

resort is built and maintained to permaculture

that there are plenty of well-placed windows

this growth prompted the introduction of a

design principles with renewable materials

for expansive views and fresh air,” explains

new Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps category

harvested on site, while interior furnishings

Spurzem, adding that intuitive storage solutions

for AHEAD – Sleeper’s awards for hospitality

are made by local artisans to reflect the

are also key. “Hooks, casework and accessories

experience and design – which was first won

region’s culture. For the guest, this approach

should be designed so that they are easily

by Muza Lab for Belmond Eagle Island Lodge in

results in a much sought-after authentic

accessible and recognisable – you don’t want a

Botswana. At the time, the category was specific

experience that is grounded in the locale. “The

guest to find a ‘clever’ storage area on the last

to the Middle East and Africa, though was later

final product is a far cry from the ‘box on the

day of their trip.”

introduced to all regions in recognition of the

beach’ development model espoused by many

Spurzem goes on to highlight the importance

shift towards alternative forms of hospitality

traditional hospitality groups,” explains Louis

of considering how guests will use the space,

being seen in other parts of the world. While

Thompson, CEO of Nomadic Resorts, designers

particularly given that the aim is to encourage

tented camps have dominated the shortlist

of the concept. “Here, guests can connect with

an appreciation of the outdoors: “Once you add

in MEA – Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda and

their environment – listen to the sound of the

in luggage, muddy boots and a place to hang up

Singita Sabora in Tanzania are amongst those

waves, feel the breeze sway through the palm

a rain jacket or two, it can get a little crowded.”

triumphant – they have also made their mark

leaves and taste the salt air as they lounge

Weather conditions have an impact of the

on other regions. In the USA, Camp Sarika by

on the hammock suspended over the beach,

choice of finishes too, with surfaces and

Amangiri (AHEAD Americas winner 2021) brings

staring at the stars. This is beyond wellness,

materials needing to meet the design and quality

a tented retreat to the desert of Utah, and in

its catharsis.”

standards of a typical hotel guestroom yet also

India, Raas Chhatrasagar (AHEAD Asia winner

Also seeking to take advantage of the

withstand the elements. “For the interiors,

2022) showcases the concept in Rajasthan. Both

restorative effects of nature, AutoCamp

designers need to consider finishes that will

Aman and Raas primarily operate bricks-and-

immerses guests in their surroundings within

hold up to mud, grit, dripping coats and the

mortar hotels and are amongst the growing

the luxury of a renovated Airstream. With

occasional door being left open all day,” says

number of groups diversifying their portfolio.

sites in Cape Cod, Catskills and Yosemite, the

Spurzem. “You can take two directions: ultra-

Further ventures include the likes of a JW

expanding group is elevating the traditional

durable synthetic finishes that will look almost

Marriott-branded tented camp in the Masai

caravan stay through the bespoke fit-out of

brand new two years after opening, or solid

Mara, marking Marriott International’s debut

the distinctive travel trailer. The venture,

natural materials that will patina and age.”

in the luxury safari sector; Banyan Tree AlUla

founded by AutoCamp CEO Neil Dipaola, was

Whether rustic or contemporary, guests still

in Saudi Arabia, comprising 47 light-touch

established to enable guests to connect with

expect certain hotel standards to be upheld.

tented suites designed by AW2; and Naviva, a

the great outdoors, without sacrificing on home

“The space and furnishings should give a nod

Four Seasons tented resort on Mexico’s Punta

comforts. Each Airstream has its own private

to tradition while addressing more modern

Mita peninsula.

patio with a firepit and lounge seating, while

needs,” Spurzem continues. “Blending elements

135

At Playa Viva – designed by Nomadic Resorts – the surrounding landscape of Mexico’s Pacific coast is at the heart of the development, with treehouses built from renewable materials harvested on site

of typical hospitality spaces can really change the

Manor, oak-clad Shepherd Huts nestle amongst

experience. A luxe spa-like bathroom, five-star

the trees of the Devonshire estate, their interiors

bedding or a well curated set of furniture can elevate

furnished to the same standard as the country house

the experience from camp to something more.”

hotel. Built by Blackdown Shepherd Huts in the UK,

In Europe, the lodges, cabins and camps category

the units – fully fitted with a pull-down bed, kitchen,

has also grown as a result of the pandemic. Existing

woodburner and shower room – are also set to be

hotels have added new accommodation units in their

installed at Rufflets St Andrews this summer, with the

grounds, which benefit two-fold as a memorable

Scottish hotel making use of the rolling countryside

experience for guests and a new revenue stream for the

surroundings.

operator. This has led to a rise in prefabricated models,

In 2021, Rick Stein Restaurants introduced huts to

which can serve as fully fitted-out single cabins as an

the Cornish countryside for visitors to his nearby eatery

extension of a hotel, or as standalone with the option

in Padstow, while The Fish in the Cotswolds added

to scale up through the addition of multiple units. In

five new Hideaway Huts to meet growing demand for

2021, Casa Ojalá was installed on the Tuscan estate of

its already popular eclectic mix of accommodation.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco. Designed by architect

Everything Retreat, a collection of wellness-focused

Beatrice Bonzanigo to immerse guests in their

lodges has just opened in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley,

location, the self-sufficient suite features a bedroom,

and at The Tawny in rural Staffordshire, owners

bathroom, living space and private roof terrace, and

have been savvy in creating a property with multiple

comes equipped with photovoltaic panels and its own

accommodation types, ranging from cosy cabins to

water tank. Interiors can also be fully customised in

waterside boathouses and family lodges. The resort has

accordance with a brand identity.

recently introduced a series of treehouses constructed

Other existing hotels have expanded through the

from cedar and larch – materials that blend into the

addition of pre-built lodgings too. At Lympstone

surrounding treetops – bringing another experiential

© Kevin Steele

136

lsa-international.com

Terrazza Collection

CONSIDERED DESIGN

stay to the resort. In County Durham, Ramside Hall

remote working, the concept was conceived by Charlie

has added treehouses that can host groups overnight

Hammond after struggling with his own mental health

as well as weddings, while Fairmont Windsor Park

issues and work-related anxiety. The Blue Lagoon

is working with specialists Blue Forest for its own

Family meanwhile has announced plans for Highland

treetop lodgings.

Base Kerlingarfjöll, which brings together a hotel,

Outside of the UK, 2022 saw the opening of Oasyhotel, a pioneering nature-immersive wilderness

The forthcoming Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll from The Blue Lagoon Family brings together a hotel, lodges, A-frame huts and a riverside campsite to support a range of outdoor pursuits

138

lodges, A-frame huts and a riverside campsite to support a range of outdoor adventure pursuits.

retreat in Tuscany set amongst 1,000 hectares of

Judging by the number of lodges, cabins, camps and

undisturbed forest, farmland, lakes and rivers. Casa

treehouses in development, this is a category that will

Rosalie, a collection of eco-responsible casas made

continue to grow over the coming years. At a time

using recycled materials, debuted in the Perche region

when urban land is at a premium and energy prices

of France. And in Norway’s Lysefjorden, entrepreneur

are soaring, off-grid retreats are amongst the fastest

Tom Bjarte Norland has added new cabins to The

and most cost-effective routes to market – not only

Bolder project, designed in collaboration with Snøhetta

making good business sense, but doing good for the

and Vipp to harmonise with the surrounding nature.

environment too. Ultimately, such ventures cater to

2023 meanwhile brought the opening of Eastwind

the ever-growing demand for hospitality experiences

Olivera Valley in the Catskills, where accommodation

that go beyond the norm, providing a place to sleep

types include all-weather A-frame cabins designed

within a setting that’s good for the soul.

to offer ‘secluded, elemental escapes that don’t sacrifice style’. And still to come is Find Sanctuary,

See overleaf for two case studies of properties seeking to

a micro-cabin experience in California that exists to

connect guests to their surroundings through architecture

make time in nature a regular part of modern life.

and interior design.

Providing accommodation as well as a setting for

Treehouses Callow Hall DERBYSHIRE

Words: Matt Turner Photography: © Adam Lynk

C

allow Hall, the first opening from nascent

will surely last longer than a simple room number

hospitality brand Wildhive Collection, shows

ever could.

how the addition of treehouses and woodland

Two larger treehouse structures – The Roost and

lodges in the grounds can offer country house hotels

The Den – were added in Summer 2022 with interiors

scope for expansion and a valuable source of additional

by Isabella Worsley, who previously worked with Kit

revenue. Many rural hotels sit in extensive, but

Kemp at Firmdale Hotels before founding her own

underused, grounds. The ability to add room stock

studio. The treehouses are surprisingly roomy thanks

through individual structures dotted around a hotel’s

to clever spatial planning, which accommodates

land is a cost-effective approach, particularly for older

two double bedrooms with en suite shower rooms,

properties where extension of the main buildings

a bright, open-plan living room with well-equipped

may be restricted by listed status or the significant

kitchenette and a private wraparound deck with roll-

construction expense involved.

top copper bath. Interiors once again take their cues

This Victorian house hotel in the Peak District is nestled in a 35-acre patchwork of gardens, wild meadow

140

from the landscape, with framed sketches of plantlife accompanying a palette of natural materials.

and woodland. At launch, its developers enlisted Blue

The grounds also feature walking and biking trails

Forest – ‘the treehouse people’ also responsible for

and the Coach House wellness centre with an interactive

similar structures at The Fish and Chewton Glen – to

gym, studio and sauna, in addition to three treatment

create 11 one-bedroom woodland ‘Hives’ to augment

rooms offering a range of organic treatments using

the 15 guestrooms in the original building. Blue Forest

100 Acres oils. In sunnier weather, guests can enjoy a

created the structures using reclaimed timber, cedar

picnic or afternoon tea in the Secret Garden, while at

cladding and shingle. The nomenclature of the Hives is

The Garden Room restaurant – a contemporary glass

evocative of the surrounding landscape and the hotel’s

extension of the main hotel – seasonal menus focus

focus on nature – Silver Birch, Buttercup, Foxglove

on ingredients from local suppliers and Callow Hall’s

and Forget-me-Not leave guests with a memory that

own kitchen garden.

Hill House 57 Nord SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Courtesy of 57 Nord

T

he intention with 57 Nord was to create an

elements as well as maximise the views. “Our design

antidote to hectic modern living, where guests

philosophy pays homage to the region’s Norse-Gael

are cocooned in modern design and luxury yet

heritage by weaving together modern Scandinavian

fully connected to the ever-changing Scottish elements

design and Scottish craftsmanship with sustainable

around them,” explains Mumtaz Lalani, owner of 57

architecture,” says Lalani, referencing the clean lines,

Nord, which comprises two remote hideaways that

vaulted ceilings and large swathes of glass that flood

immerse guests in their surroundings.

the space with natural light, blurring the lines between

Having fallen in love with the wild beauty of the

inside and out. Interiors too are influenced by the

region but struggled to find accommodation that

Highlands, with honest materials and earthy colour

truly did justice to the landscape, Lalani set about

palette drawing on the natural world. “The materiality

developing her own, first in Sky House, and now

of timber, wool, marble and travertine was chosen

with the addition of Hill House. “Time and privacy

to foster a connection between our guests and the

are increasingly in short supply, so I wanted to offer

surrounding natural landscape,” Lalani continues.

guests complete privacy as well as the ability to

“Meanwhile, the colour palette conveys a sense of

disconnect and rediscover the luxury of slow living,”

place by subtly reflecting the earthy rusts, tans and

she confirms, noting that the density of a typical hotel

stone of the mountains, forests and lochs.”

development wouldn’t bring the same sense of escape, nor be a good fit for the landscape.

142

Lalani has worked closely with Scottish artisans whose work is inspired by nature, furnishing Hill House

Located at the meeting point of three ancient sea

with textiles, handwoven cushions and sheepskin rugs

lochs amongst the Kintail mountains, Hill House is

that have an association with the Scottish Highlands.

designed in harmony with its surroundings, with

And further encouraging a connection with the

the all-timber structure raised from the ground

location, Lalani has assembled a cairn at the top of

to minimise physical impact, and its positioning

the hill, where guests can place a stone to make their

carefully considered to provide shelter from the

own contribution to the location.

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

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, accounting for 75% of the region’s projects listed in the THP database.

By city, New York, Los Angeles and Miami retain their spots at the top of the chart by number of projects in the pipeline, while Austin rises up the ranks thanks to new ventures from the major players; Marriott, Hilton Worldwide and Hyatt have all announced plans to open in the Texas capital before the end of 2023, while CitizenM and 1 Hotels are also slated for the city. Elsewhere in the USA, Las Vegas is notable for having the largest share of rooms in the pipeline, with mega-projects such as Fontainebleau (3,780 rooms) and Hard Rock Hotel (3,644 rooms) in progress.

In the wider region, Mexico has 126 projects listed in the THP database with the country set welcome Kimpton, Edition Hotels and Soho House in 2023. Looking further ahead, operators continue to plant flags in resort destinations – Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean coast all feature prominently in the development pipeline.

TOP CITIES NEW YORK Projects 48 Rooms 11,502

AUSTIN Projects 22 Rooms 4,597

LOS ANGELES Projects 41 Rooms 8,101

SAN FRANCISCO Projects 22 Rooms 3,541

MIAMI Projects 31 Rooms 12,202

LAS VEGAS Projects 19 Rooms 14,931

CHICAGO Projects 18 Rooms 4,218

NASHVILLE Projects 26 Rooms 6,012

SAN DIEGO Projects 18 Rooms 5,838

ORLANDO Projects 16 Rooms 5,219

TOP COUNTRIES

In total, the Americas is set to add almost 100,000 rooms to its inventory in 2023, with a further 110,000+ due to open through 2024.

Projects Rooms

THP is a data service to support the design, build, furnishing and operation of hotels worldwide.

For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

144

Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

USA 1,545 293,673

MEXICO 126 27,044

CANADA 65 11,583

BRAZIL 41 10,149

COLOMBIA 36 6,091

6

7

8

9

10

DOM REP 32 21,213

ARGENTINA 30 3,313

CHILE 18 2,343

PERU 17 2,588

PUERTO RICO 14 2,897

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 417,897 rooms (2,069 projects) in the pipeline across the Americas, 37% (779 projects) are in the latter stages of planning and a further 33% (671 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 85 Rooms 23,967

Projects 396 Rooms 78,376

Projects 779 Rooms 154,150

Projects 671 Rooms 137,898

Projects 138 Rooms 23,506

GROUPS AND BRANDS Of the major operators, Marriott International has the largest pipeline in the Americas, with AC and Faifield Inn ranking amongst the most active brands. For Hilton Worldwide, development of Home2 Suites continues at pace to meet demand for extended-stay products.

342 Projects 297 Projects 109 Projects 90 Projects 57 Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Home2 Suites by Hilton

54

6,664

Hampton by Hilton

45

5,304

AC Hotels

37

6,155

Hyatt Place

37

5,172

Hilton Garden Inn

36

5,192

Fairfield Inn & Suites

33

3,523

Marriott Hotels & Resorts

31

8,712

Tapestry Collection

30

4,020

Homewood Suites

28

3,941

Cambria Hotels

26

3,778

YEAR OF OPENING

2023 (24%)

2024 (26%)

2025 (16%)

2026 (6%)

UNCONFIRMED (28%)

145

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Brand living

Marriott claims to be the “world’s leader in

currently license 22 brand collections - we’ll

branded residences”, with more than 20 years

add more over the next year or so. We really

Strong demand is continuing to push the growth

of experience in the niche. It currently has

see the next decade as the most exciting yet.”

of branded residences, and hospitality brands

around 105 projects open across 20 countries.

Pacific markets are, he said, starting to

are keen to ensure they retain the edge when it

The company has a market presence currently

wake up to the opportunity of brand value

comes to brand selection.

with just six of its brands, but has prepared

on residences. “It was such a hot residential

The booming sector currently delivers

16 for use in the residence space. It is rolling

market, that developers felt they didn’t need

a premium of around one-third on sales,

these additions out across around 120 more

brands.” But for Accor, the breakthrough

compared with non-branded product. And this

pipeline projects, which will expand its presence

project was the group’s Mondrian Gold Coast

has led hotel groups to want to expand their

to 42 countries. Marriott says it will grow its

development - which sold out and where buyers

brands not only on blocks of apartments located

residential portfolio 60% by 2025.

saw substantial value in the brand.

alongside their hotels, but now increasingly

Marriott launched in Washington DC in 2000

Tisdall said Southeast Asia is coming back

to standalone projects, too. The scale of the

with a Ritz-Carlton-branded block, co-located

strongly: “The region was really hard hit by

opportunity has led Accor to recently position

with the eponymous hotel. In 2010 it ventured

the pandemic”, but the last six months has

itself across the market with the launch of Accor

abroad, opening Ritz-Carlton residences

provided evidence of the strength of pent-up

One Living, a platform designed to hold the hand

in Singapore and opened its 100 th branded

demand. He also tipped Korea and northern

of development partners from planning through

residence development in 2019. In mid-2022

Asia as growth areas. Accor has recently signed

to execution and long-term asset management.

it signed the first standalone project under its

schemes in Busan and Seoul. “The demand for

While the idea has a longer heritage in the

Autograph brand, in London. There, investor

branded residences has continued to be robust

US market and across Asia Pacific, Savills

Gulf Islamic Investments will deliver a 31-unit

in the Middle East.” The group has just signed

recently noted that the concept has now gained

project in Chelsea, due for completion in 2024.

a standalone SLS project in Dubai, and recently

considerable traction across EMEA too. It

But Marriott’s lead is facing a stiff challenge

launched Mama Shelter residences in Dubai.

calculates the market has gone from just seven

from Accor. Jeff Tisdall, senior vice president

The strength of demand has led to more

schemes across EMEA in 2005, to 209 today,

development for residential and extended stay

standalone developments, without the adjacent

and predicts 83% growth by 2030.

at Accor, told Hotel Analyst that the group

support of a hotel operating team. “We’ve been

According to Savills, there is an average

similarly has a 20-year history in branded

doing standalones for a number of years, but

36% brand premium to be enjoyed in EMEA,

residences, as he explained the thinking behind

the significant majority are co-located,” said

by branding a project, a figure that compares

Accor One Living and the move to pull all its

Tisdall. “But we see standalone as an interesting

with a 30% premium globally. But Savills notes:

expertise together in one team. “We’ve been at

opportunity. We look at them quite carefully -

“Emerging markets, however, can command a

this for a long time - it was a decision we took

the real test is, can you bring the brand to life

much higher premium than can be achieved in

in the last year or so, seeing what it meant to

in a standalone setting?”

established markets or global cities.”

our brands, and where we can see it going.”

Accor has dabbled with fractional ownership

But hotel brands do not have the space to

“We’re involved right from the beginning,”

in some markets, such as Canada. Tisdall

themselves, particularly when it comes to the

he explained, helping deliver customised service

said one example, luxury chalets at Fairmont

increasing number of standalone projects.

offerings, and ensuring the design and brand

Heritage Place in Whistler, has worked well. The

“There is also an increasing number of active

are aligned with prospective buyers, supporting

fractional format relies on markets with year-

brands in the non-hotel segment, from design

partners across legal, sales and marketing “to

round leisure demand, “but it’s not a product

and art brands to fashion and automotive

help them bring the brand to life in the sales

that has proved particularly scalable”.

brands. Increasing interest from non-hotel

process. The same team includes operations -

brands in the branded residences sector

you have to think over the whole life cycle.”

HA PERSPECTIVE

demonstrates the attractiveness of the model

Ahead of Marriott, Accor has a far broader

By Andrew Sangster: Branded residences are

and that buyers are not limiting themselves to

market offering of its brands to the residence

enjoying a lot of positive publicity lately, including

established hotel players.”

space, from luxury down to midscale. “We

a recent article in the FT with the intro stating:

147

‘From Armani to Aston Martin, the world’s luxury

their brands. And in some parts of Europe, it

of the country that have barely survived the

powerhouses want to keep you suite’. Bad puns

is hotels that are providing ideal conversion

quarantine and are no longer able to reach the

aside, the breathless article ran through a roster of

opportunities for co-living spaces.

pre-pandemic occupancy levels. Such properties

The latest big names to push into the space

from the hotel sector and rather fewer of the other

are French construction and development giant

Combined, Ares and Bouygues have around

luxury brands the intro promised.

Bouygues Immobilier, which has formed a joint

EUR450m of firepower to deploy into the niche.

It is easy to see why brand companies like branded

venture with US investor Ares, and launched

Bouygues already has 1,500 beds in properties

residences and why hotel companies are the best

a co-living brand, NOMO. The pair plan to

acquired over the last two years, and the target

placed to exploit the opportunity. For a start there

develop, acquire and operate accommodation to

is 10,000 beds by 2030. Initially, the platform

are the licensing fees. JLL reckons that these are

suit a target market of 25-40-year-olds. The

is looking at French locations including greater

between 1% and 6% of the unit sales price. That’s

first site is expected to open before the end of

Paris, Bordeaux and Nice.

a nice fat cheque for agreeing to stick your brand

this year in Bordeaux, France.

name on something.

NOMO will aim to solve the problems of young

The start of 2023 also saw a significant

renters, including high rental costs, the long and

In addition, there are technical services fees,

merger in the co-living space, as US-based

complex administration of rental properties,

more modest but up to USD250,000 per project,

Common agreed to come together with European

and the challenges of finding somewhere to live

and an ongoing fee if the hotel chain gets to run

counterpart Habyt. The combined operation has

that facilitates social interaction.

the homeowners association, worth USD1,000 to

more than 30,000 co-living units in 40 cities

“Co-living has allowed in recent years to

USD2,000 per unit per year.

across 14 nations, as well as some studios and

bring a breath of fresh air to the way in which

apartments in the portfolio.

managed real estate must be thought out and

What’s not to like? As one sceptical hotel operator said to me: “Dealing with one hotel owner can be

The moves come after the pandemic saw

developed. Designed around the user, through a

tricky but dealing with several hundred at the same

many co-living start-ups fall away. In the US,

design and experiential approach, where digital

property would be a nightmare.”

brands including Ollie, Quarters and Roam are

provides the service layer to simplify access to

Challenges are there to be surmounted and Accor

no more, while UK-based The Collective, which

housing and facilitate human relations”, said

seems to be gearing up sensibly to take them on.

had projects in Europe and the US, also failed.

Augustin Rousseau, NOMO managing director.

It has more than 135 branded residences projects

Other residential sector operators are also

“This partnership both strengthens and

operating or in developments across 22 of its brands.

eyeing the opportunity. In the UK, student

accelerates our strategy of deploying a housing

It is mixed-use developments where this

accommodation provider Unite recently

offer for a new generation,” said Olivier Durix

operation can scale, extending into other products

acquired a 178-unit block in east London as a

of Bouygues Immobilier.

such as co-working, private clubs, extended stay

pilot project, to see whether it can profitably

Investor Ares is convinced of the potential of

hotels and more.

extend its offering to graduates. “We believe

the niche, according to Quentin Orion, managing

Alongside development expertise, distribution

there is an exciting opportunity to grow our

director. “Residential is a strategic asset class

know-how is also on offer. Accor has a website

platform in the wider living sector by catering

for Ares Management and we are convinced of

dedicated to helping owners of residences to market

to the growing number of young professional

the attractiveness of co-living. With more than

them for short-term lets. And this is another reason

renters living in major UK cities,” said Unite CEO

1,500 beds already secured and a common vision

why Marriott launched its Homes & Villas offer.

Richard Smith. “We already serve this market

of operation, this joint venture will allow us to

through the 9,000 postgraduate students who

be at the forefront of this booming sector.”

Branded residences is yet another example of the hotelification of real estate and the blending

live with us each year.”

The merger of operators Common and Habyt

of different living asset classes. Armani and Aston

And in eastern Europe, investors Baltic Asset

meanwhile is focused on building stronger brand

Martin may have the brand but they lack everything

Management and Hanner are looking to convert

presence, as well as creating scale economies.

else that hotel brands bring.

hotels into co-living apartments. The pair have

Common was founded in 2015, after buying and

just acquired the Hotle Vitkov in Prague, to

remodelling a Brooklyn building, and grew as

be converted to 100 flats. Ugnius Latvys, CEO

it drew in more than USD100m of funding from

of Baltic Asset Management told local media

backers. Habyt started life in 2017, winning

the company has further sites signed in Riga,

over USD50m in backing since then. It operates

The co-living sector continues to attract new

Warsaw and Krakow. “In these cities, very

properties in Barcelona, Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid

entrants, as those already staking a claim in

similarly to Lithuania, after the pandemic,

and Milan, across three formats: co-living,

the niche look to consolidate to strengthen

there are unviable hotels in the central part

shared apartments or private apartments.

Co-living grows up

148

are ideal for conversion.”

developments which mostly featured storied names

BUSINESS CENTRE

Common founder Brad Hargreaves explained

offer opportunities for operators and investors.

we have an ambition to expand in. I intend to

the logic of the merger: “By merging, we are

“The future is brighter, provided we can get

invest further.”

creating an international co-living network that

over the challenges,” said Kate Nicholls, CEO of

Elizabeth Davies, head of real estate finance

more and more renters are seeking out right

UK Hospitality, speaking at EY’s hospitality and

at HSBC, said the bank is actively looking to

now.” He also said greater scale should lead

leisure webinar. Uncertainty is the key theme of

refinance client loans, but warned: “It’s hard to

to economies and improved resilience, vital for

the near future, she warned. And Peter Arnold,

know where the level of fair maintainable trade

two businesses yet to get into profit: “This is a

EY chief economist, noted that government

is. The challenge is lending at a sustainable level

major driver behind consolidation in both the

receipts in January were higher than expected,

- there absolutely is availability out there.”

co-living and short-term rental markets.”

potentially giving the UK chancellor space to

She said more interesting loan structures

support the economy in the coming months.

were being pursued on a case-by-case basis.

HA PERSPECTIVE

Operationally, revenues have been boosted by

Newbuild can be easier under a green loan,

By Andrew Sangster: Co-living lives at the

the growing volume of international travellers.

but sustainability-linked loans are difficult to

intersection of hotels, student housing and

“If you’re a London hotel, you’re quite confident

arrange under SPV lending.

residential. The question is whether it contains the

right now,” said Hugh Taylor, CEO of Michels &

Davies said HSBC is keen to take on more

best bits of all three or the worst.

Taylor. But in the provinces, he warned, “you’re

development finance. “We do actually need to

Co-living is what the concept of sui generis in

simply not getting the profits you expect”. He

rebalance our book, because we haven’t seen the

planning terms was invented for. It is a class all on its

expects improved room rates to stick: “I don’t

same level of opportunity in newbuilds. Actually

own but also smuggles itself in under planning use

think for a minute that average rates are going

making it work is the reason we haven’t seen

classes that include student, hotel and residential. In

to go down - but when we talk about inflation

the volume - the challenge is going to be around

general, most planners do not have formal policies

coming off, energy costs are coming off but I

the cost of building those assets.”

in place that cover it. Planners seem to view the sub

don’t see staff or food costs going down.”

“We have debt markets that are potentially

sector as better than Houses of Multiple Occupation

“It depends where you’re sitting in the

in crisis,” said Taljaard. He is concerned that

but a downgrade on regular residential development.

market,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, VP of

the perceived risk premium for hotels is out

The trend by co-living developers has been towards

development at Hyatt. Concerns about how

of kilter, and that leads to funds being too

bigger apartments and better communal facilities,

long current leisure demand will hold up mean

expensive, especially from newer players. “We

according to CBRE’s report on co-living in London

Hyatt is looking at new ways of marketing

are very concerned about the all-in cost. We’ve

published towards the end of last year.

rooms: “We’ve got to chase the demand that’s

had a lot of repeat relationships with banks that

out there.”

are quite focused on the sector, and we do see

Lenders, like planners, do not generally have a formal policy towards co-living. Investors

Discussion also turned to likely deal volume.

a lot of emerging buckets from the alternative

understandably want co-living to be viewed as

“There are a lot of investors that know the sector

lenders. I do think there will be alternative

similar to residential, so that they can access similar

that are chasing stock, there are new investors

means for assets to survive refinancing.”

levels of debt liquidity and favourable pricing.

looking,” said Black-Roberts. “But we’re just

Recent weeks have also seen a flurry of

not seeing the transactions at the moment.”

deals in the UK, as several trophy assets on

But the reality is that co-living does not have the liquidity of residential or hotels. The increasingly

Taylor argued that Covid actually protected

the market changed hands. In Brighton, Israeli

differentiated offer will instead have to establish

some weak businesses - and so moderate

investor Fattal has acquired the landmark

itself in its own right. It looks on course to do

distress was on the way. “There are some

Grand Hotel, in a deal said to be worth close

this, increasingly by adopting more hotel-like

movements from the lending stakeholders

to GBP60m. Fattal, which trades the Leonardo

characteristics in the communal services on offer.

to understand what they have here. I do

brand extensively across the UK, has said it

Co-living is one of several ‘living’ sub-sectors

think there are businesses out there, some

will retain the Grand name for the 201-room

benefiting from the hotelification of real estate.

substantial, that are unprotected with funding

asset, which is famous as the venue for political

costs and operational costs. I do think it’s going

party conferences and for an IRA bombing in

to happen, but not on the scale as previously.”

past years. Further investment is planned in

Looking forward with confidence

Desmond Taljaard of L+R Hotels declared

upgrading the facilities.

the sector highly attractive: “It’s more resilient

The hotel was sold by Wittington Investments,

The UK hotel sector at large is prepared to look

than retail and offices - I’d rather have our

which bought the hotel from De Vere in 2014 for

past the tough operational environment of the

money here, than in a shopping mall half way

GBP50m. Wittington, the investment vehicle for

short-term, convinced the sector continues to

up the M1. It’s still a very vibrant industry, one

the Weston family, has major stakes in retail and

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BUSINESS CENTRE

food businesses, and also owns the Richmond

cost more than GBP2m, before launching it

in the UK will feel the pinch. Some of this may well be

Hill hotel in Surrey.

as the group’s first Maldron hotel in London.

compensated for by ongoing recovery in group travel

For Fattal, the addition means the group

“This acquisition represents an outstanding

and business travel, but again the net balance is hard

now has three hotels in Brighton. The group

opportunity to operate a new, sustainably built,

to forecast.

has recently bought another trophy hotel asset,

hotel in a vibrant and developing area as we

What we do know is that in the medium to long

The Dilly in central London.

continue our ambitious UK expansion plan,”

term, the travel and tourism sector is on an upward

In Leeds, Scandinavian owner Pandox has

said CEO Dermot Crowley. “The strength of

growth path. Current patches of turbulence in debt

agreed to buy The Queens Hotel for GBP53m.

our balance sheet has been a crucial element

markets will soon pass.

The group bought the 232-room asset and

in enabling us to make this investment as we

There has been a marked impact, however. Knight

its operating business, and plans to continue

continue to create value for our stakeholders.”

Frank’s UK Hotel Capital Markets Investment Review

The hotel will open in the summer of 2023,

2023 showed a radical slowdown in activity in Q4

“The transaction is made at an attractive

leapfrogging delivery of what was expected to

2022, in marked contrast to the post-pandemic peak

yield, and we see good potential to further

be the first Maldron in London, a hotel under

in Q4 2021. Activity in Q4 2022 was just 13% of that

increase the hotel’s return over time through

construction in Shoreditch.

in Q4 2021, reflecting the economic turmoil created

operating the property as an independent.

active measures in operation, organisation and

HA PERSPECTIVE

The expected stabilised yield is more than 9%.

By Andrew Sangster: When you’ve been enjoying

in contrast to Q1 in 2019, which saw more than

The current quarter is likely to be poor, especially

The hotel was sold by UK group Aprirose,

rapid rates of growth, any slowdown is going to

GBP2.5bn of transactions. Knight Frank shares

whose CEO Manish Gouda commented: “We are

appear negative. Even though the trajectory the

the consensus view that investment volumes will

pleased to have executed this sale to deliver on

hotel sector is currently on is positive, the impact of

increase towards the back-end of this year but it

our strategy for the property. Having followed

the growth line becoming radically less steep creates

is still expected that institutional investment will

our investment with a substantial and carefully

concern.

be “somewhat restricted, particularly given the

considered capital expenditure programme to

But the sector should be feeling confident. The

reposition the hotel, we have created value and

next quarter’s results, Q1 2023, will be flattered

The old investment adage that things are never as

generated a good return for our investors.”

by the impact of Omicron in Q1 2022. And fears of

good as you hope but never as bad as you fear sums up the outlook for 2023.

Aprirose and its Almarose management

steep recessions in leading economies have receded

platform currently operates 20 UK hotels,

meaning that even as hospitality performance

including the QHotels collection, and Delta,

reverts to its usual trajectory aligned with GDP, the

DoubleTree and Mercure branded properties

outlook remains reasonable.

alongside individual assets.

constraint on development deals”.

There is a lot more uncertainty ahead than usual.

Also selling, in a most unusual deal, was a

But that is not necessarily a bad thing. The relative

Premier Inn hotel in London’s Finsbury Park,

certainty of the post-GFC period was one of drudgery

which was bought by Irish group Dalata for

and limited opportunity. Meaningfully higher debt

GBP44.3m, without ever having been opened

costs are creating pain, but also encourage activity.

for trading. The hotel was brought to market

This week Knight Frank reported on the subdued

after an impasse between lessee Whitbread and

level of hotel transactions in 2022 when compared

owner CBRE IM, resulting from a significant

with previous years. The advisor said that at GBP3bn,

building error.

the value of hotel transactions was 31% below the

Only after construction was it discovered

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by September’s mini-budget, said Knight Frank.

product offering,” said Liia Nou, CEO of Pandox.

five-year average and 22% below 2021 levels.

that the newbuild hotel had insufficient sound

The forecast from VisitBritain of an 18% rise

deadening. Whitbread could not accept the hotel

in inbound tourism to 35.1 million in 2023 is a

as it was, worried that the issue would lead to

particularly encouraging metric Knight Frank

guest complaints. The owners could not see a

pointed to. But it remains to be seen how this

cost-effective way to complete the remedial

balances out if there is a corresponding recovery in

works, with the result that a sale was the only

outbound tourism. If there is the same recovery, as

practical option. Dalata will carry out necessary

seems likely, the roughly 2:1 ratio of outbound to

works on the 192-room property, expected to

inbound means that the domestic tourism industry

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

The Other House, South Kensington

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

BUSINESS CENTRE

3.

2.

4.

1.

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry 1. Bogotá

Increased corporate demand has also had a positive impact on Berlin, with the city’s hotels reporting higher levels of occupancy and RevPAR month over month, according to preliminary March 2023 data. Taking a longer term look, ADR and RevPAR surpassed 2019 comparables by 16.5% and 2.7% respectively, though occupancy remained 12.0% lower.

Occupancy 69.8% ADR COP406,329.13 RevPAR COP283,530.04

Occupancy 67.6% ADR EUR112.14 RevPAR EUR75.86

2. Madrid

Aligned with historical trends for the market, Madrid’s hotels reported higher performance than the month prior according to preliminary February 2023 data from STR. ADR and RevPAR surpassed 2019 comparables, +26.0% and +10.2% respectively, while occupancy remained lower than pre-pandemic levels (-12.5%), having fluctuated between 50-85% according to daily analysis.

Occupancy 64.5% ADR EUR127.89 RevPAR EUR82.50

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3. Berlin

Helped by an increase in business travel, Bogotá’s hotel industry reported its highest ADR and RevPAR on record in March 2023. New data also revealed that the market’s occupancy was its highest since November 2022. Daily data shows five days of the metric above the 80% mark, with the highest level reported on a Wednesday, further pointing to recovery in business demand.

4. Riyadh

Riyadh’s hotel occupancy was its highest for a February since 2008, bolstered by the hosting of the International Conference & Exhibition for Science, which saw the metric hit 90% for three consecutive days. For the full month, each of the three KPIs came in significantly higher than the pre-pandemic comparables: occupancy (+23.4%), ADR (+34.0%) and RevPAR (+65.3%).

Occupancy 75.5% ADR SAR801.46 RevPAR SAR605.06

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

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

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

W W W. E E S M I T H . C O . U K

@ E E S M I T H C O N T R AC T S

Room to Rethink As the hotel evolves, Stellar Works envisions the guestroom of the future, partnering with Tej Chauhan to develop a kit of parts.

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Cong Tian

W

ith use of space increasingly under scruity across every square-foot of a hotel’s floorplate, guestrooms are getting ever smaller, becoming a

little less comfortable for travellers in the process.

To help combat such challenges, Stellar Works has joined forces with industrial designer Tej Chauhan to develop Room Kit – an innovative modular system that reduces both the time and cost to refresh a single room, or an entire hotel.

For the furniture maker, it’s a conscious deviation from the typical model of manufacturing loose furniture, as founder and CEO Yuichiro Hori explains. “We want to be a solution provider,” he reveals, adding that a collaboration with Chauhan has long been on the cards. “I’ve known Tej for several years, but we had never worked together before. We handcraft furniture and he is more tech-focused, so it’s an interesting combination.”

Having designed for the likes of Nike, British Airways and Ikea, Chauhan drew on his background in user experience to reimagine room configuration for the benefit of both the hotelier and the guest. “The brief was to revolutionise the hotel space,” Chauhun confirms. “I’ve always been interested in combining craftsmanship and user experience, and Room Kit does just that.”

The system is based around a structure of horizontal elements known as extrusions, which screw to the wall and neatly conceal unsightly elements such as cabling and sockets. Furniture elements can then be attached, arranged and rearranged in any number of configurations. For owners and operators, this means a reduction in time and cost when renovating rooms, with minimal downtime in comparison to traditional refurbishments. “The most expensive construction cost for guestroom innovation is wiring,” states

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156

Hori, who confirms that when using Room

This notion is based on the flow of the space,

from various Room Moods. “We’re treading a

Kit, contractors can simply fit a junction box

with intuitive touchpoints that look to generate

fine line between craft and technology, creating

anywhere along its length, meaning elements

a positive connection between hotel and guest.

an immersive yet practical experience that

can easily be plugged in.

The journey begins with the Welcome Home

doesn’t feel like a gimmick,” Chauhun explains.

From a design perspective, Room Kit also

Valet, where travellers can hang up their coat,

“The details work seamlessly, allowing guests

allows for variation across different brands,

park their umbrella and unload their pockets as

to connect with the space.”

meaning tweaks can be made if a hotel changes

soon as they enter the room. From here, they

As Room Kit prepares to hit the market,

hands. While the mounting system is crafted

can organise their belongings in one tidy zone

the hope is that the concept becomes a cost-

from metal for durability, Chauhun is fond of

– the Getting Ready Station – that provides

effective and efficient way to futureproof

material contrasts, so has combined the frame

ample space to hang clothes, place folded items

the guestroom. The next step for Stellar

with modular wall panels that provide warmth

and unpack toiletries, with a luggage rack able

Works is to offer a full-service solution that

and additional customisation. “There’s plenty

to support larger suitcases. Completing the

includes the architectural build too. Through

of flexibility in the wall panels for different

system, the Media Unit allows users to watch

a collaboration with FullStack Modular, the

aesthetics, from stone and timber to leather

television, charge larger devices or listen to

furniture manufacturer is producing Room

and upholstery,” he highlights. “Room Kit is

music through hidden panel speakers.

Kits in Shanghai before shipping them to its

modular on modular too, so hotels can mount

Feeding into Room Kit’s space-saving

partner’s factories in New York and Poland,

the minibar, desk, shelving unit and lighting.”

approach, the bed features a platform where

where they are installed within container-like

Putting usability centre stage, the system

bulky luggage can be stored. As for the bedside

units that can then be stacked by contractors.

looks at the way guests use their room, taking

unit, everything is within reach; a light source is

“Room Kit is not a furniture product nor

into account the devices they use. “Every

mounted on a directional stalk, and an induction

a modular system, it’s a much more holistic

element has been designed with a careful

charger removes the need for loose cables, with

experience,” Chauhan concludes. “With this

understanding of how guests might interact

controls angled towards the guest.

initial launch, we have developed the basic kit-

with it, and at which point of their stay,” says

While the core system comprises physical

of-parts for the hotel guestroom and are now

Chauhun. “The question we asked ourselves

solutions, it is also complemented by smart

working on ideas for extended-stay and other

was, how can we facilitate the experience in the

technology that combines lighting, 3D sound

hospitality spaces. This is a foundation to build

right way at the right moment?”

and temperature, with guests able to choose

on. The opportunities are endless.”

Haute Couture for your bath

www.acquabella.com

www.lightexpo.london

New for 2023 A dedicated area to shine darc space is a one-stop-shop for designers and specifiers looking for their next stunning decorative light fixture.

To exhibit in darc space contact John-Paul Etchells on jp.etchells@mondiale.co.uk.

The UK’s only dedicated lighting specification exhibition

21 & 22 November 2023 Business Design Centre • Islington • London

Levels

by Nahtrang Studio

New Decorative Collection

SPOTLIGHT LIGHTING & CONTROL

From feathered chandeliers to portable and cordless lamps, we take a look at the leading lights of the hospitality industry.

Chelsom Edition 28 Following its 75th anniversary in 2022, Chelsom will launch Edition 28, a brand-new collection, at Clerkenwell Design Week. The new collections, designed entirely in-house

by Robert and Will Chelsom, are made up of an array of different decorative lighting styles, designed specifically with global hospitality, marine and residential projects in mind. As well as a complete makeover of its existing lighting collection, Chelsom has launched a new website, sub-brands and an accompanying catalogue. www.chelsom.co.uk

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1. LZF Voliere

2. Il Fanale Stone

3. Viso Honey

4. Dernier & Hamlyn 135 Years of Design

Designed to resemble a collection of feathers, Voliere by Bodo Sperlein is a contemporary reinterpretation of a classic 1920s Art Deco chandelier. With a nod to elegant French Art Deco lighting design, Voliere’s intricately layered wood veneer elements are arranged in the manner of feathery plumes, showcasing Sperlein’s appreciation of craft and materiality. The sculptural lamp’s feather-like sections also offer a unique perspective when viewed from different angles while, due to its carefully considered structure and materials, the product is lightweight in design. As such, Voliere can bring a touch of 1920s glamour to contemporary hospitality spaces. www.lzf-lamps.com

Il Fanale’s Stone Collection has been designed as an emblem of Mediterranean style. Natural and warm, each lamp in the collection features a Murano glass sphere. The glass is enriched with metal powder, shaped by glassmakers to make each product unique, while a dark brass structure adds a rustic charm to the lamps. The Stone Collection can cater to a range of lighting needs, whether it’s a single suspension, a wall lamp or a table lamp, it brings a simple kind of elegance to any space. Founded in 1979, family-run Il Fanale produces an array of lamps from its Italian studio, creating designs that are a post-modern expression of contemporary style. www.ilfanale.com

Inspired by shimmering drops of honey, the collection of the same name by Viso has been created to add elegance to any space. Designed by the brand’s President, Tzetzy Naydenova, the new pendant has been two years in the making. It features four glass globes – each of which are interchangeable, allowing for unique customisation to match a range of settings – that are securely attached to a gold hoop ring and a unique canopy. One or four glass globes can also be easily replaced to suit any environment, mood or occasion, with colours mixed up when on display. With a selection of 11 colours, the lighting and ambience possibilities for interior designers are maximised. www.visoinc.com

Bespoke lighting designer and manufacturer Dernier & Hamlyn is celebrating 135 years since its founding in London in 1888. Throughout its history, the brand has produced bespoke lighting solutions for a variety of buildings across the globe, including landmark hotels such as The Savoy, The Dorchester, The Lanesborough and Claridge’s in London. With all projects, the company has prioritised attention to detail and going the extra mile for its clients. Based in Surrey, the team combines traditional metalworking and engineering skills with more advanced technologies such as CAD, new welding techniques and the likes of 3D printing. www.dernier-hamlyn.com

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4.

1. Northern Lights Hanover

2. Pedrali Giravolta

3. Elstead Lighting Isla Lamp

4. Ebb & Flow A-spire Lamp

The Mid-Century-inspired Hanover range from Northern Lights combines the influence of 1930s German design with British ingenuity. An exercise in sophisticated luxury – through both design and material choice – the Hanover range sees a cast brass torchiere shape complemented by naturally veined alabaster or matte opal glass drums, resulting in a warm, softly-diffused light.

The Hanover is available as a wall light, chandelier and pendant, and in a range of hand-applied custom finishes, including brass patina. Northern Lights’ wider Signature Collection is made-to-order and handcrafted in Britain by a skilled team of artisans. www.northern-lights.co.uk

Giravolta is a wireless form of lighting characterised by a contemporary design, with each unit standing at 330mm. The main elements of the product are two discs made from a plastic material, the base, the LED diffuser – which rotates 360-degrees to direct the light in different directions – and an arc crafted from extruded aluminium that surrounds the discs to create a handle. The luminaire incorporates various elements, including the LED board, the lithium battery and the micro USB device for recharge. Giravolta is characterised by a touch control which offers three light intensities, while a magnet in the base gives the option to fix the light onto metal surfaces and walls. www.pedrali.com

Elstead Lighting’s 2023/24 Master Catalogue features a selection of new ranges, including the Isla Table Lamp Collection. The lamp is available to purchase in eight colour variations, making it ideal for bringing pops of colour to interiors. Four of the collection’s lampshades are paired with aged brass metalwork, and the other four with polished nickel, each sitting atop a ceramic white base. For those seeking a more daring choice, eight patterned shades are also available in the new Milo range. Elstead Lighting provides a variety of portable, wall and ceiling fixtures made in its UK factory, with bespoke options available upon request. www.elsteadlighting.com

Danish lighting company Ebb & Flow has launched its new A-spire lamp, a fusion of vintage 1970s retro and forward-reaching design. The brand-new lamp sees a linear silhouette paired with brushed brass and glass together in an expression of Scandinavian design, while a built-in LED light source directs light both downward and sideways. The product’s name meanwhile refers both to its spire-like shape, and to the brand’s aspirational ethos. Designed with versatility in mind to find home in all manner of settings, the A-spire lamp can bring new character to any space in a range of shades including sanded olive, golden smoke, opal blue and opal white. www.ebbandflow.com

Maximum comfort for the guest, cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency for the hotel operator, and optimal workflows for the staff: All their requirements – professionally realised with KNX hotel installations from JUNG.

JUNG HOSPITALITY SOLUTIONS. HAVE A NICE STAY. You are welcome to visit us at: JUNG UK Showroom · 6 / 7 Albemarle Way · Clerkenwell · London Visit by prior arrangement: jung.de/london JUNG.DE/HOSPITALITY

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Smart KNX technology in hotels.

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18.04.23 14:03

SPOTLIGHT

Marset x Yabu Pushelberg George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg Fresh from their Euroluce showcase at Salone del Mobile in Milan, the founders of Yabu Pushelberg discuss the fusion of aesthetics and functionality for Marset’s new Konoha lamp.

What was the inspiration behind the Konoha wall lamp?

We design a lot of hotels and lighting solutions can sometimes feel a little mechanical, so we wanted to introduce a sense of romance with Konoha. The lamp is characterised by a canopy that provides a sweet ambient glow, and can be rotated to form a reading light.

Our aim was to address multiple challenges with one solution, which benefits hotels as they only need to wire one fixture.

How does the lamp balance aesthetics and functionality?

The hardest thing to design is something that offers romanticism and functionality in equal measure, but with Konoha we struck that balance. When working to achieve this equilibrium, there is often a cleverness that makes designs more innovative. As creatives, those are good challenges to have as they stretch our imagination.

What materials were used to bring the collection to life?

The materiality of the light is extremely minimal in terms of the metal used during production, making it one of the most efficient on the market. The brief from Marset was to keep the lamp as compact as possible without compromising on quality, so we understood immediately that Konoha would be simple yet smart.

How closely did you work with Marset to develop the lamp?

We’ve been working with the Marset team for five years and during that time the design process has been collaborative; at times there has been an influx of input from the brand, and at other points they have given us the freedom to fly with our thoughts. Whimsical functionality was the overarching theme we created for the lamp.

How did your design background help to inform the product?

As a result of our background in interiors, we know how things work. We know the emotional and functional needs of hotel guests, so we designed a light fixture that fulfils those needs in today’s market. Interior design and product design must go hand-in-hand, because a hotel needs to look great but also function.

What’s next for Yabu Pushelberg and Marset?

This is our first collection with the brand, but we are hopeful that it won’t be our last! What we like about Marset is that its DNA is centred around the efficient use of materials, which reduces the number of moving parts and is more sensitive to the environment. www.marset.com

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tora esign, res d , e r tu c manufa Lighting llation and insta

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1. Hector Finch Wall and Desk Lamps

2. Jung Jung AR-Studio

3. Tribu Luna Lamp

4. Astro Gerritt

Hector Finch has returned to its antique dealing roots by launching a range of wall and desk lamps, inspired by the designs of the father of early English electric lighting, William Arthur Smith Benson. Made in the West Midlands by an ex-British aerospace engineer, the lamps boast adjustable shade angles, as well as adjustable arm positions for maximum versatility. Paired with pleated shades made from fine silk – ideal for exuding the kind of historic elegance often sought after in period design schemes – the range is available in several finishes, including Antique Brass, Antique Copper, Polished Brass and Polished Copper, or a combination of two. www.hectorfinch.com

The Jung AR-Studio app facilitates the virtual sampling of Jung switches and electrical controls. The augmented reality solution displays hotel products live on mobile devices, making it a useful planning tool in hotel construction.

Planners can select the switch range, material or colour in the app, and then attach the Jung Experience Marker where a product will be installed. The app inserts virtual 3D models of the products into the live image of the room on the tablet or smartphone. Different frame designs for sockets, switches and pushbuttons as well as different metal variants can be created, and information such as frame dimensions accessed. www.jung.de

Tribu’s Luna lamp has been envisioned by Yabu Pushelberg, created after the design firm’s founding partners were inspired by an al fresco gathering hosted by friends.

Comprising portable, cordless lanterns, the Luna collection has been designed to enhance both outdoor and indoor experiences. A contemporary aesthetic has been fused with practical weatherresistant materials to make the lamp suitable for outdoor use in all weathers, while its three light modes mean that it can be adjusted to cater to any kind of setting, shifting with the mood. The central glass-dome of the lamp is also handblown, giving each piece a distinct one-of-a-kind look. www.tribu.com

Dreamt up by Astro’s Design Director James Bassant, Gerrit is a minimalist desk lamp inspired by 1920s Modernism and the design of a traditional banker’s lamp. Crafted from aluminium, the stem features three seamlessly adjoined planes of metal, angled to create a visually interesting luminaire from all sides. An anodised gold finish has been applied to the aluminium – a recent addition to Astro’s finishing collection – making visible joins minimal and the design especially sleek. The Gerrit lamp also showcases a touch-free wave sensor that controls its integrated LED technology, providing a powerful wash of light ideal for reliable task lighting. www.astrolighting.com

DESIGN BROUGHT TO LIGHT To see many new products, request or download the Quintiesse and Elstead 2023 Master Catalogues.

+44 (0)1420 82377 | enquiries@elsteadlighting.com | www.elsteadlighting.com

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1. Laskasas Robert

2. Baseline Lighting Design Studio

3. Preciosa Crystal Grid

4. Franklite Swing Arm Wall Light

Laskasas’ Robert chandelier sees the Portuguese brand continue to combine function and aesthetics into a range of sophisticated lighting options. The lighting solution is a Mid-Century Modern fixture designed to elevate a whole host of interior design projects, whether traditional or more contemporary. The distinct suspension lamp showcases Laskasas’ passion for a diverse selection of materials and shapes, while the chandelier’s gentle lines and fine details work to make it a standout piece in any hospitality space. With a timeless design, Robert is the ideal lighting option for those looking to inject classic elegance into their interiors. www.laskasas.com

Founded in 2012, Baseline is an international lighting design studio that specialises in luxury hospitality, including restaurants, bars and hotels.

As part of its sustainable approach, the firm’s designers are all LEED certified, guaranteeing that projects will be treated in accordance with environmental criteria to reduce energy consumption. Through its services, Baseline demonstrates how a sustainable lighting design can have a positive influence on the visual experience, improving hotel ambience through reflective lighting scenes. The studio is guided by its passion for lighting best practices, using tailor-made services to create unique designs for its clients. www.baselinehk.com

Preciosa’s latest Signature Design, Crystal Grid, is a customisable, modular lighting concept with hand-blown crystal tubes and an orthogonal structure. The product’s composition and components allow for the creation of a unique spatial impression through form and illumination.

Crystal Grid’s perpendicular lines and minimalist components also ensure that the light stands out in a range of interiors, while illuminated bubbles create additional sparkles, and injected light maximises shimmer in the crystal tubes. The product’s shape, size, lighting effects, colours and finishes can all be hand-picked by clients in order to craft a one-of-a-kind installation. www.preciosalighting.com

Franklite celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, following its inception in 1973.

Offering products that balance optimal performance with aesthetics, the brand has supplied its luminaires to the likes of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Mercure Hotels and The Gailes Hotel. Popular designs installed in these projects include its Perdita pendants, available in a matte black or brushed brass finish with rectangular crystal drops. The multifunctional black swing arm wall light meanwhile features a switch and USB port on the backplate, while the interior of the reflector is a rich gold colour which, alongside a strong level of illumination, provides a warm glow when lit. www.franklite.co.uk

Skye, Pullman Hotel, Hong Kong

Hospitality Lighting Design Signature CE LA VI, Restaurant & Lounge, Shanghai

Award-winning Luxury Lighting Atmospheres Aqua, Restaurant & Bar, Hong Kong

Bespoke Lighting Engineering

www.baselinehk.com | info@baselinehk.com

SPOTLIGHT

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2.

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3.

1. Brokis Overlay

2. Gabriel Scott Harlow

3. LedsC4 Gong

The Overlay collection brings together clean, geometric forms into a range of horizontal pendant variants, table lights and wall lights, all of which open the door to a new realm of possibilities in lighting art. The blown transparent glass tubes instil the collection with a distinctive character, as does the unique concrete fixture embedded with shards of upcycled glass from Janštejn Glassworks. Cradled within the fixture is a delicate sleeve of either frosted or clear glass, its centre line struck by a light tube that seemingly levitates within. Overlay lights are equipped with connectors developed by Brokis, facilitating easy maintenance and quick changes to lighting compositions. www.brokis.cz

Gabriel Scott’s Harlow Large Chandelier offers an elegant starburst of light that reflects and refracts through its mouldblown glass shade. A sparkling prism, the Harlow is directly inspired by the world of jewellery, with its metallic frame encasing a translucent glass that adds a touch of glamour to any space. The light’s glass finishes include alabaster white and smoked grey, complemented by the likes of satin brass, nickel, copper, bronze or black steel metal. The Harlow series is available in either chandelier, pendant and wall sconce form, making it suited to a variety of interior needs. Gabriel Scott designs and produces a range of lighting and furniture, all handmade in Montreal. www.gabriel-scott.com

Gong is a striking luminaire designed and manufactured

by LedsC4, a company boasting over 50 years of lighting experience. Designed by Francesc Vilaró, the product brings filtered light through an LED light source that seeps through the fabric of its shade, playing with sight and touch to inject a unique layer of light into interiors. The product is available in either a pendant or a ceiling fixture form, depending on the requirements of the space. Gong offers a high light output through the form of a decorative body, with three standard finishes and custom fabric options available on request, bringing the product to life in an earthy green tone, brown and red hues, or a sleek grey.

With the light so versatile and personalisable, its ability to catch the eye is increased, whether switched on or off. LedsC4 offers a service that maps the entire product path, from conception, design, manufacturing and quality control, to delivery and installation – light consultancy that guides clients through the entire illumination process. www.ledsc4.com

www.ebbandflow.com

Room for personality

SPOTLIGHT SPA & WELLNESS As hotel guests continue to prioritise wellness, suppliers are responding with innovative solutions.

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4.

1. Lemi Group Amalfi

2. Peloton Commercial 360˚ Peloton

3. Siminetti Mother of Pearl

4. Klafs Espuro

Lemi Group has developed Amalfi, a multifunctional spa bed catering for a range of treatments. Designed with versatility in mind, the piece functions as a traditional massage bed, yet is also equipped with a built-in pedicure station; the removal of a section of the mattress offers quick and practical access to a pedicure tub with pipeless hydromassage system. Compact and flexible, the bed is set on a bi-material base with a central wooden finish and metal detailling that comes in gold or rose gold. www.lemispa.com

“Hotel guests want wellness their way.

The 360˚ Peloton offer caters for all options – a menu of content in every room via the app, in-room bikes as an add-on, and bikes in the gym,” says Daniel Sprung, Senior Director for International, Partnerships & Commercial at Peloton. “That’s a fully tailor-made wellness and fitness experience, without making any physical changes to a property. Peloton is personalising the ultimate wellness experience, putting guests’ needs front and centre.” www.commercial.onepeloton.co.uk

The Mother of Pearl steam room finishes from British manufacturer Siminetti use natural mosaics to bring a layer of tranquility to wellness spaces. Available in a choice of 18 colours, including Siminetti Biscotti, Anthracite, Gentle Earth and Napoli, the finish is appropriate for a range of hospitality projects, capturing movement from every angle through smooth-touch finishes. The brand’s Mother of Pearl finish is also a sustainable choice, sourced only from the brand’s farmed locations across the globe. www.siminetti.com

Sauna, pool and spa manufacturer Klafs has launched the world’s first foam steam bath. Espuro welcomes users into a cabin that fills with foam to waist height, then chest level in the second bathing phase, while a soft drizzle of warm water ushers in the end of the application process – all to a relaxing soundtrack. Once the foam has dissipated, users can round out the experience with a cold shower.

An integrated outlet produces the foam, which can also be installed into existing Klafs experiences. www.klafs.com

LET’S FOCUS ON THE “WE” IN WELLBEING.

Chalet Anna Maria, Photographer Alex Kaiser, Austria

KOKON Corporate Campus, Liechtenstein

Courtesy of Faena Hotel, Miami Beach. Photographer Nik Koenig, USA

From the start of planning all the way to the finishing touches, we’re your partner of choice when it comes to bringing health-promoting sauna and spa solutions to life. Whatever your wishes are and whatever the spa trend is, together we can make it happen. After all, one thing is for sure: guests will be looking for a healthy lifestyle, more than ever before. And where better to find it than in the unique spa experience you offer?

Be inspired, discover your spa vision of the future at www.klafs.com

Luteca.com | @lutecafurniture

Luteca_Sleeper Magazine Ad_Outdoor Woven Collection-04252023.indd 1

PA R I S | N E W Y O R K | L O S A N G E L E S | M E X I C O C I T Y

4/26/2023 10:13:41 AM

SPECIFIER

SPECIFIER

Ethimo Bulbi Ethimo has collaborated with Studiopepe to launch Bulbi, a new collection of concrete vases for outdoor spaces. Comprising six pieces in different shapes and sizes, which can be used singular or together in groups, the range combines cleancut simple lines with totemic silhouettes.

Artisan craftsmanship gives their surface an unusual texture, emphasising the unique imperfections of each, while their unexpected modularity and Mediterranean tones make them versatile decorative objects. “Bulbi is inspired by the archetypal shapes of the containers,” say Studiopepe.

“The name refers to both their shape and the concept of nourishment, of growth and of nature, in the purest sense of the term.” www.ethimo.com

SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

FOH Raffles Doha Global foodservice and hospitality solutions company FOH recently partnered with Raffles Doha to curate a sophisticated tabletop collection that complements the property’s vibrant hues and elegant décor. FOH, which is also in the process of expanding its distribution locations across the region, worked with the property’s designers and procurement teams to determine the items that would best suit the aesthetic. The company then provided an array of luxury buffet solutions for use throughout the dining areas, including L’Artisan, Alba by Enrico Crippa and Malaki. FOH and Raffles Doha began their partnership during the pre-construction phase of the buildout to ensure the items were acquired prior to the hotel’s grand opening, with FOH’s Sales Director for EMEA and APAC Alex Guillaume working closely with Khushtar Potrick, Sales Manager for MEA at Raffles Doha. The two decided to procure a combination of items from the manufacturer’s most celebrated buffet collections, including matte brass risers, trays, pourers, bowls, holders and scoops, along with serving boards from its sustainable Root collection. The result was a selection of upscale and organic buffet accessories that foster a balance between the hotel’s predominately epicurean aesthetic and a grounding, earthy ambiance that is driving the modern design landscape. The items are also extremely versatile, meaning they can be integrated in the hotel’s existing buffet and tabletop collections or featured as signature, standalone pieces. www.fohworldwide.com

Grohe Grohe Spa Wellness, personalisation and sustainability are some of the core trends within today’s society and continue to seep into the design and specification of luxury hotel projects worldwide. The Grohe Spa portfolio ranges from faucets, ceramics, accessories and even customisable ceiling showers that meet these needs, with all combining carefully selected colours, materials and finishes to create luxurious spa experiences within the bathroom. Wellness and nature are also at the heart of the collection, which has been created with ‘Health Through Water’ as its founding concept. The Aqua Rainshower Ceiling Shower Modules allow the shower experience to be customised to the user’s personal preferences, while features such as the haptic feedback on the Allure basin mixer provide a tangible experience. Elsewhere, the new Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private ranges present a choice of colour, material, finish and handle options to help design unique bathroom pieces. Options include knurled knobs or stick levers in Grohe’s PVD finishes, as well as options of white or black Caesarstone Quartz for a superior finish. With water being a natural elixir in life, Grohe Spa provides resource efficiency alongside its premium products. Integrated within a number of the fittings is the manufacturer’s water-saving technology, EcoJoy, which reduces waterflow without compromising on performance. Design, quality, and experience is upheld while helping to preserve the Earth’s natural resources and encouraging sustainable design. www.grohe.com

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SPECIFIER

RH Trelica Part of RH’s Spring 2023 collection, Trelica is a collaboration between celebrated designers Thomas Bina and Ronald Sasson.

The furniture collection draws its inspiration from the architectural beauty of Brazilian Muxarabi window panels, while its curved lattice teak frame creates a dynamic play of light and shadow, wrapping quick-dry reticulated foam cushions that offer comfort and support.

A Los Angeles native, Bina is known for producing bold pieces that balance classic and contemporary through an unusual blending of materials. Sasson on the other hand merges an artistic approach with industrial and replication possibilities, often paying tribute to the culture and landscape of his homeland. www.rh.com

Acquabella Voss The latest addition to Acquabella’s bathtub family, Voss comes in a semi freestanding format that is designed for use in compact bathrooms. The tub is crafted from Dolotek, which provides a silky, smooth surface thanks to its combination of dolomite stone and resin, which is often referred to as a 21st century ceramic for its extreme resistantance to wear and impact. Combining minimalism with premium materials, Voss joins a wider collection of bathtubs that includes Chrea – characterised by its rounded profile, with a diagonally cut rim that accentuates asymmetrical, dynamic lines – and Levi, which is inspired by the sinuous movement of the waves. www.acquabella.com

Barlow Tyrie Horizon Horizon is a sleek, contoured and modern lounger by Barlow Tyrie. Practical and well-proportioned with stylish lines and strong horizontal contours, the product features a solid teak frame with a Textilene sling, while the backrest adjusts to five positions and small concealed wheels aid positioning. An optional adjustable Textilene Sunshade protects the face from the sun. Focusing on subtle patterns and textures, Textilene achieves an indoor aesthetic in outdoor settings, and guarantees that slings are strong, durable, mildew-resistant and require minimum maintenance. After rain, only a light tap is required for water to drop off. The Textilene sling is available in four colours: Charcoal, Titanium, Platinum and Pearl. www.teak.com

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SPECIFIER

ADA Cosmetics Gerd von Podewils, Chief Marketing Officer As ADA Cosmetics raises the bar for sustainability, the brand’s Chief Marketing Officer discusses putting beauty into travel.

How would you describe your approach to designing products?

Our overarching company purpose is ‘Putting Beauty into Travel’.

We are not just selling physical bodycare products, but want to create unforgettable moments for people when they are away from home. Travellers also need conscious choices, trip by trip, which include both harmless ingredients and recyclable packaging.

That is why we developed the first dispenser system for hotel bathrooms and wellness areas more than 30 years ago. Today, our products can be found in more than 20,000 hotels worldwide.

What is the key factor when choosing products for guests?

Away from home, guests not only expect carefully chosen brands and designs, but also products that are hygienic and safe. ADA can guarantee this with our proven dispenser systems, such as SmartCare+, which comes with a patented membrane technology that makes it the most hygienic dispenser solution worldwide.

Furthermore, guests expect products with high-quality ingredients, a caring effect and compatibility with all skin types. ADA’s skincare competence is manifested by offering formulations that are generally dermatologically tested and pH skin neutral.

Tell us more about your Cradle-to-Cradle certified portfolio...

We are the first and only company in the industry whose entire product portfolio is Cradle-to-Cradle certified. This means that our products have convinced an independent testing institute in five categories: Material Health, Product Circularity, Clean Air and Climate Protection, Water and Soil Stewardship, and Social Fairness. We are proud to have been awarded this ambitious sustainability certificate as a pioneer. For us, the certification is an important step towards an even more sustainable future.

What makes ADA Cosmetics unique in the industry?

With our high-quality bodycare products and innovative dispenser systems, we set new standards for hotels and their guests. For over 40 years, we have been passionately developing cosmetics and accessories for hotel bathrooms and wellness areas. Our clientele can choose from 30 brands, catering to lifestyle, design and luxury hotels, but also for wellness and beauty properties. And if that is not sufficient, we can design personalised, customised and even bespoke product ranges for hotels, cruise lines and airlines. www.ada-cosmetics.com

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SPECIFIER

Timorous Beasties Chinoiserie Glasgow-based design studio Timorous Beasties recently unveiled its new Chinoiserie collection at Deco-Off in Paris.

Taking the company’s well-established use of toiles, the designs draw inspiration from the European interpretation and imitation of art and design from China, Japan and other Asian countries in the 18th century. The series depicts a make-believe world in which a series of busy, illustrative scenes – involving groupings of different characters – fuse East and West, past and present, ancient and modern. “Chinoiserie sees a whole mish-mash of scenes reveal as much about Western fantasies and misguided assumptions regarding everyday life in the Far East, as it does about traditional versus modern ways of life across Asia,” says Paul Simmons, co-founder and Director of Timorous Beasties.

Alistair McAuley, fellow co-founder and Director at the studio, adds: “The new range is a delicate balance of varied reference points, and contrasting counter references. The sensitive linework celebrates some traditional manufacturing processes while displaying their inherent characteristics, in some cases through modern processes.” www.timorousbeasties.com

Topfloor by Esti Musett For London Design Week 2023, Topfloor by Esti launched new additions to its Musett range of handwoven abaca rugs. Having acquired Musett in 2022, the company is working to promote its design-led abaca collections in the UK and elsewhere, with agents already appointed for Italy and Switzerland. Abaca – a leaf fibre – caught the eye of the A&D community with its eco credentials and design qualities, which include a subtle sheen, a broad spectrum of natural fibre colours, plus a dye affinity for both plant and chemical to any known colour. Add in the creative minds at Topfloor and the rug design mastery of Dutch designer Claire Vos – creator of Musett’s Dis-Colored collection – and abaca has great potential. As well as Musett, Topfloor

by Esti premiered Myra, a sleek tufted black and white rug design with an asymmetrical shape, and Aspen, an addition to the company’s Wintertime collection featuring sinuous ski trails carved in the luxurious pile. www.topfloorrugs.com

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TIMOROUS BEASTIES Surreal and provocative design for interior spaces

Distinctive Fabrics & Wallcoverings

Glasgow +44 (0) 141 337 2622

London +44 (0) 20 7833 5010

Shuiping De Pillement Wallpaper

Berlin +49 (0) 1520 4855316

www.timorousbeasties.com

SPECIFIER

Lincrusta Trellis Lincrusta’s new Trellis collection is inspired by 18th century British furniture makers Thomas Chippendale, Thomas Sheraton and George Hepplewhite, who were known for their glazed cabinet doors, with lattice work patterns reminiscent of architectural structures found in gardens to support or display foliage. With this in mind, Creative Director Amy Heffernan has created two distinct moods; The Garden Room is a fresh interpretation of the hues found in 18th century interiors, while Bar Scene channels subtle glamour through gloss lacquer. As part of its own journey to bring the outdoors in, Lincrusta has also developed the Trellis range to pair well with its foliage designs Palm and Tropical Leaf. www.lincrusta.com

Farmboy Montana Big Sky Vancouver-based art consultancy Farmboy has curated the art collection for Montage Big Sky in Montana, bringing together more than 150 unique pieces by local, emerging and internationally established artists. The storytelling behind the narrative captures the spirit of the American West, the grandeur of Montana’s landscapes, and the significant local traditions and cultural heritage of the Big Sky area, offering guests the chance to connect with and embrace the fabric and culture of the surrounding community.

Featured local artists include Jessica Drenk, Monica Gilles-Brings Yellow, Ben Miller, Amy Brakeman and Robert Osborn – all of whom’s work takes cues from the state’s untamed, wild landscape. www.farmboyfinearts.com

Tece TeceSquare Tece has introduced its TeceSquare toilet flushplate in a series of new metal colours and glass surfaces, all of which interpret an individual architecture style. The new matte surface in a noble rust look, for instance, turns walls into architectural landscapes and references current trends in façade design. The manual finishing of the surface also gives each piece a unique character. The four new glass surfaces – white, black, signal grey and sand beige – meanwhile boast glazes fired behind glass, which give the tiles an optical depth effect. Matching white satin and black satin glass surfaces can now also be found in the TeceDrainline range. www.tece.com

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WE WILL MEET AGAIN

#4 PHUKET 5-7 MARCH 2024

www.sleepersessions.com

SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

Curtis Furniture The Other House UK contract furniture manufacturer Curtis Furniture has drawn on 25 years of expertise to supply The Other House in South Kensington with bespoke casegoods and seating. Working closely with Bergman Interiors, Curtis produced the pieces in red, green and teal colourways to complement the interior themes for the bedrooms, club flats, club vaults and club collections – the latter comprising turret rooms, mezzanines and courtyard apartments.

The Curtis touch is most prevalent in the studio-style club flats, where the company also supplied the kitchen cabinets and ornate wood or metal screens to divide the living space from the en-suite bedroom, as well as stylish contemporary headboards. Following a site survey, Curtis’ design department created working drawings that enabled the client’s team to collaborate on the final details prior to manufacture. The furniture was then crafted by Curtis’ specialist cabinet makers and installed on site by its in-house team. www.curtisfurniture.co.uk

Nanimarquina Haze Nanimarquina has introduced Haze, a new collection of rugs envisioned by Turkish designer Begüm Cânâ Özgür. Inspired by the moment where colours meet and interact, and how they quiver between two or more shades as they mix, the range is the culmination of a reflection on the meaning of the contrast found in colours – tone, value, temperature and saturation, where the simplicity of graphic design gives way to the power of colour. Following Özgür’s successful Shade rug for Nanimarquina in 2017, the new collaboration takes the play on chromatic interactions a step further. Haze was devised directly on a loom, an unusual way of working when designing rugs, allowing Özgür to experiment with colour fading by mixing colours optically. “At the loom, I developed a weaving technique that gradually shifted the performance from one colour to another,” she explains. “The emotional feeling produced by this fading effect resembled the scenes in which atmospheric haze attenuates colours in nature.”

The series is also rooted in a simple graphic intention pursued with the aim of highlighting colour in all its splendour. The design has been realised from two perspectives – on the one hand, the colours themselves and their interactions, and on the other hand, the design of the texture of the rug, the superficial graphic lines that follow the warp. The success of the design lies in striking the balance between the graphic design, the number of warps, and the thickness of the weft. www.nanimarquina.com

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SPECIFIER

Forest Group Motorised Rod System The new generation Motorised Rod System from Forest Group features an entirely redesigned motor pulley and return pulley, both developed to make the curtain look more aesthetically appealing.

The motor pulley is now positioned backwards instead of obliquely backwards, creating space for the curtain carriers to pass in front of the motor. The return pulley meanwhile has been opened up, allowing the curtain to travel to the end. The result is an even pleat across the width of the system, with the curtain motor completely invisible. The new system is suited for both wave and standard pleats, and comes in a range of colours including White-PC, Anthracite-PC, Inox-PC, Inox-AN, Gold, Taupe-PC and Antique-PC. www.forestgroup.com

Sanipex Group Chiasso Sanipex Group’s Bagnodesign brand has introduced Chiasso, a new range of basin and shower mixers in four brassware finishes – chrome, brushed nickel, soft bronze and PVD gold – with an accent porcelain handle. The inserts on the handles are customisable and come in 12 finishes to correspond with the brand’s Alpine washbasins and countertops. Bespoke inserts can also be produced at the Sanipex Slab Fabrication Facility in Dubai, meaning Chiasso can be matched to any bathroom countertop or wall tile.

Ensuring that Bagnodesign can offer its hospitality clients a more holistic interior solution, the mixers’ fluted design and simplistic spout pair seamlessly with its Orology and Bosco furniture too. www.bagnodesign.it

Madera Herringbone Madera is a design and fabrication firm that utilises the medium of wood for innovation and creative expression, designing and producing high-quality timber flooring, millwork and furniture. The company’s precision milled herringbone and chevron parquet flooring solutions come in a range of species and finishes, making them suitable for hospitality environments. Manufactured in Flanders, a region with a rich history of design and woodcraft, the planks are fully customisable while Madera’s five core collections – Atelier, Stockholm, Volant, Terra and Bevel are designed to enhance the inherent beauty of sustainably sourced timber. www.maderasurfaces.com

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ENTRIES CLOSE 28 JULY CALLING ALL ARCHITECTS, INTERIOR DESIGNERS, D E V E LO P E R S A N D H OT E L I E R S . . .

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

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

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Visit the store to receive your copy. www.sleeper.media/store

ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 108

Acquabella

157

Klafs

175

ADA International

183

Leds C4

160

AHEAD

191

Leisure Plan

131

Aliseo

053

Lemi Group

Arte

043

LiGHT23

Astro

003

Ligne Roset

022

Barlow Tyrie

089

LSA

137

Baseline Lighting Design

171

Luteca

176

123 158-159

Beck

083

Madera Surfaces

059

Brokis

035

Mandarin Stone

139

Chelsom

010-011

Manutti

Cosentino

065

Marset

039

Creative Matters

090

Minotti

012-013

018-019

Curtis Furniture

151

Modbar

110

Dernier & Hamlyn

167

Naturalmat

115

Ebb & Flow

173

Northern Lights

020-021

153

Oliver Hemming

195

Palecek

121

EE Smith Ege

014-015

Egger

077

Paolo Moschino

141

Elitis

196

Peloton Commercial

045

Elstead

169

Point

033

EPR

146

Preciosa

099

Ethimo

027

RAK Ceramics

095

FOH

109

RH Contract

006-007

Forest Group

101

Roda

061

Franklite

163

Sanipex

054

Gommaire

037

Sleeper Sessions

187

Gresham

063

Stellar Works

Hector Finch

041

THP

Hotel & Resort Design South

181

Timorous Beasties

185

Il Fanale

051

Tribu

024

Jardinico

057

Tuuci

071

JC Hospitality

179

Vincent Sheppard

143

Jung

165

Viso

005

Kettal

008-009

016-017 189

193

CHECK-OUT

The Legacy of Lunuganga

For the first time in its history, Sri Lanka’s Lunuganga Estate opens the doors to Geoffrey Bawa’s private quarters.

As the founding father of Tropical Modernism,

courtyard, while the bathroom connects to a

Geoffrey Bawa is widely regarded as one of the

tropical plunge pool. “The space gives insight

most influential architects of a generation – his

into how Geoffrey planned his private rooms in

penchant for local materials and indoor-outdoor

relation to the more public areas of the house,”

connectivity is as relevant today as ever, with

says Henry Fitch, CEO of Teardrop Hotels, which

the aesthetic continuing to influence design the

manages the estate. “The Trust have done an

world over. To honour this legacy, the non-profit

incredible job in curating the items in the suite,

trust that oversees Lunuganga Estate – Bawa’s Sri

which offer an understanding of the art and

Lankan residence for over 40 years – has opened

books he lived with daily.” Honouring Bawa’s

the doors to his former private quarters, giving

legacy in this way will no doubt be welcomed by

guests the chance to experience the world of the

his followers, though the decision to open the

late, great architect. Located within Lunuganga’s

suite to overnight guests wasn’t taken lightly.

main house, the master suite has been sensitively

“It was indeed a difficult decision as it contains

curated in keeping with Bawa’s way of life, with

very intimate aspects of Geoffrey Bawa’s life,”

his personal library and rare original artworks

explains Channa Daswatte, Chair of The Geoffrey

amongst the items on display. Showcasing the

Bawa Trust, who worked with the architect in his

indoor-outdoor philosophy seen in much of

later years. “20 years after he passed, it seems

Bawa’s work, the suite opens out to a private

appropriate that this can be shared.”

© Shakir Jamaldeen

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JAZZMAN

Wake Up The Hemming Way BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS AND ALARM CLOCKS www.oliverhemming.com

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