Sleeper May/June 2017 - Issue 72

MAY | JUNE 2017

The Warehouse Hotel

Kerry Hill

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Industrial heritage takes centre stage at The Lo & Behold Group’s Singapore debut

AHEAD Asia’s outstanding contribution winner talks exactitude and authenticity

Traditional architecture triumphs at Atelier Pod’s mountaintop resort in northern Oman

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72

Hotel Reviews

Features

Cover Story

056 Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

042 Meeting… Kerry Hill After being awarded the Outstanding Contribution award at the inaugural AHEAD Asia, Australian architect Kerry Hill discusses his career, design philosophy and legacy.

048 The Warehouse Hotel Singapore Occupying a carefully converted ‘godown’ on the banks of the winding Singapore River, the debut hotel from The Lo & Behold Group marries the Lion City’s industrial past to its urban present.

067 COO Singapore 073 The Betsy Miami 081 The Williamsburg New York 086 Gleneagles Auchterarder 095 The Student Hotel Amsterdam 103 The Lalit London 108 At Six Stockholm

154 Events… Sleepover Barcelona Returning to Europe after 2016’s Stateside excursion, Sleepover travels to Barcelona to explore the city’s famed architecture and the hotels driving its eclectic hospitality scene.

116 Hobo Stockholm

Departments 024 Check In 026 Drawing Board 123 Business Centre Hotel Analyst 128 Business Centre STR 131 Events AHEAD 146 Events HI Design MEA 151 Events IHIF 167 Product Profile Lighting 182 Product Profile Surfaces 187 Product Profile ISH 193 Specifier 210 Check Out

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Welcome

H

ad someone told me 25 years ago that I’d be able to capture a photo with the same device used to make a phone call, I’m not sure I would have believed them. But here we are in 2017 and smartphones have not only become ubiquitous in our daily lives, they’ve changed the way we do business, pay bills, look after our health and communicate with one another. They’ve also changed the way we travel, and how we share our experiences with others.

While Facebook and Twitter were amongst the early successes, it’s Instagram that has really captured the imagination of the travel community.

The ability to take high-quality photos on a mobile device and share them instantaneously with a network of followers has undoubtedly instilled a little more wanderlust in us all.

For the social media savvy, every encounter is an opportunity to share, from the meals they eat to the guestrooms they stay in. Inspired by the popular photo-sharing app, 1888 Hotel opened in Sydney in 2013, billing itself as the world’s first Instagram hotel. From a dedicated selfie-spot at check-in, to a digital photo frame for guests to post their images, every element has been curated to be worthy of a snap. The opening offer of a complimentary night’s stay to Instagram users with over 10,000 followers also proved a hugely successful exercise in brand marketing and it’s not unheard of for hotels to offer bed-and-board to select social media stars in exchange for a few flattering posts on Instagram – an endorsement that can’t be achieved through traditional advertising campaigns.

Of course design is key in producing an environment that makes a strong enough impression to encourage users to hit ‘like’. Whether it be through the architecture, interiors or F&B, creating Instagram moments has become increasingly important in the role of a designer. In Dubai it’s the distinctive sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab that has been an online hit, while in Miami, it’s the giant orb wedged between The Betsy and the former Carlton Hotel. The coveted title of Instagram’s most-geotagged hotel goes to MGM Grand Las Vegas, thanks to the 50-tonne bronze lion residing at the entrance.

So what will technology of the future bring? Video is already making a mark with the launch of Instagram Stories, as content moves away from the static image. Or will smartphones die-out in favour of implantable devices that transmit what we see directly to the web? Bear in mind that the now ubiquitous smartphones didn’t exist 25 years ago and anything seems possible.

Catherine Martin | Editor

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Guest Book

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LOTFI SIDIRAHAL

COLIN SEAH

CHARLIE MACGREGOR

PALLAVI DEAN

Born in Casablanca and educated in Paris, L otfi Sidirahal is founder of Atelier Pod, an architecture and interior design studio launched in Paris in 1999. His latest project – Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar – is perched high up on a ridge on Oman’s fabled Green Mountain and takes inspiration from the local mountain communities as well as the nearby forts of Birkat AlMawz and Jabreen.

“We recognise that millennials want a meaningful getaway, where active experience trumps passive consumption. They want value, authenticity and constant connection,” says Colin Seah of COO, a new hostel concept in Singapore.

The Ministry of Design founder was tasked with creating interiors and branding for the ‘sociatel’, which scooped the Visual Identity of the Year award at AHEAD Asia.

Overcoming early reluctance from investors, the collapse of two financial backers, and rigid government regulations, Charlie MacGregor debuted The Student Hotel in 2008.

The innovative hybrid – half hotel for students, half for the student-at-heart – has recently opened in Amsterdam where it combines traditional hotel elements with inspiration d r aw n f r o m u n i v e r s i t y accommodation.

A t rai ned a rch itec t and sustainability specialist, Pallavi Dean founded her boutique design studio in Dubai in 2013. With a portfolio of commercial, hospitality and residential projects across the globe, she now brings her keen eye for visual delight to the AHEAD MEA judging panel.

Dean is currently designing the interiors for Delano Dubai, due to open on Palm Jumeirah later this year.

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D.B. Kim D.B. KIM

Having recently curated an exhibition hall at Design Shanghai, D.B. Kim – former Vice President of Hospitality Design at Dalian Wanda Group – takes a fantasy break in the Alpine village of Vals.

Where are you?

It is a beautiful summer’s day in Vals, Switzerland.

How did you get there?

I’ve just stepped off the Glacier Express after multiple switches on the winding but most charmingly melodramatic scenic railway.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

I am greeted with nothing more pure than the fresh Alpine air of the Graubünden canton. I am also welcomed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor; he designed Therme Vals and so knows the stories of this village and its paths to the peaks. Upon arrival, I hydrate with the region’s own mineral water, fancifully bottled in a Mario Botta design, and I am immediately comforted by the vast peaceful view of the chiselled green hills, spotted with cows, groups of pines and granite rocks. I can hear cowbells in the background as if a meditative siren – music to my ears.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

While I listen to Meredith Monk playing the grand piano in the lounge, I am being informed of what to experience in the Graubünden canton by Tyler Brûlé. It is exciting to chat and exchange our thoughts on the creative future.

Who are you sharing your room with?

I have it all to myself. This is a luxury…

Is there anything you would like waiting for you?

There are piles of books I haven’t read or seen before to inspire me, as well as local mineral water and some delicious Swiss chocolates.

Who’s manning the stoves?

American restaurateur, author and television personality David Chang. He is the founder of the Momofuku restaurant group.

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

The view is beautiful, 100% nature. I find peace and feel blessed to enjoy a simple but harmonious blue sky, which embraces an incomparable backdrop of pine tree forests. This painterly canvas has been embellished with clusters of Swiss chalets like in a fairytale.

And what’s on the menu?

Chef Chang will surprise us with regionally inspired dishes with his professional signature.

Who designed it?

I am staying at a beautifully restored local chalet, refurbished and expanded to contemporary standards by Peter Zumthor.

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

I like a spacious nightstand where I can rest my meditation book, prayer beads and notebook. No alarm clock, no smartphone and no generic lamp.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

The dining room and lounge are small but comfortable and the lush interior is accompanied by scents of pine, gathered bunches of regional mountain herbs and aged leather upholstery furnishings. Shades of amber provide the backdrop to this intimate setting, showing its history through hunters’ proud trophies hung on the wall. The interior is minimally furnished and offers comfort and a sense of humour with few local touches.

What toiletries would you like to freshen up with?

My daily regime includes products from Aesop.

Who are you dining with this evening?

It is an intimate family dinner to celebrate our love and revisit a place where we share great memories.

Would you like something to drink with that?

We explore the best wine pairings brought in from Austria, France and Italy.

Full English, continental or something different?

A traditional Japanese breakfast of steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish and various side dishes.

Swimming pool, spa or gym?

A spa, just like Zumthor’s pools at Therme Vals.

What’s your ultimate luxury item?

I have my best cotton pyjamas along with a cashmere blanket and matching pillow for the flight home.

Name: D.B. Kim | Position: Founder, D.B. Kim | www.dbkim.com Notable hotel projects: Wanda Reign on the Bund, Shanghai; Wanda Vista Resort, Xishuangbanna; Wanda Vista in Beverly Hills, Chicago, London and Brisbane (2018-2020)

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Hilton Occitanie Tower TOULOUSE

Studio Libeskind and Compagnie de Phalsbourg have unveiled plans for a garden tower in the heart of Toulouse.

Located in the business district, Occitanie Tower will rise 150m above the Canal du Midi and is set to be the city’s first skyscraper. At 40 storeys, it will house a Hilton hotel as well as 120 apartments, a restaurant with panoramic views, retail space and 11,000m2 of offices. Construction is due to begin in 2018 with completion by 2022.

Studio Libeskind has designed the structure as a curving form, interrupted by a spiral of greenery that rises from street level up to the apex. A tree lined public platform, created in collaboration with landscape architect Nicolas Gilsoul, has been integrated into the scheme.

“With its suspended gardens that change colour during the seasons, the slight silvertine of the glazing of the façade will reflect the pink tones of Toulouse, and the brightness of this material will change perception of the space,” explains Daniel Libeskind, founder of Studio Libeskind.

Occitanie Tower is set to be built on the site of the former postal sorting centre at Gare Matabiau, offering views towards the Pyrenees. The structure is projected to become a gateway to the area’s growing business sector.

“Toulouse is poised to assert itself as a new business hub in the region,” comments developer Philippe Journo.

“The Occitanie Tower will create both an iconic landmark for the city as well as create a strategic economic generator for the district.”

Jabal Omar Development Project MECCA

Foster + Partners has revealed its competition-winning scheme for the Jabal Omar Development Project, set to house a luxury hotel.

special challenge and honour for any developer and architect. Our design sets out to create an innovative building form that will be respectful to the scale and importance of the Grand Mosque.”

The scheme also addresses the shortage of accommodation in Mecca and responds to the rapid growth in visitor numbers.

Occupying a large portion of the site, the guestrooms and apartments will be oriented towards the Holy Kaaba – the main focal point for every visitor. In addition, every room has a dedicated space for private prayer and contemplation.

“The design follows a philosophy of ‘luxury with humility’ with an understated elegance throughout the development,” Fox adds.

“On behalf of all the design team I would like to thank Jabal Omar Development Company for choosing to work with us. We are incredibly eager to begin work on the next stage.”

Inspired by traditional Arabic architecture, the design reinterprets dense building clusters to create a contemporary vernacular that respects the sacred location. Following the mountainous terrain, its cascading vertical elements form a new topography within the area. The mixed-use development, comprising hotel and serviced apartments, will create a new gateway along the pilgrimage route to the Grand Mosque.

Luke Fox, Head of Studio and Senior Executive Partner, Foster + Partners, comments: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the competition. Mecca is one of the most unique cities in the world. As the home of the Holy Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, it presents a

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Viceroy DA NANG

Viceroy Hotel Group has announced plans for a newbuild property in Da Nang, as part of Empire Group’s new entertainment and hospitality hub.

“This is Viceroy’s first foray into Asia’s most highly-anticipated market, which is being created from the ground up,” explains Anton Bawab, Regional President, Viceroy Hotel Group. “The mix of culture, nightlife and hospitality that will come to life here will solidify Viceroy Da Nang Vietnam as a must-visit destination.”

Bill Walshe, CEO, Viceroy Hotel Group, adds: “We are immensely proud to partner with Empire Group on this remarkable venture. As we forge new territory we are not just making an entrance. We are shaping a vision while creating a new groundbreaking destination.”

Bringing together forward thinking design and intuitive service in sought-after locations, Viceroy is guided by the mantra of ‘remember to live’. Forthcoming openings across its portfolio include properties in Chicago, Algarve, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Panama, Cartagena and Kopaonik in Serbia.

Slated for a 2020 opening, the 700-key hotel will feature eight restaurant, bar and lounge concepts, three ballrooms, a full-service spa, and swimming pools flanked by private cabanas.

Taking the form of a pair of towers adjoined at the top by a crystal bridge, Viceroy Da Nang will anchor Cocobay, a sprawling development set to transform the tourism industry in Southeast Asia.

Stretching from the Coco River close to the ancient town of Hoi An, the complex – the first mega-build project in Vietnam – will comprise a convention centre, opera house, sports arena, beach club, retail complex and nightlife and dining destinations.

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Burgh Island Hotel DEVON

London-based architectural practice Carmody Groarke has won planning permission for a new clifftop suite at Burgh Island Hotel.

the sculptural profile of the eroded mud-stone sea-cliffs. Inside, a series of interconnected rooms are organised to frame unique views of the dramatic sea and island landscape.

Carmody Groarke has collaborated on the three-year project with structural engineers Price & Myers and West Country landscape consultants Westley Design. The planning approval follows an international competition organised by RIBA which Carmody Groarke won in 2015. The project is slated to begin construction in late 2017.

Andy Groarke, Director of Carmody Groarke, comments: “We are delighted to have achieved planning for this very special project, which will be now realised as an important part of the client’s vision for the environmental, cultural, and economic livelihood of this unique place.”

Located on a tidal island 250 metres off the coast of Devon, the original hotel was built in 1929 and is only approachable on foot at low tide. Comprising 25 guestrooms and suites, as well as a ballroom, Beach House, inn and spa – all of which have been extensively restored by its current owners – the hotel overlooks a natural sea water mermaid pool and provides views over the bay and towards the neighbouring beach of Bigbury-on-Sea. Rather than extend the existing Art Deco property – a Grade IIlisted landmark – Carmody Groarke opted to create an entirely new suite, situated on the remote, easterly headland of the island. The standalone building is envisaged as an inhabited bridge, consolidating

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The Old War Office LONDON

EPR Architects has been given the go ahead to redevelop The Old War Office for The Hinduja Group and OHL.

Dating back to 1906, the building has historically housed secretaries of state, with figures such as Lord Kitchener, E. Lawrence and John Profumo residing there during their tenures, as well as Winston Churchill during World War II. Originally designed by William Young, the neo-Baroque structure currently contains over 1,000 rooms spread across seven floors, and is linked by 2.5 miles of corridors. Irregularly shaped, the building was designed as a trapezium to maximise use of the similarly asymmetrical plot of land.

The redevelopment of The Old War Office follows the completion of several adaptive reuse projects for EPR, including The Lalit in the former St. Olave’s Grammar School, and The Ned, which recently opened in the Grade I-listed former home of Midland Bank, designed

by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Located in the heart of Whitehall, the Grade II*-listed former government building will be transformed into a 125-key luxury hotel and 88 one- to five-bedroom apartments.

The existing 580,000ft2 building will largely be retained and part adapted to offer both hotel and residential elements. The project will also mark the introduction of a new double-height basement and rooftop extension, strategically modelled to address key viewpoint restrictions. Further additions include al-fresco restaurants, boutique shops, bars, a spa, gym and 25m swimming pool. An internal quadrangle accessed from Horse Guards Avenue will create a distinctive arrival experience.

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20/04/2017 9:43:51

Hotel EMC2 CHICAGO

Autograph Collection Hotels has announced the 2017 opening of Hotel EMC2, a new boutique property celebrating the convergence of art and science through design, cuisine and guest experience.

as two different disciplines; I see them as one in the same,” explains Scott Greenberg, CEO of SMASHotels, Hotel EMC2’s management company. “Our unique hotel will pay homage to the symbiotic relationship of these fundamental concepts. It will educate, inspire and ignite imagination and innovation at every turn, challenging guests to expand their understanding of how everything is connected.”

Set for a spring opening, the hotel also features 2,000ft2 of flexible meeting space honouring the great mathematician Emmy Noether, with blackboard-style installations and works by scientist-cum-artist Dr. Eugenia Cheng.

“Our hotels and resorts are known for providing standout guest experiences that are exactly like nothing else,” concludes Julius Robinson, Vice President, Autograph Collection Hotels. “And we believe that Hotel EMC2 will exceed this promise.”

Comprising 195 guestrooms across 21 floors, the property joins Autograph’s 100-strong portfolio of independent, one-of-a-kind hotels that share the brand’s values of vision, design and craft.

Overseen by Rockwell Group, the eclectic design is guided by the vision of Leonardo da Vinci, and features creative typographic elements with the commanding words of the legendary Renaissance man, a 120-seat restaurant named after Albert Einstein, and guestrooms that are subtly influenced by 1920s laboratories with rose gold fixtures and luxurious furnishings.

“It’s always intrigued me that people distinguish art and science

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25/04/17 12:59

Hilton Tbilsi GEORGIA

Hilton Worldwide has announced plans to make its debut in Georgia following the signing of a management agreement with Granat.

original building will serve as the basis for redevelopment at the rear. The design will be augmented by the addition of a spectacular glass roof extension, which will accommodate a rooftop bar, swimming pool and spa, offering panoramic views over the capital city. Elsewhere, a covered tea terrace will serve as a winter garden, referencing the building’s history in a contemporary manner.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President of Development, EMEA, Hilton, comments: “Hilton Tbilisi joins a robust portfolio of Hilton Hotels & Resorts either trading or in development across 30 European capitals, underscoring our regional strategy to expand into more Eastern European cities. Tbilisi’s diverse economy – with substantial international infrastructure investment, a burgeoning events calendar and leisure growth – makes the city a promising market to be introducing our flagship brand.”

Occupying a 20th century heritage building on Kostrava Street, Hilton Tbilisi will feature 206 guestrooms, an all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar, street facing café, and 1,000m2 of function and meeting space. It is expected to open in 2019.

ReardonSmith Architects has been enlisted to transform the property, which originally housed the Georgian Tea Trust. The scheme will seek to preserve the cultural and aesthetic integrity of the landmark while simultaneously updating it to meet the desires of international travellers.

The façade, with its striking, full-height stained glass window in the entrance lobby will be retained, while the dominant style of the

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W Hotel MELBOURNE

W Hotels Worldwide has announced the 2020 opening of W Melbourne, part of the AUD $1billion Collins Arch development.

The hotel will combine W Hotels’ Whatever/Whenever service philosophy with signature amenities, an innovative calendar of events, and the best of Melbourne’s emerging creative scene.

Developed in partnership with Daisho Development Melbourne and Cbus Property, W Melbourne will be connected to Collins Arch by a bridge, with guests able to access the hotel from multiple entry points. The Collins Arch development itself will comprise two connected towers housing office, retail and commercial spaces.

“From the outset, it was our intention to secure a hotel brand which would introduce a new take on luxury to Melbourne, complementing the rest of the Collins Arch development,” comments Mamoru Kohda, Director of Daisho. “W Hotels is the perfect fit for Melbourne, and we look forward to this becoming one of Australia’s most sought after and talked about hotels.”

Set to follow W Brisbane, which opens its doors in 2018, W Melbourne marks the second W branded property in the country. Designed by Shop Architects, Woods Bagot and interior design studio Hachem, the 294-key hotel will incorporate a vibrant bar and restaurant, as well as a spa, gym, indoor heated swimming pool and 13,000ft2 of meeting space.

Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels, comments: “Melbourne, with its vibrant music, emerging fashion and bold street art, is a destination made for the W brand. Located in the epicentre of the city, W Melbourne will embody the city’s creative spirit while showcasing the brand’s bold and energetic take on luxury.”

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21/04/2017 17:27

© Brett Boardman

MEETING

Kerry Hill Honoured at the inaugural AHEAD Asia, Kerry Hill – one of the industry’s true pioneers – talks of the exactitude and authenticity that make for an award-winning portfolio.

Words: Guy Dittrich | Photography: Courtesy of Kerry Hill Architects (unless otherwise stated)

K

But there is much more beyond Aman, including The Sukothai, Bangkok and The Datai, Langkawi. Both these early works are held up as exemplars of Southeast Asian hotel design. From GHM, co-founded by Zecha, came The Chedi Bandung in Indonesia, The Serai in Bali, and The Chedi Chiang Mai in Thailand. The latter, a sanctuary from the bustle of this northern Thai capital bordering the Mai Ping River, won the 2006 Design Award from the Singapore Institute of Architects. Take also The Lalu, Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan, ITC Sonar, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Kolkata and more recently, Como The Treasury Perth, and that is some portfolio.

Personal awards for his contribution to architecture include the 2006 Gold Medal from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, and in 2012, a civil award, the Order of Australia. His patron Zecha says of Hill’s hospitality design principles that he has “great taste, faultless execution and comfort plus respect for the local culture.”

Hill’s credibility is not in doubt, and having been fortunate enough to stay in a good number of his practice’s hotels, I can add that they always have an ordered and calm nature. This is based on two of the qualities Hill admires in architecture: exactitude and authenticity.

With deliberate purpose, Hill describes exactitude as being “attributed to any object put together with the right materials and in the right manner. When the pieces fit.” But it’s not to be confused with minimalism, he adds defensively. His architectural compositions are pleasingly uncluttered, and free from adornment giving them their tranquil nature. Explaining the importance of exactitude, Hill waves to a bookshelf packed with works on some of those who inspire him – Louis Kahn, Mies van der Rohe, Geoffrey Bawa and the Mexican, Luis Barragan – all from the less-is-more school.

erry Hill greets me in the vestibule of the modest Singapore shophouse that is the head office of his practice, which also includes a Freemantle office in his hometown of Perth, Western Australia that opened in 2006. I have waited only a few minutes in this pleasantly cool and relatively dark space; a welcome respite from the bustling streets and intense sunshine outside. He leads me through a meeting room, past a large drop-down screen where associates discuss a presentation of one of many projects on the boards. All around, scattered on top of cabinets and tables are intricate 3D models of various topographies and constructions.

We walk slowly up the steps to Hill’s office. He had knee replacement surgery a few months earlier – the ravages of a youth spent playing Aussie Rules football taking their toll on the 74-yearold. Putting his leg up we begin to talk. We are here to discuss the vast portfolio of hospitality work that sees him honoured with the award for Outstanding Contribution at the first AHEAD Asia awards, taking place that night. Qualifying as an architect at the University of Western Australia in 1968, Hill moved with his young family to Asia in 1971 and has been here ever since.

With a career spanning five decades, Hill’s name is one that is almost synonymous with Aman, a heritage that started with a meeting on a beach in Bali with then owner Adrian Zecha. Impressed by his work, Zecha – who was just starting out with Regent Hotels at the time – pushed a few projects his way. Hill describes him as a patron and good friend; only a narrow lane separates the gardens of their homes in Singapore. This vast body of work has continued with Aman’s new owners, with the completion of Aman Tokyo and Amanemu in Shima, plus another in Shanghai opening later this year.

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Above: Hill’s vast body of work includes Aman Tokyo, Amanemu in Shima, Amankora in Bhutan, and ITC Sonar in Kolkata

Ideas of the right materials used in the right manner are clearly reflected in this search for authenticity. For example, the rough-hewn slate walls of the staircase to the pool deck and lake at The Lalu that reference local Taiwanese building traditions. Or the louvres of glass-reinforced concrete pigmented with brick dust, a nod to the local terracotta industry at ITC Sonar in Kolkata.

In a Southeast Asian circumstance, the response to the location is through the meticulous selection of materials and their combination within a carefully choreographed sequence that takes into account climatic conditions and cultural context. And it takes time, years certainly, to build a body of work that results in the necessary experience to deliver on this, be it an island resort or megalopolis.

Hill, whose work usually starts with a blue pencil sketch, is wary of the accelerating pace of architecture today. “There’s insufficient time to mull over ideas,” he argues. “The pencil takes time but it gives you time to think.”

Indeed many of Hill’s projects have taken years to come to fruition. Take Amankora in Bhutan, where Hill personally selected the five lodges sites over the course of seven. Once building permits were obtained and construction completed, the whole process took some 15 years. Secondly, a resort in Kyoto, originally touted as the Amaniwa. Hill was first introduced to the site one snowy January morning and recommended it to Zecha who visited the following

week. Only 20 years later has construction commenced. As of today the operator and opening date still haven’t been announced.

Whilst these two examples are extreme, working with the less commercially pressured Zecha, who likes to be engaged in the design process, allowed Hill time to develop the spirit of each project. Time to be immersed in a place, observe and use his intuition to build in a style appropriate to the site.

Asked what are the key elements of his design style, Hill counters with: “I probably couldn’t answer that.” As a starter I suggest screening. “It varies from place to place and we do it in various ways,” he states, describing his early adoption of external timber screens and moveable aluminium shutters that bring changing light and shadow to a project. Other signature elements are used frequently because they make sense. Louvres to encourage crossventilation and public areas with no walls, removing the need for air-conditioning. Courtyards, ramps, steps and platforms are cleverly used in the guest arrival sequence. The Datai features a stunning approach via a top-level entrance on steeply sloping site. The contrast of massed stone bases with open, lightweight timber frames often topped with wooden shingles or alang-alang thatch. The thatched roofs are a great example of authenticity being vernacular, totally functional and cheap.

There is also the generous use of volumes and architecture to

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Above: Como The Treasury occupies three interconnected heritage buildings in Perth

frame views. Vertical openings mimic the surrounding pine trees at Amankora Thimpu in Bhutan. Or more dramatically, there’s the stunning pool that runs along a ridge at The Chedi in Ubud, giving the feeling of swimming above the jungle. All these ideas are used with remarkable consistency but only where appropriate to the wide variety of climatic zones, topography, cultures, building materials and methods within which the practice has worked.

Kerry Hill Architects also do interiors. How did this come about?

“Adrian Zecha forced us to at the Amanusa,” Hill explains. When he expressed dissatisfaction with the existing interiors at this, his first Aman resort, Zecha had said for him to do it himself. Today the practice does not take on any work unless they have full control of both the architecture and interiors. Of course, there are exceptions.

Two recent projects for example. Firstly, Aman Tokyo, the first urban property for the group. Amidst the towers of Tokyo’s Otemachi financial district, the hotel occupies the top floors of a 40-storey building. “We were in very early and so were able to design the interior layout of the top six floors,” explains Hill. A frequent visitor to Japan since 1975, Hill has made plenty of local architectural references. These include emgawa-styled transitional porches, sliding washi-paper shoji screens, delicate pine floors, and high-sided ofuro baths in black basalt.

Secondly, Como The Treasury in Perth. Situated on Cathedral Square this 48-key hotel, part of a larger public-private development, occupies three now interconnected heritage landmarks. The hotel opened after a meticulous restoration of the original Italianate buildings. “We disrupted the interior planning as little as possible.

So instead of gutting it we left the internal building structure. The maximum intervention was a door opening between one room and another,” describes Hill. This decision leads in many cases to bathrooms being the same size as the adjacent guestroom and some very tall windows. Such a low room count meant a good deal of F&B to generate compensating revenue. This includes the hotel’s more formal dining restaurant, Wildflower, set within Hill’s new rooftop structure, and all-day dining at Post.

Such flexibility and Hill’s ability to combine modernist ideals with local sensitivity mark him out as a master of his trade. Commending him at the AHEAD Asia 2017 awards was the Chairman of next year’s judging panel, Guy Heywood, Chief Operating Officer, Two Roads Hospitality Asia, who has a long association with Hill during his own time at Aman. Heywood said: “His current work with Aman in Japan and Shanghai demonstrate that he is a major force in our world of architecture and one who continues to set the bar for quality and design.”

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The Warehouse Hotel SINGAPORE

Design agency Asylum and architects Zarch Collaboratives have transformed a 19th century ‘godown’ warehouse into the debut hotel property for Singapore’s Lo & Behold Group.

Words: Matt Turner | Photography: Courtesy of The Warehouse

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ingapore River is in many ways the lifeblood of the Lion City. It was at the mouth of this snaking waterway that the ancient fishing village of Temasek first emerged, before being renamed Singapura by Sang Nila Utama in 1299, eventually having its modern identity enshrined centuries later by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1819.

A vital stop-off on the spice trading route between China and India, via the Straits of Malacca, the waters attracted commerce from the early 1800s when Boat Quay was built and European traders first set up shop here. As development continued upstream, two more quays, Clarke and Robertson followed in its wake.

Throughout the 19th century, storage warehouses and shipping offices proliferated along the banks of the river – by now a teeming hive of ricemills, sawmills, and boatyards. In the early 20th century, as industrialisation reached its peak, the ‘godowns’ (a Singlish interpretation of ‘gudang’, the Malay word for warehouse) became synonymous with the salubrious activities of Singapore’s secret societies. Beneath the triple-pitched, corrugated-iron roofs typical of these buildings, dodgy deals were done, illicit bets were placed, and bootleg spirits distilled.

Now, debut hoteliers The Lo & Behold Group has converted

Above: The lobby features bespoke pulley fixtures referencing the building’s warehouse heritage, alongside furniture from Jess Design, Stellar Works and Prostoria

an 1895 godown into The Warehouse Hotel, working with design agency Asylum and architects Zarch Collaboratives.

Zarch Collaboratives was charged with the overall internal layout and spatial configuration of key spaces – including a new extension housing the infinity pool – while ensuring the conserved warehouse’s key architectural features such as original roof trusses and windows were preserved and restored.

Chris Lee, founder of Asylum, has taken the building’s history as the starting point for his design, marrying the industrial heritage of the building with contemporary elements that feel at home in modern-day Singapore: “Our focus has been to protect the property’s legacy, while creating a fresh perspective on the term industrial. The environment is warm and sophisticated to prevent it from being too obviously grounded in what has been before.”

Many developers would have been tempted to shoehorn more bedrooms into the cavernous ground floor lobby area. Instead, the open-plan volume has given space for a reception desk, bar and communal seating areas to breathe beneath custom lights inspired by the pulleys found in godowns. Modern classic seating from the likes of Jess Design, Stellar Works, Prostoria and Heerenhuis sits against a backdrop of exposed brick, concrete and brass.

Lo & Behold are one of Singapore’s best known bar and restaurant operators, so it’s no surprise to see that significant care and attention has been lavished on the food and drink elements. As Lee explains: “The F&B was key – if you don’t have good social spaces in a hotel of this size no-one will use the lobby at any time of day.”

The hotel’s restaurant, Po, takes it name from both ‘popo’ – the Mandarin word for grandmother – and its signature dish ‘popiah’ – a pancake-like spring roll (supplied here by Kway Guan Huat, a third-generation family business and something of an institution in Singapore) filled with crunchy vegetables, pork, prawns and spicy condiments. The kitchens are overseen by acclaimed chef Willin Low, the founder of Wild Rocket and a pioneer of the Mod-Sin food movement, whose menu features modern interpretations of classic Singapore dishes such as Charcoal-grilled Iberico Satay and Carabinero Prawns & Konbu Mee. The design combines rattan stacking chairs designed by Yuzuru Yamakawa and supplied by Feelgood Designs, along with green calacatta marbled tabletops, crystal beaded lights and terrazzo flooring.

The lobby bar showcases an in-house cocktail programme featuring bespoke alcohol infusions and essences in homage to three distinct eras of the hotel’s past – the spice trade of the 19th century, the illegal

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Above: Po Restaurant features C603 rattan stacking chairs designed by Yuzuru Yamakawa and supplied by Feelgood Designs

distilleries of the early 20th, and finally the heady days of the 1980s when the building housed Singapore’s best known disco of the era.

There are 37 guestrooms across six categories, split between the ground and first floors, many offering double-height ceilings. Copper, green forest marble and wood are the dominant materials in the bedroom areas, with wire mesh glass outlined by black metal frames in the bathrooms. Furnishings include Stellar Works’ Utility V chairs

by Neri & Hu and QT side tables by Nic Graham; Flos IC floorlamps

by Michael Anastassiades; and Prostoria Polygon armchairs by ForUse for Numen.

A host of local makers and artisans have been commissioned, and everything from uniforms to bicycles, artwork to guidebooks, to coffee and tea have been painstakingly locally sourced. Mugs are by local ceramic studio Mud Rock. Bed throws have been custom designed by Matter with an ikat-style pattern that references the triple peaked roof of the building. Bathroom amenities are by Ashley & Co. At the time of Sleeper’s visit, the hotel was awaiting delivery of bespoke birdcages – three-tier, tiffin-like containers, which will house the minibar contents according to one of three sinful themes

– ‘Gluttony’ for edible treats such as handcrafted salted egg yolk potato chips and Vietnamese dark chocolate, ‘Lust’ for massage oils and sex toys, and ‘Vanity’ for cosmetics and beauty products.

The hotel’s stained oak front desk also houses a retail installation featuring ‘Objects of Vice’ curated by local furniture creator Gabriel Tan in collaboration with Edwin Low from Supermama. The curated collection of bottle-openers, lighters and handcuffs reference accessories that the original warehouse bosses (or dailos) would have used. The final jewel in the crown is a rooftop infinity swimming pool which sits like a floating glass box on cantilevered stilts. The salmon pink tiles of the pool reflect the colours found in Singaporean hawker centres such as Tiong Bahru.

“For a good part of the last decade industrial design has been applied regardless of the context,” concludes Wee Teng Wen, Managing Partner, The Lo & Behold Group. “So we felt that there was an opportunity to approach it authentically for The Warehouse Hotel – to protect the real industrial heritage of the space, while creating a new perspective on what it means to be industrial by adding softer, warmer and more gentle layers to the design.”

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 37 guestrooms | 1 restaurant | 1 bar | 1 event space | Swimming pool | www.thewarehousehotel.com Owner / Operator: The Lo and Behold Group | Architecture: Zarch Collaboratives | Interior Design: Asylum

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Anantara AL JABAL AL AKHDAR

Inspired by the rugged landscape of northern Oman, Atelier Pod designs a mountaintop resort that celebrates the culture of its surroundings, making use of local materials and traditional building techniques.

Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: Š Paul Thuysbaert

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erched high up on a ridge on Oman’s fabled Green Mountain, a new addition to Anantara’s growing portfolio of luxury resorts makes a compelling case to travel that extra mile. Two hours from Muscat International Airport and accessed only by four-wheel drive, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is situated in one of the country’s most spectacular regions.

Occupying a vertiginous site in the Al Hajar mountains, some 2,000 metres above sea level on the curving rim of a grand canyon, the resort offers unrivalled views of the surrounding landscape, where mud-brick villages cling to the rugged cliffs amongst terraces of fragrant rose bushes. It is a captivating sight and one that is best enjoyed from Anantara’s purpose-built viewing platform – Diana’s Point – erected in honour of the Princess of Wales, who stood on the very spot during a tour of the region in 1986.

It is this view that also inspired Lotfi Sidirahal, founder of Atelier Pod, the studio behind the resort’s masterplan, architecture and interiors. Having won the project back in 2011, Sidirahal and his team embarked on an immersion trip, taking in the sights of the region together with the owning company – the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund. “Their brief was to create an iconic resort that would showcase the Omani culture and landscape and support the rising destination of Al Jabal Al Akhdar,” explains Sidirahal. “I spent several days visiting the area in order to fully identify with the site’s

locality on architectural, communal, and traditional scopes before initiating the resort’s design,” he continues. “The excursion included meeting the mountain communities, re-drawing the architectural and landscape details of Birkat Al-Mawz and Jabreen Fort, and of course exploring the primitive vernacular typologies that testify to the historical lifestyle. This exploration phase preceding the design task was crucial in order to create a contemporary and sophisticated design code within the extraordinary heritage of the region.”

In creating the masterplan, maximising the cliff edge was a key focus, resulting in the majority of the 115 guestrooms and villas – including the 700m2 Royal Mountain Villa – positioned to take in the canyon views. Preserving the natural landscape and integrating the built environment within it was also of paramount importance, with over half of the 66,000m2 plot set aside for fruit trees, lush green terraces and al falaj water features, designed to mirror the irrigation channels typical of Oman. “I decided to use the rock-strewn ground with its embedded fossils, indigenous shrubs and trees as art pieces, to keep the environment in the natural state,” explains Sidirahal, who worked with landscape architects Hyland Edgar Driver to mastermind a scheme that reflects the layout of the local villages.

“The architecture had to create a natural dialogue with the landscape,” he continues, noting a likeness to nearby ancient forts.

Making use of traditional building techniques and local materials,

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This Page & Previous Page: The resort is furnished with bespoke furniture designed by Atelier Pod, using patterns and architectural details found in door frames, ancient ceilings and traditional chests to create a complete line. Additional pieces such as outdoor furniture from SNS, were sourced by Chris Garrod Global

including stone mined from the mountain, the resort is an alluring blend that reflects Omani history and culture with a contemporary twist.

Earth-coloured façades blend seamlessly with the mountainscape, with signature touches such as archways, fort-like doors carved from solid wood and decorative latticework.

At the heart of the hotel, a courtyard with open fireplace brings together a library, coffee shop and boutique selling locally made gifts.

A freestanding tower on the western side pays homage to the ancient Omani burj, distinctive by its conical form and encircling ramp. The tower serves as an observatory for stargazing and also houses Al Burj, a Moroccan restaurant and lounge where a central cluster of lanterns along with patterned screens and carved detailing create a decorative play of light and shadow.

In total, Anantara operates six F&B venues including a poolside Italian, a rooftop shisha lounge, and all-day dining restaurant, where guests can partake in cooking classes exploring the national cuisine. The resort offers a wide range of activities that take advantage of the locale, from sunrise yoga overlooking the canyon, to cultural hikes to nearby villages, as well as trips to the ancient city of Nizwa.

For the more adventurous, there’s mountain

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Above: The spa makes use of traditional building techniques and local materials including stone mined from the mountain

biking, rock climbing and abseiling – where the sheer drop offs are not for the faint-hearted.

Stone pathways lined with shrubs and rose bushes lead to the resort’s guestrooms, designed as a contemporary take on Omani style. Warm, rich colours alongside traditional features such as local artwork, Arabesque lanterns and handmade pottery form the basis of the scheme, complemented by indigenous mountain icons such as roses, pomegranates and butterflies reflected in the décor.

The resort’s 82 deluxe rooms feature a spacious bedroom and spa-like bathroom while the 33 one- and two-bedroom villas boast a private infinity pool overlooking the cliff or hiding in a walled garden. All are furnished with bespoke pieces designed by Atelier Pod, using patterns and architectural details found in door frames, ancient ceilings and traditional chests to create a complete furniture line. Additional OS&E and FF&E sourcing was undertaken by Chris Garrod Global, while Sidirahal collaborated with Lighting Design Collective for the lighting scheme.

The project was delivered on site by S&T Interiors and Contracting,

part of Services & Trade Investment Holding, headquartered in Oman. In a joint venture with Al Jaber Engineering & Contracting, the team delivered turnkey construction, high-end joinery and gypsum works across all areas of the resort. Despite its share of challenges, from managing logistics for materials to negotiating the difficult terrain, it is one of the firm’s most comprehensive projects todate. “Executing a distinctive project like this reaffirms our ability to manage formidable challenges with tight deadlines and deliverables,” comments Balakrishna R.P., Managing Director S&T Interiors and Contracting. “We have once again proven our pursuit for excellence and commitment to quality and best creative output.”

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is one of two Anantara resorts to open in Oman in recent months, the second being a beachfront oasis in Salalah, along the south coast. While the Thai-based operator has recently made its first foray into Europe with a 280-key hotel in Vilamoura, Portugal, a pipeline of properties in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Morocco and Vietnam signify that the Middle East and Asia is still very much the focus.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 115 guestrooms | 5 restaurants | 2 bars | 3 meeting rooms | Spa, swimming pool | www.jabal-akhdar.anantara.com Owner: Ministry of Defence Pension Fund | Operator: Minor International | Architecture / Interior Design: Atelier Pod | Contractors: S&T Interiors and Contracting; Jaber Engineering & Contracting | FF&E: Chris Garrod Global | Landscaping: Hyland Edgar Driver | Lighting Design: Lighting Design Collective

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COO SINGAPORE

Flying Potato Group and Ministry of Design create a new hostel concept that focuses on all things social, seeking to engage guests both physically and digitally.

Words: Luo Jingmei | Photography: © CI&A Photography

H

ow does a hostel extend from simply providing budget accommodation to becoming a community for like-minded travellers? It is a predicament that many an operator has faced as they seek to attract the next generation of guests in an increasingly competitive sector. And while European developers have arguably been the driving force behind the design-led social hostel, Asia is beginning to follow suit with a handful of independently run properties that cater specifically to millennials.

COO, a 68-bed hostel with casual bistro, is a new venture that combines well-designed spaces with engagement through mobile

technology. Its branding and interiors have been developed by Ministry of Design (MOD), also a partner in the endeavour. “We recognise that millennials want a meaningful getaway, where active experience trumps passive consumption. They want value, authenticity and constant connection,” says Colin Seah, founder of MOD. The team coined the term ‘sociatel’ to describe COO, where all things social – social spaces, social media and socialising – heads the way accommodation, F&B and other services are approached. Once guests have made their booking, they can access COO Connect – a digital platform – and chat with like-minded guests with overlapping

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Above: Public spaces feature an eclectic mix of graphics, locally inspired metal screens and lighting by BizLink Associates

stay dates and matching interests. “We thought this would be a great way to embody the convivial spirit of an old-fashioned backpacker community while harnessing the millennial generation’s love for digital connectivity,” continues Seah.

This experiment was mooted by the client, Flying Potato Group, whose owner Silas Lee left his veteran banking post to pursue what he felt was a niche in the local market, despite having no hospitality experience. “The inspiration behind COO is the emergence of millennial travellers who are willing to take the road less travelled,” he explains. “To them, travelling is no longer a leisure pursuit alone, but an opportunity to gain local insights and garner authentic experiences. We want COO to be a homegrown brand with a regional reach and grounded with Asian sensibilities.”

The first COO location at Tiong Bahru is apt, considering millennials’ choice of travel experience eschews mainstream tourist haunts. A gourmet market, independent bookstore, yoga studios, hipster cafés and restaurants sitting alongside colloquial coffee shops and family-run sundry stores, all housed in low-rise, elegant pre-war structures, guarantees a unique blend of encounters where old meets new, east meets west and local meets global. “Choosing Tiong Bahru for COO’s first property was an easy decision when we were considering neighbourhoods that embodied the quintessential local experience,” continues Lee. “It is after all one of the coolest

neighbourhoods in Singapore while also simultaneously known for its rich heritage and culture.”

COO occupies a four-storey shophouse that was previously a hostel, though its reincarnation looks nothing like what stood before.

For one, an eye-catching decorative metal screen portal heralds the entrance, alongside a door decorated with colourful depictions of the classic spiral staircases found behind some of Tiong Bahru’s shophouses. The former leads into a 60-seater, all-day dining bistro, the latter to reception. Both enter into a darkened space, casually divided by the same decorative metal screens. With flashes of neon and colourful graphics on the walls and ceiling, the vibe here reads more hip club than budget accommodation. The eclectic mix of travel inspired and local Singapore icons embrace the ‘glocal’ characteristic of the brand, and form a connection with COO’s online presence.

The graphics, poems and historic phrases depict associations with Tiong Bahru such as its modernist architecture and traditional ‘kueh’ (sweets), while the screens reference the patterns found on the door and window grilles of local housing. Above the bistro bar counter, an abstract map of the vicinity in neon takes centrestage.

This playful spirit emanates throughout the entire hostel. In the corridors, a magnetic board with alphabet magnets – a form of lowtech social media – encourages guests to leave messages for one another. Upstairs, tongue-in-cheek house rules are emblazoned on

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Above: The 68 bunks feature new double-layered curtains with a youthful sports mesh, supplied by Innovasia

walls while amenities such as shampoo dispensers display instructions in a humourous manner.

Spaces have also been designed for both privacy and connectivity.

In the bistro for instance, the screens act as casual space dividers creating semi-private corners; in the 11 guestrooms featuring four, six or eight beds that accommodate 68 guests at full capacity, the existing bunks feature new double-layered curtains with a youthful sports mesh, supplied by Innovasia. Within each bunk, the cabinetry flips up to reveal a face mirror, while ambient lighting accompanies functional illumination to create a relaxed mood. These considered features elevate the room-sharing experience.

On the second storey, an open-air terrace houses a pantry and lounge where guests can laze on white Acapulco chairs to meditate, work on their laptops, or wait for their laundry to be done in the adjacent washer/dryer room. Custom-designed coffee tables made from plastic palettes add to the casual ambience.

Seah is no stranger to designing hotels; the popular New Majestic

Hotel in Singapore and Macalister Mansion in Penang, Malaysia, both bear his signature direction of incorporating lively and colourful narratives within an historic structure. Still, COO proved a challenge to design. “It required a real shift of mindset,” Seah explains. “We’re used to more high-end, boutique designs for hotels; in this case, we were designing for the discerning premium budget market. Also, other than designing the interiors, we created a brand, so it needed to be both unique and sociable.”

Despite the challenges, COO has already had an impact on the industry with the team scooping the Visual Identity of the Year award at AHEAD Asia. Judges commended MOD for its creation and expression of the brand DNA, which is set to be rolled out to new properties in Singapore and beyond.

From booking to stay, COO has a seamless, engaging identity.

While inspired by similar design-led hospitality concepts in other parts of the world, Seah has localised and improved the experience with both physical and digital connectivity.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 68 beds | 1 restaurant | 1 lounge | www.staycoo.com Owner: Flying Potato Group Pte | Interior Design: Ministry of Design | Branding & Graphics: Ministry of Design | Main Contractor: Alric

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The Betsy MIAMI BEACH

Shulman + Associates has united two historic Miami hotels via a striking architectural intervention to create the newly expanded Betsy.

Words: Matt Turner | Photography: Courtesy of The Betsy

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t comes as a surprise to find this – a hotel with philanthropy, art, culture, and literature woven into its very fabric – on Miami’s brash, bright and breezy Ocean Drive. Yet that is what Jonathan Plutzik (son of poet Hyam Plutzik) and his wife Lesley Goldwasser have created with their relaunch of The Betsy – one of the city’s most venerable hotels, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2017. In fact their two year renovation project involved not just the original Betsy, but also the former Carlton Hotel behind it, now transformed into the Art Deco wing of the new property thanks to some clever architectural sleight-of-hand from Shulman + Associates.

The completed hotel features 130 guestrooms, two restaurants, an expansive rooftop pool complex, a dedicated library, central courtyard and nearly 15,000ft2 of event space: “It was like orthodontistry,” explains Allan Shulman, Principal, Shulman + Associates. “We were weaving and knitting, adding newbuild elements and dealing with two sets of heritage concerns simultaneously.”

The expansion has involved the preservation and rehabilitation of the two historic hotels and their existing façades, the refurbishment of the iconic Carlton lobby, and the addition of new structures.

“Our inspiration for the design was the client’s programme,

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Above: Raffia displays, custom furnishings and floral fabrics bring a Miami Beach aesthetic to the interiors

which paired hospitality with arts and culture,” continues Shulman.

“The hotel is an expression of that pairing, expressed as an urban microcosm on a compact site. Spaces for the arts, which define the brand, are woven into all facets of the building.”

The completed hotel includes the original Ocean Drive building, now known as the Colonial Wing, which still houses the lobby and LT Steak & Seafood restaurant, and the fully renovated adjacent building, which serves as an entrance for the extensive private event spaces inside, as well as accommodating the Conservatory, a lounge area serving coffees during the day and cocktails in the evenings, which now occupies the Carlton’s former lobby space.

But perhaps the most significant architectural intervention – or at least the one guaranteed the most Instagram-attention – is hidden down an alleyway running along the north side of the property, wedged between the two historical structures. The bridge between the two buildings is housed in a giant-egg shaped structure conceived as a piece of public art. This unique construct – known as The Orb – unites the original work of two architectural giants of Miami – L. Murray Dixon, whose original design for The Betsy Ross Hotel is the sole example of Florida Georgian architecture in the area, and Henry Hohauser, architect for the Carlton Hotel, best known for his Art Deco styling.

The Orb is the most eye-catching element of a wider plan to activate 14th Place – the alleyway linking Espanola Way with Ocean Drive. “It was a little dark and scary, yet hundreds of people walk down it every day,” explains Shulman. “Our idea was to repave it, relandscape it, improve the lighting, and bring it back into the urban fabric.” To this end, a Ventanita walk-up-window tucked away down the sidestreet serves up gelatos and crepes, alongside The Poetry Rail – an installation of text etched into metal by water jets, created in collaboration with graphic designer Kevin Coster and featuring the work of 13 poets who have contributed to Miami’s literary landscape, including Langston Hughes, Donald Justice, Mohamed Ali, Campbell McGrath, and Julie Marie Wade.

“Poetry is very important to the Plutchik-Goldwasser foundation and the hotel. This was a way to make it manifest to the skin of the building itself. Even the casual passer-by can gather something about what happens inside the building,” says Shulman.

The Poetry Rail also marks the entrance to Poeti – an Italian trattoria-style restaurant serving boulangère-baked pizzas, above which a small outdoor amphitheatre with herb garden plays host to readings, meetings and ‘casual conversations’. Other event spaces include The Gallery – a 1,700ft2 multi-use space on the ground floor – and the Atrium Courtyard – a 3,000ft2 outdoor courtyard

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Above: Guestrooms are light and airy, featuring a predominantly white palette with tropical accents of coral, green and blue

for performances and large-scale events that can accommodate up to 300 guests.

Working alongside Shulman + Associates, the original interior designers of The Betsy, Diamante Pedersoli and Carmelina Santoro, were re-engaged to bring their residential aesthetic to the project.

Together they have created a timeless feel with Art Deco elements, threading a colour palette of white and ocean blue tones throughout the guestrooms, with whitewashed oak, raffia palm, and subtle bursts of corals and greens referencing the natural elements of South Beach.

The public spaces echo this beach-chic theme with similar hues, walnut wood floors, and raffia displays. Custom-designed furniture adorns the multifunctional spaces with a diverse blend of wicker and teak bases fused with decorative brass and mirrored features.

Hand-selected velvet, cotton, and linen fabrics bring a soft-as-anocean-breeze tactile quality to the scheme.

“As with the original Betsy, where the building itself dictated the design, with the Art Deco wing, we also embraced the history of

the original Carlton building and South Beach neighbourhood to influence our approach,” says Pedersoli. “The biggest difference is the style of the buildings,” adds Santoro. “With the extension, we let the natural heritage flow freely and complemented the style with touches that resonate with the original wing for consistency.”

Adds Shulman: “What was most striking was the creative collaboration that allowed a comprehensive artistic treatment of spaces and surfaces throughout the building. The design challenges the idea that buildings must be specialised according to use. It is the visible mixing on several levels of boutique hotel and cultural engagement that makes this project so special.”

“Our goal with the expansion was to further The Betsy’s existing commitment to community by providing more platforms for our guests and partners,” concludes Jonathan Plutzik. “We wanted to create a residential sensibility through a design that was accessible, comfortable and visually compelling. We’ve created a diversity of unique spaces for both guests and locals to discover.”

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 130 guestrooms | 2 restaurants | 2 bars | Spa, fitness centre | 11 conference facilities, 3 meeting rooms | www.thebetsyhotel.com Owner: Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser | Architecture: Shulman + Associates | Interior Design: Diamante Pedersoli and Carmelina Santoro Lighting Design: Syska NY

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The Williamsburg Hotel B R O O K LY N

Michaelis Boyd Associates look to Williamsburg’s rich industrial past to create a neighbourhood landmark for developers Heritage Equity Partners.

Words: Tara Mastrelli | Photography: © Annie Schlechter

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o find the right match for their first hotel project in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, developer Heritage Equity Partners interviewed several designers and architects. “It’s a newbuild property and so many of them didn’t respect or understand the neighbourhood,” says partner Michael Lichtenstein, who led the development together with CEO Toby Moskovits. A major player in Brooklyn real estate for decades, Heritage has seen first-hand the explosive growth of the area. “Fifteen years ago there was maybe 5,000 residences, now there’s closer to 50,000. It was time for a hotel,” continues Lichtenstein.

“Our goal was to create a hotel that embodies Williamsburg,” adds Moskovits. “I grew up here and Brooklyn is in my DNA, so it was important to construct a hotel not only for guests, but also for the neighbourhood. We wanted to bring a bit of elegance to Brooklyn, while still being warm and welcoming.”

In the end, the developer had to go all the way to London to find a team that they felt got it. In Michaelis Boyd Associates they hit upon a shared vision. “We all thought to do something that’s more about what Williamsburg is about,” says Principal Alex Michaelis.

Located on a former scrapyard along Wythe Avenue, The

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Above & Opposite: Guestrooms feature furniture designed by Michaelis Boyd and Bill Amberg Studio as well as sanitaryware by Waterworks

Williamsburg Hotel sits on a waterfront stretch of land that’s been quickly transforming into a haven for hotels, including the architecturally dynamic William Vale and the soon-to-open Hoxton across the street. In stark contrast to much of the contemporary architecture popping up all around, Michaelis Boyd designed the 11-storey newbuild to feel like it’s been there all along. Inspired by the area’s industrial history, the brick-clad façade accented with glass and Corten steel is reminiscent of an old factory, and is even topped off with a water tower, an element that has become a signature of the Brooklyn skyline.

“We wanted to be very respectful of the Williamsburg scene but bring something quirky and different from our design experience in England,” says Michaelis. The result is a style that is definitively Williamsburg-meets-classic-London, with bespoke details and rich fixtures contrasting bright pops of creativity along the way.

The main entrance leads guests down a cascading external terrace into the cellar floor level at the heart of the hotel. Once inside, the space is dominated by a large-scale custom bar: created from antique picture frames laid in a chevron pattern and topped with a vibrant installation made up of thousands of coloured threads designed by local street artist Eric Rieger. Lush banquettes and armchairs create

seating vignettes surrounding the bar and a large fireplace in one corner make it an inviting hideaway from the elements.

Through the bar area, an oversized pizza oven will welcome guests into the soon-to-open restaurant, with a vegetable and grain-focused menu courtesy of Executive Chef David Ladner. Strands of Shakuf light fixtures dance across the ceiling creating an enchanting glow, and at weekends, guests can treat themselves to afternoon tea with a Brooklyn twist.

For those willing to take the stairs, the reward is a custom toileinspired wallpaper designed by Beastie Boy Mike Diamond lining the stairwell. The scenes feature quintessential Brooklyn landmarks and figures – from a Nathan’s Famous hot dog to the late, great Notorious B.I.G. Other local details abound: Brooklyn-based Apotheke provides the signature scent while Madwell, a full-service agency headquartered nearby, designed the graphics.

Dark wood panelled walls and a custom carpet designed to feel like worn-in wool – intentionally faded in places – give the guestroom corridors a decidedly more quiet and high-end residential feel, an intimate respite from the energy of the public spaces.

Once inside, each of the 147 guestrooms features floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the East River.

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This Page: Public spaces are dominated by a largescale custom bar created from antique picture frames and topped with a vibrant installation made up of thousands of coloured threads

Rooms are either light – with whitewashed timber-panelled walls – or dark, with deep grey distressed plaster finishes. Both feature bespoke furniture designed by Michaelis Boyd in collaboration with London-based Bill Amberg Studio.

“We wanted to bring something quite dynamic and bright into the bathrooms,” says Michaelis’ partner, Tim Boyd, noting the glass-enclosed showers designed to maximise natural light and make the jewelbox guestrooms appear much larger. “We also wanted an element of playfulness,” he adds. Easily accomplished with petite terraces complete with artificial turf, the perfect way for guests to interact with neighbours on a summer’s day.

Opening in phases, next up is a 40-foot swimming pool and landscaped roof garden, a café and the Watertower Bar, soon to be followed by Brooklyn’s first grand ballroom.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 147 guestrooms | 1 restaurant | 4 bars (due to open through 2017) | www.thewilliamsburghotel.com Owner / Operator: Heritage Equity Partners | Architecture: Albo Liberis; Karl Fischer; The Lichtenstein Group | Interior Design: Michaelis Boyd | Lighting Design: Bold Design Consultant: Harbor Contracting | Contractor: ATH Studios (spiral staircase)

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Gleneagles AUCHTERARDER

Following its acquisition of Gleneagles in 2015, Ennismore completes the first phase of a multi-million pound refurbishment, working with David Collins Studio, Goddard Littlefair and Macaulay Sinclair.

Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: Courtesy of Gleneagles (unless otherwise stated)

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or a group that has built a reputation on creating hip hangouts in up-and-coming urban neighbourhoods, the acquisition of a somewhat conservative golf resort in the Scottish glens may seem an unlikely move. But for Sharan Pasricha, founder and CEO of Ennismore – the London-based owner and developer behind The Hoxton – the purchase was an opportunity to grow the business in new ways. “Our ambition at Ennismore is to build the world’s most exciting hospitality company by creating authentic brands and immersive experience,” he begins. “Whilst Gleneagles couldn’t be more different to The Hoxton, they are both incredible, iconic brands in their own right.”

Describing the property as a sleeping giant, Pasricha saw the potential of the 850-acre estate, acquiring it from former owners Diageo and setting about a multi-million pound phased refurbishment.

Gleneagles first opened in 1924 and was the brainchild of Donald Matheson, General Manager of the Caledonian Railway Company.

His railway line ran through a picturesque valley and he was so impressed by the surrounding countryside that he conjured up the vision of a large country house hotel – which is still to this day served by its own train station. The property has been enhanced over the years, both in design and facilities, and now offers a total of 232 guestrooms, six bars and restaurants, a spa by ESPA and three championship golf courses, not to mention a variety of outdoor pursuits such as shooting, tennis, horse-riding, off-road driving and falconry, earning it the nickname ‘the glorious playground’.

While the facilities were first-rate, the hotel’s interiors were in need of an overhaul. Pasricha was mindful of the property’s history, as well as its scale, so enlisted three practices – David Collins Studio, Goddard Littlefair and Macaulay Sinclair – each with a different

remit. Working with Ennismore’s in-house design team led by Charlie North, the practices were tasked with creating elegant and contemporary interiors that would enhance the guest experience while respecting Gleneagles’ heritage and Scottish identity. “We want to make the most of the rich heritage, beautiful architecture and stunning setting for which Gleneagles is renowned,” confirms Pasricha, adding that the brief to designers was very much about evolution, rather than revolution.

“It wasn’t about taking this into a new realm, it was about bringing Gleneagles back to life,” agrees Simon Rawlings, Creative Director, David Collins Studio, tasked with redesigning the lobby, The Glendevon, The Century Bar and The American Bar. Having spent time at Gleneagles during the design process, Rawlings looked to both the location and the building for inspiration, but eventually found his vision in the intangible. “What inspired me more than anything was the feeling you get when you walk into the spaces,” he explains, describing the revelry of the visitors that have gone before and will come ahead. “Understanding the uses of these spaces really triggered the conceptual thought process.”

At the heart of the hotel, The Century Bar is a vast space with intimate moments created through clusters of seating positioned around marble fireplaces and the use of custom Deco lighting that exudes warmth and ambiance. Original panelling has been restored to its former grandeur, providing a backdrop to the rich textiles, many of which are by Scottish woollen mill Johnstons of Elgin. A central bar flanked by four imposing columns in deep garnet red forms the focal point, with the colour repeated in the upholstery, bar counter and leather trims of the silk wallcoverings.

“In The Century Bar we took historic textile designs from around

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Above: David Collins Studio was tasked with redesigning The Century Bar, where imposing columns in deep garnet red form the focal point

Scotland as the inspiration, reimagining them as mosaics and stained glass,” reveals Rawlings. David Collins Studio collaborated with Scottish artisans to realise the stained glass, textured bar front panels, drapery and ceramics used for dressing, while Dernier & Hamlyn supplied bespoke table and bar lamps, each hand-finished in bronze.

The local connection continues in The American Bar, where tones of Scottish heather – the plant of the glens – form the basis of the scheme. “The colour of heather was something that really inspired me. It’s got this real beauty and depth,” states Rawlings. “We love to work with artisans and craftspeople and I had this idea to create a room that was completely lined in cashmere,” he continues. “We had cashmere specially woven locally to the building and that was really the starting point.”

Rawlings worked with cut glass, textured materials and linens, as well as commissioned artworks to create the showpiece – reminiscent of the iconic bars of the 1920s and 30s with a cocktail list to match.

Also in David Collins Studio’s remit was The Glendevon, famed for hosting the 2005 G8 summit. A semicircular lounge with bay windows overlooking immaculate lawns and hills beyond, the once underutilised events space has been deservedly repurposed as a tranquil lounge where guests can engage in a game of chess, or kick back and enjoy the views.

The first phase of the refurbishment also saw the addition of

Auchterarder 70, a new bar within Dormy Clubhouse. Named after the hotel’s original phone number, the oak-panelled space caters to the golfing crowd and offers views across the King’s Course, which has recently seen investment to reinstate the original 1919 design by James Braid. The informal, social hub features interiors by Nottingham-based practice Macaulay Sinclair and harks back to such an era with its reclaimed parquet flooring, timber-arched panelling referencing Gleneagles’ railway station, and a 1920’s wooden crank telephone mounted on the wall to place orders directly with the bar. Leather Chesterfield sofas and vintage dining chairs – expertly sourced by Macaulay Sinclair – add character and warmth.

While Auchterarder 70 is far from a sports bar, there are sporting references here and throughout the property. Lampshades in The American Bar are reminiscent of old leather footballs; artwork is made up of illustrations and prints with an outdoor pursuit theme; vintage wooden tennis rackets feature in the suites; and gunpowder from Gleneagles’ shooting range makes an unlikely appearance in The Century Bar’s spectacular Smoking Gun cocktail.

Bespoke touches continue in the guestrooms and suites, currently being refurbished by London-based practice Goddard Littlefair.

“We wanted the rooms to reflect that sense of emotional uplift via a warm, welcoming and reviving feel, with true five-star luxury communicated through highly individual room treatments with

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Above & Opposite (top): The redesigned guestrooms, by Goddard Littlefair, feature art and antiques that feel as if they have been collected over time

different design concepts and one-off touches,” explains Director and co-founder Jo Littlefair. The team designed a total of five concepts for the 232 guestrooms, 30 of which are now complete. Each tells a different story and is designed to look as if there’s a degree of history, with art and antiques that feel as if they have been collected over time. Artworks were sourced together with consultants Artiq, while Goddard Littlefair had a ball rummaging for market finds. “We went to trade antique fairs in the middle of fields and bartered with cash, which was really exciting,” tells Littlefair. “We loved it because it meant bringing really unique pieces to the project – hat boxes, old suitcases, leather flasks – things that have an aged patina.”

Director and co-founder Martin Goddard adds: “It creates a real sense of discovery. The rugs, for example, are straight from Kashmir.

We found a guy who deals in them; he drove up with a van full and we picked out the ones we wanted. It’s a great way of working.”

The combination of old and new can be seen in all guestroom types, while a sense of place is established through collaboration with local craftspeople, producers and upholsterers, referencing the many classic fabrics for which Scotland is known. “The overall look of the bedrooms is incredibly rich with layers of highly tactile luxury and the greatest respect paid to the hotel’s heritage and location,” continues Littlefair. The team worked with a number of different casegood manufacturers – partly due to time constraints – which has

brought its own eclecticism to the scheme. Plaid, aged velvets and leathers, linens and natural fabrics add to the look.

In the Whisky Suites – inspired by country sports and gamekeeping – earthy tones of burnt orange, deep greens, browns and burgundy make for a masculine scheme alongside traditional designs such as houndstooth and Harris Tweed. A leather Chesterfield and olive-green club chairs with button detail are complemented by illustrations and prints with an outdoor pursuit theme as well as accessories such as binoculars, model airplanes and boats.

The Estate Suites are more feminine, with softer fabrics and a palette of silver and pale taupe, while the Estate Rooms are described as campaign style, reflecting the feeling of being on a voyage.

Furniture here includes casegoods with doors that open downwards, benches with metal handles on the side, and a coffee table that takes the form of a trunk. The bathrooms also differ by room type, though each features the same level of layering and exquisite attention to detail. Goddard travelled to Italy to hand-select a variety of different marbles – from Nero Marquina to two tones of Botticino, seen in the form of bespoke fan-shaped mosaics. Amongst the sanitaryware supplied by Villeroy & Boch, Kaldewei, Hurlingham Baths and Perrin & Rowe, bathrooms are accessorised with ornate mirrors and lighting that that tallies with the building’s age.

The acres of corridors on the guestroom floors have also been given

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This Page: Bathrooms are tiled with marble hand-selected by Goddard Littlefair and feature sanitaryware from Villeroy & Boch, Kaldewei, Hurlingham Baths and Perrin & Rowe

the Goddard Littlefair treatment. Underfoot, a bespoke carpet features Celtic motifs based on an ancient Persian pattern, while lanterns from Heathfield & Co. guide the way. A selection of art hanging from antique brass chains adds interest.

While Gleneagles has already seen quite a transformation, there’s a lot more to come, says Pasricha. “Construction is under way for our second phase of bedroom and corridor refurbishments, including the Royal Suite,” he explains. “At the same time we’re creating a beautiful all-day dining brasserie and a new café/retail concept, both of which are designed

by Ennismore’s design studio. In addition, we are currently exploring options for a beauty salon, meeting suites, children’s play areas and more renovations to the clubhouse.”

Ennismore has also announced plans to further develop its offer following the purchase of Easterton Farm, a 250-acre site located two miles from the main estate.

“The farm is an outstanding opportunity to expand Gleneagles’ accommodation and leisure provision – creating an exceptional rural hospitality destination experience that is unique,” concludes Pasricha. “It’s still very early in the planning stages but we have big aspirations.”

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 232 guestrooms | 4 restaurants | 4 bars | 15 event spaces | Spa, gym, 3 swimming pools | www.gleneagles.com Owner / Developer: Ennismore | Architecture: 3D Reid (listed building consent and planning) | Interior Design: David Collins Studio (F&B); Goddard Littlefair (guestrooms); Macaulay Sinclair (F&B); Ennismore in-house design team

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The Student Hotel AMSTERDAM

Channelling inclusivity through design, The Student Hotel’s open door policy welcomes long-term students and short-term guests.

Words: Kristofer Thomas | Photography: © Kasia Gatkowska

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ay the student in you never die, reads The Student Hotel mantra, a phrase that directs the brand’s design philosophy, atmosphere and ambitions. Be it for a single night or an entire term, undergraduate or parent, The Student Hotel (TSH) prides itself on being open to all, working to connect disparate markets through experimental and experiential design.

A growing chain of hybrid properties, The Student Hotel brand combines traditional hotel elements with inspiration drawn from university accommodation, tying the concepts together with a design approach based on inclusivity. Billed as half hotel for students, half

for the student-at-heart, the brand’s 571-key flagship Amsterdam City property acts as a microcosm of its core values, and confronts perceptions of both hotel accommodation and student digs.

Envisioned in 2004, the concept grew from a desire to provide firstyear students with quality, design-led accommodation. “It started with students,” explains Charlie MacGregor, CEO and founder of the concept. “But I knew I wanted to do something different.”

13 years later, and with new hotels set for Delft, Florence and Madrid, an ambitious expansion plan has seen TSH’s portfolio grow to 16 properties across six countries. Having survived early reluctance

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Above: Staat’s lobby design brings together juxtaposing shapes, colours and styles to set out the hotel’s inclusive philosophy

from investors and the financial collapse of two backers, the brand now looks ahead to a projected 17,550 guestrooms worldwide by 2021, and was named the best-managed company of both 2014 and 2015 in The Netherlands.

Initially catering solely to first-year undergraduates, rigid Dutch accommodation laws concerning space, price and occupancy meant that its two Amsterdam properties – Amsterdam West and Amsterdam City – required a shift in approach to realise. As student accommodation, TSH would be regulated by the Dutch government’s social housing sector, though as a hotel, open to everyone and instilled with its student vibe, these rules could be bypassed. Forming the defining concept for TSH properties to come, this hybrid approach allows students to experience a new life in high-end surroundings, older guests a chance to relive their youth, and both leisure and business travellers a stay in an affordable, flexible and dynamic hotel.

Suitably located in the former printing offices of Het Parool, a Dutch daily newspaper that began life as a revolutionary publication, TSH Amsterdam City acts as both flagship property and brand headquarters, with MacGregor’s office situated on the top floor.

“We’ve deliberately chosen to develop buildings that have lain dormant and unloved, and we’re touched to see the positive economic and social impact our hotels are bringing to Europe’s cities,” explains Joost Serrarens, COO. “Just as there are no boundaries between

our guests, we want there to be none between our hotels and the local communities,” he continues. “Each is infused with the unique qualities of its community, just as each hotel brings a fresh vigour to the area surrounding it.”

Containing a fitness centre, street-facing restaurant, bar, library, Olympic-size swimming pool and interconnecting public spaces, the project brings a vibrant, design-led property to what was informally referred to as the ugliest street in the city.

Featuring conceptual, branding, and interior design by local agency Staat – working in collaboration with TSH’s in-house design director Jason Steere – and an exterior subtly updated by Penta Architecten, every aspect of Amsterdam City is designed to bring people together.

“Guests are experiencing a new city, and a new way of life, so how can we create a platform that gets people sharing and communicating?” asks Steere. The answer, as it stands, is an intelligent combination of form and function, open layouts and intelligent juxtaposition.

Stepping through the entrance, guests are greeted by a lobby punctuated with contemporary furniture by Fiction Factory alongside refurbished vintage pieces sourced by Fabriek NL. Defined by contrasting colours and silhouettes, both minimal and extravagant, the space connects a reception desk, working area, games room and event facility. Here playful turquoise couches sit beside traditional black leather and mahogany counterparts, the former for lounging,

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Above: Designed for non-student guests, short-stay guestrooms feature colourful schemes and details inspired by the surrounding city

the latter for work, though both for anyone. A replica missile hangs from the ceiling above, bearing the phrase ‘everybody should like everybody’ – a bold signifier of the contrasts in culture, design and approach that feature throughout.

Amsterdam-based graphic lettering specialist Eipi provided the bold illustrative visuals that feature throughout these spaces, whilst TSH collaborated with art curators Vroom & Varossieau, and street art collective The London Police, for the sketched graphic mural outside and a series of vivid interior pieces across a range of styles.

Situated on the opposite wing, and designed by Ninety Nine, the hotel’s in-house restaurant The Pool, serves Mediterranean inspired cuisine within similarly themed sea blue interiors. Serving both quick snacks and term-spanning diet plans, it occupies the former home of Trouw, another revolutionary newspaper, and features original Art Deco pillars bearing decades-old graffiti, a street entrance to welcome locals, and a mixture of high and low De Machinekamer seating.

Next door sits TSH Collab, a newly launched co-working facility that incorporates the same philosophies of communication and crossover appeal that define the wider project. Again designed by Ninety Nine, the space comprises classroom, meeting, flexi-desk and private offices, and is decorated with furnishings by Maasdam and Roord Binnenbouw to suit the needs of student projects and

big-business pitches alike. TSH Collab at Amsterdam City is the brand’s first co-working concept, and a planned addition to every forthcoming property.

“As much as we evolved from student housing into a hotel, we saw that the open door philosophy resulted in a lot of locals using the workspace,” explains MacGregor. “We looked at the demand and for us it was a natural evolution.”

Taking basic cues from conventional student accommodation, the guestrooms above are guided by the directive of ‘everything you need and nothing you don’t’. At once practical and stylish, these spaces provide guests with considered amenities, and students with trendy updates of the essential desk, storage and seating combination.

Sleek bathroom fittings by Logus Prefab transfer the scheme into smartly arranged en suites, whilst vivid upholstery fabrics and brightly coloured lampshades offset each guestroom’s monochrome palette, giving long-term guests a canvas to personalise. “We know the students want to make it their own, so we’ve tried to give them the tools to do that,” explains Steere.

For non-student, mature or groups of guests, these spaces can further incorporate private kitchens, minibars and luxury furnishings, set against a more vibrant and colourful palette. Guestroom configurations range from standard one-person options to the

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This Page: One of the striking, vivid graphics that appear throughout the hotel’s public spaces

6-person Play Room containing a disco ball and dance pole, and the Panorama Executive, which boasts expansive skyline views.

A far cry from the cut-and-paste designs of typical student housing, MacGregor describes Amsterdam City’s style as “doing it with a wink.” Combining an inclusive, open-plan layout with elements both classic and contemporary, the property fosters communication despite demographics, offering its wide spectrum of guests common ground through services, facilities and aesthetics that all can appreciate.

With ambitions intact, and a slate of dream destinations including Istanbul and Helsinki now a step closer to reality, MacGregor still feels there is room for improvement. “Both our strongest and weakest point is trying to do every project like a brand new hotel,” he concludes. “It’s super hard work because we will never ever do a copy-and-paste job. We’re constantly evolving.”

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 571 guestrooms | 1 restaurant | 1 bar | Co-working space | Swimming pool, gym | www.thestudenthotel.com Owner / Operator: The Student Hotel | Developer: The Student Hotel and Boelens de Gruyter | Architecture: Penta Architecten | Interior Design: Staat; TSH Experience Design; Ninety Nine | Contractors: Heijmans; BBA; Hiensch Engineering; Bectro; Ooijevvar; EME Hospitality

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The Old War Offi ce, Whitehall The iconic Grade II* listed former government building will be transformed into a fi ve-star 125 key luxury hotel and 88 one-to-fi ve bedroom apartments. The existing 580,000 sq ft building will be largely retained and part adapted to offer Hotel and Residential elements with the introduction of a new doubleheight basement and rooftop extension (strategically modelled to address key viewpoint restrictions), alongside restaurants, boutique shops, bars, a spa, a gym and a pool.

EPR Architects +44 20 7932 7600 architects@epr.co.uk www.epr.co.uk

The Lalit LONDON

The Lalit Hospitality Group’s European debut sees Dr. Suri, Archer Humphryes, EPR Architects and S&T Interiors collaborate to create a hotel of grand significance.

Words: Molly Dolan | Photography: Courtesy of The Lalit

S

ituated in the Tower Bridge Conservation Area on London’s South Bank, the latest project from The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group inhabits a former school building with Grade II-listed status.

Built in 1890 by Edward Mountford – the Victorian architect behind the Old Bailey and Sheffield Town Hall – the building was originally designed for the prestigious St. Olave’s Grammar School. References to its former use are found throughout the interiors and its architecture, which has been meticulously restored to former glory.

Julie Humphryes, Creative Director at Archer Humphryes, who led the project from planning for change-of-use through concept stage,

illustrates: “From the beginning, the idea was to create a fusion of Anglo-Indian design. What is interesting is that the original architect’s work coincided with what Edward Lutyens was doing in India, where he designed the Sansad Bhawan parliament building. There are a lot of links in architectural references between England and New Delhi.”

Working directly with Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Humphryes was able to create a concept that evoked the Indian UNESCO sites, while remaining true to its geographical location.

A Neo-Baroque edifice, the imposing structure lay empty for some

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Above: Baluchi, a pan-Indian restaurant, occupies the school’s spectacular triple-height barrel-vaulted Great Hall. Public spaces feature art working from Sterling Art, door handles from Turnstyle Design and lighting from Firefly Lighting

refurbished where necessary.” New interior elements have been added, yet meticulously designed to complement the historical building, while weaving Indian references throughout. “An Indian theme is introduced through the soft furnishings and subtle details that repeat; the Jali screens and patterns in the ceilings, carpets and lighting.”

Keeping New Delhi as the primary influence, details of pattern, craft and colour reveal themselves at every turn. The Headmaster’s Room features a majestic ceiling that underwent extensive restoration and panel work, yet doesn’t feel too referential when offset by the herringbone patterns and turquoise armchairs. Parquet flooring is a result of salvaged pieces from classrooms around the school, while modern technologies are integrated seamlessly.

The jewel in the hotel’s crown is Baluchi, a pan-Indian restaurant occupying the school’s spectacular triple-height barrel-vaulted Great Hall. Original parquet flooring – again lovingly restored – evokes nostalgia upon entry, while timber-panelled walls are offset by Indian chandeliers suspended from a cerulean blue ceiling. The back of the hall plays host to The Naanery, a bread bar complete with tandoor oven and panelling that repeats the Jali pattern showcased in reception.

In order to reach the hotel’s 70-key room count, a third floor was added. Mountford continues: “The top floor was originally doubleheight classrooms and a gymnasium. To utilise this space, a new steel and timber floor was added and the existing roof trusses were strengthened

15 years prior, resulting in serious disrepair and need for extensive renovation works. A completely new Westmoreland slate roof has been installed while the clock-tower was restored by Smith of Derby, the specialists responsible for the original bell and clock. Below the surface, rotten timbers and cracked panels were painstakingly replaced to restore the building to its former splendour.

“The concept was very much about working with the original features and not ignoring or destroying the character of the building, but rather working with it and complementing it,” states Gary Mountford, Associate at EPR Architects, who came on board at construction phase.

“It is always difficult inserting 21st century services into a 19th century building that was never designed to have lifts, large ductwork routes, air conditioning and sophisticated IT networks, while not destroying its features.”

Upon arrival, the building’s original driveway provides a regal experience that is almost unheard of in central London. The entrance is flanked by oversized potted trees, leading to a hallway with black and white marble floor and a black chandelier overhead – made in India by master craftspeople and shipped over. A transitional space, the hall leads to the lobby, Teacher’s Room and Headmaster’s Room – a bar specialising in cognac and champagne.

Mountford – Gary, not Edward – continues: “All of the original plaster skirting, dado and cornice details were kept throughout and

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Left: The Lalit occupies a former school building with Grade II-listed status

with steelwork.” Further, the glazed skylights were removed and replaced with an insulated slated roof – as per the original plans. “To allow sunlight and views into the new third floor, new dormer windows were added, replicating the original design,” he adds.

Suites on the top floor enjoy 30-foot high ceilings and, if you’re lucky, views of The Shard.

Design is consistently contemporary with Indian fusions, while the educational heritage of the building remains simmering in the background.

At the fore, monikers of Indian culture prevail, with tapestries adorning the headboards and symbols of Indian culture framed on the walls.

Launched on the late Mr Lalit Suri’s 70th birthday, who founded the company in 1988, The Lalit London marks the brand’s first property outside India, and is especially nostalgic for the family-run team behind the international hospitality group. Dr Suri concludes: “Mr Lalit Suri yearned for a hotel in London, a city he loved so intensely that it became his final resting place in 2006. Hence, this property is very special to us.”

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 70 guestrooms | 2 restaurants | 2 bars | Conference and meeting facilities | Spa | www.thelalit.com Owner / Investor: Dr. Jyotsna Suri Grand Hotel & Investment | Operator: The Lalit Hotel Group | Architecture: Archer Humphryes (concept); EPR Architects Interior Design: Archer Humphryes | Contractor: S&T Interiors | FF&E: Chris Garrod Global

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At Six STOCKHOLM

Over the past 12 months, Sleeper has followed the development of two neighbouring hotels from Nordic Hotels & Resorts. First to feature here is At Six, where contemporary art meets design in a concept by Universal Design Studio.

Words: Guy Dittrich | Photography: Courtesy of UDS (unless otherwise stated)

O

ur story began back in January 2016 in Brunkebergstorg, a beautiful but largely forgotten square in the Norrmalm neighbourhood of Stockholm. Nordic Hotels & Resorts – the fastest growing hotel group in Scandinavia – had announced plans to bring two new hospitality concepts to a 130,000m2 mixed-use development known as Urban Escape.

Along with offices, commercial space and a small residential component, the two hotels were considered key to the revitalisation of the once prosperous district, which lost its way following the arrival of Brutalism in the 1970s.

Now open, At Six and Hobo occupy adjacent buildings along the west side of the site. At Six takes its name from its street number on Brunkebergstorg, and with 343 guestrooms, is one of the largest hotels in Stockholm. The original granite columns and bronze anodised aluminium cladding – designed in the Brutalist style by Boijsen & Efervgren – has been given an update by White Architekter, who made two new interventions.

Firstly, glazing now spans the lower two levels to create a double-height

© Andy Liffner

Above: Task seating in guestrooms is a relaunch of the Model 3238 chair designed by Torbjørn Bekken in 1960

façade; and secondly, three upper floors with panoramic views over the city and out to the archipelago have been added. Guestrooms here have narrow, furnished terraces – a real treat on long summer nights.

The hotel’s interiors are the work of London-based Universal Design Studio (UDS), led by Hannah Carter Owers and Richard McConkey, and offer contemporary luxury with a twist. One of those twists is art. The hotel could almost be a gallery thanks to its worldclass collection curated by Sune Nordgren, who took on the same role for The Thief in Oslo, also managed by Nordic Hotels & Resorts.

Another twist is the redefining of modern luxury. One of finesse and unexpected delight that steers away from the homely or grand dame approach of many of the city’s other five-star properties.

The building’s floorplate is long and narrow, demanding smart use of space. The entrance does not boast a high ceiling nor the open lobby lounge so loved by today’s hoteliers; instead, the aim has been to steer guests upstairs to the first floor public spaces. The layout intuitively achieves this.

The entrance may be modest in scale but it still packs a punch.

Sitting on the eye-catching staircase of white granite is a 2.5m stone bust called Mar Asia, by Jaume Plensa. Behind reception is a 7m-long landscape by Tacita Dean, from the series Quatemary 2014. Both are

indications of the importance of art within the hotel. UDS worked closely with Nordgren, shaping the architectural layout to create surprising art experiences. At the top of the staircase is another sizeable painting, this time by British land artist Richard Long, winner of the 1989 Turner Prize; around the corner is Walking in the Rain, London, a line drawing by Julian Opie; and each guestroom features mirrored panel artworks inspired ventilation grid patterns,

by Katrina Matousch. Elsewhere are works by Dawid, Olafur Eliasson, and Sol LeWitt.

Wrapping around the mezzanine is the Dining Room, where seating is positioned to make the most of the daylight and views.

Flexible screening defines a long table, suitable for a large party or communal dining, and a through-way to the Cocktail Bar and Listening Lounge. A 14m-long marble bar sits atop an end-grain oak block floor, and opposite are low seating options from Peiro Lissoni amongst others, smartly positioned amidst structural pillars. At the entrance to the adjacent Listening Lounge, the huge speakers made by Kenricht Sound from Tokyo signal the purpose of this space, where music is the master. Equipment is of recording studio quality with local programming of album sessions and DJ sets curated by an inhouse music consultant.

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This Page: A variety of light fittings have been developed by UDS with Swedish manufacturer Rubn

On top is Tak, Swedish for roof. Reached by a separate entrance off the square, the restaurant is the first element of a larger venue due to open this summer, with gardened spaces open to the public. Here, interiors are

by Wingårdh and follow the Nordic-Sino gastronomic bent of chef Frida Ronge.

UDS has given the interiors a restrained contemporary elegance that is right at home in the 21st century; an experience of Scandinavian calmness. The leather from local tannery Tärnsjö wrapped around the bannister is felt rather than seen. Similarly, the Alcantara cupboard fronts in guestrooms are a luxurious twist, with a haptic as opposed to visual quality. Edged with a burnished bronze and together with the other bronze detailing, including the sanitaryware by Axor, these are warming touches that give a vaguely nautical touch, apt for this capital on the water.

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© Per Larsson

Above: Guestrooms and public spaces are furnished with pieces from B&B Italia, Living Divani, Minotti, Molteni and Walter Knoll

The 343 guestrooms have been designed by UDS with three zones; the usual hallway and bed areas, but also a lounge. “The third of the room beside the window is often under-utilised,” explains Carter Owers. Maximising the impact of light and contrasts, UDS has framed each side of the window with brass-bound mirror and underneath placed a beautiful customised one-arm sofa, upholstered with Kvadrat fabric.

Quality materials permeate every aspect of the interiors; the aim for them being to wear in, not out, as Carter Owers puts it. Stone comes in various guises, from the deep variegated greens of Alpe Verdi for the lengthy credenzas in guestrooms, to the rust-coloured Patagonian marble fronting the open kitchen of the Dinning Room.

The gents alone boasts three different types.

UDS has collaborated with several manufacturers to deliver a bespoke design experience. Working with Norwegian furniture producer Eikund, task seating in guestrooms is a relaunch of the Model 3238 chair designed by Torbjørn Bekken in 1960. Barber Osgerby, co-studio of UDS, customised the Tobi-Ishi table for B&B

Italia in the lobby. And a variety of light fittings have been developed with Swedish manufacturer Rubn.

Another standout aspect of the hotel, and indicative of the thought that has gone into the overall scheme, is the branding. Created by Identity Works, At Six has its own font, the ‘x’ of which appears discreetly on staff lapel badges, crockery and even the wooden bread boxes in the restaurant. A pattern derived from the motif is also seen in bathmats, laundry bags and carefully arranged across the display boxes of bathroom amenities.

At Six is an audacious project involving three design practices creating five F&B venues, to say nothing of the other professional services required – architecture, art and branding spring to mind.

That it was completed on time, and whilst the Galleria shopping mall on which the hotel sits continued to trade, is an incredible achievement. “Now that the doors are finally open, the thing I am most looking forward to is seeing the hotel bed in to the city and develop a life of its own,” explains Carter Owers. “We all feel we have achieved something great here.”

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 343 guestrooms | 2 restaurants | 2 bars | 7 meeting rooms | Gym | www.hotelatsix.com Owner: Petter Stordalen | Developer: AMF Fastigheter | Operator: Nordic Hotels & Resorts | Architecture: White Arkitekter | Interior Design: Universal Design Studio | Art Curation: Sune Nordgren | Graphics: Identity Works | Lighting Design: Node Ljusdesign

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Hobo STOCKHOLM

The second project in Sleeper’s development report, which followed two neighbouring hotels from concept to completion, is a limited service option with huge ambition, designed by Studio Aisslinger.

Words: Guy Dittrich | Photography: Courtesy of Nordic Hotels & Resorts

H

obo takes its pulse from the city,” describes General Manager Mattias Stengl of this 201-key hotel, where two floors of social spaces – comprising a restaurant, bars and pop-up retail – are a hive of activity.

Located on Stockholm’s Brunkebergstorg and forming part of the same masterplan as the adjacent At Six, it is also managed by Nordic Hotels & Resorts. But that’s where the similarities end.

Hobo has its own identity, offer and guest profile – a calculated move that essentially won Nordic the opportunity to operate two hotels side-by-side. “We got both projects because we are able to meet AMF Fastigheter’s requirement to differentiate between the target audiences for each hotel,” commented Catarina Molén-Runnäs, Chief Property Officer, Nordic Choice Hospitality Group and CEO, Nordic Property Management, during the course of the development.

A different target audience also called for a different design scheme, and so Studio Aisslinger – the Berlin-based practice of Werner Aisslinger – was brought on board. A team effort with associates Monika Losos and Tina Bunyaprasit, the resulting interiors offer an experience of quirky, colourful, bohemian fun. At every turn there

is something to bring a smile. The interactive flip-dot wall at the entrance is a neat welcome of analogue technology by Stockholmbased Teenage Engineering; the landscape wallpapers of forest and desert liven up the guestroom corridors; and the kinetic art from local creative studio Vår makes for an eyecatching installation in the first-floor bar and inside the lifts.

In the guestrooms, a peg-board wall comes replete with the standard witticisms expected of such a hotel, but there are added extras here. Hanging from wooden dowels are four items to be borrowed (or purchased) during the guests’ stay. These include a bag and umbrella, but more unexpectedly a pocket synthesiser, also

by Teenage Engineering, that budding musicians can plug into the Ruark speaker. Each month, new items will be rotated into the set of four, keeping things interesting for the returning guest.

It is already clear that the local connection at Hobo is strong.

Guestroom numbers appear as illuminated ceiling-mounted glass units, typical of those seen throughout Stockholm; the font of the enamelled steel signage replicates local street signs; wall tiles mimic the paving of the nearby Sergels Torg, know locally as Plattan after

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Above: Hanging from wooden dowels on a peg-board wall are items such as a bag and umbrella that can be borrowed during a guest’s stay

the triangular patterned pavement; and you can’t get more local than growing your own produce. Designed as a feature in the lobby, the basil, mint and pak choi greens are hydroponically grown in suspended trays opposite check-in before making an appearance in the restaurant’s homemade dishes.

The ground floor is also home to a self-serve breakfast area, which later morphs into a bar serving Hobo’s own IPA from Pang Pang, a micro-brewery in the Stockholm suburb of Hökarängen. Adjacent is Spaceby, a pop-up boutique for local creatives to showcase their wares, from photography to jewellery, fashion to tech. This prime real estate with a window front onto Brunkebergstorg is available free-of-charge on a changing fortnightly timetable.

Lit by floor-to-ceiling windows facing onto the square, these public floors are busy. The bright colourways of the Hobo Home furniture – including rounded sofas, a chaise lounge and two- or three-seat benches designed by Studio Aisslinger for Cappellini – are more for perching on than cosying up. Throw in a mix of vintage leather pieces and handmade kilims, plus a jungle of plants managed by the green fingers of Ola Weister of Vertical Plant Systems, and you have a lively space.

Studio Aisslinger has brought to the scheme both its product design skills and ideas drawn from other hospitality projects. A family of lamps designed by Aisslinger and Bunyaprasit for Wästberg feature

in the guestrooms, while task seating is a low-back version of the Chairman by Studio Aisslinger for Conmoto. Concepts drafted in from other hospitality projects include the hydroponic horticulture of 25hours Bikini Berlin, and a wall of books intended as a twist on the magazine-covered pendant lampshades at the Michelberger.

Whilst these public spaces really are lively, it is Studio Aisslinger’s work in the guestrooms that breaks new ground. As with UDS in At Six, the emphasis is on the window. Aisslinger brings focus on the aperture by adding sloping reveals in the style of a funnel, effectively drawing light into the room. The small loss of volume adds to their cosiness, and with walls painted in pale green, the reality is light and airy. Behind the bed, the headboard is an open metal frame from which hang leather-covered cushions and the hook Wästberg lamps that can be easily moved to illuminate the desk behind.

Bathrooms are compact with a standard three-piece layout; the beautiful circular basins developed by Laufen in collaboration with Kartell feature the slimness afforded by Laufen’s high-performance SaphirKeramik, offering 1-2mm radius corners. Showers have a glass elevation to receive natural daylight, and privacy comes by way of a simple, louvre wooden screen that does enough to prevent any significant bleed of light into the sleeping area. With long summer days to come, darkness is important in hotels here, and whilst the dual window treatment of a rose-coloured sheer and black out

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This Page: Designed as a feature in the lobby, the basil, mint and pak choi greens are hydroponically grown in suspended trays opposite check-in

curtain is perfectly adequate, there are also 47 windowless Sleeper rooms. At 13m2 these are the smallest lodgings, yet the way in which the ceilings above the beds funnel towards a light screen creates an added feeling of space. Another piece of bespoke delight from Studio Aisslinger is the felt-bound seating and hanging unit – perfect for the short-stay traveller, or hobo.

The naming of the hotel after a term coined for itinerant workers from the 1930s Depression was understandably a topic of some contention. Aisslinger argues that hotels are all about travellers, and has delivered a property with the edginess of Berlin and plenty of local touches. “We have tried to create a pure travelling experience that is rough and cosy at the same time,” he explains. “It has been difficult to do something new yet with a long life, but we wanted to be progressive.”

And the hotel itself is clear on its intention: “For us, hobo means a thoughtful, sociallyaware and curious person, who sees themselves as a world citizen. Though we’ve taken our name from history, we strive to be progressive and are always mindful that the future is our greatest inspiration.”

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 201 guestrooms | 1 restaurant | 2 bars | Fitness room | www.hobo.se Owner: Petter Stordalen | Developer: AMF Fastigheter | Operator: Nordic Hotels & Resorts | Architecture: White Arkitekter | Interior Design: Studio Aisslinger Art Curation: Vår | Branding: Atmosfär | Lighting Design: Node Ljusdesign | Horticulture: Vertical Plant Systems

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THE INTELLIGENCE SOURCE FOR THE HOTEL INVESTMENT COMMUNITY

Uncertainty continues at Rezidor HNA Tourism Group extended the deadline for acceptance of its offer for the outstanding shares in Rezidor to 24 March, with potential to extend it further.

With HNA Group currently holding close to 60%, an observer close to Hotel Analyst said that it was unlikely the China-based group would be able to delist Rezidor.

Rezidor’s board had recommended that shareholders reject the takeover offer, saying that it failed to recognise the value in Rezidor, or include any future plans or strategies. The management said that the company, which reported a “turbulent year” last year, was in turnaround, with measures in place to improve profitability.

The extension will allow for HNA’s proposed board members to face election at the group’s AGM and further postpones resolution.

HNA has scope to further extend the period, if required and was due to announce the latest level of acceptances on 29 March.

The initial acceptance period of the offer ended on 10 March, when HNA Group said that its offer had been accepted by shareholders representing approximately 5.6% of Rezidor’s total shares, in addition to the 51.3% it acquired with the purchase of Carlson Hotels. Even if it was unable to acquire all outstanding shares, it would not be required to sell down its holding.

Settlement for the shares acquired so far began on 7 April, but is subject

to HNA Sweden having obtained the necessary regulatory approvals to transfer funds out of China.

If the final regulatory approvals for the transfer of funds out from China to be used for settlement are not obtained before 7 April, the settlement may be postponed for up to nine months from the start of the initial acceptance period.

If this happens, shareholders in Rezidor will be entitled to withdraw their acceptances. After Carlson Hotels, JP Morgan and Fidelity are the largest shareholders, with 4.32% and 3.04% respectively.

An analyst close to the situation, who declined to be named, said that they would be “very surprised” if HNA Group was able to achieve the 90% holding required to delist the company. “They made their bid at the minimum price, which was a clear message to us.”

They added: “If you look at the model they are going for, it is very clear that they are trying to build a big holding in the travel sector, to become a big player, but if you look at what they are doing with NH and Rezidor, it is not clear at all what they are doing or where they are going to go next. It is very difficult to understand what they have in mind or what they want to do.”

HNA Tourism Group made their offer of SKr34.86 per share in February, with a total value of approximately SKr2.9bn (USD329m). The bid price was below Rezidor’s 22 December closing price of SKr37.20, but above the group’s closing share price of SKr32.10 the day prior to the announcement of HNA’s bid

for Carlson Hotels. At the time of writing, the company’s share price was SKr34.20.

The offered price represents a premium of 7.7% compared to the volume-weighted average price for the Rezidor shares of SKr32.38 during the six months up to and including 27 April 2016 (the last trading day prior to the announcement that HNA Tourism Group entered into an agreement to acquire Carlson Hotels).

The announcement of the acceptances so far came as HNA nominated two members to the Rezidor board. Rezidor told us that the old board remained unchanged – the two additional members would only join the new board which will have eight members in total, elected at the EGM/AGM on 28 April.

The two proposed members are Xin Di and Zhang Ling. The former is chairman & CEO of HNA Tourism Group while the latter is CEO of HNA Group.

In the initial offer document, HNA Tourism Group said that it had not made any decisions on any changes to Rezidor’s management or employees, or locations of business. In the offer document, HNA Tourism said it viewed “significant value on the competence of Rezidor’s management and its employees”.

HNA appointed Federico González Tejera, the former CEO at NH Hotel Group, to lead Carlson Hotels, a role which many observers had tipped Rezidor president & CEO Wolfgang Neumann for.

HA

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Perspective

(by

Katherine

Doggrell): All does not appear to be going to plan for HNA Group, but then that would depend on what the plan is. According to those close to the company, myriad moving parts make it hard to assess what the strategy is, other than seeking to make its presence felt in the hospitality sector.

Speculation was rife that the group would not be able to get the money out of China to acquire the 25% of Hilton it agreed to buy from Blackstone, yet 17 March saw Hilton’s SEC filings confirm the sale progressing as expected.

HNA Group is also reported to be bidding USD2.21bn for 245 Park Avenue in New York, a deal which, if it closes at that price, would be one of the richest in Manhattan real estate. Troubles in Sweden do not appear to be holding it back.

But what for Rezidor? Our source remained confident about the future of Rezidor, that despite a tough year last year the medium-term prospects looked good. Theoretically they could rumble along with HNA as a majority shareholder for some time, but HNA appear to be looking for a global role in hospitality, not a series of shareholdings.

Queensgate buys Generator Queensgate Investments has acquired Generator Hotels from Patron Capital and Invesco Real Estate in a long-anticipated deal with an enterprise value of around EUR450m.

Queensgate Investments is now expected to expand the brand, investing EUR300m, while remaining true to the group’s freehold strategy.

Patron acquired the brand in 2007, selling out a stake of 23% for EUR60m to Invesco in 2007, when the portfolio was eight strong.

Generator Hostels now owns 14 predominantly freehold assets (12 operational and two under development), totalling 8,639 beds, located in London, Paris, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Miami, Dublin, Hamburg, Barcelona, Berlin Mitte, Stockholm, Madrid, Venice, Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg and Rome.

Talking to Hotel Analyst, Queensgate Investment said that it could not comment on the pipeline, and that, while it was focusing the EUR300m into expanding the portfolio through freeholds acquisitions, it was “currently exploring multiple options for this”.

The group described a target of 20 hostels by the end of 2018.

Keith Breslauer, managing director, Patron, said: “Generator has performed strongly under Patron’s ownership, during which time we have expanded the business significantly from just two hostels to 14, and have redefined the hostel concept into the design-led hospitality experience that today’s guests want. We are confident that the business will continue to grow and thrive under Queensgate’s stewardship.”

Camil Yazbeck, partner & investment director, Patron Capital, added: “The Generator Hostels portfolio has transformed the hostel

sector and shown tremendous growth potential.”

Jason Kow, CEO Queensgate Investments, said: “Generator Hostels represents high-quality freehold assets, robust revenues, an attractive lifestyle brand, and material scalability opportunities.

Generator Hostels plays to Queensgate’s strengths of working with incumbent management to improve the customer experience, to streamline operations and to bolt on additional assets to this impressive platform.”

The deal followed the purchase of A&O Hotels & Hostels, the largest, privately-owned, hostel platform in Europe, by TPG Real Estate last year. TPG was one of the parties linked to the Generator deal, alongside Brookfield Asset Management.

Anand Tejani, partner at TPG Real Estate, said: “A&O is a strong operator that is well positioned to capitalise on favourable global and European travel trends. Over the last number of years the sector has experienced rapid growth, particularly due to an increase in travellers in search of affordable, reliable, lodging options.”

According to a study by Savills, there is much room for expansion in the hostels market. A&O’s closest rival is Meininger, with close to 8,000 beds.

The branded hostel market continues to see growth, with Berlin the most well-supplied city and London, Paris and Rome among the least well-supplied. In Berlin, there is a supply of 11.2 beds per 1,000 youth travellers although this

is down from 13.1 beds in 2013 as stock expansion has been outpaced by rising visitor numbers. In terms of growth potential, Savills highlighted London and Paris as they continue to have very low relative supply of 2.8 and 1.4 beds per 1,000 youth travellers respectively combined with particularly large numbers of overseas visitors.

Anna Eck, senior consultant, Christie & Co, said: “As the hostel sector is gaining momentum we see significant potential for investors to take advantage of this growing market. When compared to the hotel industry, the hostel sector still has a very low brand penetration.

Existing hostel chains compete primarily against independentlyowned hostels or small groups in individual cities.

“Aside from the opportunity that the fragmented nature of the sector offers, the hostel business model presents an attractive growth and yield proposition, with good margins through significant volume and generally low costs.

“As the millennial traveller is willing to spend more to get an authentic experience, the hostel’s business model success driver is the ability to drive volume and ancillary spend whilst keeping costs low.

“As the image of low rates is slowly changing, investors are increasingly attracted by hostels because the high bed-to-room occupancy rates and low margins generate good profits – especially the hybrid hostels such as Meininger and Generator, which have expanded substantially in recent years.”

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HA Perspective (by Katherine Doggrell): And so endeth one of the longest-running deals in recent hospitality history, a deal which was, as one observer noted, Queensgate’s to lose.

Hindering a speedy conclusion was the complex nature of the estate, with locally-sourced debt in its locations and plenty of additional complexity, causing Queensgate to tell us that it had taken “considerable time and due diligence before and during the process” to understand the value proposition, turnaround potential and acquisition opportunities.

Next on the list for Generator is the US. The end of last year saw the appointment of Michelle Flagg to lead a push into North America beyond a site in Miami scheduled to open this year. Most recently Flagg launched WeLive, the new co-living brand from international startup WeWork.

A fitting choice for the brand because, as this correspondent noted on a recent stay in the Generator Stockholm, as investors are diversifying their hospitality adventures, so too is the business travel community – the common areas were infested with corporate travellers enjoying fast free wifi next to the meeting rooms.

All this has not gone unnoticed by the operators. AccorHotels has started signing sites for its Jo&Joe brand which, like Generator, has a flexible room offering – it’s not all bunks and fighting over the shower.

Just as the modern investor is not just looking for marble columns and a pillow menu.

Student Hotel continues to buy The Student Hotel has added three new sites to its portfolio, taking it to 16 properties in Europe by 2019.

The company is targeting 41 sites by 2021 and told us that it would remain committed to its owner/ operator model. The group is looking to build a total portfolio worth EUR1bn by 2021. It has added new sites in Rome – taking it to three in Italy – Delft and Eindhoven – reaching four in the Netherlands – and Madrid, marking its debut in Spain.

The new announcements join Florence, Maastricht, Bologna and Berlin as properties that will open between 2017 and 2019 to bring the total number of Student Hotels in operation or in development to 16.

While the buildings are all different, they share a mix of contemporary student rooms, hotel rooms and coliving studios. The ground floors are accessible to the public and house study areas, meeting rooms, TSH Collab – co-working space for startups and local business – restaurant, bar, games room, gym and garage to house guest bicycles.

The company funded the acquisitions through the money invested by private equity backers APG and Aermont, with Charlie MacGregor, The Student Hotel’s CEO & founder, telling us that the group was 70% through the EUR500m it had access to.

APG announced an initial EUR100m investment in 2015, with plans to invest EUR600m

in three to five years. At the time, Robert Jan Foortse, head, European Property Investments at APG Asset Management, said: “We think that the European student housing market offers a very compelling investment opportunity.

The increasing international student mobility and integrated European education market requires flexible and high quality accommodation with trusted brands such as The Student Hotel to be available in leading university cities.”

The group targets large, disused buildings for its hotels. MacGregor said: “We find sites by meeting with the planning committees and the local mayor, who are looking to rejuvenate buildings and build a sense of community. Our promise is that we will rejuvenate a community.

We buy and develop ourselves and then when it’s completed we hand over to the operator [also part of the group]. We’ve done a lot of work and looked at the traditional hotel industry. Each hotel is managed as a standalone business and our infrastructure is set up to meet our targets. We have 12 development projects in five countries, so it is busy, but a gradual ramp up.

“It is getting harder to find sites because it’s getting more expensive – we like city centre locations, so it’s our own fault. We like big buildings so we’re not competing with traditional hotels, but more often it’s office or residential.

“France has been a slow one for us, there is a lack of good, big buildings, rather than in Germany and Italy, and of course Paris is super expensive. We’re not on a

mission to have a presence in a big city just for the sake of it.”

Looking ahead, past the 2021 target, MacGregor said: “There’s a lot to be learned from the hotel sector in terms of leases and management contracts, but when the investors look to exit it will be a case of replacing the private equity guys – the important thing is that the customer is not affected.”

The company makes much of what it can offer the community and the community offer the guest.

He said: “Most hotels have a closeddoor policy. With our hotel we try to have an open-door policy – even the wifi is free, you don’t have to buy anything. We try to play a role as a good neighbour, which means everyone gets on well – the strongest part of our hotel is the community.

“The reason why our hotel segment is going so well is that when we go into a traditional hotel there is no atmosphere. The hotel guests find it refreshing when they come in and there is a lively atmosphere and we were surprised that demand for our hotel rooms went through the roof – it’s because of that student spirit on the ground floor.

We don’t need to force or create or manipulate an atmosphere.”

Students are housed for 10 months of the year, but only for one cycle. MacGregor said: “We don’t want to become a housing community or accommodation providers. The students are very much a travelling community; one year in Amsterdam, one in Rome, there’s no demand for permanent housing.”

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HA Perspective (by Katherine Doggrell): MacGregor said that he had much to learn from the hotel sector, but the current spate of new brands into the market suggests that traditional hotels are learning from this new wave of hybrids.

MacGregor had recently sat on a panel with one of the people behind AccorHotels’ Jo&Joe, a brand which, should it live up to its promise, may be one of the first truly flexible offerings out there.

The attraction of The Student Hotel for investors is the guaranteed long-term occupancy, topped off with the traditional hotels business.

Having a large block accounted for also cuts distribution costs – The Student Hotel gets much of its business direct. Add in the property play and, given the recent enthusiasm for Generator (despite the complexity of the portfolio dragging the sale out, somewhat) finding an exit for APG and Aermont should not prove too great a challenge if the trajectory is maintained.

Hotels realising that they are part of the wider community is a barrelling trend. This correspondent recently went to a debate on ‘the art of placemaking’, which turns out to be just that – creating a destination, not just a block of rooms. And yes, there were a number of participants nodding sagely in black polo necks and espousing the need for cheap artist’s studios in new developments.

What is likely to bring this away from the fringe is AccorHotels, which has worked it in to its new three-pillars strategy. If being part of the community starts throwing

off cash, hotels may start joining the Neighbourhood Watch.

ABTA joins hacking victims ABTA has become the latest organisation in the hospitality sector to be hacked, with the group warning of access gained to its web server by an “external infiltrator”.

ABTA has joined the ranks of the majority of the global hotel operators to have revealed vulnerabilities, which have put customer data at risk.

ABTA CEO, Mark Tanzer said: “We recently became aware of unauthorised access to the web server supporting abta.com by an external infiltrator exploiting a vulnerability. The web server is managed for ABTA through a thirdparty web developer and hosting company. The infiltrator exploited that vulnerability to access data provided by some customers of ABTA members and by ABTA members themselves via the website.

“We identified that the incident occurred on the 27 February 2017 and related to some customer information, including complaints about ABTA members, and to documentation uploaded via abta.com in support of ABTA membership.

“Although encrypted, passwords used by ABTA members and

customers of ABTA members to access our website may also have been accessed.”

ABTA engaged security risk consultants to assess the potential extent of the incident and said that it was not aware of any information being shared beyond the infiltrator.

As a precaution, the group warned both customers of ABTA members and ABTA members who have the potential to be affected to change their passwords and keep an eye on bank accounts, social media and email accounts, for unusual activity.

ABTA also offered access to a credit monitoring and identity theft protection service with Experian.

Tanzer added: “I would personally like to apologise for the anxiety and concern that this incident may cause to any customer of ABTA or ABTA member who may be affected. It is extremely disappointing that our web server, managed for ABTA through a thirdparty web developer and hosting company, was compromised.”

In January InterContinental Hotels Group confirmed that it was aware of a report of unauthorised charges occurring on some payment cards that were recently used at a small number of US-based hotels and that it had “immediately launched an investigation”. It added that it was “committed to swiftly resolving this matter”.

Last year saw IHG’s Kimpton Hotels & Resorts brand admit to a breach at 60 sites through its point-

of-sale devices at restaurants and front desks. The trend is an ongoing one in the sector, with Mandarin Oriental, Hilton Worldwide, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Viator, White Lodging, Trump Hotels and Omni Hotels & Resorts all being hit over the past two years.

One of the most significant incidents took place last year, when HEI Hotels & Resorts confirmed that there had been a data breach at 20 hotels it operates for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels International and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

Ryan Wilk, director at cybersecurity group NuData Security, commented: “This credit card breach announcement is just one of a spate of similar hacks that have occurred over the last year or so targeting hotels.

“While we can’t know for sure what hackers’ long-term plans are, it does seem credible that they are targeting specific industries that likely have the same exploits in order to maximise their efforts before moving on to the next industry. Once they get the card numbers, hackers then sell them on the Dark Web, use them directly in credit card cycling scams, or tie them to other data leaks to create full personas ripe for identity theft or fraudulent account creation, likely contributing to the overall increase in account takeovers we’ve

seen, over 100% increase since February 2015.”

The issue has become more pressing in the US, after the Federal Trade Commission in the US ruled that it could punish companies that fail to take adequate measures to store data securely.

Away from data, January saw an Austrian hotel was subject to a hacking attack that rendered its electronic room keys useless. The hotel paid hackers a EUR1,500 ransom in bitcoins, reported Bleeping Computer. After a second attempt to attack systems at the Seehotel Jagerwirt was thwarted, management said it was planning to refit rooms with traditional keys.

HA Perspective (by Katherine Doggrell): Poor ABTA. An organisation that handles complaints being the subject of complaints can only have led to a feisty switchboard. The group’s homepage features a section on ‘what to do when things go wrong’ and one can only feel their pain.

Happily, the organisation was quick to throw its third-party supplier under the bus, a common tactic in these situations and one with some justification. But, much as you should blame the dog owner when the dog bites you, the buck stops at the top.

When brand and credibility is at stake, it pays to be picky with suppliers. Outsourcing does not mean out of mind.

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

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London Heathrow Marriott | EPR Architects | Photos Courtesy of Marriott

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Sleeper Magazine_04 2017_Atelier.indd 1

24-04-2017 11:00:55

www.aheadawards.com

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

AHEAD, the Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design, revealed the

AHEAD Director, Matt Turner comments: “The judges had a tough job

winners of its Asia edition at The Capitol Theatre Singapore on 7 March 2017.

on their hands choosing winners of the inaugural AHEAD Asia awards as

The awards celebrate design in all its forms and the guest experience

the standard was exceptionally high across the board. The winners were

it creates in hospitality projects worldwide. A panel of judges, comprising

selected for their exceptional design and its contribution to the guest

industry leaders, assessed entries on their aesthetic excellence, guest

experience in these outstanding hotel properties.”

experience and commercial viability.

As with all regional editions, the judging panel was made up of hoteliers,

The event is the first of eight regional award ceremonies taking place

architects, interior designers and industry commentators with expertise

around the world in 2017 and 2018, celebrating the best new hotels in Asia,

in the region. Judges for AHEAD Asia included designer Andre Fu, EDG’s

the Americas, the Middle East & Africa, and Europe. These regional heats

Michael Goodman, COO of Alila Hotels & Resorts Guy Heywood, Managing

will culminate in a Global Biennale in 2019, which will see the winners of

Director of Proof Zdenek Kastanek, Christine McGinnis of WATG, HOK’s

the regional heats compete head-to-head to decide a worldwide winner in

Julia Monk, Jinou Park of Design Hotels and John Shamon, SVP Technical

each category.

Serivces, Rosewood Hotel Group.

BAR, CLUB & LOUNGE

GUESTROOMS

AKADEMI AT KATAMAMA, SEMINYAK, BALI

AKYRA MANOR HOTEL, CHIANG MAI,

Created by award-winning bartender and author Dre Masso, Akademi is a hub for the world’s

THAILAND

most celebrated mixologists and a centre for the craft. Design is by the PTT Family in-house

With

team, pushing the boundaries of constructability and exploring the natural material of terrazzo

collaboration

alongside brass accessories, royal blue upholstery and more than 100 works by Indonesian

guestrooms at Akyra Manor Hotel seek to create

artists. The judges applauded Akademi for reinventing the traditional lobby bar as a place for

a courtyard experience within the guestroom.

learning and meeting, as well as drinking.

This attempt to move away from the typical

design

by with

Hyphen

Architects

in

Studio,

the

Manor

insulated space results in a semi-outdoor concept with pebble flooring, large round bathtub and cloud-like pendant light presented RENOVATION & RESTORATION

to guests from the moment of entry. Described

THE EDISON GEORGE TOWN,

as an art installation, the space is functional as

PENANG

both an area of relaxation and a visual stimulant,

With an aim to keep the old charm while

elevating the guest experience.

introducing a contemporary feeling, The

The guestroom walls are adorned with black

Edison George Town in Penang presents

spray-painted timber panels, put up with a

guests with an eclectic result. Retaining

cladding system. Contrasting, metal rods sprayed

more than 90% of the original layout, the

to resemble brass are further highlighted by the

outcome is a unique spatial flow that is

clever use of lighting. Guest experience has

akin to traditional Peranakan mansions.

also been considered when it comes to privacy,

“Charming”, “beautiful” and “authentic”

with the bed set into a cubby to provide a sense

were a few of the words the judges

of enclosure juxtaposing the open courtyard

used to describe the way in which the

space. Akyra Manor Hotel was praised by the

design team has respected a classic and

judging panel for its “clean lines, urban feel

original building, while injecting a new

and interesting use of FF&E to deliver a unique

personality into it.

indoor/outdoor guest experience”.

LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES

LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES

KEEMALA, PHUKET, THAILAND

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, SEOUL, KOREA

A pool villa wonderland nestled in the lush hillside, Keemala presents

This hotel’s concept encapsulates the vibrant energy of Seoul, fusing the

brave and stark architecture. The judges commented that the

contemporary with its rich cultural heritage. This project was singled

landscaping of Keemala has created a truly memorable experience

out for its sense of sanctuary, and the way it welcomes guests – a clever

for everyone who stays there. The natural way it integrates into its

use of space with a strong sense of place. The judges commended Four

environment, with guestrooms settled into the jungle surroundings,

Seasons Hotel for creating “a wonderful celebration of the heritage of

was considered respectful and restrained.

Korea – modern and balanced”.

RESORT HOTEL

RESTAURANT

ALILA ANJI, CHINA

COLONY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON MILLENIA, SINGAPORE

Using modern Chinese design, Alila’s ceiling design uses both bamboo

Colony was built to create a space with a sense of tranquilising

and cane weaving, while the wallpaper, embroidery and sackcloth

atmosphere within an urban location. “Outstanding execution – Tony

features traditional Chinese pattern. Judges praised the calm, quiet

Chi at his very best,” was one of the reactions to this popular Singapore

sensitivity of the design, marking “a radical departure for resort design

restaurant. Several judges highlighted the way the design breaks down

in China”. Summarising, one judge stated: “Timeless, modern and classic

a challenging space to create a variety of dining experiences for its

all at once.”

guests, concluding that it is “a different experience each time you visit.”

SPA & WELLNESS

SUITE

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, SEOUL, KOREA

AMBASSADOR SUITE AT GRAND HYATT,

Designers of this hotel have reinterpreted the Korean approach to architecture and design,

HONG KONG

reflecting the identity of the locality within the property, with a great effort being made to

Designed by Bar Studio, the suites have an

incorporate the traditional building elements into the space planning. The judges were

underlying creative concept inspired by four

impressed by the sheer scope of the spa and wellness facilities at the Four Seasons Seoul, from

fictional travellers, whose journeys might have

gym and pool through to the treatment areas, praising its design team for creating a “tranquil

brought them through this hotel’s doors. Using

and rejuvenating” environment for locals and international travellers alike.

this as a foundation, the designers were able to create a unique and personal style for each suite and guestroom.

The interiors are anchored by a sense of Hong

URBAN HOTEL

Kong’s position as a gateway between the East

HOSHINOYA, TOKYO

and West, as well as its oriental heritage and

With architecture by Azuma Architect

contemporary outlook. They also capitalise on

& Associates, Hoshinoya is a ryokan-

the spectacular views of Hong Kong afforded by

inspired

the hotel’s location.

hotel

that

maintains

a

Japanese

approach

to

The Ambassador Suite has been designed for

hospitality, offering a high level of

a traveller characterised by Bohemian Chic.

functionality and intuitiveness. Upon

Imagining a free-spirited sophisticate, who has

arrival, guests remove their shoes, and

travelled through the east and passionately

this concept was used as a basis for

explored foreign places, attitudes and cultures,

the entire hotel. Hoshinoya was a clear

the suite has a soft and meditative palette of pale

winner in its category, with judges

timbers, leather and stones, golds and bronzes,

praising its “amazing concept and

accented with dark timber framing.

aesthetics”,

architecture,

“Comfortable, warm, detailed and disciplined,”

landscape and interiors for a modern

were just a few of the judge’s comments on the

interpretation of a traditional structure.

luxurious Ambassador Suite.

distinctively

combining

VISUAL IDENTITY OF THE YEAR

NEW CONCEPT OF THE YEAR

COO, SINGAPORE

HOSHINOYA, TOKYO

COO’s logo symbolises its ethos, embodying boldness, yet exuding

Born from a feeling that the traditional ryokan has not been treated well

friendliness. COO Singapore was selected for the way its branding spoke

by modernisation, Hoshinoya Tokyo presents an entirely new approach

clearly to its target audience of millennial travellers. The judges felt its

to hotel concept and management. This modern take on the traditional

clever use of graphics, artwork and signage has been combined with its

Japanese structure impressed the judges with its innovative approach

innovative online presence, COO Connect, allowing guests to link up

to hospitality, combining contemporary design with traditional

with other residents.

craftsmanship and unmistakeable Japanese influence.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

AHEAD ASIA HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2017

KERRY HILL

HOSHINOYA, TOKYO

With a career in hotel design spanning some 50 years, Kerry Hill is a

With design and architecture by Azuma Architects & Associates,

pioneer of resort design throughout Asia and beyond. The judges were

Hoshinoya’s approach is that of impeccable comfort, design and

delighted to honour his outstanding contribution to the industry, from

service. Winning three awards on the night, Hoshinoya was recognised

early works such as the The Datai in Langkawi, and The Chedi Bandung,

for creating “beautiful urban spaces” and using local materials and

through to recent projects such as Aman Tokyo and Como The Treasury

traditions to create a truly unique guest experience. The hotel captured

in Perth, Australia.

the imagination of all the judges, who felt that it was a clear winner.

JUDGING PANEL ANNOUNCED As the call for entries draws to a close, the judging panel for the inaugural AHEAD MEA is announced. Chaired by Marc Dardenne, COO of Jumeirah, the panel features a distinguished line-up of hoteliers, architects, interior designers and industry commentators, who will now assess each entry before the shortlist is announced.

ADRIAN BATTISBY

MARCOS CAIN

JOHN CARFI

CLAIRE CRAIG

MARC DARDENNE

Associate Director LW Interiors Hong Kong

Principal & Founder Stickman Tribe

CEO Development Emaar Properties

Design Director WA International

COO Jumeirah

PALLAVI DEAN

MARTIN EGNER

CAROL FINNIE

CLINTON FREEMAN

ISABEL PINTADO

Founder Pallavi Dean Interiors

Director of Portfolio Development EMEA Design Hotels

Portfolio Director & Head of Design DWP

Director of Design Hilton Worldwide

Senior Vice President & Managing Director Wilson Associates Dubai

SHERI SMITH

NAIA STUYCK

DAVID T’KINT

Senior Director Interior Design – Global Design MEA Marriott International

Hospitality Design Leader Majid Al Futtaim

Partner HBA Dubai

SHORTLIST REVEALED With the inaugural AHEAD Americas ceremony drawing closer, the shortlist of successful project submissions has been announced. From an urban regeneration project in New York to a hideaway deep in Mexico’s Mayan forest, each will now be assessed by a panel of experts for its creative excellence, commercial viability and guest experience.

BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE

RESORT HOTEL

EVENT SPACES

RESTAURANT

GUESTROOMS

SPA & WELLNESS

HOTEL RENOVATION & RESTORATION

SUITE

LANDSCAPE & OUTDOOR SPACES

URBAN HOTEL – CONVERSION

LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES

URBAN HOTEL – NEWBUILD

The Bar at Coachman Hotel – South Lake Tahoe, USA The Bar Room at The Beekman – Manhattan, USA Tree of Life at Faena Hotel Miami Beach – Miami Beach, USA Westlight at The William Vale – Brooklyn, USA

East, Miami – Miami, USA Faena Forum – Miami Beach, USA Faena Theatre at Faena Hotel Miami Beach – Miami Beach, USA The Gym at Ace Hotel Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, USA

Brentwood Hotel – Saratoga Springs, USA 11 Howard – Manhattan, USA Arlo Hotels NYC – Manhattan, USA The William Vale – Brooklyn, USA

11 Howard – Manhattan, USA Esperanza – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Hotel Saint George – Marfa, USA The Time New York – Manhattan, USA

East, Miami – Miami, USA The Asbury – Asbury Park, USA Chablé Resort – Chocholá, Mexico Faena Hotel Miami Beach – Miami Beach, USA

11 Howard – Manhattan, USA Arlo Hotel SoHo – Manhattan, USA The Asbury – Asbury Park, USA The Beekman – Manhattan, USA

Andaz Mayakoba – Playa del Carmen-Solidaridad, Mexico Andaz Scottsdale – Scottsdale, USA Faena Hotel Miami Beach – Miami Beach, USA Nautilus, A Sixty Hotel – Miami Beach, USA

Bazaar Mar at SLS Brickell – Miami Beach, USA Le CouCou at 11 Howard – Manhattan, USA Leuca at The William Vale – Brooklyn, USA Los Fuegos at Faena Hotel Miami Beach – Miami Beach, USA

Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Hotel Miami Beach – Miami, USA Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota – Bogota, Colombia Chablé Resort – Chocholá, Mexico Argentta Spa at The Watergate Hotel – Washington, USA

Panorama Suite at The Robey – Chicago, USA Roche Bobois Penthouse Suite at Langham Place – Manhattan, USA Terrace Suite at 11 Howard – Manhattan, USA Vale Garden at The William Vale – Brooklyn, USA

Ace Hotel New Orleans – New Orleans, USA Casa Fayette – Guadalajara, Mexico Hotel Criol – Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico The Asbury – Asbury Park, USA

East, Miami – Miami, USA South Congress Hotel – Austin, USA The William Vale – Brooklyn, USA Thompson Nashville – Nashville, USA

MARCH 2018

28 JUNE 2017

SINGAPORE

PEREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI

15 NOVEMBER 2017

20 NOVEMBER 2017

W HOTEL AL HABTOOR CITY DUBAI

PARK PLAZA WESTMINSTER BRIDGE LONDON

Organised By

Headline Sponsor

Trophy Sponsor

Global Sponsors

Event Sponsors

Partners

Music Consultant

Digital Partner

www.aheadawards.com

Design By

Foundation Sponsor

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Event Diary & News 7-9 JUN

25-28 JUN

HI Design Europe Split www.hidesigneurope.com LE Miami Miami www.lemiami.com

JUN

AHEAD Americas Miami www.aheadawards.com

1-2

Serviced Apartment Summit London

28

JUL

www.servicedapartmentsummit.com

7-10 SEP

BOND DiseĂąotel Puerto Vallarta

18-20 SEP

www.disenotel.com 8-12 SEP

Maison & Objet Paris

20-23 SEP

www.maison-objet.com 13-14 SEP

17-20 SEP

SAHIC Ecuador www.sahic.com Decorex London www.decorex.com

143

21-24 SEP

22-25 SEP

The Hotel Show Dubai www.thehotelshow.com 100% Design London www.100percentdesign.co.uk DesignJunction London www.thedesignjunction.co.uk Tent London London www.tentlondon.co.uk

23-25 MAY

London’s creative heart CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK

Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, making it one of the most important design hubs in the world. To celebrate this community, Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) will return for its 8th edition, presenting showroom events, exhibitions and special installations across the district.

Furniture, lighting and product design will be on show at six sites – Design Fields, Platform, Additions, Project and Detail, with the British Collection making a return following its 2016 launch. In addition, The Conversations at Clerkenwell series – with talks from Jean Marie Massaud and Doshi Levien – will be staged in a specially designed space.

7-9 JUN

Installations for 2017 include The Beacon, a 7.5m tall structure inspired by the Tower of Babel; The Playbox, a collection of socialising cabins designed by Shape London and Fraher Architects; Buzzijungle, an elevated work-lounge by BuzziSpace and Belgian designer Jonas Van Put; and Double Vision, a colourful structure of recursive patterns

by Hakwood aimed at uplifting the streetscape.

The event’s spine will again link a series of showrooms from brands including Allermuir, Modus, Brintons, Porcelanosa and Muuto, that will highlight the latest concepts, developments and trends in the contract market. www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com

Seminar programme announced HI DESIGN EUROPE

HI Design Europe, the decision-makers forum for the hospitality design community, has announced the seminar programme for its forthcoming event. Keynote speaker Maria Vafiadis, founder of MKV, will explore the topic of global brands and local individuality following her work on some of the region’s most prestigious hotels; Russell Kett of HVS will review the key issues affecting hotel investment in Europe; and Alok Nandi, founder of Architempo, will investigate

the power of narrative and storytelling in hotel design. Lastly, a panel featuring representatives from JPA Design, Wilson Associates, Envelope Architects and Tillberg Design will take an indepth look at hospitality design in the realm of planes, trains and cruise ships. The sessions run throughout the three-day event, which takes place at Le Meridian Lav in Split, Croatia, from 7-9 June. www.hidesigneurope.com

144

Seasonal trends 24-27 TENDENCE

JUN

With a new date and concept in tow, Tendence returns to Messe Frankfurt from 24-27 June to showcase the latest in consumer goods. Shifting from its longstanding August date to the end of June, the show will now work under the directive of ‘one date, two seasons’; focusing on the coming Spring/Summer 2018 slate and providing the design community with a new launch event in the process.

Highlighting products for the home, interior, fashion and accessory markets, Tendence 2017 will also see the introduction of new event concepts including the Outdoor Living space, and Impulse by Tendence, an innovative retail element.

Outdoor Living will cater to the growing demand for stylish and practical outdoor spaces, highlighting specialised furnishings and accessories amidst natural greenery and flora. The Impulse strand meanwhile, offers an interactive and research driven aspect in hall 11.0, aimed at rethinking customer retention and retail technology by way of presentations, expert insight, and an intergrated app.

Growth has been observed in the number of seasonal decoration and home textile exhibitors, and this year will also see the return of the international volume sourcing hall, where visitors and buyers can place orders for new releases showcased at Tendence ahead of the upcoming season.

“The quality of the visitors and the volume of orders placed were excellent,” comments Stephan Kurzawski, Senior Vice President, Messe Frankfurt, on last year’s event. “From 2017, all the indicators point to growth. To this end, we are supplementing the profile of Tendence with new product groups and expanding existing ones. Tendence will take the pole position for the second half of the year” www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com

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HI Design MEA 1-3 MARCH 2017

A new meeting place for the region’s hospitality design community, HI Design Middle East & Africa makes its debut in Oman.

Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: © Richard Pereira

H

Following an optional pre-event excursion taking in local sights such as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Al Alam Palace, HI Design MEA opened with an evening reception hosted by Sofi Khan and Guy Dittrich, Co-Directors for the new venture. Dittrich was also responsible for curating the event’s seminar programme, which began the following morning with a scene-setting presentation on the region’s hotel performance and pipeline.

Looking at RevPAR change, Philip Wooller, Area Director MEA for STR, revealed that on the whole, the hospitality industry grew in 2016, though there was mixed performance across the region.

Homing in on individual cities, Sharm El Sheikh and Doha were amongst the biggest casualties, recording declines of 36.6% and 22.8% respectively. Africa fared better meanwhile with RevPAR growth of 20.2% in Cape Town and 10.8% in Lagos. Supply and demand trends were equally varied, with Africa showing a 2.6% decline in demand, in contrast to a 2.1% rise in the Middle East, despite an influx of new supply.

Dubai, the region’s most-visited city, proved an interesting case study, as Wooller took a retrospective look at its performance. “The highest average room rate recorded for any one city in the Middle East is Dubai at $382,” he stated, adding that this was 2008, before the global financial crisis hit. While rates have since dropped to more sustainable levels, the city has recently seen a boost due to a new visa on arrival scheme for Chinese and Russian visitors. Further growth is expected in the lead up to Expo 2020, bolstered by mega-projects such as Dubai Theme Parks and Blue Island coming to fruition.

For suppliers on the pursuit of new projects in the region, STR’s future pipeline report proved hugely positive, with Wooller revealing that the Middle East is set to increase supply by 51%. From a total 159,581 rooms in the pipeline, 38% are in Saudi Arabia, where a 10,000-key hotel is currently under construction.

The afternoon’s keynote saw Jean-Michel Gathy, founder and

aving begun life as a small summit in Stockholm in 2006, HI Design – the original business meetings forum for the hospitality industry – is now a trio of events that serves design communities in Europe, Asia and most recently, the Middle East and Africa. Founded by Atticus Events, the concept incorporates meetings, seminars and networking over three days, with each annual event held in a different location. Both HI Design EMEA and its sister event HI Design Asia provide a platform for buyers and suppliers to meet during a pre-planned programme to explore potential future collaborations. Following unprecedented demand, organisers last year revealed the decision to split the forum, with HI Design EMEA shifting focus to the European market, and the new HI Design MEA concentrating on the developing Middle East and Africa region.

“The demand for places at HI Design EMEA had been steadily building, to the extent where last year’s event in Lisbon could almost have been filled twice over,” explained Directors Jonathan Needs and James Burke. But it wasn’t a decision taken lightly; the duo had to be sure that there was demand for such an event. “Sustained growth in the Middle East hotel development pipeline, supported by steady progress in the last unconquered frontier that is Africa gave us the confidence to launch HI Design MEA.” The inaugural event, held at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah in Muscat, Oman, took place in March, attracting 150 delegates actively working on hotel projects across the region. Senior representatives from Chris Garrod Global, Jumeirah, Majid Al Futtaim and Roda Hotels & Resorts made up the buyer contingent, along with interior designers from HBA Dubai, GM Architects, Noor Design, Purpose ID and Silverfox Studios. Participating suppliers meanwhile included lighting specialists Astro and Lasvit, as well as furniture-makers Global Allies, RH Contract, Stellar Works and Vaughan Benz. Outdoor furniture companies were also out in force too with Expormim, Gandia Blasco, Point and Tribu offering new options for al fresco living.

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Principal Designer at Denniston, take to the stage for an entertaining and insightful monologue, sharing his approach and inspirations.

Born in Belgium and now based in Kuala Lumpur, Gathy has designed some of the most successful resorts in the world, including Cheval Blanc Randheli, The Chedi Andermatt, One & Only Reethi Rah and The Setai Miami. He can also be credited with helping to establish the original look and feel of Aman, working alongside Kerry Hill and Ed Tuttle under the direction of founder Adrian Zecha.

Having worked with a number of five-star hotel groups, Gathy began with a discussion on the complexities of luxury. “What is luxury?” he asked, explaining that everyone’s definition of the term is different. “For some it’s time, for others it’s space,” he continued.

“It depends on people, it depends on location, and it depends on moments. If you were to ask me now the definition of the word luxury, I would say comfort. It’s what makes you comfortable.”

Gathy referenced one of his current projects, an eco-resort on Leonardo DiCaprio’s private island off the coast of Belize, stating that for the actor-cum-hotelier, it is privacy that is of utmost importance, which has in turn had an impact on design decisions. Gathy went on to discuss the valuable contribution of product suppliers to a design scheme, and put his own success down to producing value for money.

“A hotel is ultimately a business,” he explained. “So even though I’m a design-oriented person, I believe that if the design doesn’t make sense commercially, it doesn’t work.”

Throughout the day, one-to-one business meetings between buyers and suppliers provided an opportunity to discuss potential new hotel projects, while a mini-exhibition enabled suppliers to showcase their products. Further networking carried on into the night, with a spectacular reception hosted by Shangri-La. The following morning, continuing HI Design’s series of futurist talks, Oliver Baxter, Insight Programme Manager MEA at Herman Miller addressed the audience with a thought-provoking look into the future. A qualified psychologist, Baxter presented research into the changing ways in which we work and live. Taking three scenarios – Data Sphere, New Normal and Polarised World – he explained how businesses can better anticipate change, respond creatively towards emerging needs and ultimately be better prepared for the future.

Technology was a key theme throughout the session, from wearable devices that track activity, to relationships that are initiated in the digital world, through dating or networking apps.

HI Design’s final seminar – Food, Glorious Food – provided an in-depth look at F&B, a hot topic given the resurgence of hotel

dining in recent years. But, according to the panel, it’s not all about the restaurant. “The vast majority of revenue in F&B outlets is coming from the bar, particularly in the Middle East,” explained Isabel Pintado, Senior Vice President and Managing Director MEA at Wilson Associates. With an office base in Dubai, Pintado is wellversed on local licensing laws, which state that venues serving alcohol must be attached to a hotel. The regulation is undoubtedly beneficial to operators, however it does call for clever design solutions. “One thing you have to bear in mind in this part of the world is that you can’t serve alcohol in public areas, and there can be no visual access to it from the entrance,” added Pintado, noting that Europe’s trend for bringing the bar to the lobby just isn’t feasible in Dubai.

Matt White, Principal, HBA, also expressed his belief that a popular bar is key to the success of a restaurant, and can also drive revenue in the form of overnight stays. And with clients increasingly wanting to create a destination bar, White revealed that HBA has recently launched a specialist F&B design division.

Continuing on the theme of design, Marcos Cain, Principal and founder of Stickman Tribe discussed the importance of space planning, noting that only all-day dining spaces with zoning and intelligent design solutions – such as concealing the breakfast buffet during evening service – would truly be able to maximise revenue. Patrick Waring, Partner, Silverfox Studios also spoke on the topic, stating his belief that the show kitchen – effectively a second kitchen where the finishing touches are done – was poor use of space, questioning how long the theatre of cooking actually holds a diner’s attention.

As the event drew to a close, organisers reflected on the three days: “Our inaugural event has been exceptionally well received with much positive feedback both anecdotally and in the post-event survey,” commented Event Directors Sofi Khan and Guy Dittrich. “The blend of purposeful business activity and informality in a beautiful and secluded venue were highly valued by our delegates.”

And what of the plans for 2018? “We will look to build momentum in the region when we head to the Grand Hyatt Doha for the second event in 2018. A number of suppliers have already enquired to secure their place, and several hotel groups, procurement agents and design firms have expressed an interest in attending.”

The next HI Design MEA will take place at Grand Hyatt Doha from 27 February - 1 March 2018. www.hidesign-mea.com

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The International Hotel Investment Forum 6-8 MARCH

Political risk, consolidation and new hospitality models emerge as key themes at the 20th IHIF, as the industry gathers to look forward to the next 20 years.

Words: Catherine Martin

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ver 2,000 delegates from 80 countries gathered at the InterContinental Berlin in March to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF). Widely regarded as the leading meeting place for all involved in the development of new hotels worldwide, the three-day event provided an opportunity to network, broker deals, and hear from those at the forefront of the industry.

Opening the forum, Kerry Gumas, President and CEO, Questex, outlined this year’s event, split into three distinct strands: day one would focus on rethinking hotel investment; day two would examine various business models; and day three would explore innovation. In honour of its milestone year, the programme was crafted to include both a retrospective look at the previous 20 years of the hospitality industry, as well as a forward-thinking look ahead to the next 20.

Overall, the mood was optimistic, albeit cautious, as indicators pointed to generally strong appetite and demand. Roger Bootle, Chairman of Capital Economics, opened his presentation saying that the world economy was surprisingly strong.

“The great fall of China didn’t happen, the US economy proved to be robust, and lower oil prices turned out to be a good thing,” he explained. “Is it possible that after almost 10 years, we might be beginning to get over the financial crisis?”

But with Trump in power, Brexit negotiations looming, and forthcoming elections in Germany,

France, Italy and Greece, there was plenty to talk about. “I can’t remember a time so fraught with political risk,” he noted, adding that markets were starting to worry about the break-up of the Eurozone. “But don’t despair of the long term, the last thing Europe needs now is stability, because stability equals stagnation,” he continued. “The long-term outlook as a result of the upsets we’re going to get is positive.”

Shifting focus to the hospitality industry, Robin Rossmann Managing Director, STR, took to the stage to present the latest performance and pipeline data. He began by saying that full year results for 2016 were largely positive, with growth almost everywhere except for the Middle East, where increased supply, security concerns, and the strong dollar affected trading. In Europe, he revealed that RevPAR was up 2.1% to 78.7%, led by double-digit growth in Dublin, Copenhagen and Barcelona. Performance varied across the region however with Paris, Istanbul and Brussels significantly affected by terrorist attacks.

Looking to the future, 2017 is expected to be a good year overall with further growth in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin and Madrid.

Rossmann also forecast recovery in Paris, Moscow and Milan but warned that Edinburgh, Manchester and Frankfurt could be affected by over-supply.

In a series of scene-setting presentations, Jamie Chappell, Global Business Director, Horwath

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HTL, provided delegates with insight into hotel investment in the current climate and stated that 2016 was the third strongest on record in terms of hotel transaction volume. With banks still lending, Chappell predicted similar levels for 2017.

Andreas Scriven, International Managing Director and Managing Director Consultancy, Christie & Co, discussed consolidation and M&A activity, noting that hotel development will shift from mature markets to emerging ones such as China, India and Sub-Saharan Africa. He also said there was no end in sight for consolidation and that hotel groups would continue to be opportunistic, achieving scale through acquisitions.

Keeping on the topic of M&A, an on-stage interview with Arne Sorenson, President and CEO, Marriott International, offered insight into the recent acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

After receiving the IHIF Lifetime Achievement Award, Sorensen said that the closing of the deal is merely the starting point for building a bigger, better group. He explained that it that was the potential of the combined loyalty programme that eventually drove the deal, stating: “We became convinced that if we could create an eco-system of loyal customers – who we could connect with through our technology tools and we could reward for staying with us – the more powerful our platform.”

Sorensen also said that, by offering guests more choice – through a portfolio of 6,000 hotels, 1.2

million rooms and 30 brands – Marriott would be able to better protect its business.

In line with the forum’s overarching theme, a number of panels looked both back and forward 20 years, offering different perspectives on the hospitality landscape. Richard Solomons, CEO, IHG, said that the development of technology has undoubtedly been one of the biggest changes over the past two decades, revealing that IHG’s mobile business has grown from zero to $1.6bn in five years. Looking ahead, Cody Bradshaw, Senior Vice President and Head of European Hotels, Starwood Capital Group, explained that planning for the future is a challenge: “An effective long-term strategy requires you to know which consumer groups are going to be spending the most over the next 20 years, where are they, and which products and services they want.” Bradshaw outlined that the groups set to drive global consumption growth are the over-60s in developed countries and the working-age Chinese, not the debt-ridden millennials that have been the talk of the industry in recent years.

Also with the future in mind, a breakout panel of senior executives examined new hospitality models coming to the market as the industry diversifies from the traditional hotel offer. Hotelier Nick Hartwright explained the idea behind Green Rooms, a property in London that offers accommodation alongside rentable studio space for creatives, while Bruno Haid presented Roam, a community of co-living and co-working spaces in Miami, Bali, Tokyo and San Francisco.

There was also interest in AccorHotels’ new Jo & Joe brand, defined by its open house concept.

The group’s Senior Vice President of Development Europe, Christian Giraud, admitted that Accor is a latecomer in terms of targeting generation Y, but believes this has put them in a better position to analyse the market and its needs.

Revenues and ROI were a key discussion point throughout the session, as Frederik Korallus, CEO, Generator, highlighted the potential of shared

sleeping spaces. With six people to a dormitory, the ancillary spend is six times as much he explained, adding that the group’s renewed focus on F&B would help maximise profits.

Ancillary revenues were also addressed in a later panel examining how hotels can make the most of various revenue streams. Simon Burdess, Vice President Food & Beverage Europe, IHG, said that, according to research, hotels account for 15% of food consumed outside the home, while Jonathan Doughty, Head of EMEA Foodservice Consulting, JLL, believed that the tables have turned, with F&B operators now actively seeking associations with hotels. According to Florian Kollen, Chief Development Officer, 25hours Hotels, the secret to success lies in creating venues for the local community rather than the short-stay guest, with a separate entrance to draw in passers-by.

A number of breakout sessions ran across the event, addressing a wide variety of topics, from growth markets in MEA to mixed-use resorts, investment strategies to lease and management contracts. Further themes emerging from the conference included the continued prominence of alternative accommodation providers, such as hostels and Airbnb, who are pushing the hotel sector to adapt as traditional boundaries blur.

AccorHotels’ CEO Sébastien Bazin said during his keynote that the likes of Expedia, Booking.com, Trip Advisor and Trivago – companies that didn’t exist 20 years ago – were the ones the industry needs to watch.

Known as the place where deals are done, IHIF also provided a platform for owners and operators to break news of acquisitions, openings and expansion plans. In its first development announcement since the acquisition of Starwood, Marriott International unveiled ambitious plans to accelerate growth in Europe – announcing that it expects to dramatically increase the size of its portfolio by 2020; IHG revealed that is has signed eight new hotels to the Holiday Inn brand family in Germany with properties in Berlin,

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Leipzig and Munich; AccorHotels announced a strategic partnership with Rixos Hotels to expand its presence in the upper upscale and luxury market with a primary focus on developing global activities in the resort segment; Wyndham Hotel Group revealed plans to step-up expansion of Super 8 in Europe with partner GS Star; and Hilton Worldwide announced that it has passed the milestone of 100,000 rooms trading across its EMEA portfolio.

Meanwhile, event sponsors such as Viceroy, Jumeirah, Melia and Scandic took to IHIF to reveal forthcoming openings; Hubert Viriot, CEO, Yotel, talked through new projects in Brooklyn, Miami, Dubai and Geneva; and Dream Hotel Group’s CEO Jay Stein discussed signings in Vietnam and Doha, as well as plans to expand into Europe.

Market analysts also selected IHIF to release their latest reports. Predicting growth in Porto, Budapest and Madrid, PWC issued its European cities hotel forecast for 2017-18, while HVS produced its annual European Hotel Transactions study. The research showed hotel transaction volume across Europe reached €17.8 billion in 2016, down 25% on 2015, and that Europe has seen an upturn in the availability of hotel financing due to low interest rates and strong performance.

As the event drew to a close, Tess Pearson, Event Director, Questex Hospitality Group, hosts of IHIF, commented: “We are thrilled with the success of the 20th IHIF. We continually refresh and adapt the format of the event to excite delegates and will continue to provide the best in class hotel investment conference as long as there is appetite and demand for such an event. The feedback from this year’s event certainly implies there is a strong need for a face-to-face meeting platform for the community and we look forward to launching IHIF 2018 next year.”

The next IHIF will take place at InterContinental Berlin from 5-7 March 2018. www.berlinconference.com

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Sleepover Barcelona 23-25 APRIL

Returning to Europe, Sleepover takes over Barcelona for a programme of architectural exploration from the mountains to the sea.

Words: Molly Dolan | Photography: © Rubén Cruz

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in this respect – it’s art, architecture, design, food, hotels, this is the city that has it all. We’re particularly excited to be here for St. Jordi day, a very special day in the Catalan calendar when the streets are full of book and flower stalls.”

Taking place in Libertine, Casa Bonay’s all-day dining and bar offering, Sunday’s opening design panel offered insight into the host hotel. Its creators, Inés Miró-Sans, co-founder, Casa Bonay; Pablo Juncadella, founder, Mucho; and Jou-Yie Chou, founder, Studio Tack, gathered for a discussion with Sleeper’s Assistant Editor Molly Dolan.

Topics included the importance of collaborating with the right partners, with Miró-Sans explaining: “It is about attitude and approach.”Although the property is the epitome of Catalan design and vibe, the trio also discussed the decision to work with Brooklynbased Studio Tack. Miró-Sans stated: “It’s important to get some outside perspective from fresh eyes. For example, the floor in Libertine uses the tiles seen in the streets of Barcelona. For locals, this is nothing unusual, but when Jou-Yie visited, he was able to find beauty in things that a local might take for granted.”

Exploring the importance of branding, Juncadella stated: “When creating a brand identity, it is important to create a visual language that is more than just a logo or an emblem on a towel. With Casa Bonay, and the hotel’s collaborative ethos, it was important to create a collage that can be added to and will evolve as the project develops.”

Following a tapas-style lunch served at Libertine, the programme of tours got under way. Carefully curated in partnership with Miguel Angel Borrás’ Barcelona Architecture Walks, three tours exploring varying districts and aspects of the city’s design occupied the twoday programme. Led by practising architects, the extensive tours

rabi-safari in Berlin, bike rides in Amsterdam, foraging in Copenhagen, boat tours in Istanbul and regenerative street art in Miami. Sleepover has a history of providing its handpicked attendees with fresh insight into its host city, and where better to explore in 2017 than Barcelona, a world leader in art, architecture, design and gastronomy.

Sleepover Barcelona attendees were spread predominantly across two hotels – Casa Bonay and Cotton House Hotel – located just a couple of blocks from each other along one of the city’s main arterial routes, Gran Via de les Cortes Catalanes.

The brainchild of Inés Miró-Sans and business partner Luis Rullán, Casa Bonay is a boutique ‘house of friends’. The property’s ethos is firmly rooted in collaboration, harnessing the talents of a multitude of creative minds from both its locale and beyond. For the interiors, a Catalan vibe has been created by Brooklyn-based Studio Tack while the branding was completed by Barcelona natives Mucho.

Meanwhile, Cotton House Hotel, part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, inhabits a 19th century neoclassical landmark.

Renowned Barcelona-based designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán completed the project’s interiors, creating a contemporary and sophisticated style that is both functional and luxurious. The 83 guestrooms feature mostly white interiors – the colour of cotton tuft – while the public spaces emphasise preservation, complete with antiques, aqua-hue armchairs and rich wood.

Welcoming attendees to registration at Casa Bonay, Sleeper’s Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner outlined the significance of Barcelona as a host city: “We always look to host Sleepover in a city with a thriving design and hospitality scene and Barcelona ticked every box

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allowed attendees to receive insight from locals with passion, flair and expert knowledge.

Starting at the recently opened Soho House, the Barcelona & The Sea tour explored the significance of the city’s architecture, starting in the famed Gothic Quarter. A restored 18th century building, Soho House’s latest opening features 57 guestrooms, two restaurants and a 30-seat theatre. The tour also weaved through El Born, entering the Barceloneta district, home to Rebecca Horn’s Homenatge a la Barceloneta and Frank Gehry’s Peix d’Or. Dubbed Barcelona & The Market, the second route traversed the city’s Santa Caterina neighbourhood. Starting at Alonso Balaguer Architects’ Ohla Hotel, the walk passed historically significant sites including Plaça del Angel, as well as Hotel Mercer, a property restored by Rafael Moneo atop a section of the Barcino walls. Finishing at the famed Mercat de Santa Caterina, the work of Enric Miralles was a focal point as well as the neighbouring development site of The Barcelona Edition, a project

by OAB with interior design from Lázaro Rosa-Violán.

After some free time, guests gathered at Kettal’s showroom, which has recently been redesigned by Patricia Urquiola. Following this, a walk through the streets allowed attendees to immerse themselves in the full experience of St. Jordi day. The celebration sees locals take to the streets to celebrate relationships of all dynamics with the gifting of novels and flowers, resulting in pavements lined with independent book stalls and petals.

Continuing the floral theme, dinner was hosted at Bellavista del Jardin del Norte, a venture between footballer Lionel Messi and restaurateurs the Iglesias Brothers, designed by El Quipo Creativo.

From entry through a striking installation of hanging flowers, the dining experience is that of a pueblo, or Spanish village, with corners playing out vinyl records and balconies overlooking the street stalls.

Day two started with a series of design talks in Barcelona Centre de Disseny, a building designed by MBM Architects. Moderated

by Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich, design talent with local expertise took to the stage to present. First up was Borja Ferrater, Partner at OAB, whose projects include Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort in Kaplankaya and the upcoming The Edition Barcelona. Continuing the conversation, Nicola Bertram, Project Leader EMEA, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group talked the audience through the group’s Barcelona property, illustrating behind-the-scenes details and explaining the building’s planning complications, including the recent conversion of its restaurant Blanc to the new Moments.

Chilean-born Jaime Beriestain also took to the stage to discuss the recently opened The One Hotel, an H10 property in the Eixample

district. Concluding the presentation round, Soho House & Co’s Chelsea Nelson offered insight into the brand’s most recent opening.

As a lead designer for the company’s in-house team, Nelson offered personal experience, from initial concept to completion, and outlined the brand’s focus on comfort, homeliness and character. Following this, the speakers took to the stage to debate Catalan design, innovation and the future of design in Barcelona.

Also on hand was Juli Capella, co-founder of Capella Garcia Arquitectos to discuss the museum’s ‘Tapas: Spanish Design for Food’ exhibition. Offering another dimension, Lapin, the French illustrative artist behind the Sleepover Barcelona branding, spoke about his unique work, and presented lucky attendees with individual portrait sketches.

Starting from Barcelona Centre de Disseny and exploring the 22@ district in Barcelona’s Poblenou, the Barcelona & The Future tour surveyed a neighbourhood that is being revitalised in an attempt to recapture the spirit of its industrial heyday. A point of interest here is Torre Agbar by Jean Nouvel in association with b720 Fermin Vázquez Arquitectos, a building that has faced a tumultuous time since its completion in 2005. Set to be converted into a 400-key hotel, plans were abandoned in late 2016 following a licence rejection from the city council.

Making the most of the sunshine and sea breeze, Monday’s lunch was hosted at the beachside chiringuito Red Fish. Located alongside a working boatyard and featuring views across the Barceloneta beachfront, the restaurant features interior design from Sonia Di Pietro together with Cirera Espinet Studio. The cuisine, meanwhile, is defined by the sea and the mountains, featuring nuances of tradition alongside simple and clear concepts that offer ingredients and products both native to the locale and respectful of the seasons.

Following an intense programme over two days, closing drinks were a relaxed affair hosted at Cotton House Hotel. The spacious terrace is complete with vegetation and courtyard views typical of an Eixample district patio, perfect for an intimate unwind amongst new friends.

Sleeper would like to thank the following for their support of Sleepover Barcelona: 360 Decoro, Alger-Triton, Grohe, Ice International, Kaldewei, Kalisher, Kettal, Kvadrat, Lasvit, Laufen, LEDS-C4, Manutti, Nanimarquina, RH Contract and Robena Contract Furnishings.

Full photography as well as a video of the event, shot by Rubén Cruz, can be viewed online. www.sleepoverbarcelona.com

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Light up your life LIGHTING AND CONTROL

As technology develops, lighting design nods to nature with circadian rhythm stimulation and sunshine emulation, resulting in enhanced guest wellbeing.

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ith the increasing digitalisation of all aspects of hotel Avezzano, Head of Product Management at Philips Lighting explains: design, including digital print floorcoverings, interactive “The launch of Hue allows personalisation and centralised control, check-in kiosks and robotic luggage handlers, lighting thus simplifying management’s role and allowing more flexibility for design is also pressing ahead by incorporating the latest technologies. in-room design.”

Yet, the end goal is not to simply be at the fore of technology, nor Depending on preference, hotels can manage all of its lighting give users a superlative experience, but to also enhance the guest’s centrally, monitoring usage and adapting to room in-occupancy, or wellbeing through smart, considerate design. the system can be placed within a guestroom. The latter would allow The effect of light on the human body is largely owing to a circadian guests to create their own light experience, in-keeping with their rhythm, a physiological process that correlates the sun’s light with the individual habits in an accessible way. energy levels of earth’s animals. For example, the productivity levels According to Avezzano, this experience is what hotels need, throughout the day vary greatly to those when daylight is dimming, allowing them to go above and beyond for guests that are seeking thus promoting a wind-down effect. “true luxury”.

One of the companies championing the utilisation of this In terms of design personalisation, Hue has multiple options for knowledge within lighting design is Philips, who, after years of branded lighting experiences, adhering to a hotel’s visual language, development, has recently unveiled Hue, theme or colour scheme. This can its personal wireless lighting system. By be applied to public spaces, creating combining energy-efficient LED lighting an immersive experience through with intuitive technology, it aims to bridge corridors, or within guestrooms. The the gap between light and smart controls. result is a subtle, embedded reference The entire system is automated and to the brand. can be programmed to suit individual For further immersion, the or collective sleeping patterns or programme can be instructed to react requirements. Walking through the to media. For example, movies can experience during Euroluce, Sleeper was become an entire room experience, able to experience the differences in light music becomes a sensory journey and Leonardo Antonio Avezzano, Philips Lighting intensity, hue and ambience. As expected, video games edge closer to reality. the lighting reflects the time of day and Understanding that other brands relies on extensive research into human energy levels, behaviour are also pioneering different aspects of complementary technology, patterns, and maximising wellness.

Hue offers a number of extras, such as voice control, via collaborations Further, it is possible to programme entire day routines. with the likes of Apple TV, Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Theoretically, guests can ensure that they are awakened by a morning Avezzano continues: “We don’t want this to be a closed technology, it glow, followed by bright stimulating light, leading to soft tones for is all about collaboration and pushing the limits of what is possible.” evening relaxation, as with the sun.

Further, Philips provides the relevant interface data to others who One example of combining smart thinking and wellbeing, Hue is contract to create Apps to work with Hue, broadening its scope and able to anticipate user needs and adjust accordingly. For example, accessibility. if a guest awakens through the night and uses the bathroom, the Speaking on the age-old sustainability issue, Avezzano states: “Hue system will use a light suitable to the time, ensuring that the body is has a low energy consumption, so is very sustainable. Further, it is not awakened unnecessarily and return to sleep is easier. able to identify when a room is empty, whether the key card is intact Alongside the evident wellbeing benefits, Hue is also functional. or not, thus dimming all lights and saving energy.”

The system combines all lighting within a project to one system, A sign of the times, Hue is clear indication that lighting is more than whether this be in-room or centrally within a hotel. Leonardo Antonio just design, reflecting the importance on wellbeing and experience.

“We don’t want this to be a closed technology, it is all about collaboration and pushing the limits of what is possible.”

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BROKIS Macaron Launched at Euroluce, Macaron is a new collection of striking table lights designed by Brokis art director Lucie Koldova. Paying homage to the complex textures of crystalline stone, opposing domes of delicate handblown glass define the collection. Concealed in an elegant flue-shaped marble base, the light source casts a gentle glow upward, energising the meandering chalcedony veins in the central onyx plate. www.brokis.cz

MARSET Piola The Piola collection, designed by Christophe Mathieu for Marset, comprises a central metal column that holds more than five metres of spiraling, laminated band. The exterior envelopes and protects, whilst sifting the light for beauty and comfort. The result is several varying types of light coexisting, including direct downward light, indirect reflected, and a light that sneaks between the edges of the spiral, illuminating the fixture itself. Piola is available in four colours. www.marset.com

FOSCARINI Filo

PENTA LIGHT MoM Penta Light has unveiled the MoM family of suspended lights, designed by Umberto Asnago. The family of pendants is designed around the central creative themes of metal, oxide and matte, and appear as small rounded shapes that return a clear and amplified light from bright, luminous elements. The tactile surfaces are shiny yet soft, and appear lively as they interact with the range’s overlap of colours and reflections. www.pentalight.it

Designed by Andrea Anastasio for Foscarini, Filo comes from the desire to display the individual parts that go into a lamp including the light source, decoration and electrical wiring. The result is a design that brings out the structural and aesthetic characteristics, simplifying the grammar and syntax. Filo is available in table, floor, wall or suspension versions and a variety of colour configurations. www.foscarini.com

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VIGHT Choco Bespoke Lighting specialist Vight has introduced Choco to its evergrowing portfolio. Blending quality with style, the solid walnut light series has been inspired by the rippling effect of melted chocolate and contradicts regular lighting paradigms. The light is available as a pendant, table lamp and wall sconce. www.vight.com

VINCENT SHEPPARD Vivi The rattan lamps of the Vivi collection from Vincent Sheppard reflect the brand’s DNA of craftsmanship, natural materials and a contemporary look. The warm pendants are a celebration of the material, made using traditional weaving techniques in Cirebon, Indonesia. The lights are available in two sizes. www.vincentshppard.com

CHELSOM Rock

Chad Lighting’s Vienna table light is now available with a choice of panels including ceramic, wood, sisal and wallcovering fabric, as well as new metal finishes such as chrome, antique brass and satin nickel. Bespoke patterns can be developed in the ceramic panel option.

The Rock desk lamp fuses clean and stylish design with the latest trends to create a sleek and contemporary piece. Available as part of a wider collection including table, floor and wall variations, the desk version features a heavy cubed natural stone base supporting a detailed plate and upright column in Black Bronze metalwork. The adjustable arm features a locking key swivel joint, resulting in an industrial feel.

www.chadlighting.com

www.chelsom.co.uk

CHAD LIGHTING Vienna

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The Neverending Glory Lighting Collection.

Inspired by the silhouettes of historic chandeliers from world's five grandest theatres. Hand-blown glass on the edge of possibilities. Designed by Jan Plechac and Henry Wielgus.

Bolshoi Theatre

Metropolitan Opera

Prague Estates Theatre

Palais Garnier

La Scala

NEVERENDING GLORY

lasvit.com

DAVID TRUBRIDGE Rotorua A new concept range of outdoor lanterns, the latest collection from David Trubridge was launched at Euroluce. The large panelled lights have been developed from a substantial outdoor lighting installation, originally created for a tree walk experience in Roturua, New Zealand. The large pendant can be suspended either from trees or overhanging roofs, and is complemented by a floor-standing version. www.davidtrubridge.com

COLLINGWOOD H2 Pro Dusk Collingwood has introduced its dim to warm LED solution, the H2 Pro Dusk. Bringing a new level of versatility to downlighting, the dim to warm technology allows the colour temperature to gradually transition from a CCT of a functional 2800K to a cosy 2000K. The design replicates the warmth typically created by a dimmed incandescent lamp, but with all the energy-saving benefits of a Collingwood LED. www.collingwoodlighting.com

CONTARDI Calypso Outdoor Designed by Servomuto, the Calypso Outdoor lamps present an unexpected combination of patterns and colours, finished with brightly diffused light. Waterproof fabrics and IP65 rating makes the product suitable for any outdoor space. www.contardi-italia.com

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Manufacturing in Wales since 1967

Our latest designer collaboration is with artist Stephen Walter. Known for his hand-drawn maps and detailed drawings, our wallcoverings retain all the charm and complexity of the original artworks.

www.newmor.com enquiries@newmor.com 01938 551 990

TINDLE FL801 The new floor lamp from Tindle can be supplied in a wide range of metals to complement a variety of hotel styles. Customisable, designers can choose from various combinations of graphite, brass, copper or nickel in polished or matte finishes, for a truly unique result. The lamp is available in two sizes – 160cm or 180cm high – and with a black or white shade. www.tindle-lighting.co.uk

HABERDASHERY Canopy The Canopy pendant evokes the dappled light passing through a forest canopy, realised as a gently animated effect on its handblown lead crystal shade. The design works as a single pendant, or in clusters to use in larger spaces. Its subtle, inspiring light exists as an evocative effect on its shade, as well as usable task lighting below. www.haberdashery.com

EBB AND FLOW Elegant

Barcelona-based designer and manufacturer Mel has developed three modular collections of illuminated glass mosaics that offer endless design possibilities. The composition of the artisan glass pieces, their colour, and their integrated light make each glass mosaic unique.

The features can be installed in both wall and ceiling, or adapted to other surfaces.

Elegant is a collection of petite crystal pendants in both clusters and singles. Each of the seven pendants were once something different – a champagne glass, vase, decanter or tumbler – with each style modified and redesigned into a lampshade. Put together as clusters, they turn into modern chandeliers, sparkling and exuding elegance and lightness in equal measure.

www.aterliermel.com

www.ebbandflow.dk

MEL Modular Collections

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LASVIT Eve Designed by Zaha Hadid Design for Lasvit, Eve is composed of 15 glass pieces arranged in one intriguing ensemble. The chandelier combines traditional glassmaking techniques with parametric design. Informed by Hadid’s renowned design language, the composition is fluid and organic, accentuating differences between clear and opaque elements. www.lasvit.com

INGO MAURER 24 Karat Blau Part of the 24 Karat Blau family, the new floor lamp from Ingo Maurer comprises a metal structure with eight gold leaf plates sealed in elegant acrylic glass. www.ingo-maurer.com

KALMAR Spinne Launched at Euroluce, Spinne has been designed by Garth Roberts and Erik Berg Krelder and features numerous arrangement options.

A pendant light without ceiling hardwiring, Spinne is available with brass, copper, nickel or black finish. www.kalmarlighting.com

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www.kartellbylaufen.com

AQUA CREATIONS Zooid Tree Wall Fixture An addition to the Zooid collection, Aqua Creations’ Zooid Tree Wall Fixture features geometrical lines and 3D shapes. With LED producing 18,000 lumens at the highest dimming, the lamp is controlled by push button or phone app. The user can choose between uploading personal images or videos, running pre-programmed videos or using the Zooid Tree as a dimmable source of light in warm, natural and cold colour temperature. www.aquagallery.com

HECTOR FINCH Chiara Pendant Created by utilising alchemical and glass blowing skills that date back to medieval times, Hector Finch’s Chiara Pendant combines a contemporary aesthetic with pure, clean forms across a wide range of colours including 22 greens and eight blues. Finishes include antique brass, bronze, chrome and polished nickel. www.hectorfinch.com

ELSTEAD Douille Launched at Euroluce, Douille is a table lamp made using polished nickel with optional glass shade. The design is also available as a single pendant, five light chandelier and wall light in additional colours including black, polished brass and aged brass. www.elsteadlighting.com

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Pendant 804-00133 by Meadow Lighting, a JLF collections company. Shown in a gold powdercoat finish with accent gold leafing.

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odern inimalism

Now in its 20th year, JLF collections offers an expansive collection of indoor and outdoor furniture, and lighting, for both program and custom design projects.

U.S. FACTORIES Rancho Dominguez, CA | Asheboro, NC | Randleman, NC GLOBAL MANUFACTURING PARTNERS Shenzhen, China | Cebu, Philippines www.jlfcollections.com

LEDS C4 Tubs Offering a total amount of 36W and 3000k adjustable lumens, Tubs can be adapted to any style. Extremely versatile, the design can be seen in classical indoor spaces, minimalist lofts, new rustic spaces or bohemian chic hotels. www.leds-c4.com

FLOS Arrangements Designed by Michael Anastassiades, Arrangements is a modular system of geometric lights that can be combined in many ways, creating multiple compositions of individual chandeliers. Each unit can be attached to the previous one, balancing perfectly as part of a glowing chain. www.flos.com

DERNIER & HAMYLN Jumby Bay

A suspension lamp with shaped blown glass, Olivia emanates a retro feel. The ceiling canopy is metal, available in black polyacrylic paint or polished copper, while the glass is available in transparent, steel, amber, bronze, tobacco and green.

Working to designs by Dennis Irvine Studio, Dernier & Hamlyn has produced three bespoke light fittings for the restaurant and private dining rooms in the Estate House at Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort on a private island off Antigua. In the light and airy restaurant, a large 22-lamp bespoke brass chandelier is a simplified and elongated take on a corona ring chandelier, typical of those installed in colonial great houses. Meanwhile, the wine room features 20 faux candles, each resting within a handmade lantern that is placed on a brass tray, handfinished in bronze to provide a natural finish.

www.panzeri.it

www.dernier-hamlyn.com

PANZERI Olivia

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Dim to warm technology As the H2 Pro Dusk is dimmed, the colour temperature gradually transitions from a CCT of 2800K to an even warmer 2000K. Replicating the warm atmosphere typically created by a dimmed incandescent lamp but with all the benefits of a Collingwood LED. 2800K (100% intensity)

2400K (50% intensity)

2000K (25%Intensity)

600lm 400lm 200lm 0lm 2800K

Mastering light together collingwoodlighting.com

2000K

Strength, style, and shelter SOLID SURFACE MATERIAL S

Offering durability and aesthetics in equal measure, synthetic surface materials are finding their way into groundbreaking hotel projects worldwide.

Words: Kristofer Thomas

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to resist abrasion, stains and spillages, and can be created in hours as opposed to the lengthy turnaround of its natural counterpart.

Though resilience and immunity to damage are perhaps the most practical reasons to consider synthetic surface materials for a project, designers are now turning to manufacturers for the design possibilities they offer.

“Aside from the material robustness of our quartz, the material offers endless visual possibilities across a broad spectrum of colours and designs,” Stanley continues. “Granite and marble finishes are available that accurately match the subtleties of natural stone.

Equally, for contemporary or urban schemes, concrete finishes provide the look without the inherent issues that come with the poured concrete product.”

Whilst remaining flexible in terms of use, and durable under strain, the new design elements these surfaces offer has become an equally strong draw. Available in a wide variety of shades from evergreen to mink, or adorned with the intricate cima, moonscape and desert sand patterns, LG Hausys’ Hi-Macs – a natural acrylic stone surface – can easily adapt to a space, or define it. Further, HiMacs can be created in varying thickness and degrees of translucency, resulting in distinctive interplays between light, shadow and colour across its top layer, whilst Dekton, available in plain solid shades or in textured patterns influenced by nature, the cosmos and industrial elements, can be integrated into an existing scheme or deployed as a visual foundation around which to build an environment. Elsewhere, Compac’s ice concrete, calacatta and clay imitation colourways closely resemble the real thing. Though it is not colour and pattern alone that creates the draw, but shape too.

Isomi’s moulded furnishings for example not only boast the aforementioned strength of a synthetic surface, but also feature flowing, minimalist forms thanks to their seamless compositions.

Able to act as statement pieces that catch the eye, Isomi’s acrylics

rom monolithic reception desks to entire façades, interior designers and architects are finding progressively innovative uses for solid surface materials. Where once these synthetics were limited in scope, new manufacturing processes have resulted in materials that can be moulded into an extensive range of shapes, abstract or unassuming, and take on a variety of practical and aesthetic functions.

Offering a more durable and dynamic alternative to natural options, this new breed of surface allows for more adaptable and increasingly imaginative elements. As a result, brands such as DuPont, Isomi and Porcelanosa, amongst others, have highlighted how hospitality interiors and exteriors alike can be enhanced through the incorporation of composites.

In terms of practicality, these solutions are durable, non-porous, repairable, fire-retardant, easy to clean, and especially effective when used in high-traffic environments including lobbies or public spaces.

With fixtures here serving hundreds of guests per day, they require suitable protection, and a surface that will not degrade and disrupt the wider scheme with discolouration or wear.

For use on these high-traffic elements, Ceaserstone has developed Caesarstone Quartz, a material that combines natural quartz aggregates with pigments and polymer resins. “Quartz, or engineered stone has a fundamental advantage over completely natural materials insofar that it is far more resilient than granite, marble, wood or concrete,” explains Jon Stanley, Vice President of Marketing at Caesarstone UK. “This is obviously of huge interest for designers of high-traffic public spaces, where the large flow of people requires robust materials that need to maintain their perfect appearance despite constant wear and tear,” he adds.

Similarly robust are Cosentino’s Dekton cladding and Compac’s extensive range of imitation marble surfaces, both of which are able

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Clockwise from top: HI-Macs can be used to create abstract furniture shapes and forms; the Corian-clad Motel One London that is illuminated by night; Isomi’s resilient Kin desk; a seamless Zaha Hadid-designed guestroom at Hotel Silken Puerta America in Madrid

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Above: LG Hausys’ Hi-Macs can be created in an expansive range of colours including Mink, Evergreen, Cosmic Blue and Suede

property to protect the building and distinguish it from surrounding structures. “With Corian cladding we could provide a solution that worked with our client’s ethos and budget,” Mackay adds. “The innovative material allowed us to develop the Motel One brand a design-led product, and not the usual budget hotel box approach.”

Similarly innovative are the guestrooms at Hotel Silken Puerta America in Madrid. Designed by Zaha Hadid and realised together with Rosskopf + Partner, the spaces are defined by a fluid, entirely seamless cocoon, creating a new dialogue between the complex countinuous nature of merging forms.

Porcelanosa has also capitalised on the emergence of the improved manufacturing technologies, creating a range of specially designed building systems for projects that require more technically-specific surfaces. Its ventilated surface, for example, ensures energy savings and increased sound insulation, whilst the FV-Stone format offers a natural look for more pastoral-oriented projects.

The increasing significance of cladding as a design solution was observed at this year’s Surface Design Show, a trade event dedicated to the burgeoning surfaces market. With composites like these offering a solution that spans the market, providing hotels on a tight budget the means to enhance and protect, and design-led properties a way to push the boundaries of visual expression, synthetic surfaces could, in time, come to replace the materials they imitate.

allow for elegant creations that, when combined with other interior elements clad in the same surface, create harmonious, consistent design schemes.

Elsewhere, and on a much larger scale, materials such as these have been used to create towering façades that define the exteriors they clad with sleek architectural expressions. Becoming the first commercial façade in the UK to utilise such cladding, Minories’ Motel One London substitutes a traditional exterior for one constructed from the dynamic Corian surface by DuPont. Designed by Londonbased architectural firm Mackay + Partners, the translucent white façade was created using approximately 1,000m2 of Corian in 12mm thickness. During daytime hours this expansive surface presents a pure and simple finish, but at night is backlit, and panels within the structure are illuminated in changing colours to dramatic effect.

“The solid surface material was chosen in discussion with the city of London Planners as a creative alternative to the normal Portland stone cladding prevalent in the city,” explains Ken Mackay, Director, Mackay + Partners. “The Corian material allowed us to CNC-etch the rear face, which was backlit by phased LED lights as an integral part of the façade proposal, allowing the decorative white cube to change colour at night.”

Functioning as a sustainable rain screen and a distinctive design feature, the incorporation of Corian allowed the designers behind the

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ISH 12-16 MARCH

Renewable energy, water efficiency and the user experience were on the agenda at ISH, where specifiers gathered to take in the latest trends.

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illed as the leading trade fair for the bathroom sector, ISH made its return to Messe Frankfurt in March, highlighting the design ideas set to drive the industry over the coming year.

Seamless surface materials, shower toilets and user-friendly interfaces were amongst the product launches from the 2,400 exhibitors, representing both international and emerging brands.

Welcoming over 200,000 specifiers, interior designers and architects across five days, the exhibition explored everything from sustainable sanitation solutions, innovative bathroom design and energy efficient heating technologies, to environmentally friendly air-conditioning, cooling and ventilation – led by the overarching themes of Energy and Water. ISH Energy predicted a bright future for forward-thinking solutions such as renewable electricity and fuel-cell heating, while ISH Water focused on people, and creating a better

bathroom experience in the home and hotel. Here, personalisation, digitisation and the health-promoting bathroom were amongst the highlights, along with the idea that easy-to-clean materials reduce cleaning time and contribute to greater enjoyment in the bathroom.

Parallel to the exhibition, a series of workshops, tours and talks also gave visitors a detailed insight of the industry’s direction.

As ISH drew to a close, organisers announced 5% growth in the number of international visitors, as well as a 4% increase in international exhibitors, marking one of the show’s most global gatherings to-date. “ISH is growing and becoming increasingly international,” commented Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt. “The indices are outstanding and the mood in the exhibition halls was excellent. We are extremely pleased with the results of the event.”

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ROCA

TOTO

In celebration of its centenary, Roca took to ISH to tell the story of its past, present and future. From its 1,000m 2 stand – dubbed the Roca Mall – the manufacturer showcased Carmen, an iconic basin from its history, as well as Inspira, a newly launched ceramic and furniture collection.

Also marking its 100th anniversary, Toto exhibited at ISH for the fifth time, inviting visitors to experience Zero Dimension, an extensively researched new bathtub that allows guests to experience total weightlessness in a vessel designed to calm both body and mind.

DURAVIT

VITRA

DORNBRACHT

From a stand boasting bold lines and striking shapes, Duravit presented the similarly distinctive Luv series. Designed by Cecile Manz, the collection channels Nordic purism underscored by gentle detailing. Available in white, taupe, grey and blue, and with mirrors that incorporate dimming and heating functions, the debut seeks to meet the demands of modern bathrooms in style.

Vitra introduced two contrasting ranges side by side this year, offering solutions for both contemprary and traditional environments.

The flowing Frame collection, comprising lighting, storage, basin and bidet elements, was offset by the angular furniture of the Christophe Pillet designed Memoria family.

Functional, stylish and robustly constructed, the joint debut turned heads across hall 3.

Exhibited within an enclosed darkroom, Dornbracht’s Aquamoon shower concept showcased a coming together of state-of-the-art technology and elegant design, cycling through a wide range of built-in stream configurations, ambient light settings, and customisation options.

Elsewhere, the brand’s Touchfree range bought a hint of futurism to the contacless faucet trend with a sleek, minimal and convenient design.

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BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL showers, taps & mixers, ceramics and accessories +44 (0) 121 358 1555 stjamescollection.com

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TUBES

GRAFF

Showcased as part of a stand created under the artistic direction of Studio Palomba, Tubes’ Rift collection appeared as a series of modular radiators arranged into a variety of architectural compositions. Part of the wider Elements collection, Rift stood out for its stylish aesthetic innovation.

From a stand adorned by a series of classic paintings reimagined as modern scenes, Graff presented the Finezza faucet, a striking collaboration with G+ Design Studio that reinterprets traditional faucet forms through a contemporary lens.

VICTORIA + ALBERT

GROHE

LEFROY BROOKS

Debuting a much-anticipated collection with British architecture and interior design studio Conran + Partners, Victoria + Albert presented the curving lines of the Eldon bath, a contemporary back-to-wall solution. With pipework concealed within its flowing, architectural form, Eldon is available in seven exterior colour finishes and offers an elegant product suitable for a range of bathroom schemes.

Exhibiting in a hall of its own, Grohe presented the Sensia Arena, an intelligently constructed shower toilet that focuses on both hygiene and pleasing design. Incorporating a night light and lid that opens automatically on approach, the product features a sleek silhouette and clean lines. The interface is designed to be universally accessible and as a result, is incredibly user-friendly.

Channelling an industrial theme across its new releases, Lefroy Brooks showcased the Ten Ten collection, a range of faucets featuring brass components. Reminiscent of the machine age with its turbine handwheels, forged water valves and plumbed spouts, the taps were presented in both their concealed and exposed formats, highlighting the unique patina that develops on its surface.

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Make a lasting impression.

T: +44 (0) 1524 239679 | E: enquiries@lincrusta.com | W: www.lincrusta.com

Specifier P R O D U C T S & S E R V I C E S F O R H O S P I TA L I T Y D E S I G N

LAUFEN Kartell Developed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, Kartell unties Laufen’s high-quality precision ceramics with Kartell’s plastic manufacturing expertise. The collection includes a slim washbasin vanity unit, rimless floorstanding WC-combination, and freestanding bathtub. www.laufen.com

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CANE LINE Elements Cane Line’s Elements collection features furniture constructed from raw, natural materials including rattan and wood, bringing a touch of the outdoor furniture trend to interiors. Combining contemporary aesthetics and shapes with robust structures, the collection is reminiscent of sunroom and conservatory spaces, and embraces contemporary urban trends suitable for a wide variety of schemes. www.cane-line.co.uk

GLOSTER Atmosphere Designed by Cecile Manz, Gloster’s Atmosphere collection draws inspiration from the way couples, groups, friends and families interact in seating areas. Comprising a series of dining and seating solutions with minimal aluminium frames, Atmosphere is finished with resilient powder coating in either meteor or fossil colourways, and constructed from self-supporting upholstered teak panels. www.gloster.com

KETTAL Terrain Kettal’s Terrain range of outdoor fabrics reflects the subtle spectrum of colours found in the natural landscape. Designed by Doshi Levien, each fabric is created with a mix of colours and textures and offers a softness usually associated with indoor fabrics without sacrificing their durability or resilience. Terrain is available in 34 different colours and designed to work with marble, stone and wood. www.kettal.com

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COATED FABRICS FOR INTERIORS & EXTERIORS

OFFICES: GERMANY SPAIN UNITED KINGDOM - Formerly CTP Textiles UNITED STATES MEXICO

SPRADLING.EU marketing@spradling.eu

CARNEGIE Xorel Artform Carnegie has expanded its Xorel Artform 3D acoustic panel range with new diamond, square and plank shape options. Presenting designers with a wider palette of design possibilities, the range now comprises seven shapes, 19 sizes and over 300 patterns and colours. www.xorelartform.com

THG Dean THG’s Dean collection recalls an industrial spirit, and is available in chrome, gold, soft gold, nickel, rhodium silver and rose gold finishes. The simplicity of the spout contrasts with the form of the braces, whilst striking contours soften the roundness of the handle. www.thg-paris.com

FREDERICIA Verve The shape of Fredericia’s Verve seat is based on geometrical forms, with its shell comprising triangles that gradually transform into a rectangular frame. Featuring a durable polypropylene shell, Verve is available with a black seat cushion or fully upholstered. www.fredericia.com

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200 YEARS DURAVIT. YOUR FUTUR RE BATHROOM.

Luv. Nordic elegance.

The design of Cecilie Manz‘ bathroom series Luv combines Nordic purism and timeless, emotional elegance. Soft shapes follow a stringent geometry. The result is a new unique design language with precise, clear and ďŹ ne edges. For more information please visit www.duravit.co.uk or contact pro.duravit.co.uk

STELLAR WORKS Slow Designed by Space Copenhagen, Stellar Works’ Slow collection offers a series of narrow silhouettes that strike a balance between mid-century Danish and classic Japanese design. Constructed from walnut and ash, and featuring a thick leather back and base, the collection is a tribute to heritage and craft an element embodied in its flowing designs that are both contemporary and comfortable. www.stellarworks.com

TAI PING Edition Two From bursts of color to urban lines, geometric mazes to neons, Tai Ping’s second round of pattern collaborations features 3D puzzles, layered landscapes and minimalist compositions inspired by aerial views.

Inviting design talent including Ora ïto, Andre Fu, Rodolfo Agrella and Jean-Baptiste Fastrez to create the patterns of Edition Two, each of the designers’ personal geographies is woven into the rugs. www.houseoftaiping.com

DESIGNERS GUILD CONTRACTS Monza Monza, a sophisticated wide-width sheer curtain fabric, is the latest release from Designers Guild Contracts, and available in over twenty subtle colourways. Launched alongside Urba, which features a subtle jacquard pattern, and dimout version Brienno, Menzo is constructed from 100% polyester in a fine mesh weave, is fire retardant, and can be adapted for use across a range of property types and schemes. www.designersguild.com

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BOLON Bolon by Jean Nouvel Design Bolon’s collaboration with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel combines a textural hand-woven effect with six flexible colour options. A departure from Bolon’s typically designer driven flooring, this architectural-focused edition was created with spatiality in mind. Woven vinyl in combinations of black, grey, red and blue provide freedom of design, allowing designers to experiment with layout and circulation. www.bolon.com

WATERWORKS Decibel

CLAYBROOK Textured Stone

NANIMARQUINA Mia

Drawing formal inspiration from vintage audio equipment including phonographs, record player arms and radio dials, Waterworks’ Decibel collection comprises deck and wall-mounted basin taps, shower and tub spouts, showerheads, valve trims, a towel bar and a one-arm paper holder. The range is available in chrome or nickel finishes, with a graphite option also set to be revealed later this year.

Claybrook’s new slate of textured finishes can be applied to any of the brand’s designs and materials, and work to create a distinctive interplay between light and shadow through tactile, fabric-like appearances. The new options, including scratched, hammered and raked, work to emphasise details and create a sense of depth and tonal variation within a single material or entire scheme.

Nanimarquina’s Mia collection can be entirely customised through an expansive online configurator, allowing designers to personalise their rugs down to the last detail. Printed on an artisanal Indian flat-weave, the Mia rug is a dhurrie created by joining three individually dyed pieces, resulting in a worn, lived-in effect. Mia is available in two sizes, and four base colours and finishes.

www.waterworks.com

www.claybrookinteriors.co.uk

www.nanimarquina.com

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CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY

VingCard

Brintons

East Miami

The Principal York

East, Miami – the first North American opening from Swire Hotels’ East brand – has installed Assa Abloy’s VingCard Essence door locks and Visionline locking system.

The system boasts mobile access compatibility, secure Seos technology, and wireless online capabilities. It functions to simultaneously streamline the guest experience and provide an extra layer of security features.

With Visionline, Assa Abloy’s signature locking system, East Miami staff can remotely monitor and control who has access to which guestrooms and when, resulting in quicker response times in the context of security related issues.

“We pride ourselves on having a highly innovative brand,” explains Mihai Bote, Director of Technology at East Miami. “As such, it is important to us to work with companies that globally lead in innovation and performance. Assa Abloy Hospitality not only brought this innovation to the table for us with the new VingCard Essence door lock, but also provided us with a solution that gives us access to real-time lock events on our property, monitored from one central location.”

The hotel will shortly launch the mobile phone-based access functionality through its proprietary app.

A series of bespoke carpets by Brintons have been chosen by Goddard Littlefair as part of the refurbishment programme within The Principal York. Modelled on a contemporary country house aesthetic, the property features over 1,700m 2 of custom Axminster wool carpeting throughout its corridors, stairwells, guestrooms, meeting spaces and private dining area.

Inspired by the intricate patterns and motifs of the original architecture, Brintons’ designs combine classic and contemporary elements, and incorporate a palette of soft, neutral tones to convey a sense of relaxation and comfort.

Hannah Rogers, Brintons’ design team leader, comments: “It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with Goddard Littlefair and the wider team on this wonderful project that allowed us to demonstrate Brintons’ strength in design as well as manufacturing.”

Following its work on the project, Brintons has launched two new collaborative designs within its High Definition Weave collection. Altered Gravity, by Stacy Garcia, draws inspiration from abstract expressionism and contemporary graphic design, whilst the Zuzunaga range explores and reimagines Brintons’ own extensive pattern archive.

www.assaabloy.co.uk

www.brintons.com

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One of the UK’s leading interior contractors EESmith contracts operate successfully in a variety of sectors ranging from prestige hotels and commercial interiors to exclusive private residences.

Morris Road Leicester LE2 6AL Telephone:0116 2706946 Email: contracts@eesmith.co.uk www.eesmith.co.uk

Facsimile:0116 2701515

BESPOKE LIGHTING PRODUCED

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The leading magazine for hotel design, development and architecture.

Subscribe online and save 20% www.sleepermagazine.com/showoffer/ Subscribers benefit from: • Previews of the most exciting projects breaking ground • Reviews of new hotels opening worldwide • In-depth interviews with leading hoteliers, interior designers and architects • Coverage of exhibitions and conferences for the hotel industry • Exclusive updates of Sleeper’s events including AHEAD – the global awards for hospitality experience and design – and Sleepover – the inventive event for hotel innovators For more information please contact subscriptions@mondiale.co.uk

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Design: Tesseraux + Partner www.bette.co.uk Visit us at: 23-25 May 2017 Clerkenwell Design Week Design Fields 12

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A CLEAR REFLECTION WITH demista™ Though many of us may prefer a fuzzy vision of ourselves first thing in the morning, having a mist free mirror must surely be an advantage for shaving, applying make up or styling hair. Once a demista™ heated mirror pad is installed, you will always have a clear view, no matter how steamed up the bathroom may be.

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Advertising Index Albrecht Jung

199

EPR Architects

Alger International

023

Extremis

075

Fabio Alemanno Design

115

Muzeo 093

Ferreira De Sa Rugs

113

Newmor Wallcoverings

Arte 066

Gandia Blasco

071

North 4 Design

207

Assa Abloy

153

Hakwood 101

Penta Light

033

Astro Lighting

002

HD Expo

160

Perrin & Rowe

089

B&B Italia

212

Hector Finch Lighting

175

Point 069

Bang & Olufsen

047

HI Design

Bette

206

HICAP 161

RH Contract

Brintons 149

Ingo Maurer

207

Roca 039

Carnegie

Janus et Cie

014 & 015

SNS 079

Aliseo Allermuir

016 & 017

141

102 010 & 011

164 & 165

Chelsea Harbour

004 & 005

Chelsom Lighting

169

JLF

Joli 063

179

Claybrook Interiors

185

Kalisher

Collingwood Group Lighting

181

Kettal

072 012 & 013

Matki 186 Minotti

008 & 009 173

Porcelanosa 111 006 & 007

S&T Interiors and Contracting

107

Shaw Hospitality

099

Spradling International

195

Stellar Works

051

Consentino 150

Kohler 021

Tendence 159

Corian 211

Lasvit

171

Tiger Leather

080

Curtis Furniture

204

Laufen

177

Tindle Lighting

Demista 207

122

LEDS C4

166

Tribu 029

Dernier & Hamlyn

204

Lefroy Brooks

041

Tuuci

201

Designers Guild Contracts

121

Ligne Roset

018

Ulster Carpets

127

Dornbracht 191

Lincrusta 192

Umbrosa 065

Duravit 197

Living Design

145

Upholstory 205

EE Smith Contracts

203

Mandarin Stone

094

Victoria + Albert Baths

Ege

130

Manutti 037

Vight 059

Egger 142

Marflow Engineering

189

Vondom 035

Elstead Lighting

Marta

055

Waterworks 085

205

208

031

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Walled off, welcomed in THE WALLED OFF HOTEL, BETHLEHEM

Walls are in right now, be that for better or worse. Trump’s fantasy barricade drives much of the news cycle, while a bricklaying robot threatens to automate promised jobs. As wall fever reaches a new high, international man of mystery Banksy has thrown in his own contribution: the mischievously titled Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem.

Billed as having the worst view in the world – that of the graffitistrewn concrete that separates Palestine’s West Bank from Israel – the nine-key art hotel seeks to highlight one wall perhaps forgotten in the scrum. Located 500 metres from the checkpoint to Jerusalem and featuring a gallery of works by both Palestine and Israeli artists,

the hotel is dedicated to telling the story from both sides of the conflict. Guestrooms have been customised by Banksy, Sami Musa and Dominique Petrin, with the no-frills option fitted-out with surplus items from an Israeli military barracks, and a presidential suite equipped with everything a corrupt head of state could need.

Elsewhere, a permanently out-of-service elevator provides subversive political allegory while public spaces feature vandalised oil paintings and statues choking on tear gas. Having financed the installation, Banksy has now handed the project over as a local business, to benefit those who face the wall daily.

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Beautiful and durable. Versatile and reliable.

Helping designers create hotels of distinction. Inside and outside. Corian®: a world-class solution for interior design and architecture.

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Only DuPont produces Corian®. Photo Riccardo Bianchi.

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D E S I G N PO R T R A I T.

Charles, seat system designed by Antonio Citterio. www.bebitalia.com

B&B Italia Store London, SW3 2AS - 250 Brompton Road - T. +44 020 7591 8111 - info.bromptonroad@bebitalia.com UK Agent: Ben Ritson - T. +44 793 1556345 - sales@ritsondesign.com

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