Design Hotel Lone

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Contents Be my guest Showcase of inspiration Different from the ground up Home made Woven surfaces Art in house Rooted art How do you say Lone? Nest Food for thought No strings attached Dancing about architecture Good business in Rovinj Instead of farewell

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Be my guest!

The Lone design hotel is the newest hotel by Maistra. It is situated in the most attractive tourism area in Rovinj, in the midst of the protected Golden Cape forest park adjacent to Hotel Monte Mulini. The name of the hotel, Lone, is associated with the name of the bay next to the hotel. There is no other hotel in Croatia that has received such media attention and praise for its appearance and originality, from the public, hospitality professionals and architecture experts, as Croatia’s first design hotel. This is a place where an attractive architectural structure perfectly melts into the surrounding pine forest, and where inspiration and hedonism meet. The concept of Lone implies a symbiosis of a distinctive expression, elegance and functionality, all brought together in an exceptional design. With an immaculate combination of beauty, style and cultural heritage, Lone represents a year-round destination for business and leisure travel. Lone is Rovinj’s new hotel gem.

Lone, Rovinj’s newest hotel and the most The “host” of Lone, Rovinj, is a town of original hotel destination in the region, has unquestionable beauty and charm. Its rich history, artistic and been designed for guests who cultural heritage, and long want to be inspired and who tourism tradition makes Rovinj’s newest are not satisfied with the avthis one of Croatia’s most hotel is a place erage, but want a new and desirable and visited destiwhere an attracunique experience. With Lone, nations. The old city stands tive architectural the tourism capacities of high on a peninsula, surstructure meets Rovinj have taken on a completely new dimension. rounded by Venetian housinspiration, design es with terracotta roofs. and hedonism. The jewel of the city is the Through inspiration, our conChurch of St. Euphemia cept, content and characterfrom the 18th century, and its bell tower istics, and the photographs and story of that dominates the Rovinj skyline. Just Lone, we will show you that this is something completely different, a special place. ten minutes along the coast from the picturesque streets of the old town are the pine woods, home to Hotel Lone. Visitors from around the world spend their holidays in Rovinj due to the attractive and pleasant climate, distinctive and interesting history, hospitable hosts and the picturesque scenes of the city and its surrounding islands. Though it is most visited during the summer months, many decide to vacation in Rovinj throughout the year.



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A showcase of inspiration

Within the pages of this brochure, you will become acquainted with those who created the architecture, interior design, furnishings and artwork designed for and installed in the Lone design hotel. Through our conversations with all the artists responsible for the appearance, atmosphere and overall impression of the Lone design hotel, you will discover what stimulated them in the process of creating this unique space. With the positioning of Lone as a design hotel, it was immediately clear to both the investors and the artists involved in the project that every element of the hotel, and not just its architecture and exterior, would have to be creative and carefully conceived and implemented. Lone aims to be a showcase of Croatian creativity, a showcase for Croatia’s best architects, designers and contemporary artists of younger generations. The hotel owes its architecture to the talent and energy of the 3LHD architecture

studio. Steadfast in their intent to create 1970s. Taking their inspiration from this a uniquely designed hotel, the experts methodology, which implies collaboraat 3LHD developed an inspirational vertions with skilled artists from various sion of a design hotel, unfields and a strong dose of precedented in this region. modernism, the concept of In nurturing a collaborative With the positia contemporary hotel as a approach in all their projects, oning of Lone as complete tourism product they succeeded in realising a design hotel, was brought to life. the vision of Lone as a difit was clear that ferent type of hotel, with every segment Hotel Lone is a place of inspiration, transformed the help of product designof the hotel had into a case study for the ers from the internationally to be creatively Croatian creative scene, renowned team Numen/For conceived and Use, young conceptual artimplemented. an ambience in which the ists Ivana Franke and Silvio story is told of how creativVujičić, the cult fashion duo ity was funnelled into this I-GLE and the designers at Bruketa&Žinić showcase of Croatian contemporary architecture, design and art in an original OM, the most award-winning agency in and inspirational way. this part of Europe. Lone has become a true showcase of contemporary Croatian creative expression. One of the most important inputs the artists referred to were the design achievements of hotel architecture and the accompanying interiors created along the Adriatic coast in the


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Different from the ground up

How did the story with Lone begin? Silvije: With the invitation to tender, published by Maistra in 2006, when our design was selected. Construction began in September 2010 and the hotel was completed and opened in 2011.

3LHD 3LHD is an architectural studio focused on integrating various disciplines: architecture, cityscapes and landscapes, design and art. The backbone of 3LHD is made up of four partners: Saša Begović, Marko Dabrović, Tanja Grozdanić and Silvije Novak. Their well-known projects include the design of the Split Riva (waterfront), the Croatian pavilion for EXPO in Japan, the Zagreb Dance Centre, the Sports Centre in Bale, and the Zamet Centre and Croatian Veterans Bridge in Rijeka. The studio has won numerous domestic and international awards, and had the honour of representing Croatia at the 2011 Venice Biennale. We spoke with Tanja Grozdanić and Silvije Novak on behalf of 3LHD.

have a beautiful view, either of the blue sea or the intense green treetops. What was most important to you regarding the ambience ? Tanja: Our main desire was to ensure that the fantastic green cape of the rich forest surrounding the hotel penetrated the interiors as deeply as possible. We therefore insisted on the use of specific materials that would inspire reflection and intensify the feeling of bringing the outdoors inside.

How would you describe the architecture of Lone to someone who hasn’t seen the hotel? Silvije: The first visual impression that Lone leaves on the guest is its architecture, which is dominated by horizontal lines – the uninterrupted white Did you set yourselves a terraces, which resemble special framework for designing Lone ? the deck of a large passenOur primary desire ger ship anchored in the Silvije: It was exceptionally was to ensure that important to us to include middle of this “bay” of an the fantastic cape idyllic forest environment. other artists, designers of dense forest and external associates By diminishing its form tosurrounding the in the project. We specifiwards the higher floors, the hotel penetrated hotel completely fits into as deeply into the cally insisted on this. That its environment. The unuhotel interior as came from our own expesual layout in the form of possible rience, the way we work and our fascination with the letter Y came from the hotels from the 1970s. It urban physical parameters of the location itself, while also providing was back then that collaborations began between artists and architects, and for us a rational organisation important in the accommodation units, ensuring that they this served as a reminder of the process

and the fact that by pooling our energy together, we could create a much better product than by doing it all alone. How much of what was finally built was present in the initial design project? Did you already know then that this would be a completely different hotel? Tanja: In terms of the hotel’s shape, the original design concept had the same shape it has today, as the urban parameters of the hotel were already defined. We also knew right away that we wanted to provide a very unusual answer to the project task. Silvije: The entire theme about implementing the complete interior design and showcasing Croatian design came a little later, when we began working on the hotel and when we decided that it would be positioned as a design hotel. When did the other artists get involved in the Lone project? Tanja: Ivana and Silvio and the girls from the I-gle fashion studio became involved after the main project, the Numen team even earlier, while Bruketa & Žinić came along a little later, once the hotel was really


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taking shape . That methodology, including creative associates from outside our company in a project, is an approach that we nurture, because more creative minds mean better ideas. That’s how we four partners at 3LHD work, and that’s how our team of architects work. We like to include associates from outside the studio whenever we need a different perspective or different answer to a set task. . How did the artists Ivana Franke and Silvio Vujičić receive their projects ? Did you already have a vision of what you wanted from them? Tanja: Ivana and Silvio received specific locations in the hotel for their installations, and they were asked to examine them and propose something. For example, the moment we created the lobby we knew that something had to be happening in that space. Silvije: In our mind, Ivana Franke was the right person for that. We knew her previous work, and we knew that her sensibilities were perfect. Silvio’s task was to create “paintings” or rather, large scale graphics, on canvas in the hotel rooms. We left the patterns, themes, printing technology and

everything else up to him. We came up Silvije: It was the modern movement and with the idea of a green wall much earlier the hotels of the 1960s and 1970s that nurtured that approach, collaborating - we liked what some foreign artists had with various artists whose done, but the entire concept artworks were an integral of the hotel is based on the part, with many being crecooperation with Croatian Right at the artists, and so we decided beginning of the ated exclusively for that hoto entrust that installation to architectural tel. We wanted to revitalise Silvio Vujičić. Since he was alprocess, we knew that work concept for Lone. ready involved in the graphthat we wanAn approach that implies creating art in the context ics project for the rooms, and ted an unusual had previously worked with answer to the of its environment, directly plants, we couldn’t have project task. matching the location, and chosen anyone better. nurturing the whole, is so much more justified than What did your cooperation with Numen/ just hanging art on the walls. Our goal was ForUse look like? to create an atmosphere and ambience of Silvije: Together with their team, we came comfortable luxury where the guest would up with the interior design: rooms, resfeel the same way. A hotel is a place where taurants, bars, and then the next step was guests try to create a new and different for them to concentrate on each product. reality, different from their day-to-day life. It was very important that they be fully The creation of illusion, a type of theatre, allows for a bit of hedonism. included in the project from the very beginning, to ensure that our collaboration was successful. What were your expectations - how would the architecture “come to life”? How will Lone continue to function in How do you perceive the fact that your work approach for Lone is responsible the sense of a “different, unique and inspiring place”? for bringing the hotel “back” to real art?

Tanja: At some point in the project, the spontaneously give hotel staff the role of role of the architect ceases to be imporpromoter… we thought that this would tant, as you alone cannot guarantee that irritate them, but the opposite happened – they have identified themselves with the the structure will be filled with life, that hotel, they are involved, and it will function... There are people in the hotel that are they enjoy communicating responsible for that. It is necA hotel is a place and passing on information. essary for someone to think where guests try For us, this is an indicator about the space, to care for that a really beautiful thing to create a new the space, for the guests, to and different has happened here. greet them, direct them, acreality, different quaint them... We architects from their dayAre there any parts of Hotel cannot influence that directto-day life. Lone that surprised you? ly, but we can think things Tanja: There were situations where we knew how through, try to implement them, and then offer suggestions. In the everything would look together, but we hotel there is a person who will be responwere pleasantly surprised at how well it sible for all these things, and for the image all turned out. For example, our favourand atmosphere of the hotel - like an art ite location is the terrace of the lobby bar, which the guests also love. To be honest, director, who will continue working on the project in the direction we agreed on, and this spot was “secondary” in our project, who will help the story come to life. That we didn’t pay that much attention to it, is so important to us. We are in constant but it came together exceptionally well communication with the hotel staff; they and it is always full. were pleasantly surprised, because guests keep coming up to them to ask about the The main theme of Lone is inspiration. hotel, the materials, installations, the deWhat would you like the guests to take with them from their stay at Lone? sign... they’re interested in everything and ask. We were really excited about that. To Silvije: The positive energy and the feeling

that after staying at Hotel Lone it is possible to counter stereotypes. And that they will share their experience with friends. Tanja: That they enjoyed themselves so much that they will certainly come back again, and soon.



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Home made

Numen/For Use NUMEN/FOR USE is a Croatian/Austrian design team working in scenography, product design, interior design and contemporary art. The office was initially established as For Use, a collaboration project by Sven Jonke, Christoph Katzler and Nikola Radeljković. They have exhibited in Frankfurt, Vienna and Milan, and are winners of a series of prizes, including two Gold medals at the Prague Quadrennial, two Wallpaper magazine awards, and the Red Dot prize. Nikola Radeljković answered our questions on behalf of Numen/For Use

How did Numen/For Use join the story of Hotel Lone? Nikola: We were invited to join the project by 3LHD at the very beginning of the interior design process, in 2006. We had previously cooperated on designing the Split Waterfront (Riva), and we enjoyed working together. Continuing with Hotel Lone was, in a way, a logical step forward . How easy or difficult was it for you to understand 3LHD’s concepts and definition of the space? Nikola: Since we got involved early on, we were able to influence many important decisions, and so had no problems fitting in. We also share affinities and philosophies, and think alike on many issues. Were you involved in the design of the hotel interiors, and to what extent? Nikola: We worked on the interior design concept together with 3LHD; later on we were more involved in the design of the rooms, apartments and furniture, while Studio 3LHD developed the public areas. You could say that the development of the interiors was a joint effort, so it is very

the writing desks and beds in the rooms and suites which form an organic whole together with the wall panels. Some of the products were adapted for the hotel, In what way will your products and some “grew” out of the hotel. In any case, the spaces you helped to create inspire guests, as the hotel concept aims to do? it is important that a piece functions well Nikola: Our inspiration springs from the in relation with other pieces, and with the environment the hotel is situated in, architecture. For that reason, we didn’t which we used as a foundation for all the insist on the production of all-new pieces, spatial and artistic intervenbut also used the furnishtions. I hope that the conings of other designers that text and design will have The context and fit into the context, instead a synergistic effect on the design of the hotel of just implementing our guests, and that they will should have a own products. find beauty and sense in the synergistic effect relationships between naon the hotel gueWhat role did trust play in ture, the city and the hotel. sts, allowing them this project, considering to find beauty and that several of your prodTo what extent did the sense in the relaucts experienced their furnishings in Lone already tionship between premiere in Lone? exist as manufactured denature, city and Nikola: In any innovative signs, and how much of the hotel. project, trust is immensely it was developed just for important, because everyLone? one is embarking into the Nikola: About half the pieces already exunknown. I think that a lack of trust beisted, while the remaining pieces were tween partners blocks progress. We did designed and produced just for Hotel our best to make each piece to the highLone. This is particularly the case with est possible quality, even though the prodifficult to tell who is to credit (or blame) for this or that detail.


duction deadlines were very short. Trust You’ve also done much work in stage also implies the opportunity to make design throughout your career. In the subsequent corrections, case of Hotel Lone, was until we were convinced this valuable input, conthat the end result would sidering that the hotel It was most could be experienced as be optimal. important to us that our design a type of constant set in Which piece are you happieces function which the guests play the starring role? piest to see as part of the well in relation interior of Croatia’s only with other pieces, Nikola: Our stage design design hotel? and with the arexperience certainly helped Nikola: I think that the Transchitecture. us to set up the interior form chairs that are distribsituations in a more subtle uted throughout the public way than the typical spatial thinking. That aspect is best seen in the areas of the hotel only fully achieved their night club, where an entire space was true purpose in Hotel Lone. Even though created from a stage curtain. it is a product that is primarily intended for private customers, it proved to have a great ability for combining and creating What do you think will be the most permanent memory that the guests take large functional compositions which, in home from Lone? addition to being flexible, also look fantastic in this organic architecture. Nikola: Unpretentious comfort and harmony.



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Woven surfaces

I-gle I-GLE is a fashion studio that arose through the joint initiative and teaming up of two fashion designers, Martina Vrdoljak Ranilović and Nataša Mihaljčišin. Their fashion thinking is characterised by an independent and well-conceived answer to the fundamental necessities and requirements of all aspects of the fashion phenomenon. Their award-winning work has been presented at a number of important fashion events in Croatia and abroad. Nataša Mihaljčišin spoke with us on behalf of the I-GLE studio

What did I-gle create for Lone? er tasks, in combining architecture and Nataša: Our task in the Hotel Lone project what we do, have existed for a long time. included three components of cooperation. The first was to provide expert conWere there many suggestions from sultation and to conceive the manner in 3LHD, or did they allow you to create which the window dressindependently? ings and all other textiles Nataša: We actively particin the hotel would be Working together ipated in the project from fabricated, to participate with a series of 2007 / 2008, and were part in the selection of tableCroatian artof the task since it started cloths, sheets, napkins and ists from various to develop and evolve, and other textile elements, and fields of expertise in constant contact with the artists. The team at to serve as consultants to was the most atthe architects in working tractive part of 3LHD insisted that the idewith the other artists inas had to be joint ideas that the Lone project volved in the project. We would be developed, circualso created three large lated, adapted and then released. They were interested in what we decorative compositions, one of which were doing - they had some suggestions, stands next to the reception desk, and but for the most part, we were in total the other two near the restaurant in the hotel lobby. Our final task was to design control of our creations the staff uniforms . Can you briefly describe your spatial How did you begin to work with 3LHD? installations? Nataša: The installation Composition Nataša: We have known the 3LHD team for a number of years. Some agreements No 1 behind Lone’s reception desk is an to cooperate and work together on othabstract depiction of wind and waves,

simulating the dynamics of natural phenomena that we consider to be a characteristic association of the marine experience. This is an installation that is somewhat flexible and leaves open the possibility for visual changeability, under the influence of weather conditions or by manual intervention. Composition No 2 near the congress halls is an organic shape achieved by intertwining of dark fishing nets, evoking the liveliness of vegetation. The light penetrating into the net-like structure gives the composition a feeling of lightness. Composition No 3, which is found on the same floor next to the restaurant, is made up of interwoven rounded shapes that gradually transform into an uninterrupted plane, which then meets up with the curtain that defines the restaurant area. What is the concept behind the uniforms? Nataša: We saw it as an extension of the hotel image and all the design work that preceded this task. A special emphasis was on the characteristics of the people


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who represent certain positions in the structural context of the hotel. These are uniforms that do not repeat the stereotype of hotel uniforms, but instead give each staff member a pleasant visual identity that is connected to the overall appearance of the hotel. Since the hotel has its purpose and story, it was very important to also decide on how the clothes would be worn.

time in which it was built, to satisfy both the important functional parameters and aesthetic component. We wanted them to be contemporary, as a reflection of our time, without being a burden for those having to wear them. It was necessary to bring all these things together, and though it may sound difficult, this project was exceptionally easy and a lot of fun.

What is the difference between designing clothing that is supposed to express individuality, as opposed to this case, where uniformity is emphasised? Nataša: They are quite different ways of designing. But our designs always have to have an aspect of functionality, regardless of whether it is fashion or uniforms, so the rules are the same.

Were there limiting factors in your work, and did you have enough space for creativity? Nataša: I think what makes this type of work attractive is the very thing design demands: simultaneous freedom and limitations. That was the challenge for us.

What inspired you most? Nataša: The relaxed feel of the entire hotel. We wanted to completely avoid strictness, and replace it with moments of pleasure. We designed the uniforms within the context of the hotel and the

Do you think that the hotel design can feel stage-like in places ? Nataša: We didn’t experience it that way. For us the hotel is very lively. The feeling of liveliness when the hotel opened was impressive. Like a being that immediately began to live, it became independent right away.

How do you feel about being part of the creation of Croatia’s first design hotel, as a showcase of Croatian creativity? Nataša: We are very happy to have participated in this project, particularly because of the mix of artists from different fields. Combining the creativity of artists from different specialties, for the benefit and future of design, culture, products and art, is an excellent concept and it is essential that there be many more similar projects. Furthermore, it is an unforgettable feeling to complete such a project, and the final product is truly phenomenal.



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Art in house

Ivana Franke ...is an internationally renowned artist. In her work , she explores relations and materials by examining the experience of spatial dimensions and human perception. The majority of her work has been created in the space in which it stands, or adapted for that space. She represented Croatia at the 52nd Biennial in Venice (2007) and at the 9th Biennial of Architecture in Venice (2004). She has exhibited her work in Venice, Stockholm, Berlin, Reykjavik, Bolzano, Zagreb… We spoke with Ivana Franke

Your installation is situated in the What inspired you to make “Room for most central space of the hotel, the running ghosts”? Was it the architecture, atrium. It was assumed that the atrienvironment, sensations , materials? um would leave a strong impression Ivana: The architecture, environment and on every guest and on some of your sensations (whatever you mean by that) colleagues, who claim it is the most were certainly part of the context that important space in Lone. How did this defined the subjective experience of the affect the creative process? space I was working with. The hotel arIvana: With the central space, 3LHD chitecture, which connects the exterior created an exceptionally dynamic inand interior spaces, inspired me to try terior, with connectivity and a fluid to intensify the subjective experience in which the spaces are melding of the space. The expanded and multiplied installation is certainly within one another. I was the accent in this flow of The name of the also interested in activatspace. Its location is the installation “Room ing the monumental central focal point and, in a way, for running space in a way that would it makes it visible. When ghosts” creates working on the installatake over the definition of additional space tion, I focused more on the space from the walls for the guest’s its integration into the into the space itself, by eximagination. pressing its magnitude with space than the actual visits own presence. To see ibility of the installation as distance in the air, not just by looking at an object. Though its volume is masthe walls. The construction of the instalsive, its nature is fragile, and I wouldn’t say that it aggressively dominates the lation itself (a tensegrity structure) can be space. In a way, it allows the space to compared with the structuring of general pass through it. spatial and social relations – there are no

firm bonds and solid elements are part of a network that is under pressure . Can the spatial installation turn the central part of the hotel, an area which is noisy and rushed, into a zone of meditation, drawing the viewer to another place? Ivana: Attracting the viewer to another place is an interesting idea. How did the name of the installation arise? Ivana: With the name, I wanted to stress that the installation could be viewed as a space of action which has an invisible function. The title also leaves room for the guest’s imagination. A large number of your pieces to date are interactive and, at least in the physical sense, demand that the observer passes through them or touches them. This piece is something that can only be experienced visually. Ivana: This installation also includes the body, or movement of the observer. As


he moves and views the installation from different positions within the hotel, different visual structures appear, making the space dynamic and introducing an additional temporal dimension. You often work with architects. Would you say that space and architecture are an essential part of your expression? Ivana: In my work, I have dealt with many issues that also deal with architecture, such as experiencing space, passing through space, and the way in which a structured environment influences our experience of space and how it forms social space. Collaborating with architects is exceptionally inspiring to me, even though ours are completely differ-

ent approaches to space – the architect plans for people, while I am more interested in the openness of the subjective experience. What would you like to be the strongest sensation the hotel guest experiences when looking at your installation? Ivana: Perhaps that it supports our feeling of who we are, in relation to ourselves and others.



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Rooted art

How did the installation “In the hanging garden no one speaks” come to be? Is your bio-machine your personal answer to the context you found there? Silvio: The piece “In the hanging garden no one speaks” began to develop two years before the construction of the hotel started, and it went through numerous transformations. The starting point for the installation was my piece “Under the daisies” from 2005, when I used plants as a medium.

Silvio Vujičić ...is a contemporary artist whose work predominantly implies interventions on and to fabric (textile and other), its transformation ultimately leading to its destruction. The artist feels that his favourite material is paper due to its rapid process of disintegration, however he also uses other materials in his work, such as pins, unwoven cloth, crystals and plants.

How would you explain your spatial installation to someone who hasn’t seen it? Silvio: The installation is 730 x 480 x 150 cm in size, and it is made up of metal, oak wood, earth, water, felt, lighting, 14 Asplenium nidus fern plants and 146 Adiantum raddianum fern plants. In height, the piece stretches over two hotel floors and contains elements such as smell, sound and moisture. There are several different positions from which it can be viewed. Only one position though evokes the feeling of fear, which is also the theme.

Silvio Vujičić spoke with us and answered our questions.

How much freedom did you have in positioning “In the hanging garden...” in the

hotel? Was the location predefined? Silvio: The location was proposed but it was not completely defined. The piece could have taken on various forms, there were no limitations.

ing textiles for years and have been researching textile technology, I decided to use this opportunity to create art as a platform for a type of scientific research. I visited medieval Istrian chapels and reconstructed a number of the patterns from Your installation is the only “living” arthe clothing of the saints depicted on the tistic addition to the hotel interior and chapel frescos. By reconstructing these patdemands constant care. Has it been left terns, I created the concept of the pieces in good hands? themselves. I am personally Silvio: I know many people pleased when a scientific component is successfully who think that are alive, but The piece “In the integrated into artwork, rethey are not. Like them, the hanging garden…” gardless of the fact that it majority of works of art need began to develop may remain hidden or unto be maintained, meaning two years ago, someone has to dust the before the hotel recognised by the observer. paintings, sculptures, installawas actually tions, and then ensure the air constructed, and How much of a challenge humidity is appropriate and it went through and/or a novelty was it for the art is not overexposed to multiple tranyou to present art in this light or heat. sformations. form in a space where people do not come exclusively The graphics that you defor the art? signed and developed in the rooms are Silvio: It is always a challenge to work on projects like this one. The result is a type completely different from the “art” we are accustomed to seeing in these kinds of symbiosis, where the artwork is creof locations, especially along the Adriatic ated, in part, as a reaction to the environment, and ultimately becomes a part of coast. Where did the idea come from? the architecture. Silvio: Considering that I have been study-



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How do you say Lone?

Bruketa&Žinić OM ...is one of the most award-winning advertising agencies in Southeast Europe, winning more than 350 international and domestic awards. The agency was founded by Davor Bruketa and Nikola Žinić in 1995, and today the team behind its projects and success consists of some 50 creative minds and market communication experts. The agency deals with strategic planning and design, as well as online and offline consumer communication for clients in many different markets. Davor Bruketa and Nikola Žinić answered our questions on behalf of the agency.

What did working on Lone mean to you? Davor: We were exceptionally pleased to get the opportunity to shape Lone’s visual identity, due to its role as a showcase of the local creative industry. There have been few such projects in Croatia since the 1970s, and we were honoured to be a part of it. Throughout the project it was important for us to work with the other creative teams , and to try to achieve a synergistic effect. Was there a certain feeling that you wanted to convey to guests? Davor: Absolutely. Lone is an inspiring hotel , and that is why people come to this place. That was the message that our team, headed up by Nebojša Cvetković, who is responsible for all the illustrations, wanted to convey to guests. By staying at this hotel, guests are drawn towards creativity. The entire architecture, the artwork within the hotel, including the graphic design, and the hotel programmes that are yet to come, stimulate you to be creative. They are incredibly inspiring.

ast and inland should be taking to attract Have you had any feedback from the their public. Guests will visit Lone because first guests? of the architecture combined with gastroDavor: People play with the materials, they nomy, the location... Opinionfind them interesting, they even take them home. We makers will also come here, wanted every menu, broOur products as they know how to spend chure – every graphic piece, become mementos wisely, eat well. This is a very to become something that discerning guest profile. intended to be the guest takes home. taken away from Nikola: Like hotel soap! (lathe location, as a How did the investor react ughs) We think it is brilliant type of souvenir, to the concept of stepping that our designs are becowhich gives the away from the usual seriming mementos intended ousness of hotel design? guest emotional Were you given complete to be taken away, like souvevalue. nirs. Conceptually the taking freedom? away of mementos from the Davor: We had absolute freedom. From the very beginning, it was clelocation is interesting, as it gives the guest emotional value. ar that the investor wanted to create an atypical hotel, which would offer products created by the local creative industry. The Are there people who will come to the investor was absolutely right, in that this is hotel just because of its appearance? Nikola: We hope so. In a way, that is the exactly what the ‘new’ tourist wants today. essence of what we should be doing in To see a new world, new places, and to shy away from the usual, synthetic solutions. Croatian tourism. To create scenarios where there are tourism and designer treats, like this one. I am certain that this is the The visual identity is dominated by the direction that some locations along the cocolour white, with black sketches and


distinctive reds. Why did you choose this colour scheme? Davor: The entire policy of the interior was to use basic materials and colours. Red and black are to graphic design what oak is to product design. We wanted to give the hotel contents, which follow the powerful energy of the space, a strong stamp, to add an accent of colour in the form of red. Nikola: The interior designers and architects chose simple, elementary colours and tones. Our materials needed to provide information in that environment, and so with red, they become more visible. What is the most permanent memory guests will take with them when they leave Lone? Davor: Absolute inspiration. But this is only the beginning of filling the hotel with creative content. The architecture, artwork and graphic materials are already here. A shop will be opened offering creative pie-

ces from Southeast Europe, and an occasional music and art programme will also be implemented, as a continuation of the creative plan offered by Lone . So the continued development of the hotel’s creative programme has already been agreed ? Nikola: Absolutely. That is the only way that Lone can come to life as a brand, because it is not sufficient just to be a skeleton. What is key is to continue filling it with content. Lone is the only hotel on this side of the Adriatic to have its own creative director, whose only goal will be a satisfied and inspired guest. It is important that inspiration does not end with the hardware, but that the software too is inspirational.



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Nest

Hotel Lone offers 236 spacious, highly equipped rooms and 12 beautifully designed, sophisticated suites. Hotel Lone is situated near the sea and features six floors, designed to ensure that each guest room has a view of either the sea or the rich crowns of the surrounding pine forest of the Golden Cape. The room interiors incorporate the fundamental aesthetics of the hotel values, in which the simplicity of lines and functionality of content blend in with the beauty of the surrounding environment. This effect was achieved through an imaginative game of mirrors, glass walls and open areas leading to private terraces. Sixteen of the guest rooms feature their own private Jacuzzi, located on the room’s terrace. Various room categories are available, including rooms with king size beds, twin beds, and adjoining rooms for families. Hotel Lone offers 202 Superior rooms with an area of 33 m2, 18 Grand rooms with an area of 37 m2 and 16 Jazz rooms,

also with an area of 37 m2. The 12 hodesigned especially for Lone. The rooms’ tel suites include four Bay suites, each light installations differ in material with an area of 72 m2, three Gallery based on their position. During the day, suites, each with an area of 57 m2 and they blend into the background, thus one presidential apartment, dematerialising their own the Lone suite, with an area volume, but when lit, their of 129 m2, making this the Hotel Lone offers translucent shades contribute to the warm and largest and most luxurious accommodation suite in Rovinj. in 236 highly equipleasant room atmosphere.

pped rooms and 12 The romms’ interior design spacious suites. consists of wood, stone and fabric panels in natural muted tones, which are complemented by the black and white contrast of the walls and wallpaper décor. The furnishings were developed exclusively for Hotel Lone by the studio Numen/For Use. In order to achieve instant recognition Numen/For Use’s most recognisable furnishing object, the Satyr chair, was selected as a characteristic object with a strong identity. The piece is found in all the rooms, though in varying fabrics, depending on its location. Another highlight of the rooms are the lamps, also



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Food for thought

As you would expect from a hotel that has placed pleasure and hedonism at the forefront, the culinary, wine and entertainment experience offered at Lone will delight you. Lone has three restaurants to choose from, L, ON and E, two bars, a Vitality bar and night club. The à la carte restaurant L is situated in an attractive space that opens up towards the meadow surrounding the hotel pool. The menu is based on traditional Croatian cuisine, adapted to meet the desires of the modern gastronomy nomad who expects flexibility and diversity on the menu. L offers a wide selection of delicacies prepared in a contemporary manner, using only the freshest ingredients from Istria and Croatia. The wine list offers more than 200 Croatian and international wines and champagnes, and our expert sommeliers will advise you on the proper pairings of wine and food. The atmosphere of restaurant ON is defined by the aesthetics of form flowing through the entire hotel. Through a combination of show cooking, classic service and a generous buffet, ON serves

a lavish hotel breakfast with a selection of freshly prepared delicacies and beverages. The buffet dinner includes a wide range of Mediterranean and central European specialities.

The Conference bar is situated right next to the main conference hall and is the perfect place for a break and relaxed socialising. The bar’s menu can be fully adapted to meet client needs.

The Sea Food Bar E is situated in the sixThe Vitality bar is found within the Wellstory atrium of Lone. This is the perfect ness Centre, and its menu is adapted to the specific requirements of spa guests. place for a light lunch or a gourmet seafood snack. E’s menu is based on the highThe menu offers refreshing beverages, energy drinks and freshly est quality fish and seafood, which is prepared by using squeezed juices. healthy ingredients and As you would combining different cuisines expect from a The highly equipped mulof the Mediterranean region. hotel that has tifunctional club area of the Lone Night Club is inChoose from the premium placed pleasure Mediterranean carpacand hedonism at tended as a venue for jazz cio and a wide selection of the forefront, the concerts, entertainment delicacies such as scampi, culinary, wine and programmes or private parties. The club includes a bar lobster and more. entertainment serving a wide selection of experience offered at Lone will drinks and cocktails, and a The Lobby Bar is also located in the atrium. The menu delight you. menu of small bites such includes a selection of cold as salads, tapas and sweet treats. and hot beverages, spirits and sparkling wines, and freshly prepared small bites such as tapas, canapés and Getting hungry? Come to Lone, where our mignons. You can also enjoy our selection culinary delights await you. Bon appétit! of fresh cakes made on site.



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No strings attached

The unique ambience of the Lone Wellness & Spa is a haven for relaxation and rest, in combination with the latest cosmetic advances and high-tech treatments. Studio 92 was entrusted with designing and creating the Wellness and Spa programme at Lone. The design studio has worked with Maistra for many years, having created the Wellness Island on Red Island and the Wellness centre at Monte Mulini. The designers believe that wellness should impress the guest with its simplicity and strong visual impression. Mainly natural materials, such as stone, wood, and linen, were used in the Spa and Wellness area, occasionally combined with contemporary constituents, such as glass and barisol stretch materials. The wellness area is dominated by a bichromatic theme - the textures of the mainly black & white space differ depending on where they are used. The only colour can be found in the RGB lighting covering the 30-metre long wall of the hallway, and in the ceiling of the treatment rooms.

A particularly important aspect of the wellness area is the creation of an ambience through light, which affects the mood of visitors. Natural light dominates, dispersing through the large glass walls; in darker areas the same effect has been achieved through the use of RBG lighting. In the treatment rooms, depending on the selected colour tone, the ceiling lighting creates various atmospheres of light reflection to suit different treatment types. Lone’s 1700m2 Wellness & Spa also offers revitalising saunas and submerged rooms. The sauna zone is completely black (ceilings, walls, floors), with light only emanating from within the saunas themselves.The saunas’ temperature is emphasised through warm red tones. The submerged rooms represent a unique product in this region, and are conceived as areas for introspective relaxation. The rooms are filled with water

and are dominated by black to create an intimate atmosphere. The inspiration for the rooms was drawn from the ritual baths of the Jewish culture, Mikveh, which were used for ritual cleansing. Yet another novelty on the market offered by the Lone Wellness & Spa programme are the chromotherapy beds in the massage rooms, where various treatments are carried out while a spectrum of changing colours passes through a glass panel to stimulate skin cells and influence the guest’s mood, depending on which colours are used. The overall effect of floating on a lit-up glass panel is emphasised by the lighting in the ceiling panels, giving an almost surreal feeling of floating in light.



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Dancing about architecture

In order to ensure that the overall impression of Lone’s concept does not end with the visual, tactile and culinary experiences, it was essential to also consider the auditory segment. Both Elvis Costello and Frank Zappa are thought to have coined the phrase “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture”. This phrase takes on a completely different meaning at Lone however. We dance to rhythm, and if rhythm is defined as the alternation between full and empty, then the architecture of Lone is an ideal example of architecture you really can dance to. The task of filling this architecture with the “right” rhythm, the musical settings that follow you through virtually every corner of Hotel Lone’s public areas, was entrusted to well known Zagreb DJ, Zvonimir Dusper Dus. Dusper Dus uses specialised software that programmes the selection of the most appropriate songs for each part of the day, picked from a personal playlist of about ten thousand songs . This means that the music is always changing, while following the

given concept, and the system is constantly it much warmer and more soulful. This being supplemented and redefined, in line channel plays songs from the 1960s and with the seasons. The feel of the music is those from today, but what they all have also adapted to the ambiin common is that they sound like they could be ence of the time of day and played live on stage. Styatmosphere of the location We dance to rhytfor which it is planned. hm, and if rhythm listically, this means a light can be defined as and commercial jazz, with bossa nova, salsa, soul and the alternation Following his initial impression after visiting the hotel, between full and the like, mostly a warm, and having observed the empty, then the ardancy genre. day and night patterns of chitecture of Lone circulation, and the profile is indeed the ideal In addition to the effect of of the typical Hotel Lone example of a space achieving the appropriate guest, Dusper developed overflowing with musical stages, Zvonomir two musical programmes rhythm, architecDusper Dus proposed that for the hotel. ture you really can the hotel management make it possible to listen dance to. The musical selection for to the hotel music from the hotel’s public areas, anywhere in the world via playing in the lobby and hallways, is the internet. The intent of Lone’s musithe Hotel Lone channel, a sophisticated cal identity was that guests, after leavmusic production featuring a synergy ing the hotel, could look through their photographs of Lone, think back and of electronic and acoustic sounds, in the remember their stay, while also listenconcept of “tradition meets futurism”. The music for Channel L, which plays ing to the music played at the hotel . This in the L restaurant, is somewhat differwould have a special emotional effect , an ent, and is primarily played live, without instantaneous teleport, which cannot be achieved without music. electronic and “hard” sounds, making



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Good business in Rovinj

Hotel Lone represents the newest centre of Maistra’s conference capacities. Together with its adjacent sister hotel, it is possible to host large congresses and events for over 3000 participants. Hotel Lone’s main congress hall, with a capacity of 650 seats, is an exceptionally attractive multi-functional space suitable for a wide variety of events, from conferences and congresses to lectures, receptions, banquets, weddings, promotions and other events. Depending on the client’s wishes, a broad gourmet menu from the hotel’s kitchen can be served during events. Lone’s main congress hall can be divided into three smaller halls, each with a capacity of 160 seats. There is also a smaller congress hall with a capacity of 100 seats, making this venue ideal for smaller gatherings, workshops or lectures. The congress capacities of Hotel Lone also include three smaller rooms, which are ideal for individually adapted meetings. Lone also offers a series of complementary services. The menus of all seven bars and

restaurants bring together local, Mediin the vicinity of the Adris Exhibition & terranean and international cuisine. A Convention centre, in the city centre, variety of leisure prograhoused in the former tommes and events can be bacco factory. With the organised for conference Lone represents impressive number of participants, as well as a the newest centre guests it can receive and wide range of sport actiin Maistra’s confethe varying sizes of its vities and the possibility rence complex, and halls, offices and rooms, of organising excursion in together with its this facility perfectly cooperation with specialicomplements Maistra’s sister hotels offers sed partner agencies. a venue for events congress capacities.

for more than 3000 Hotel Lone, together with participants. The geographical position of Rovinj, as one the nearby hotels Monof the Mediterranean te Mulini, Eden and Park, congress destinations is an integral part of the Monte Mulini congress centre, the cenclosest to Central and Western Europe, tral part of Maistra’s MICE programme, is a key competitive advantage of the and the best equipped congress centre Monte Mulini congress centres. Excellent in the region. It includes 30 halls with road connections and the proximity to an overall capacity of more than 3000 five international airports make Rovinj participants. The wide range of polyvaeasily accessible. lent halls of varying size, in combination with the best equipment, ensures the flawless organisation of even the most demanding conference. The hotel is also



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Instead of farewell

Through this booklet, we wanted to give you some insight into the concept and content of Hotel Lone, and the thoughts and inspirations of the artists responsible for its creation. You are now acquainted with Lone, the first project in Croatia and this part of Europe to represent a design hotel, which has set completely new standards in designing and creating the identity of a hotel and its content. You have met the hotel architects from the 3LHD studio, who from the very beginning were persistent in their intent to create a hotel that would be original and different, both in conceptual and aesthetic criteria, and would reflect the talents of Croatian professionals. You have also met the entire spectrum of associates, the designers from the internationally successful team of Numen/For Use, young conceptual artists Ivana Franke and Silvio Vujičić, the Croatian fashion scene’s cult duo from studio I-GLE and the designers from

Bruketa&Žinić OM, the most awardwinning agency in this part of Europe. Within 3LHD’s authentic and impressive architecture, they all contributed to the interior design, furnishings, and art installations, and conceived the textiles, uniforms and accompanying visual identity of the hotel. All these artists deserve credit for making this hotel a reality, and for the unique expression that has been transformed into the form, attitude and function of Lone. Most importantly, they are responsible for creating a showcase of the creative energy of the Croatian art scene. The artists of Lone have succeeded in their common goal - to ensure that virtually everything in the hotel is autochthonous, different and original, and that it represents the absolute best of what Croatian architecture, design and art have to offer. In the future, Lone is sure to change the perceptions of creating and profiling completely different tourism capacities,

as a hotel with a story, an attitude and a signature. Our future starts now, offering originality, authenticity and a design that is ahead of its time. With so much creativity woven into the development process, it is certain that the programmes and events at Lone and its surroundings will faithfully follow the same rhythm, positioning Lone as a destination with a distinctive form and content, and offering guests a wealth of inspiration. As emphasised by the artists working on the project, it is precisely this impression—the reaction and inspiration of guests that does not cease, even after leaving the hotel—that is the most important feedback. Lone offers guests a new dimension of vacation and pleasure, with an emphasis on inspiration and creativity. If you are looking to spend your vacation in a place where you can feel inspired, and want to experience originality, modernism and creativity beyond the norm, then Lone is the hotel for you.



Hotel Lone Luje Adamovića 31 HR–52210 Rovinj Croatia Tel: +385 (0)52 632 000 Fax: +385 (0)52 632 001 lone@maistra.hr www.lonehotel.com

Maistra d.d. Tel: +385 (0)52 800 250 Fax: +385 (0)52 800 215 info@maistra.hr www.maistra.hr

Maistra d.d. is a member of Adris grupa



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