4 minute read
LTW Designworks - Grand Hyatt Hefei, China
GARDEN OF EDEN
LTW SPINS A TALE OF A BYGONE FOLKLORE AT GRAND HYATT HEFEI.
Designing yet another Grand Hyatt, this mark’s LTW’s 5th Grand Hyatt. Grand Hyatt Hefei is the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Anhui Province and the firm is commissioned to design the hotel’s public areas, restaurants, ballroom and meeting facilities, spa and wellness center, and all 347 guestrooms and suites.
The arrival lobby design starts the tale about a fisherman who found an oasis hidden inside a cave.
LTW Designworks
Strategically located within the fast developing central business district of Hefei Zhengwu District, the hotel sits atop a 55-story skyscraper and is designed to welcome guests with theatrical skyline views of the city. Inspired by the vision evoked by the romantic tale penned by Tao Yuanming, a Taoist philosopher, the hotel recreates an enchanting journey for guests – weaving an intriguing tale of time and place, beautifully bridging past, present and fantasy.
Laser engraved bronze panels reveal the custom artwork of peach blossoms.
LTW Designworks
The fisherman’s boat was created using thousands of individual wooden pieces.
LTW Designworks
The tale of the story begins with a fisherman drifting downstream along a river with reeded marshland on one side and sheer cliff face with dense vegetation on the other, changing upon a cave through the cliff face. On entering the cave, he discovered a paradise with blossoming peach blossoms and the villagers were peaceful, joyous and content with their lives. He stayed for a period of time but later yearned for his family and decided to bring them over. However when he tried to return to this “Shangri-la”, he was unable to find the cave entrance again. The depiction of the story is envisioned the moment guests enters the hotel. Arriving the courtyard, guests are greeted with a 2-story metal wall of cascading peach blossom motifs in rustic steel finish. Up in front a streaming path with curved ivory panels simulating the scenes of a flowing river and wood sculptures against the wavy cogon grass textured wall on the right while the left features a laser-cut metals panels in various shades of finish simulating the dense vegetation with a cave-like opening to the lift lobby ascending guests to arrive on L40 the Sky Lobby, Shangri-La.
The hotel’s “cave” entrance along a white ceramic wall inspired by Hui Pai architecture.
LTW Designworks
Flowing walls have bas relief reeds and organic wooden husks that mimic the riverbanks.
LTW Designworks
A view of the central lobby bar.
LTW Designworks
Arriving at the 40th floor, the hotel’s Sky Lobby overlooks the city below and features a “drifting fisherman’s boat” as its central installation. Individual reception stands allow easy check-in while the central block fireplace adds warmth and energy.
The Lounge, Hefei’s latest fashionable destination, exudes a relaxed sophistication with its tanned leather banquettes and chestnut brown parquet flooring. The design of the interior is derived from the famous Hui Pai (style) architecture of Anhui province, where Hefei is located. The influence of Hui Pai’s architecture is distinct with white ceramic tiles surrounding the sleek open bar to make the space more intimate, upscale and timeless. A truly mixed-use space, The Lounge comprises multiple functions including a library, living rooms, meeting rooms, lounge space and a bar.
The stunning feature wall at the hotel’s sky lobby and reception area.
LTW Designworks
A multi-zoned lounge with bar, boardroom, living room and live band stage.
LTW Designworks
At Jun’s House, a contemporary Chinese restaurant located on the 41st floor provides guests with authentic local delicacies from Anhui. Abstract façade painting of the Hui Pai architecture is visible throughout the restaurant while colors of the restaurants are kept modern – apricot colored walls and sage green furnishings.
A “miraged” effect is used on the feature wall to allude to Hui Pai buildings and rooftops.
LTW Designworks
A la carte dining with views into the action kitchen.
LTW Designworks
Apricot walls and light green banquettes evoke a traditional yet timeless feel.
LTW Designworks
Split bedded twin rooms have become a Hyatt standard.
LTW Designworks
The design language of the guestroom and suites follows the color palette of the Hui Pai architecture. LTW utilized carrying shades of cool grey and light walnut to create a refined luxury environment for guests to respite. The design layout of the twin rooms is intended to provide separate spaces for two individuals, with beds against upholstered L-shaped corners and separate washing and dressing areas on each side. A communal work table sits on the window side to allow use for two guests or combination of work and in-room dining.
Predominant use of grey and white accented with dark timber denotes the understated approach while the clever use of light colors and clean lines impart an eloquent air of intimacy and chic Chinese finesse.
Warm hues and built-in timber panels give a relaxed yet timeless feel for the guestrooms.
LTW Designworks
