SUSTAINABILITY WITH ATTITUDE

A GREEN HAVEN IN AMSTERDAM DESIGNED THAT REDEFINES LUXURY THROUGH INNOVATIVE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND THOUGHTFUL INTEGRATION OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND MATERIALITY.

Embodying a new approach to sustainability in the hotel industry, the QO Hotel on the senic bans of the Amstel in Amsterdam has a ‘circular design’ concept that ensures unused resources are either recycled or re-used within the building. Architectural firms Mulderblauw and Paul de Ruiter led the design of the high rise new-built hotel, incorporating its own basement energy generator, a rooftop greenhouse and an intelligent façade responsive to the environmental conditions. Conran and Partners was responsible for the guestroom floors and corridors with Amsterdam-based Practice Tank looking after the public areas.

Operated originally by IHG, the QO Hotel has garnered acclaim for its innovative sustainable features, earning recognition in the Hospitality Interior category of the 2018 Dezeen Awards and the same years AHEAD Awards for New Built Hotel.

From the communal spaces to the guest rooms, the design ethos revolves around the concept of circularity, emphasising longevity and minimal environmental impact. For instance, the rooftop greenhouse and fish farm supply fresh ingredients for the hotel’s kitchens, while stone paper packaging and filtered drinking water taps reduce single-use waste.

The hotel’s commitment to sustainability extends to its energy-efficient systems, including geothermal heating and a greywater recycling system. Additionally, the building’s facade features automatic insulating shutters controlled by guests to regulate room temperature, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

Conran and Partners’ approach to designing the guest rooms of the hotel is guided by a commitment to simplicity and functionality. The room layouts are tight but functional, with open bathrooms and unusual layouts for the various room types to make best use of the space. The rooms share a meticulously curated timeless colour palette drawn from the natural world yet feels very contemporary and unique. The same principles extend to the corridors, which have their own distinct character while facilitating seamless wayfinding for guests.

Despite its simple and industrial material palette, the rooms have a warm and inviting ambience Conran and Partners’ design narrative revolves around the notion of contemporary luxury, the honest use of materials and a focus on enduring quality. Exposed concrete ceilings and dark brick bathrooms set the tone, picking up on the beautifully made building structure and the key Dutch construction material made locally.

Materials were locally sourced using brick from the Netherlands, limestone for bathroom vanities from Belgium, and European oak flooring and joinery. Even the smallest details, such as brass fittings in the bathrooms, have been selected with environmental consciousness in mind.

The interior finishes are complemented by bespoke furnishings crafted from brass, oak, and leather, evoking a sense of understated luxury and comfort.

CONRAN AND PARTNERS’ APPROACH TO DESIGNING THE GUEST ROOMS OF THE HOTEL IS GUIDED BY A COMMITMENT TO SIMPLICITY AND FUNCTIONALITY. THE ROOM LAYOUTS ARE TIGHT BUT FUNCTIONAL, WITH OPEN BATHROOMS AND UNUSUAL LAYOUTS FOR THE VARIOUS ROOM TYPES TO MAKE BEST USE OF THE SPACE. THE ROOMS SHARE A METICULOUSLY CURATED TIMELESS COLOUR PALETTE DRAWN FROM THE NATURAL WORLD YET FEELS VERY CONTEMPORARY AND UNIQUE.

MATERIALS WERE LOCALLY SOURCED USING BRICK FROM THE NETHERLANDS, LIMESTONE FOR BATHROOM VANITIES FROM BELGIUM, AND EUROPEAN OAK FLOORING AND JOINERY. EVEN THE SMALLEST DETAILS, SUCH AS BRASS FITTINGS IN THE BATHROOMS, HAVE BEEN SELECTED WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN MIND.

The commitment to sustainability extends beyond the guest room materials to encompass the guest room corridors, where the bespoke carpets were made from recycled fishing nets, with more exposed concrete elements highlighting the building’s construction, adding a layer of authenticity to the space.

Whether it’s framing captivating city views or creating a cosy retreat, Conran and Partners’ design ethos remains rooted in simplicity and functionality, offering a refreshing perspective on a modern version of living. The typical rooms have a series of different set ups along the window elevation – either a slender full width bench that allows views out, a bench and desk combination that elegantly folds up to the relevant heights or two free-standing armchairs with a generous table. The idea was to give a different functionality to different guest types, from business travellers to visitors.

The luxury of QO lies in the quality of the experience rather than the extravagance of materials. By prioritising sustainability, functionality, and enduring design, Conran and Partners strove to create spaces that not only inspire but also endure, leaving a lasting impression on the guests and the environment alike. The spaces are calm and welcoming – and instead of feeling monastic in their simplicity have a warmth and timelessness that has gained much praise.

The strong collaboration between the design teams ensured that every area of the hotel enhances the relationship between guests and the hotel. Whether it’s the lobby’s strategic location on the first floor or the panoramic views from the rooftop bar, each space is thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of connection and immersion in the surrounding environment.

The QO exemplifies a new paradigm of sustainable luxury, where design innovation and environmental stewardship converge to create a truly aspirational hospitality experience. Click