H+R | Issue 12 | Trendsetting Hospitality Design

MKV DESIGN: 20 YEARS OF INGENIOUSLY CAPTIVATING DESIGN ISSUE

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MKV DESIGN | TAKING SPA TO A NEW LEVEL | DESIGNED TO BE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT | CHIC RETREAT REINVENTING AN ART DECO ICON | WHERE PAST MEETS FUTURE | GREEK STORYTELLING | A JEWEL IN THE CROWN

SINGAPORE | HONG KONG | MALAYSIA | INDONESIA | THAILAND | VIETNAM

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

SHAPING EXPERIENCES THROUGH DESIGN When referring to experience, it’s often difficult to make sense of what that implies in tangible terms. We know what it means but yet when asked to describe what makes an experience so significant, we are hard-pressed to put it down to anything concrete.

It’s a conundrum that faces every designer and architect on an ongoing basis: How indeed does one create products or environments that incite wonder and excitement while aiding users with their day-to-day rituals?

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or MVK Design, an innovative London-based interior design outfit specialising in hospitality design, who we also have the honour of featuring in this current issue, context remains key to unlocking the gateway to poignant new experiences. Placemaking and visionary solutions feature greatly in the firm’s approach, culminating in 20 years of prolific luxury projects that underscore the importance of cultural identity, meaning, heritage and discovery. Happy Anniversary, MVK and here’s to another two decades of exceptional environments.

Speaking of projects of note, readers seeking out visual inspiration would do well to peruse our feature on the stunning Blue Lagoon Resort situated in the mystical reaches of southwest Iceland. The epitome of refined luxury, the minimalist resort’s resplendent interiors and furnishings are custom designed by none other than B&B Italia, one of our all-time favourite premium furniture brands. Che bello!

Last but not least, we are ecstatic to announce that more major changes are afoot for the magazine as we move gently away from residential endeavours in favour of luxury hospitality design. Keep your eyes peeled for our December edition, which will showcase a slew of stellar new projects under our new title, Hotel & Resort.

Happy reading, as always…

Kenneth Khu k@kennethmedia.asia

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OFFICE CONCEPT V12N2

AUGUST EDITION 2019

ADAPTIVE WORKPLACE EXPERIENCES

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CONTENTS

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LC4 NOIRE

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APOLLO

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DISEGUAL

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TEAM & PARTNERS

editorial MANAGING EDITOR Kenneth Khu DEPUTY EDITOR Pang Yin Ying EDITOR Christine Lee design ART DIRECTOR Eric Phoon SENIOR DESIGNER Sandy Liew

credits PHOTOS: Except otherwise noted, all photos and drawings are owned by photographer or design studio or project owner. acknowledgement COVER: Intourist Hotel by MKV Design

contributors WRITERS Adele Chong, Lily Wong DESIGN STUDIO MKV Design sales & marketing SENIOR SALES MANAGER Edward Chen SALES EXECUTIVE Kelvin Ong publication PUBLISHER Kenneth Khu enquiries ADVERTISING advertise@hotelresortdesign.com SUBMIT EDITORIAL submit@hotelresortdesign.com CONTRIBUTOR joinus@hotelresortdesign.com SUBSCRIPTION subscribe@hotelresortdesign.com website HOTELRESORTDESIGN.COM contact KENNETH MEDIA SDN BHD 1002 Block D Tiara Kelana Jalan SS7/19 Kelana Jaya 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Malaysia.

T: +603 7887 4525 printer PERCETAKAN IMPRINT (M) SDN BHD No.538, Jalan 20 Taman Perindustrian Ehsan Jaya, Kepong 52100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. permit number KDN PP18850/09/2015(034307) MCI(P) 103/01/2019 magazine H+R | HOTEL & RESORT DESIGN is published three times a year and is circulated throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. copyright notice All rights, including copyright, in the content of this publication are owned by Kenneth Media Sdn Bhd, Malaysia. You are not permitted to copy, broadcast, download, store in any medium,transmit, show or play in public, adapt or change any in any way the content of this publication for any other purpose whatsoever without the prior written permission of Kenneth Media Sdn Bhd, Malaysia.

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MÉLANGE | PRODUCTS

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OPULENT REPOSE

FEAST YOUR EYES

SOFTLY DOES IT

B&B Italia is no stranger to churning out iconic classics. Having made its debut four decades ago, the brand’s Diesis 40 sofa transcends time and trends, thanks to its elegant construction. From the distinctive backrest, which boasts a structural steel core and metal springs for ultimate strength and flexibility, to the newly introduced Saffiano leather cover and cushier upholstery affording unparalleled comfort, this modernist-inspired design showcases utility while emerging as an aesthetic tour-de-force.

Winsomely envisioned by Jean-Marie Massaud, the Archibald chair is as sophisticated as they come.

The furniture equivalent of an impeccably dressed urbanite, Massaud’s sculpted dining chair takes fine dining to exciting new heights. Endowed with a crisp sartorial air, this leather-clad number features characteristic folds on the inside of the backrest, emanating charm while drawing one’s attention to its careful craftsmanship. Subtly winged armrests serve as the apt finishing touch to this unique design.

When decking out one’s living area, the sofa remains central to the look and feel of the space in question.

Composed of ‘pure shapes’, the Grand Soffice sofa was created with both classic and modern settings in mind. Underscoring the presence of soft lines, smoothed corners and perfect curves, designer Francesco Binfaré sought to create a refined piece that would appeal to one’s inner homebody as well as discerning tastes.

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COMELY COMPANION

PINNACLE OF EASE

COUTURE CASUAL

Friendly, whimsical design is a Marcel Wanders hallmark and the BFF sofa showcases this quality with aplomb. Merging play and convenience, this modular sofa system ticks all the boxes. Endless variations are yours for the asking, owing to the system’s wide range of modular units. A tribute to the chesterfield style, the BFF’s quilted surface is not only a joy to behold but also an affable feature which holds true to the sofa’s quirky moniker.

A collaborative endeavour by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, the LC4 lounger is the ultimate embodiment of elegant geometrics and modern comfort. First envisioned in 1928 and reflecting the designers’ extensive research into the human figure and reclining chairs, this distinctive design is equal parts form and function. An underlying framework of rubber tubes and crossbars gives way to reinforced stability, ingeniously supporting the sitter at virtually every angle.

Launched in 2018, the latest rendition of the everevolving Tape ‘Cord’ Outdoor family of seats effortlessly maintains the grace and panache exuded by the initial range. New outdoor-friendly elements such as the expanded seat structure and a metal frame wrapped in wicker-effect cords are perfect for a day spent under the sun while an extra luxe touch comes in the form of the stylish base, which features an exquisite bronze-hued metal ribbon.

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COLLAGE OF LIFE

RAISING THE BAR

LEAN MACHINE

Varied ways of living served as inspiration for the Rolf Benz ADDIT, a dashing new lounge concept by the premium German furniture brand. Touted as a sofa landscape, ADDIT is a modular range that seamlessly merges work and play. Exuding the impression of floating, its graphic format emerges as the perfect complement to its individually upholstered elements and leather-covered framework which comes replete with an array of adjoining accessories for leisure and convenience.

Bare-bones simplicity and classic elegance come to mind when first setting eyes on the Occo barstool.

Envisioned by German industrial design duo Jens+Laub, this sleekly constructed piece celebrates all things clean and minimalist. Perched upon either a wooden frame or a slender chrome-plated base with in-built stacking capabilities, the Occo’s subtly curved white shell emanates poise and urban sophistication while lending atmosphere to meeting rooms, cafes and conference areas everywhere.

Somewhat of an overlooked gem these days, the recliner chair was once a staple of the American living room. Realised in collaboration with global design firm IDEO, Moooi’s 40 Winks is a modern-day reinterpretation of this cultural icon. Reflective of the designers’ research into contemporary lounge chairs, this unique leather upholstered piece with side resting arms boasts multiple resting points, including a full-on lounge position that will have you looking forward to lazy evenings in.

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PICTURE OF EASE

DELIGHTFULLY DAPPER

ELEGANT EMBRACE

Giorgetti’s refined and expressive approach to upscale furniture is brought to the fore with the Loop outdoor armchair. A striking design from the brand’s ever-growing selection of finely crafted indoor and outdoor wares, Loop’s distinctive framework shines the spotlight on pure geometric shapes, giving rise to its remarkable silhouette. Teamed with a pleasingly neutral palette, the ash wood materiality lends a debonair touch to days spent out in the open air.

If there were such a thing as a finely tailored piece of furniture, it would most certainly be the Clayton seat.

Likened to an exquisitely fashioned haute couture creation, this sumptuous number by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau is equal parts look-at-me decadence and refined elegance. Its architecturally inspired framework recalls the modernist classics of yesteryear while the plush Pelle Frau leather upholstery, bedecked with luxurious stitches, takes everyday opulence to another level.

Known the world over for their one-of-a-kind seat designs, designer brothers Ronan and Bouroulle have lent their signature touch to the Cotone armchair, culminating in a noteworthy piece that is simultaneously on-trend and wonderfully practical. Made of extruded aluminum and available in four contemporary colours, the Cotone’s minimalist frame belies its complex construction. Designed as a welcoming nest, the seat’s softly padded sides purposefully envelop the sitter, allowing for pure repose.

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LOUNGE LAVISHLY

PERFECTLY PROPORTIONED

AN IDEAL ARRANGEMENT

Have your heart set on a classic sofa that looks as good as it feels? Feast your eyes on Apollo, a new collection of sofa types designed by Antonio Citterio for Maxalto. Defined by a harmonious marriage of sumptuous curves and rigorous lines, Apollo’s shapely framework oozes sophistication and unmatched comfort. Accommodating the sitter’s body at every angle, its gently rounded corners and generously sized seat offer up ample support and unrestrained repose.

Taking the art of lounging to bold new heights, the JH97 chair by Jaime Hayon was designed with unadulterated relaxation in mind. Here, comfort gels seamlessly with pared-down aesthetics. Available in three neutral shades, the solid wood frame features a broader format for a roomier sit-down, resulting in a striking silhouette. The hand-assembled parts and finely fashioned details also pay apt tribute to traditional Danish craftsmanship, as can be expected of all Fritz Hansen pieces.

Original in every respect, this chic coffee table design by Leonardo Dainelli for Giorgetti poignantly embodies the edgy Italian designer’s approach in combining unique handicraft techniques with precious materials. Made of manually moulded ash wood, the Amiral’s delicately curved base is complemented by a triangular crystal tabletop and paired with a circular pedestal, resulting in a brilliantly composed piece that also does double duty as avant-garde sculpture.

Available in two dashing sizes.

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CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

WINGING IT

BEDTIME STORY

When storage takes on an aesthetic as well as utilitarian purpose, it’s time to eschew the conventional sideboard in favour of a more scintillating alternative. Not for the faint of heart, the Disegual cabinet’s quirky and flamboyant appearance makes this dramatic piece a definite head-turner. Rendered in ash wood, purposefully irregular surfaces lend heaps of charm and character to Disegual, as do decorative inserts formed with a variety of materials.

While comfort and luxurious textiles may make the Angie armchair a winning pick by default, that’s not all it’s got going for itself. Created by Gamfratesi Design, this comely chaise was inspired by the idea of contrast, paving the way for its sculptural design.

A saddle hide element embraces the frame from behind, establishing the chair’s curved contours.

Juxtaposed against the indelibly soft upholstery, this unique aesthetic feature sets the stage for refined elegance.

Launched at the recent Milan Furniture Fair, Rolf Benz TONDO promises to be more than a place to lay one’s head. Touted as a ‘haven of peace’, this down-to-the-floor bed boasts a specially rounded headboard that encourages around-the-clock lounging. During waking hours, users can strike up conversations while leaning comfortably against the loose backrest cushions, all the while indulging in the topnotch ‘made in Germany’ quality that is characteristic of the Rolf Benz brand.

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IN FULL BLOOM Designed by Kranen/ Gille in exploration of the ongoing synthesis between the built environment and organic forms, the Plant chandelier’s architecturally inspired structure emulates skyward-reaching tree branches kissed by the sun. The comely ‘branches’ culminate in frosted domes of light, casting an ethereal glow over the space in question. Created for the NoordBrabants Museum in The Netherlands, the eye-catching piece also takes a cue from the linear patterns discerned from the plant photography of Karl Blossfeldt.

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Kettal Pavilion used in a corporate office

HEAD OFFICE KETTAL / CONTRACT : Aragón 316, 08009 Barcelona, Spain. T. (34) 93 487 90 90 SHOWROOMS KETTAL: BARCELONA - LONDON - MARBELLA - MIAMI - NEW YORK - PARIS Export Manager Asia: Victor Moncho, victor.moncho@kettal.es T. +86 15001876948

MÉLANGE | OUTDOOR FURNITURE

ETERNAL BEAUTY

CONTEMPORARY DETAILS AND RUSTIC MATERIALS ELEGANTLY SYNTHESISE WITH THIS DWELLING’S HISTORIC BEAUTY, CREATING A STUNNING CANVAS FOR KETTAL’S TIMELESS COLLECTION.

Photography by Ioanna Roufopoulou

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THIS PICTURE: At the main patio, Kettal Cala by Doshi Levien and Kettal Mesh by Patricia Urquiola are used to create a charming lounge that looks out to the surrounding ocean views.

TO COMPLEMENT ITS SUMMER-INSPIRED CONCEPT, THE OUTDOOR SPACES HOST A MIX OF WEATHER-FRIENDLY FURNITURE BY KETTAL.

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nder the Athenian sun that paints the Aegean Sea a warm azure blue, Attica evokes a distinctive sense of quiet charm that is graced by the spectacular views all around it.

Nestled within its lush Grecian landscape, Bay House poises itself as Attica’s best kept secret, a secluded architectural gem that blends the past and present into one alluring whole.

Built in the 60s by legendary Greek architect, Aris Konstantinidis, the Bay House offers an intimate yet outstanding take of its panoramic location. To give this private residence the comfort and luxury of today’s spaces, interior designer Katerina Veremi Xynogala has imbued this abode with a fresh breath of contemporary life while preserving the house’s original Mediterranean aesthetics. “I decided to preserve the architectural construction without any changes to the building,” says Xynogala. “Keeping the original sizes and colours, I replaced the window frames with contemporary materials for insulation.”

The main entrance of the dwelling opens into the living room, a peaceful space with sofas oriented

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TOP: Kettal Vieques dining tables by Patricia Urquiola accompanied by Kettal Stampa armchairs by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec anchor the second patio with a distinctive style.

BOTTOM: The poolside combines a variety of outdoor furniture to complement the lush landscapes and panoramic vistas of the Aegean Sea.

THIS PICTURE: The outdoor spaces host a mix of trendy outdoor furniture by Kettal, blending in with the house’s key theme.

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THIS PICTURE: Muted light hues and textured surfaces combine with contemporary furniture to create a sense of laid-back elegance in the living room.

towards the outdoor views. A muted palette of light hues combined with textured surfaces and contemporary furniture create a sense of laid-back elegance.

Materials are meticulously chosen to reflect the ones used before while some of the old materials are repurposed. “I removed the old marble tiles from the floor and used them again in this home, following as much as possible the original aesthetic of the house,” Xynogala comments. “In the living area, we dressed the wall with the stones from the fireplace’s feature wall and created shelves to demonstrate a collection of decorative items.”

Throughout the interior, Xynogala kept the modern theme consistent without compromising the house’s unique expression. In the kitchen, the cookspace has been upgraded to include a range of sleek and contemporary appliances, however the material choices stay true to its former concept. For instance, Greek

TOP: To maintain the house’s original aesthetics, materials are meticulously selected to closely resemble the ones originally used.

BOTTOM: The designer handpicked a well-coordinated collection of decor and furniture to bring out a modern look in this historic property.

marble for the kitchen island affords a classic look while parquet tiles maintain a touch of rustic warmth.

Next to it the dining area features a solid wood dining table designed by Xynogala herself. Hovering above the table, pendant lamps with planters infuse a fresh and lively ambience to the space.

From the main living hall, the internal spaces culminate into two cosy patios that leverage on the superb views of the ocean. To complement its summer-inspired concept, the outdoor spaces host a mix of weather-friendly furniture by Kettal. “On the patio we have created a lounge with Kettal Cala by Doshi Levien and Kettal Mesh by Patricia Urquiola,” says Xynogala, “For the other patio, we used two

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TOP: For the kitchen island, Greek marble is employed to engender a classic look while parquet tiles put in a touch of rustic warmth.

BOTTOM: The guest bathrooms are given a makeover to incorporate modern comforts and trendy luxuries.

A MUTED PALETTE OF LIGHT HUES COMBINED WITH TEXTURED SURFACES AND CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE CREATE A SENSE OF LAID-BACK ELEGANCE. MATERIALS ARE METICULOUSLY CHOSEN TO REFLECT THE ONES USED BEFORE WHILE SOME OF THE OLD MATERIALS ARE REPURPOSED.

THIS PICTURE: At the stairway, the feature wall comprises of old stone materials to preserve the house’s architectural expression.

THE BEDROOM ON THE UPPER FLOOR, A SOFTER ATMOSPHERE ENSUES, ACHIEVED VIA A SERENE PALETTE OF LIGHT WOOD, OFF WHITES AND WARM BEIGES. A SIMILAR LOOK AND FEEL ARE EMPLOYED FOR THE TWO GUESTROOMS SITUATED IN A SEPARATE BUT ADJACENT BUILDING WITHIN THE PROPERTY.

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THIS PICTURE: Each of the guestrooms comes complete with an ensuite bathroom while sliding doors maximise the use of space.

Kettal Vieques dining tables by Patricia Urquiola accompanied by Kettal Stampa armchairs by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. To spruce up the area further, we also incorporated a Kettal Bitta lounge dining armchair by Rodolfo Dordoni.”

Moving towards the bedroom on the upper floor, a softer atmosphere ensues, achieved via a serene palette of light wood, off whites and warm beiges. A similar look and feel is employed for the two guestrooms situated in a separate but adjacent building within the property. Another area, the basement, which was previously a storage space, has been converted to a chillout zone. “We turned this space into a relaxing place with a wine cellar and an auxiliary kitchen,” explains the designer, adding that wood tiles are used to create a bright and pleasant space brimming with warm welcome.

TOP: Mirrors of different shapes and sizes infuse a sense of whimsical aesthetics to the guest bathroom.

MIDDLE: The light-toned palette of this home is enhanced using attractive accessories and tailor-made furniture.

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PROFILE | MKV DESIGN

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IN THE VANGUARD OF LUXURY DESIGN THIS YEAR MARKS 20 YEARS SINCE MARIA VAFIADIS FOUNDED MKV DESIGN. SINCE THEN, THE FIRM’S VISIONARY WORK HAS SET NEW BENCHMARKS FOR HOSPITALITY INTERIORS.

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KV Design packs a punch way above its weight. From a studio in London’s increasingly cool district of Whitechapel, the 20-person team has delivered award-winning hospitality, as well as residential, projects on three continents, each one unique but every one of the projects beyond the expected.

The boutique nature of the firm means that its culture of ingenuity, thoughtfulness and pragmatism permeates every project; it also means that Founder and Managing Director, Maria Vafiadis, is involved in every phase of the work. An architect by training and an interior designer by choice, Maria’s confidence in working with bold modernist structures through to beloved heritage buildings has filtered down through her team and shines through in all their projects. They deftly re-organise the internal plan of grand old hotels to deliver an improved guest experience, they extract their ideas from sources of inspiration in a way that is perfect for the place and, over the years, they have championed the joy of the indoor/outdoor experience, once a novel concept in some parts of the world, but now considered a staple ingredient of luxury hotel design.

MKV’s roll call of projects includes world-class independent hotels, such as Amphitryon Hotel in Nafplio, the Intourist in Baku, Zagreb’s Hotel Esplanade and Hotel Schweizerhof in Bern as well as two of Europe’s most acclaimed resorts, Costa Navarino and Bürgenstock Resort. It also encompasses hotels for most of the major global hotel brands – several Luxury Collection hotels for example, Sheraton Grand hotels in Edinburgh and London and Grand Hyatt hotels, including the new Grand Hyatt in Athens. However, guests will never walk into an MKV-designed hotel and feel like they have been here before, but somewhere else in the world. The vision for each hotel is individual, applied with intelligence and an attention to quality that can be felt as well as seen.

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SHARING | MKV DESIGN

Maria Vafiadis Founder and Managing Director MKV Design

Q: HOW DO YOU THINK THE LUXURY HOSPITALITY DESIGN INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS? A: The industry has changed enormously. It has had to respond to new ideas about what luxury means, as well as to better informed guests who expect to find what they want in experiences that surpass expectations.

For designers, the bar is now set very high because design has permeated our everyday lives. We have embraced design in our homes and even in our workplaces, so hotels have to offer something beyond.

They have to offer design that captivates and plants a seed which may transform, or at least adjust, how we look at the world around us.

Hotel design now puts far more focus on connectivity with place. It acknowledges that luxury is an experience which brings a sense of well-being, discovery and rejuvenation; it is less about things and, in certain respects, less about brand than it once was. Good design has become more thoughtful.

Q: AND HOW HAS THE GUEST CHANGED DURING THIS TIME? A: Increasingly, guests are making their hotel choices based on heart and mind decisions. Design can affect

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both, but especially the heart which makes it all-themore important to create soul in hotel buildings.

the legacy in a way that would take it forward into the next 50 years.

Q: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT IN TWO DECADES OF RUNNING YOUR OWN DESIGN PRACTICE? A: It doesn’t get easier just because you have a lot more experience!

Q: WHAT ARE THE DEVELOPMENTS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY ENGAGING YOUR THOUGHTS AND DESIGN APPROACH AT THE MOMENT? A: I have been thinking a good deal about the meaning of “experience” and whether hotels and their designers are really challenging themselves to offer guests a meaningful and memorable experience. The term luxury is so widely attached to all sorts of developments but, in my opinion, truly luxurious hospitality design should be akin to the design of haute couture, each space like a garment made-to-measure. This involves not merely finding relevant inspiration but interrogating it so that it is ingeniously channelled into hospitality environments that uniquely belong in their location and engage guests’ senses, emotions and intellectual curiosity.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS MKV’S SEMINAL PROJECT IN YOUR FIRST DECADE? AND IN YOUR SECOND? A: We have been privileged to work on some very special projects around the world, but I would say that the seminal work during our first decade was Costa Navarino and in our second, Bürgenstock Resort.

Both were very large and complex projects with many different parts, including various hotel brands, large spas, multiple restaurants and bars and many outdoor spaces – all of which needed to be reconciled into a homogenous experience. In the case of Costa Navarino, we were creating a new resort so we had to find and crystallise a unique and authentic narrative, whereas for Bürgenstock, which had once been a glamorous destination, the challenge was to recreate

Q: AND HOW HAS THE GUEST CHANGED DURING THIS TIME? A: I am really concerned about the future of our planet and conscious that the hotel and travel industry

has a lot to answer for. I can’t suggest solutions for all the problems, but I would like to see a hospitality sector that is more in harmony with the natural world, that not only builds sustainably but uses the opportunity of its guests’ time to motivate them to question some of the behaviours that are endangering our fragile ecosystems. The time is now; we are pushing against an open door. I hope to see a sector that in 10, let alone 20 years, is synonymous with hospitality towards our planet and that embraces everyone who wishes to participate.

Q: AND FOR YOURSELF? A: Well, I would love the opportunity to work on a project that really challenges us to create a holistically sustainable hospitality destination, one that becomes a benchmark for years to come. I would have a lot to learn, which I always enjoy, and, I hope, a lot to give.

SHOWCASE | HOTEL

DRAWING ON THE PAST; CREATING FOR THE FUTURE ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST SPECTACULAR RESORT DESTINATIONS IS REINVENTED.

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BÜRGENSTOCK HOTEL

THIS PICTURE: Bürgenstock Resort, where Audrey Hepburn was married, Sophia Loren made her home and Sean Connery frequented when shooting Goldfinger, now defines 21st Century glamour.

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THIS PICTURE: The materiality of Spices restaurant is rich and luxurious, including walnut timber, bronze, red back-painted glass and leather.

ACTING AS PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, MKV REDESIGNED AND NEWLY DESIGNED MOST OF THE KEY PARTS TO THE RESORT. THE DESTINATION WAS RECREATED WITH THE STRAPLINE ‘THE FUTURE HAS A PAST’ AND THE CHALLENGE FOR THE DESIGNERS TO ACT AS RESPONSIBLE, YET IMAGINATIVE, CUSTODIANS OF THE LEGACY SO AS TO CREATE A NEW LEGACY GOING FORWARD.

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ne of Switzerland’s most legendary destinations, the Bürgenstock Resort, was fully re-opened last year after a nine-year, multimillion-franc project. The task was to restore the prestige of a resort which began life in 1873 and which had a fine pioneering heritage – Switzerland’s first electric railway, Europe’s highest outdoor elevator – and which had been synonymous with glamour and celebrity. It was here that, in the mid-20th Century, Audrey Hepburn was married, Charlie Chaplin regularly stayed, Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti made their home and the Goldfinger crew, including Sean Connery, lodged whilst shooting in the region. Acting as principal designer, MKV redesigned and newly designed most of the key parts to the resort. The destination was recreated with the strapline ‘The Future has a Past’ and the challenge for the designers to act as responsible, yet imaginative, custodians of the legacy so as to create a new legacy going forward.

Their inspiration was the sheer magnificence of the natural terrain – the Swiss mountains on which the resort is perched towering over Lake Lucerne, farmlands, Alpine meadows and, in the far distance, Lucerne itself. Every line drawn, space orientated and material selected respected the location.

The new Bürgenstock Hotel acts as the spine of the development. Now, the new funicular – an exact replica of the original - arrives alongside the hotel, bringing guests who have crossed Lake Lucerne in the resort’s catamaran up the mountainside in just a few minutes. From here, visitors can access the main plaza, nearby hotels and the Bürgenstock Hotel itself.

This is a bold modernist construct 450-metres above the lake where attention to scale, height and internal layout were key. The designers reconfigured the masterplan to enhance operations and circulation and to ensure that each of the 102 guestrooms benefited from magnificent views, in the process creating space for a large outdoor terrace.

Inside, from the lobby lounge, with its imposing windows, curvilinear forms and deep-seated sofas, to the guestrooms, each with a full-height window in

MIDDLE: Located atop a sheer forested mountain above Lake Lucerne, the 60-hectare Bürgenstock Resort presides over ever-changing vistas and Alpine horizons.

BOTTOM: A bronze feature staircase spirals upwards from the lounge to Spices restaurant and downwards to the wine cellar, creating a three-layered wining and dining experience.

both the bedroom and the bathroom, the sensation is as a bird in flight hovering over the mountains, completely at one with nature. Breath-taking views notwithstanding, the experience of the public areas is cosy. The reception lobby features desks constructed of curved sawn timber surrounded by beautiful tactile bronze panelled walls. Great care has been taken to create comfortable seating areas with rugs and deep armchairs to sink into, there are fireplaces to gather around and the colour palette is reassuringly earthy.

The dizzying majesty outside is counterbalanced by a sense of rootedness inside.

Amenities in the hotel include a cinema, a deeply comfortable cigar lounge, a lavishly stocked wine tasting cellar and Spices, an Asian restaurant which is a destination for local people and visitors staying across the resort as well as for Bürgenstock Hotel guests. Spices is a glass box cantilevered off the hotel 450 metres above the lake. In a resort that’s full of superlatives when it comes to the views, Spices arguably offers the best, suspended above Lake Lucerne and with a 180-degree panorama of lake, mountains, the city of Lucerne and beyond. It is accessed either by lift or by a bronze feature staircase that spirals upwards from the lounge and downwards to the wine tasting cellars creating a three-layered

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TOP: Spices is gently zoned from a quiet timber-clad to a vivacious open-kitchen area to a glazed “box” where the view explodes into the experience.

BOTTOM: Suspended 450 metres above Lake Lucerne, Spices offers superlative views of the lake, mountains and the City of Lurcerne.

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE LOBBY LOUNGE IS COSY. THERE ARE COMFORTABLE SEATING AREAS WITH RUGS AND DEEP ARMCHAIRS TO SINK INTO, A FIREPLACE TO GATHER AROUND AND A COLOUR PALETTE THAT BELONGS TO NATURE. THE DIZZYING MAJESTY OUTSIDE IS COUNTERBALANCED BY A SENSE OF ROOTEDNESS INSIDE.

THIS PICTURE: Materials achieve uninterrupted transition from the view outside to indoors. Stone from the mountains, timber from the forest, bronze resembling the light of late afternoon.

THE GUESTROOMS OFFER IDYLLIC RETREAT. THEIR LAYOUT IS UNCONVENTIONAL IN ORDER TO DIRECT GUESTS TOWARDS THE VIEW THROUGH THE WINDOW WHERE INTEGRATED SEATING PROVIDES A PLACE TO ABSORB NATURE’S WONDERS. OAK CABINETRY IS CRAFTED WITH THE FINEST SWISS DETAILS AND THERE ARE WALK-IN CLOSETS.

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THIS PICTURE: Bathrooms flow towards the window where, in the luxury of a double-size tub, guests can soak in wonder.

experience should guests wish: the finest of wines, delicious Asian cuisine, aperitifs and digestifs, all of which can be enjoyed in any of the spaces.

Spices is gently zoned, from a quiet timber-clad lounge area with collections of comfortable sofas and contemporary armchairs, to the vivacity of the open-kitchen and bar area where counter extensions allow diners to sit close to the action while they eat and onto the glazed box where the view “explodes” into the experience. The colour palette throughout is warm and dark - nothing in the design was to distract from the views; the Busnelli chairs with their lattice-style backs allow the landscape to penetrate.

Materials include: walnut timber, bronze, red backpainted glass and leather. Outside, the large terrace, with its own bar, is also zoned, the first area offering more formal dining arrangements while the farther, elevated area is furnished with armchairs to lounge in around a large wood-stack firepit.

The guestrooms offer idyllic retreat. Their layout is

unconventional in order to direct guests towards the view through the window where integrated seating provides a place to absorb nature’s wonders. Oak cabinetry is crafted with the finest Swiss details and there are walk-in closets. Bathrooms run the entire length of the room, separated from the bedroom by shimmering sliding doors composed of bronze mesh encased in glass. A modern two-way fire warms bathers in their sunken bath and window seat dwellers in the bedroom at the same time. There are also a range of suites, including spa suites and, on the top floor, a magnificent six-bedroom suite.

Generally, materials are neutral in colour, selected to achieve a sense of uninterrupted transition from the view outside to indoors. They include: stone from the mountains, timber from the forests, bronze resembling the light of late afternoon and a deeply veined green marble wall in the bathrooms.

TOP: The Presidential Suite crowns the Bürgenstock Hotel. Its bathroom is the ultimate mountain retreat.

BOTTOM: Guestrooms are beautiful, serene and blissfully comfortable. Every detail is considered and contrasting textures layer the experience.

SHOWCASE | SPA

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TAKING SPA TO A NEW LEVEL TH EALPINE SPA IS A STUNNING SOULMATE FOR THE MAJESTY, PURITY AND BEAUTY OF ITS LOCATION .

THIS PICTURE: One of the most extraordinary, and possibly the largest, spa in Europe, the Alpine Spa is the engine of The Bürgenstock Resort.

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THIS PICTURE: An extraordinary stroll through a century of Bürgenstock’s sporting highlights combines legacy with the pioneering spirit of today’s resort.

THE NEW SPA IS ACCESSED ON ONE SIDE VIA A NEWLY EXCAVATED MOUNTAIN TUNNEL WHICH IS TRANSLATED BY THE DESIGNERS INTO A “MUSEUM WALK” THROUGH THE RESORT’S SPORTING HISTORY. THE CRAGGY ROCKFACE OF THE WALLS SHIMMER UNDER LOW ILLUMINATION; AT THE FAR END A GLOWING LIGHT BECKONS GUESTS TOWARDS THE LOBBY WHERE LIFTS AWAIT TO TAKE THEM UP TO RECEPTION.

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art of the gloriously reinvented Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland, the 10,000 sq metre Alpine Spa is a cantilevered glass box over three floors 450 metres above Lake Lucerne. The existing spa included three beautiful pools – a large indoor pool, a heated outdoor infinity-edge pool and a Hollywood-style garden pool – but most of the indoor spaces were outdated. The brief called for a new and visionary spa to be built around the pools in a design that “thought global and acted local”. In a resort that for so many years had been synonymous with spa and wellbeing, the ambition was nothing less than the creation of one of the most extraordinary, and possibly the largest, spa in Europe, described by the client as “the engine for the entire resort”. MKV Design, the Principal Designer across the resort, was invited to rise to the challenge.

The new spa is accessed on one side via a newly excavated mountain tunnel which is translated by the designers into a “museum walk” through the resort’s sporting history. The craggy rockface of the walls shimmer under low illumination; at the far end a glowing light beckons guests towards the lobby where lifts await to take them up to reception. On the other side of the spa, a skywalk connects directly with the new Bürgenstock Hotel and leads onto the middle floor reception, a cocooning space replete with a magnificent desk carved out of a single piece of white Arabescato marble; modern leather-clad armchairs, smoked oak finishes and local stone.

The inspiration behind the design was the magnificence and sheer power of Bürgenstock’s natural terrain and its potential to rejuvenate and give joy.

Equally, the legacy of spa at the resort was a powerful motivator in creating something truly exceptional.

It followed then that the spa needed to tell a unique story but in a purist way, without embellishment.

Views of lake and mountains, rural meadows and spectacular weather were to be the star, encouraging

MIDDLE: Every step of the spa journey was carefully considered to evoke contemplation, relaxation and rejuvenation.

BOTTOM: The treatment and relaxation spaces wrap around the glazed walls with the Serenity Room at their heart.

guests to sink into profound contemplation and rediscover connection between mind and body – the source of wellbeing.

Given the size of the spa, the challenge for the designers was to make it feel intimate, striking the right balance between a scale that would reflect the majesty of the surrounding landscape and one which would make guests feel comfortable and at ease. Their response was to plot a journey of self-contemplation, achieved by a sequence of harmonised spaces. Every step of the journey, from the entrance procession through stone-clad spaces to the breath-taking view of the pools and the sight of nature’s panorama beyond, was carefully considered.

In order to bring the surrounding landscape into the essence of the experience, the spa journey is both extroverted, embracing the views through its fully glazed walls, and introverted. The entrance tunnel, for example, takes visitors through meditation levels, whereas the pools and relaxation areas put them right in the middle of the universe. The treatment and relaxation spaces wrap around the glazed walls with the Serenity Room and its water beds at their heart.

On the landside, there is a beauty salon, solarium and expansive changing rooms.

The descent to the thermal sequence on the lower level takes in a dramatic wall of water before revealing an extensive thermal sequence of saunas, steam

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TOP: Private spa suites offer a couples treatment room and a cosy lounge for dedicated pampering.

BOTTOM: Bürgenstock’s heritage of wellbeing is now amplified.

Nature, traditional wellness and new treatments in harmony.

IN ORDER TO BRING THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE INTO THE ESSENCE OF THE EXPERIENCE, THE SPA JOURNEY IS BOTH EXTROVERTED, EMBRACING THE VIEWS THROUGH ITS FULLY GLAZED WALLS, AND INTROVERTED. THE ENTRANCE TUNNEL, FOR EXAMPLE, TAKES VISITORS THROUGH MEDITATION LEVELS, WHEREAS THE POOLS AND RELAXATION AREAS PUT THEM RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE UNIVERSE.

THIS PICTURE: Tucked under the indoor swimming pool, the quirky Bull’s Eye Bar offers another unforgettable experience.

THE DESCENT TO THE THERMAL SEQUENCE ON THE LOWER LEVEL TAKES IN A DRAMATIC WALL OF WATER BEFORE REVEALING AN EXTENSIVE THERMAL SEQUENCE OF SAUNAS, STEAM ROOMS, COLD AND WARM WATER POOLS AND A JACUZZI.

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THIS PICTURE: The Alpine Spa plays with apparent opposites: elegant classical charm and contemporary wellness, opulence and minimalism, retreat and awakening, relaxation and revitalisation.

rooms, cold and warm water pools and a Jacuzzi.

The 21-metre indoor pool offers stunning views through its fully-glazed walls and beneath there is a hidden gem – the small Bull’s Eye bar with porthole windows looking into the pool. The spa suites on the top level each offer double treatment rooms with extensive amenities and a deeply comfortable lounge.

The refurbished spa restaurant, the Oak Grill, references the previous design; it is more traditional in style than the rest of the spa – Swiss-style fabrics, worn leather upholstery and original furnishings bring a touch of nostalgia as a segue to the garden pool outside with its iconic 1950’s Hollywood-style pool. Here, the journey can be said to be completed in an area that connects with the valley to the back and with the lake to the front, while beneath the indoor pool there is a hidden gem – the small Bull’s Eye bar with porthole windows looking into the pool.

Describing the Alpine Spa, the Director said: “The design is perfectly aligned for wellness. It’s like a church and its religion. It all fits perfectly together.”

TOP: The Spa’s Oak Grill references its predecessor complete with original furnishings, Swiss details and a grand log-burning fireplace.

BOTTOM: The mid-20 th Century, Hollywood-style garden has benefitted from a light-touch refurbishment, reinstating its glamour.

SHOWCASE | RESORT

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ROYAL HIDEAWAY CORALES RESORT

DESIGNED TO BE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT A MAJOR NEW RESORT ON THE ISLAND OF TENERIFE, DESTINED TO PROVIDE SPECTACULAR MEMORIES YEAR AFTER YEAR.

THIS PICTURE: Tenerife’s Costa Adeje is one of Europe’s sunniest destinations and more than half is protected nature reserves. Now, it has a visionary, new resort.

THE ARID AND VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE OF TENERIFE AND THE COLOUR OF THE LOCAL CORAL PLAYED IMPORTANT ROLES, RESULTING IN A LARGELY MONOCHROMATIC PALETTE THROUGHOUT THE SUITES AND APARTMENTS WITH ACCENTS OF TURQUOISE AND AQUAMARINE HINTING AT THE NEIGHBOURING SEA.

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KV Design has recently completed the interior design of a brand new resort in Tenerife, Royal Hideaway Corales, which combines the adults-only Corales Beach Hotel with its 121 junior suites, and the Corales Suites – a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, which are for sale and rented out by the hotel when the owners are away. The vision was to create a destination that guests and residents would return to year-after-year and the designers have responded with a wide range of on-site experiences, some adults-only, others family oriented, including nine restaurants and bars and a large spa.

Strikingly different in form from any other resort on Tenerife, Royal Hideaway Corales spans the clifftop like a futurist rocky growth, 324 metres in length, and looking towards the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Rocky Mountains on the other. The hotel and the Suites are housed in two separate buildings connected by a dramatic walkway at level four. The designers took their cue from the architecture of this astonishing building designed by Leonardo Omar, a local architect acclaimed for his purist, avant-garde and usually very white buildings. The arid and volcanic landscape of Tenerife and the colour of the local coral also played important roles, resulting in a largely monochromatic palette throughout the suites and apartments with accents of turquoise and aquamarine hinting at the neighbouring sea.

The interior design schemes for the hotel guestrooms and the Corales Suites help to create a synergy between the two buildings. At heart, the schemes are quite similar, drawing on the white, geometric building form, the white and black of local corales (coral) and the volcanic terrain of Tenerife.

The furnishings and fittings in both are simple and comfortable. The apartments, however, are slightly more residential and playful in style; the hotel guestrooms are slightly more refined.

All the suites and apartments are spacious, ranging in size from 55 square metres to 200 sq metres in a three-bedroom apartment, and some have extensive

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TOP: The hotel and the Suites building are connected by a dramatic walkway at level four.

BOTTOM: Villa Suites are sculpted into the rocks and feature a 60 sq metre terrace with a heated saltwater pool.

THIS PICTURE: MKV took their cue from the astonishing, avant-garde architecture, the volcanic landscape and the colour of the local coral.

AT HEART, THE SCHEMES ARE QUITE SIMILAR, DRAWING ON THE WHITE, GEOMETRIC BUILDING FORM, THE WHITE AND BLACK OF LOCAL CORALES (CORAL) AND THE VOLCANIC TERRAIN OF TENERIFE. THE FURNISHINGS AND FITTINGS IN BOTH ARE SIMPLE AND COMFORTABLE.

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THIS PICTURE: In the suites, forms are modern and streamlined without embellishment, and the monochromatic palette is lifted by pale timber features.

terraces with private pools. In all cases, their layout flows towards the full-height windows and glazed doors giving onto a terrace that looks towards the Atlantic Ocean. Inside, the open-plan space is organised to provide approximately equal areas to the bathroom, bedroom and lounge. A king size bed and blackout curtains in the bedroom create a comfortable retreat, with the geometric patterning of the building echoed in the back-lit bed head and the curved, perforated, metal screen that partially obscures the bathroom. Each features a rainforest shower, double vanity and a freestanding bathtub from where bathers can enjoy expansive views of the sea. A generous sofa and stylish light wood desks sit by the window, beyond which a terrace with loungers and, in some cases, a jacuzzi gives guests a private oasis where they can soak up the sun.

Departing from the purist design narrative of the suites, these spaces are confidently independent in their decors. Notable amongst them is a restaurant and bar “suite” on the main pool level that encompasses an Asian dining room (San Ho), which flows into a seafood restaurant (Nao Atlantic), and a huge shared pool bar terrace.

San Ho is a modern take on Asian restaurants with a curvaceous finely slatted timber wall, exquisite marble mosaics in the washrooms, contemporary bronze sculptures and a garden with an elegant timberframed dining terrace illuminated by large floor lanterns. By contrast, the buffet counter, carved out of granite, is imposingly solid. A sawn bar counter

TOP: The open plan space flows towards the terrace and view, providing equal space indoors to the bathroom, bedroom and lounge areas.

BOTTOM: The building’s geometric patterning is seen most strikingly in the perforated metal screen around the bath and the back-lit headboards to the bed.

extends along its length where guests can sit to watch their meal being prepared.

Nao Atlantic brings a complete change in tempo with its jaunty nautical touches to complement the seafood menu. Unique hand painted tiles depicting the food of the ocean are located above the show kitchen. Elsewhere bright blue and white tiles together with canopies of rope play further with the theme.

The buffet counter is custom designed; finished in hundreds of tiny pebbles, at a distance it resembles a giant stone.

The pool terrace looks towards the Atlantic Ocean and begins with a semi-open bar area under the multiperforated roof that is a signature of the architecture.

Integrated lighting describes the geometric forms and serves to ramp up the vibe. Seating collections are carefully considered, from the more formal tables and chairs near the bar to curved banquettes and tables within timber cocoons and onto loungers, sofas and sunken seating around the pools.

A 1,000 sqm spa and wellness centre has been created beneath the hotel. Accessible via either a lift or a dramatic outdoor glass and steel staircase, the spa journey begins as guests descend before an imposing wall of timber and stone, which seems to push skyward and draw them into another world.

The staircase leads to one of two spa courtyards and, from there, into the spa reception. The narrative of volcanic stone, rich North African timbers and glass continues throughout the spa, juxtaposing strong materiality with the comfort which timber is known to bring to the human psyche. A glazed wall flows

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TOP: The design vision was to create a wining and dining experience in which indoor/outdoor, extrovert and introvert, couples and groups could all be accommodated.

BOTTOM: San Ho is a modern take on Asian restaurants with slatted timber walls, marble mosaics, contemporary bronze sculptures and an elegant dining terrace.

DEPARTING FROM THE PURIST DESIGN NARRATIVE OF THE SUITES, THESE SPACES ARE CONFIDENTLY INDEPENDENT IN THEIR DECORS. NOTABLE AMONGST THEM IS A RESTAURANT AND BAR “SUITE” ON THE MAIN POOL LEVEL THAT ENCOMPASSES AN ASIAN DINING ROOM (SAN HO), WHICH FLOWS INTO A SEAFOOD RESTAURANT (NAO ATLANTIC), AND A HUGE SHARED POOL BAR TERRACE.

THIS PICTURE: Royal Hideaway Corales provides a wide diversity of wining and dining experiences, designed to sit well together.

THE NARRATIVE OF VOLCANIC STONE, RICH NORTH AFRICAN TIMBERS AND GLASS CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE SPA, JUXTAPOSING STRONG MATERIALITY WITH THE COMFORT WHICH TIMBER IS KNOWN TO BRING TO THE HUMAN PSYCHE.

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THIS PICTURE: The natural scenery of the location - stone, strong sunlight, deep shade, water and corals - are all brought into the spa.

through the spa, its geometric patterning echoing the perforated feature walls in the guestrooms. Just like ancient mountains and, indeed, the architectural form of the building, there are moments where the ceiling is punctured and light bursts through and, in keeping with the exterior architecture, forms are organic and solid. The experience is of descending into a cave; treatment rooms are pebble-clad and unadorned, and the showers have white Bisazza mosaic on the walls with rock stone to the outer curved wall like craggy underwater formations.

The end of the journey is the pool, emerging from the spa “cave” into the second spa courtyard. This is a chic and contemporary space providing degrees of shade and light presided over by the multi-contoured forms of the building. A hard work-out in the gym brings the compensation of views over the entrance courtyard with its palm trees and other tropical plants.

Maria Vafiadis, Managing Director of MKV Design says, “Royal Hideaway Corales is a truly unique project in so many ways, not least in its architecture and scale. So our interiors have drawn on the buildings’ architecture to achieve a purist design in the suites and spa, balanced by a diverse range of wining and dining destinations, each with their own aesthetic.”

TOP: The spa was central to the vision for the resort, a sunken space designed to offer a wide range of pampering and personalised wellbeing treatments.

BOTTOM: As guests descend to the spa before an imposing wall of timber and stone, they are drawn into another world.

SHOWCASE | HOTEL

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MYKONOS RIVIERA HOTEL & SPA

CHIC RETREAT THE BEAUTIFUL AND BUSTLING GREEK ISLAND OF MYKONOS NOW ENJOYS A NEW HOTEL COMBINING MYKONIAN SPIRIT AND CONTEMPORARY LUXURY.

THIS PICTURE: The rooftop Pool Club looks towards the sea and offers gently changing vistas, from the Mykonian sunset to pleasure boats making their way into harbour.

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THIS PICTURE: The reception lobby is a playground for sunlight, reflections of water from the pool above and island breezes tugging at rope features.

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KV Design has completed the interior design of Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa, a new 44-guestroom destination overlooking the Aegean Sea and the harbour of Hora, the island’s buzzy capital town. Just as Hora tumbles down the centuries-old cliff face, so the white Cycladic buildings of Mykonos Riviera are also terraced down the rocky terrain. With a stepped pathway running through the resort like its spine, and many spaces opening directly onto the pathway, the development resembles a series of little village houses, albeit revealing contemporary pared-back design and many luxurious features when the doors are opened.

A sunken pathway is the start of the journey through the site, leading to the reception lobby which sits below the elevated infinity pool, only opening out at the far end with a seating area and windows looking over the sea. The genius of the design in this space is the deep, glazed “windows” punched through the ceiling under the pool which transform the lobby into an ethereal underwater experience.

By day, the space is constantly alive, shimmering with reflections of water and sunlight and animated by swimmers above. In the evening, it is illuminated by fibre optic lights embedded into the walls which shine upwards through the windows and pierce

TOP: The Pool Club overlooks the pool to one side and the harbour on the other, capturing breezes which play with ropes adorning the bar.

MIDDLE: Memories begin on arrival as swimmers float above guests’ heads while they are checking in.

BOTTOM: By night, fibre optic lights twinkle in the lobby and shine through into the pool above like hundreds of stars.

the water like hundreds of stars twinkling in the night sky. All this life is reflected and amplified by a fully mirrored reception desk, while a suspended sculpture plays with the notion of a diver plunging through the ceiling and recurring design features are established, such as polished concrete finishes and decorative marine rope.

The library is also directly off the sunken pathway.

A fresh, calm room in which to relax or work, it is one of the very few spaces that looks inwards rather than out to sea. Above, the Blu Room is a space for small private events and guest breakfasts with a stunning custom-designed buffet table above which a parade of lights like elegant sunhats forms an eye-catching display. The Blu Room’s reversal of the island’s usual colour palette of white with blue highlights into a room of dense ultramarine blue emphasising its unique role within the resort as a semi-private facility.

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TOP: The Blu Room is an elegant space for guest breakfasts, wine tastings and small private events.

A SUNKEN PATHWAY IS THE START OF THE JOURNEY THROUGH THE SITE, LEADING TO THE RECEPTION LOBBY WHICH SITS BELOW THE ELEVATED INFINITY POOL, ONLY OPENING OUT AT THE FAR END WITH A SEATING AREA AND WINDOWS LOOKING OVER THE SEA.

THIS PICTURE: The Library opens directly off the pathway that meanders through the resort, providing a peaceful retreat.

THE 500 SQ METRE SPA INCLUDES SIX TREATMENT ROOMS, A THALASSOTHERAPY POOL WITH THERAPEUTIC SHOWERS, A HAMMAM, SAUNA, RELAXATION ROOM AND HAIRDRESSING SALON. ALTHOUGH THE SPA IS SUNKEN, NATURAL LIGHT PENETRATES THE SPACE VIA A SMALL OUTDOOR COURTYARD.

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THIS PICTURE: With its classically pure forms, Oqua Spa is designed to be a haven of wellness and relaxation.

The rooftop Pool Club restaurant and bar is the hotel’s all-day dining venue. Located opposite the pool and directly looking towards the sea, it offers a panoply of gently changing vistas, from the Mykonian sunset to the yachts and pleasure boats making their way in and out of harbour. The range of seating options is varied to suit loungers and diners, secluded contemplation and lively socialising. Once again, the colour palette is simple and belongs to Mykonos; the white ceiling of the pergola is criss-crossed with white rope and the bar is dressed in rope that sways in the Mykonian breeze.

Lafs, the Greek speciality restaurant, only opens in the evenings and its simple interior is therefore designed to feel cosy and be seen by the light of its many glass pendants and loosely woven raffia shades which cast shadows across the room. From its outdoor terrace overlooking Hora, diners feel like they can touch the town. Lafs has the air of the best Greek in town – unpretentious, convivial and authentic.

The 500 sq metre spa includes six treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool with therapeutic showers, a

TOP: The interiors are pure and simple with polished concrete finishes embellished by pebble channels in the floor.

BOTTOM: The Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa is deeply connected to the spirit of the nearby town whilst also a retreat from its busy streets.

hammam, sauna, relaxation room and hairdressing salon. The interiors are pure and simple with polished concrete finishes predominating, embellished by pebble channels in the floor and a sculptural wall to one side of the pool; although the spa is sunken, natural light penetrates the space via a small outdoor courtyard.

Most of the guestrooms and suites overlook the Aegean Sea. Their interiors are bright, spacious and designed with a sleek nautical touch. A rope motif strung across the ceiling suggests rigging on a boat and splashes of Mykonian blue enliven the otherwise all-white palette; all the rooms enjoy an outdoor terrace. The bathroom area is finished in the iconic white marble of Naxos together with weathered timber, and the free-standing vanities are within the bedroom area, together with, in some rooms, a bath tub.

“This has been a very special project for us, given our role over the years as interior designer at the Riviera’s sister resort, The Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort,” says Maria Vafiadis, Founder of MKV Design.

“In this new project, we have created a retreat just a stroll away from the main town in which guests can feel completely connected with the most beautiful and transformative aspects of Mykonos – its natural landscapes, centuries old architectural character and its sense of simple luxury”.

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TOP: The guestrooms are simply, yet meticulously designed to offer a luxurious experience with panoramic sea and marina views.

MIDDLE: All the rooms are well-appointed, including handmade mattresses, marble walk-in showers and, in many, a free-standing bath tub.

MOST OF THE GUESTROOMS AND SUITES OVERLOOK THE AEGEAN SEA. THEIR INTERIORS ARE BRIGHT, SPACIOUS AND DESIGNED WITH A SLEEK NAUTICAL TOUCH. A ROPE MOTIF STRUNG ACROSS THE CEILING SUGGESTS RIGGING ON A BOAT AND SPLASHES OF MYKONIAN BLUE ENLIVEN THE OTHERWISE ALL-WHITE PALETTE; ALL THE ROOMS ENJOY AN OUTDOOR TERRACE.

THIS PICTURE: Splashes of Mykonian blue complement the otherwise all-white palette. Indoor and outdoor furniture is elegant and relaxed.

SHOWCASE | HOTEL

REINVENTING AN ART DECO ICON GLAMOUR AND MODERNITY BECOME THE SOUL OF THE SHERATON GRAND PARK LANE IN THE HEART OF LONDON.

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SHERATON GRAND PARK LANE

THIS PICTURE: The champagne and cocktail bar in the Palm Court is the essence of Art Deco glamour.

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he Sheraton Grand Park Lane enjoys an illustrious history. Its construction began in 1913, one of London’s first buildings to have a steel structure, although lack of finance during The First World War put a halt to construction and it was not until 1927 that the hotel in all its glory was eventually opened. By then, London was in the heyday of the Art Deco era, when style, glamour and societal progress flourished, influencing culture, art and design. The hotel soon became one of London’s most fashionable addresses where ladies would take tea in the Palm Court, Queen Elizabeth ll learnt to ballroom dance and there were society weddings and parties a-plenty in the exquisite Ballroom, still one of London’s finest Art Deco spaces today. In due course, the Ballroom and its Silver Gallery entrance became stars in their own right, featuring in major international movies such as Golden Eye and Titanic.

No surprise then that the recent refurbishment of the hotel – the most extensive renovation and redesign ever undertaken at the property – demanded sensitivity and a certain courage, a deep appreciation of the Art Deco inheritance together with the clarity to understand how to modernise the hotel sympathetically but emphatically. The guestroom floors were almost entirely remodelled and re-built and the ground floor plan was re-organised, putting the Palm Court at the heart from which all other public spaces now gravitate. However, regular guests returning to the hotel after the refurbishment found the original soul elevated, not diminished, and the connection between reception at the back of the building and Green Park to the front newly stated, while street entrances and pavement terraces to both the restaurant and bar had opened the hotel up to the neighbourhood.

Maria Vafiadis of MKV Design, the interior designers entrusted with this hugely significant project describes their approach to such work: “We start by peeling away layers of history to understand the building’s original construction and how it has been modified over time. From there, we identify which elements can be preserved or restored, what needs to be replaced, and then how modern design interventions can be sensitively integrated with the existing fabric.

Inevitably, there are surprises to resolve along the way, but there is also so much to fascinate and delight us in the process.”

At the heart of the creative thinking for the Sheraton Grand was a determination to use design

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TOP: The Sheraton Grand is a celebrated Art Deco property overlooking Green Park in the heart of London.

BOTTOM: In the public areas, the colour palette is rich, reflecting the Art Deco heritage while successfully combining with contemporary furniture.

THIS PICTURE: The Silver Gallery is an outstanding example of Art Deco. MKV custom-designed the new carpet to amplify the colours and motifs of the era.

“WE START BY PEELING AWAY LAYERS OF HISTORY TO UNDERSTAND THE BUILDING’S ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION AND HOW IT HAS BEEN MODIFIED OVER TIME. FROM THERE, WE IDENTIFY WHICH ELEMENTS CAN BE PRESERVED OR RESTORED, WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AND THEN HOW MODERN DESIGN INTERVENTIONS CAN BE SENSITIVELY INTEGRATED WITH THE EXISTING FABRIC. INEVITABLY, THERE ARE SURPRISES TO RESOLVE ALONG THE WAY, BUT THERE IS ALSO SO MUCH TO FASCINATE AND DELIGHT US IN THE PROCESS.” Maria Vafiadis, Founder and MD of MKV Design

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THIS PICTURE: The Palm Court is a jewel that lies within the heart of the Sheraton Grand’s redesigned ground floor spaces.

to enhance the overall experience for guests from the moment of check-in, to taking time out in the Palm Court, dining in the restaurant and relaxing in their bedrooms. As a result, although each space is quite different and special in its own right, there is a consistent design language throughout weaving together the design legacy with contemporary design in varying mixes. The 303 guestrooms may essentially be new spaces but they are redolent with Art Deco glamour – a central ceiling cupola is finished in a subtle tone of warm silver replicating the colour of the original in the Silver Gallery, there are silver finishes on the furniture, bevelled mirror panels above the bedheads and deco-inspired wall lights. Period details have also been translated into new features in the Palm Court such as the striking carpet motif, japonaiserie-style wallcovering and polished herringbone travertine floor. In reception, there is glossy Macassar ebony veneer cladding the walls and silver fretwork to the large central ceiling light recalls the magnificent Art Deco features of the function rooms.

Nevertheless, the reception lobby is a thoroughly contemporary, international space, complete with a media wall which incorporates a pop-out desk with computer.

TOP: In the function areas, all existing details were restored to their former glory and wall finishes refreshed.

BOTTOM: The Sheraton Grand ballroom has starred in legendary movies such as Golden Eye and Titanic.

The Palm Court now flows through a sequence of subtly zoned areas from the champagne and cocktail bar to a long sharing table equipped with connectivity and a collection of lounge chairs with side tables that can be flexibly arranged. The main lounge is the next space in the enfilade and then a snug area around a new glass fireplace. The fireplace is located where previously there was the entrance door. By replacing this and introducing two new doorways on each side, the designers have introduced two avenues along the edge of the Palm Court rather than the one which previously sliced through the room. In between, the lounge is now raised and surrounded by an elegant Art Deco style balustrade giving patrons a sense of discreet separation from the trail of guests arriving through the Piccadilly entrance to make their way to reception on the other side of the room. The impressive vaulted ceiling with original stained glass panels and mouldings has been restored and enhanced by the addition of a mirrored surround below; new lighting helps brighten and articulate the space.

In the function areas, all existing details have been restored to their former glory and paintwork and wall finishes refreshed, but other interventions have been kept to the minimum. One significant new

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feature throughout the function areas is the carpet, in a bespoke design that was created by MKV, drawing on the colours and motifs of the Art Deco period. The decorative features that give the Silver Gallery its name have been revitalised bringing heightened star quality to this impressive hall. Walls have been handfinished with palladium leaf to complement the warm metallic tones of the striking ornamental artwork, while elaborate balustrading on the grand staircase has been polished to a glorious patinated sheen.

In the function areas, all existing details have been restored to their former glory and paintwork and wall finishes refreshed, but other interventions have been kept to the minimum. One significant new feature throughout the function areas is the carpet, in a bespoke design that was created by MKV, drawing on the colours and motifs of the Art Deco period. The decorative features that give the Silver Gallery its name have been revitalised bringing heightened star quality to this impressive hall. Walls have been handfinished with palladium leaf to complement the warm metallic tones of the striking ornamental artwork, while elaborate balustrading on the grand staircase has been polished to a glorious patinated sheen.

Mercante brings modern Italian dining to London’s

TOP: The new Smith & Whistle bar imagines a bygone era translated into a modern setting with wit and panache.

MERCANTE BRINGS MODERN ITALIAN DINING TO LONDON’S PICCADILLY WITH INTERIORS THAT BEAUTIFULLY COMBINE ORIGINALITY WITH THE FAMILIAL, ELEGANCE WITH INFORMALITY, AND THE AIR OF AN AUTHENTIC TRATTORIA WITH THE REDISCOVERED STYLISHNESS OF THE SHERATON GRAND LONDON PARK LANE.

THIS PICTURE: Custom-designed tiles, jaunty yellow leather seating and collections of domestic paraphernalia invite passers-by to step inside the restaurant.

THE 303 GUESTROOMS MAY ESSENTIALLY BE NEW SPACES BUT THEY ARE REDOLENT WITH ART DECO GLAMOUR – A CENTRAL CEILING CUPOLA IS FINISHED IN A SUBTLE TONE OF WARM SILVER REPLICATING THE COLOUR OF THE ORIGINAL IN THE SILVER GALLERY, THERE ARE SILVER FINISHES ON THE FURNITURE, BEVELLED MIRROR PANELS ABOVE THE BEDHEADS AND DECO-INSPIRED WALL LIGHTS.

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THIS PICTURE: MKV created the restaurant from two existing rooms and a new extension, providing a variety of moods through day and evening.

Piccadilly with interiors that beautifully combine originality with the familial, elegance with informality, and the air of an authentic trattoria with the rediscovered stylishness of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane.

Taking their inspiration from the ‘market place’, to which the restaurant’s name alludes, the designers have introduced dark timber flooring and joinery combined with warm rustic tones in the furnishings off-set by fresh yellow and green hues throughout. In the original dining area, mouldings have been restored and the dark timber panelling to the walls has been painted in a simple cream tone, transforming the area into a light, uplifting space.

The design of Mercante offers much to intrigue and entertain diners. In the new area, near to the street entrance, a unique ceramic contrast tile has been used on the floor - a modern twist on a traditional Italian folk pattern. Here, vintage black and white framed photographs depicting bygone country life are playfully reminiscent of ‘grandma’s kitchen’ while an ancient trading map has been imaginatively transposed onto the white wall tiles.

Smith & Whistle, the new bar, has a narrative all of its own playing with a fictional Detective Inspector Smith and his nemesis, the infamous scoundrel Mr William Whistle who once partook in clandestine meetings in the hotel. Colours are clubby and masculine, copper pipe friezes at each end add a light industrial air and the bar, while beautifully crafted with layered timber pieces and a lacquered top, has echoes of bars in traditional public houses. A striking black and white timber floor is laid Art Deco fashion and the space is wittily accessorised with bowler hats and gentlemen’s umbrellas.

One final re-design, and the apotheosis of 1920’s glamour reinvented, is the ladies powder room.

Mosaics, gilt-embossed peacock feather wallpaper, a tessellated marble floor and mirror shimmer in the soft light.

TOP: Suites were reconfigured to make best use of internal space and to take full advantage of views over Green Park.

BOTTOM: Guestrooms offer a modern luxury experience with a sophisticated palette of materials and impressive Art Deco touches.

SHOWCASE | HOTEL

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INTOURIST HOTEL

WHERE PAST MEETS FUTURE

BAKU’S INTOURIST HOTEL COMBINES THE ICONIC GLAMOUR OF ITS PREDECESSOR WITH MODERN LUXURY AND RESIDENTIAL COMFORT.

THIS PICTURE: The narrative begins in the lobby: decorative screens hinting of a mid-20th Century patina, full-height sheers and ceiling pendants that unfurl through the space.

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THIS PICTURE: The public areas flow through the hotel offering guests a sequence of environments in which to relax, work, socialise and dine.

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he Intourist Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, is a very special hotel in Baku, the rapidly regenerating capital of Azerbaijan. It has a special magic which derives from its predecessor, an Intourist Hotel that opened in 1934 on an adjacent site and was, in its 20th Century heyday, the hotel in town. However, despite a building exterior styled to look very similar to the old icon, inside, the new hotel has a narrative that is clearly its own, belonging to the vibrant and aspirational city that is Baku today. MKV Design was the practice commissioned to handle the interior design and their vision was to create a hotel that is glamorous and contemporary, yet residential in ambience. The 21st Century Intourist might be a lovely family home where the design encourages guests to feel as if they are personal friends of the owner. The interiors bestow a sense of private pleasure and exclusivity; this is a hotel for people “in the know”, a place to see and be seen in. Allusions to the era of the first Intourist Hotel infuse the design of the second, but never overwhelm it.

The ground floor spaces have been carefully planned to provide a series of different opportunities for guests to relax, work, socialise and dine, all within a relatively small footprint. The spaces flow naturally from the entrance lobby, leading guests into the next area with intriguing glimpses and carefully composed views. Three elegant reception desks finished in silver

TOP: The palette is warm and comfortable combining rich timbers, travertine stone and copper with leather and velvet upholstery.

THE COLOUR PALETTE WAS SELECTED TO GIVE A WARM, RELAXED AND HOMELY FEEL WITH THE RICH TONES OF TIMBER SITTING IN HARMONY WITH THE TEXTURE AND VEINING OF THE STONE. THE TIMBER AND COPPER ALLOW THE RICH GREEN OF THE MARBLE AND SOFAS TO ADD THEATRE TO THE SPACE.

metallic high gloss lacquer sit in front of decorative timber screens styled to suggest a mid-20th Century design. These screens, coupled with full height sheers which soften the space, recur throughout the ground floor, playing with the perception of space thanks to their subtle layering. A magnificent cascade of ceiling pendants swirls through the public areas like an unfurling sail, holding the spaces together and leading guests on through each experience.

The corridor leading to the lounge is given additional purpose by doubling as a library with book-lined glass-backed shelves, once again creating an illusion of space and allowing light through into the cosy reading room on each side. Here, elegant curved sofas echo the fretwork patina of the screens while the design of the rug picks up on the geometry of much of the detailing. The corridor frames a grand wood-burning fireplace beyond, contained within a wall of magnificent green forest marble which forms a fabulous backdrop to the lounge. This is an elegant area graced by collections of over-sized sofas and modern classic chairs. On the other side, the marble wall serves to enclose the bar, creating the next space in the guest journey.

The antiqued brass of the bar glimmers under shafts of lighting slicing through dark walnut timber and white lacquer boxes suspended from the ceiling in a bespoke design by MKV, “cutting through” the marble wall from the lounge and serving to obscure the A/C at the same time. The hint of a sea-going raft is apparent in these boxes, an idea picked up in a printed canvas, set into a porthole-shaped frame over the bar, which depicts an ancient ship as might once have set sail from the seafaring nation of Azerbaijan.

The timber flooring is composed of hexagonal panels in M.C. Escher fashion and a striking zig-zag table traverses the space, lending an informal and playful appearance.

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MIDDLE: In the restaurant, structural columns have been clad in mirror and decorated with sheers and screens.

BOTTOM: The bar plays optical illusions: light slices through the ceiling feature, the floor is laid Escher-fashion and a table zig-zags through the space.

THIS PICTURE: A corridor doubles as a library with book-lined open shelving, allowing daylight to filter into the reading rooms on each side.

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THIS PICTURE: Guestrooms and suites are elegant and comfortable with bespoke furniture, indirect lighting and frosted glass partitions to the bathrooms.

GUESTROOMS ARE MODERN, STREAMLINED AND VERY RELAXING. HIDDEN LIGHTING WASHES THE ROOMS IN SOFT LIGHT, THE DESK AND TV UNIT APPEARS TO BE FREE FLOATING WITH A GLOWING LIGHT BEHIND AND MIRRORED PANELS REFLECT THE LIGHTS OVER THE BED, CREATING AN ILLUSION OF GREATER DEPTH.

The colour palette was selected to give a warm, relaxed and homely feel with the rich tones of timber sitting in harmony with the texture and veining of the stone. The timber and copper allow the rich green of the marble and sofas to add theatre to the space.

The restaurant is the final stage in the sequence of public areas - a long room with several structural columns. MKV has overcome the potential hardness of the space by cladding the columns with mirror and decorating them with sheers and fretwork screens, several of which can slide together to close off part of the restaurant and create an intimate evening destination. An open kitchen to the rear of the restaurant provides both a flexible and interactive dining experience. Serving as a buffet for breakfast and lunch, it

can easily be transformed into an intimate bar dining experience with the addition of bar stools.

Guestrooms are modern, streamlined and very relaxing. Hidden lighting washes the rooms in soft light, the desk and TV unit appears to be free floating with a glowing light behind and mirrored panels reflect the lights over the bed, creating an illusion of greater depth. A feature wall with crystal embossed wallpaper adds a further touch of glamour. All the suites overlook the Caspian Sea and benefit from particularly generous bathrooms clad in Arabescato marble and enclosed within frosted glass partitions.

The effect is of lightness and the sense is of spaciousness, modernity and luxury.

TOP: Bathrooms are luxurious and contemporary, clad in Arabescato marble with smart chrome fittings and ample storage space.

SHOWCASE | RESORT

GREEK STORYTELLING COSTA NAVARINO IS A DESTINATION WHERE NATURE, LEGEND, HISTORY AND CULTURE ARE INTERTWINED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE.

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COSTA NAVARINO

THIS PICTURE: The Romanos lobby is a modern interpretation of an ancient Greek temple; it also perfectly frames the view beyond.

THE DESIGN AESTHETIC IS A RESPONSE TO THE LOCATION – SEA, SUN, THE CURVE OF THE BAY, THE DUNES AND OLIVE TREES. THE IN/OUT EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING. BOTH PUBLIC AND GUEST SPACES FLOW, FROM OPEN TERRACE LEVELS TO SHADED TERRACES INTO INTERIOR SPACES THAT ARE OPEN TO THE VIEWS AND THEN INDOOR AREAS THAT ARE ‘CLOSED’.

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he resort of Costa Navarino is located in Messinia in the southwest of Greece, one of the most unspoiled landscapes in the Mediterranean. Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote the region, while protecting and preserving both its natural beauty and a remarkable heritage spanning 4,500 years. Costa Navarino is home to two five-star hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort; Anazoe Spa, a 4,000 sq metre spa & thalassotherapy centre; and a village replete with restaurants, cafes and boutiques, all with interior design by MKV. There are two signature golf courses, with a clubhouse also designed by MKV and, earlier this year, the designers completed a second golf clubhouse for the adjacent Bay Course.

The design aesthetic is a response to the location – sea, sun, the curve of the bay, the dunes and olive trees. The in/out experience is everything. Both public and guest spaces flow, from open terrace levels to shaded terraces into interior spaces that are open to the views and then indoor areas that are ‘closed’.

As befits the eco-vision for Costa Navarino, the key materials are local and organic. Pale stone abounds inside and out; timbers are mainly dark, providing a counterpoint to the stone. Much of the upholstery is of leather or linen, and bronze or iron metals as well as mosaic, in both traditional and contemporary idioms, are widely used.

The designers also took inspiration from the history and architectural inheritance of Messinia. The region offers a rich tapestry, from ancient times when history and legend were entwined through to the many centuries of the Byzantine Empire and, finally, to the sea battle of Navarino Bay that saw the expulsion of Greece’s Turkish rulers. Working from the master plan, MKV developed simple but monumental forms with references to either to ancient Greek or Byzantine vernaculars. The interiors, however, are no slavish interpretation of the past. Instead, they respond to today’s lifestyles and offer guests a kaleidoscope of physical, emotional and sensual experiences.

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MIDDLE: Materials are local and organic: stone, mosaic, timber, bronze and leather are widely used.

BOTTOM: The Romanos is planned as a sequence of experiences, flowing from indoors to outside and back again.

THIS PICTURE: The Romanos lobby is the place to stop and discover the experience about to begin.

GUESTROOMS ARE DESIGNED WITH TODAY’S LIFESTYLE IN MIND, AGAIN A SEQUENCE OF SPACE, THIS TIME LEADING FROM THE BATHROOM TO THE BEDROOM AND ONTO THE TERRACE. HERE, COMFORTABLE BUILT-IN SOFAS, A FIREPLACE AND WALLS ADORNED WITH LANTERNS AND TEXTURED FRIEZES MEAN THAT GUESTS CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE AN INDOOR EXPERIENCE OUTDOORS, EVEN ON CHILLIER EVENINGS.

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TOP: The Westin is reminiscent of a lovely rural home in the region. Simple, natural materials coexist harmoniously with contemporary furnishings.

The Romanos draws upon the design inheritance of ancient Greece with its vaulted timber roofs and mosaic detailing echoing that of the nearby Palace of Nestor – the king who offered unconditional hospitality to weary travellers. The Romanos has the qualities of a wealthy private mansion; the soaring volumes are the ultimate expression of luxury and the materials used are noble. These values are confidently combined with chic contemporary furniture and monochromatic colour schemes that layer tone-on-tone.

The lobby is a modern interpretation of an ancient Greek temple and its monumental proportions serve as an orientation device across the resort as well as to perfectly frame the view towards the Ionian Sea. It is the place to stop and discover the experience about to begin. On each side, full-height bronze fretwork gates give onto the two wings of the low-rise hotel that gently cascade towards the sea.

MKV planned the hotel as a sequence of experiences, from outside in, or inside out. The Anax Bar, for example, begins outside with a sunken terrace surrounded by a small canal. The next “zone” is a glazed colonnade, offering stunning views towards the sea and the main space is behind this – an area of striking volume. A raised area with a lowered ceiling creates the next set with tables for board games and billiards, and finally another terrace affords views over the cluster of stone and timber buildings that form the village.

MIDDLE: The Westin references the Ottoman forms of the Byzantine period, typical of regional architecture in Messinia.

BOTTOM: A guest bathroom at the Romanos offering stunning views of the coastline and opening onto a sheltered outdoor terrace for further stargazing.

Guestrooms are designed with today’s lifestyle in mind, again a sequence of space, this time leading from the bathroom to the bedroom and onto the terrace. Here, comfortable built-in sofas, a fireplace and walls adorned with lanterns and textured friezes mean that guests can continue to have an indoor experience outdoors, even on chillier evenings.

The Westin is a luxury family resort and the designers responded to this by adopting a design vision that “goes back to the roots”, finding magic in the familiar. The resulting style is reminiscent of a Messinian rural home with references to the Ottoman forms of the Byzantine period that are typical of regional architecture.

Simple, natural materials coexist harmoniously with contemporary, clean-lined furnishings in strong, bold colours that have been inspired by the natural surroundings. The proportions of the rooms are human

in scale and the ambience is warm and residential.

In the guestrooms, raffia headboards, artisanal iron breakfast tables and hand-woven rattan pendant lights combine to create a residential ambience. Locally sourced stone and brightly coloured pebbles on the floor and walls of the wet areas accentuate the interiors’ link with outdoor spaces.

Of the many restaurants in Costa Navarino, Inbi is especially memorable, a sequence of buildings and outdoor spaces which offer different but interlocking lounging, wining and dining experiences. Its design is a synthesis of east and west, referencing the oriental cuisine as well as the glorious coastal location. Here, the narrative of seamless flow between indoors and out is exemplified, from the imposing double-height restaurant, to the single-storey bar, the central courtyard and a “secret garden” overlooking the sea.

The spa’s name is derived from “ana” (beginning)

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TOP: Anazoe Spa offers a multi-sensory journey designed to achieve total revitalisation of body and spirit.

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THIS PICTURE: The spa reveals a series of spaces into which guests may retreat drawn in by long colonnades to the inner sanctum.

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THIS PICTURE: Classic Greek forms were combined with Eastern features to ensure sense of place for Inbi, the resort’s Asian Restaurant.

OF THE MANY RESTAURANTS IN COSTA NAVARINO, INBI IS ESPECIALLY MEMORABLE, A SEQUENCE OF BUILDINGS AND OUTDOOR SPACES WHICH OFFER DIFFERENT BUT INTERLOCKING LOUNGING, WINING AND DINING EXPERIENCES. ITS DESIGN IS A SYNTHESIS OF EAST AND WEST, REFERENCING THE ORIENTAL CUISINE AS WELL AS THE GLORIOUS COASTAL LOCATION.

and “zoe” (new life), and the 4,000 sq metre space is hidden, womb-like, within the surrounding topography, a series of spaces into which guests may retreat drawn in by long colonnades to the inner sanctum.

The design layers experience on experience. The perimeter joins with the outside world and is the wet area; moving inwards towards the dry treatment spaces, the spa becomes reminiscent of mystical caves that glow with exquisite and variously coloured mosaics where perforated iron features filter flickering candlelight. Materials and textiles are natural, with generous use of timbers and pebbles in an earth-toned palette to create a cocoon that encircles warming fire pits, and gently flowing water can be heard throughout the spa, drawing guests deeper into a multisensory experience.

The clubhouse interiors are sleek and modern.

The monumental porte cochère provides the first transition between outside and in and also signals the arrival at a very special golf clubhouse. The chic décor of the members’ lounge and the restaurant juxtaposes cool modern materials such as stainless steel with warm, natural surfaces of smooth stones, rich timbers and tree branches. The restaurant opens onto a dining terrace and creates an open flow of space that draws the seaside breezes and sunlight into the interiors.

The new earth-sheltered Bay Course Clubhouse is an astonishing 2,000 sq metre structure, submerged into the hillside with a single, long and fully glazed façade that overlooks the course and the Bay of Navarino. The interior design differentiates little between inside and out; not only do the palette and finishes inside belong to nature, the fully retractable glazed wall means the restaurant, bar and members’ lounge flow seamlessly onto an outdoor dining terrace that wraps along the front of the building.

TOP: Sculptural metal structures provide frameworks where local flora can thrive on Inbi’s terrace, illuminated by lanterns and candlelight.

BOTTOM: Inbi’s bar is about sharing and lounging. A modern fireplace inset into a patinated copper wall provides focus; suspended cocoon chairs add a playful note.

SHOWCASE | HOTEL

A JEWEL IN THE CROWN MATILD PALACE PROMISES GLAMOUR, ARTISTRY, WHIMSY AND SOUL IN A CONTEMPORARY REIMAGINING OF AN ARCHDUCHESS’S RESIDENCE.

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MATILD PALACE

THIS PICTURE: The design celebrates the Hungarian heritage of metalwork, embroidery, and tile-making; touches of aquamarine reference the rooftops of the old city.

THE LOBBY LOUNGE WITH ITS SUMPTUOUS FURNISHINGS FLOWS FROM RECEPTION. ENVISAGED AS THE DUCHESS’S SHOWCASE FOR HER ADORING PUBLIC, THE DOUBLE-HEIGHT SPACE WILL FEATURE A FLOOR-TO-CEILING COLLECTION OF IMAGES OF BUDAPEST PRINTED ONTO METAL, IN THE CENTRE OF WHICH AN OIL ON CANVAS PORTRAIT OF PRINCESS CLOTILDE WILL RESIDE.

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THIS PICTURE: The interiors combine hints of Baroque, Romanesque and Art Deco within a contemporary interpretation of the Archduchess’s new hotel.

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udapest, one of the great capital cities of Europe, is about to receive a Luxury Collection hotel. Accommodated within the iconic Matild Palace at the gateway to the Elisabeth Bridge over the River Danube, the hotel is being ingeniously brought to life by MKV Design who have reimagined the property as the residence of Princess Clotilde of SaxeCoburg and Gotha and, by marriage, Archduchess of Austria, who commissioned the original building.

Matild Palace was completed in 1902, a splendid example of Neo-Baroque architecture. The property housed apartments and, in due course, a grand café in the central European tradition that became a haunt of famous artists and musicians in the mid-twentieth century. Now, the designers have woven together a narrative rich in sense of place, which embraces the architectural, crafts, social and cultural inheritance of Budapest while creating a hotel that is relevant, beautiful and comfortable for 21st Century travellers.

It is a narrative in which the Duchess herself features, returning to Budapest to revive the palace by transforming it into a luxury hotel where friends are invited to stay, dine and bathe, where artists gather and she herself decides to make her residence.

At street level, the existing interior has been restored. Typifying buildings of its era, a passageway with full-height ornamental gates and high vaulted ceiling is carved through the building, offering access to the café on one side and reception, lounge and restaurant on the other. Over-scaled pendants made of individual porcelain pieces will showcase the next chapter of the local Zsolnay tile tradition and crafted items of furniture and elegant plantings will hint at what is to come.

Much as the Duchess may have herself chosen, the interiors blend hints of Baroque, Romanesque and Art Nouveau, and they delight in the Hungarian heritage of metalwork and embroidery, as well as tile-making, and the tones of aquamarine which grace the city’s old rooftops. And, just as the Duchess commissioned Budapest’s first lift for the original Matild Palace, her latter-day statement piece is a modern, custom-designed reception desk – an art piece in beaten brass. The lobby lounge with its sumptuous furnishings flows from reception. Envisaged as the Duchess’s showcase for her adoring public, the double-height space will feature a floor-to-ceiling collection of images of Budapest printed onto metal,

TOP: The passageway is a splendid introduction to the hotel.

Original proportions and mouldings are combined with individual furniture pieces and overscaled pendants.

in the centre of which an oil on canvas portrait of Princess Clotilde will reside. The huge central chandelier could be replica of one of her family jewels.

The café is being reinvented as a contemporary destination with the glamour of its predecessor; a coffeehouse and social hub to be seen in, which tourists to the city will bookmark as a ‘must-visit’. A central atrium will make the perfect stage for musicians to entertain and the mezzanine gallery which flows around this, the perfect place for people-gazing. Walls and floors will be clad in timber, the original café chandeliers are being restored to their former beauty and table lamps will provide a sense of cosy intimacy on chilly winter days. Located on the mezzanine opposite the Café, three function rooms will offer luxurious settings for dinner parties and select boardroom events. Metallic textured wallcoverings and exotic veneers will adorn the walls, and the floors will be covered in plush wool carpets; yet, behind such opulence, the latest technology will be integrated to support every business need.

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TOP: The new restaurant features a bar, spectacularly adorned with aquamarine tiles.

MIDDLE: The restaurant will include a series of kitchen stations which, just like Budapest’s popular markets, will serve a variety of fresh local fare.

THE BRASSERIE-STYLE RESTAURANT WILL BE NEW, OFFERING A SERIES OF ZONED AREAS. INSIDE, THERE WILL BE A SHOP, A DINING AREA WITH KITCHEN STATIONS SERVING A VARIETY OF LOCAL FOODS REMINISCENT OF BUDAPEST’S POPULAR MARKET STALLS AND THE BAR, CLAD, IN AQUAMARINE TILES; THERE WILL ALSO BE A LARGE OUTDOOR TERRACE.

THIS PICTURE: The rooftop bar has the ambience of a private club where fantastic things can happen.

THE JEWEL-LIKE CHARACTER OF THE BEDROOMS IS MATCHED BY THEIR STUNNING BATHROOMS, WHICH HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AS A PRIVATE SPA WITH WET ROOMS CLAD IN TURQUOISE GLASS MOSAIC INTERLEAVED WITH GOLD AND RICHLY VEINED CALACATTA ORO MARBLE TO THE WALLS, FLOORS AND VANITIES.

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THIS PICTURE: The spa’s relaxation room hints of the city’s traditional bathhouses in the purity of its design.

The brasserie-style restaurant will be new, offering a series of zoned areas. Inside, there will be a shop, a dining area with kitchen stations serving a variety of local foods reminiscent of Budapest’s popular market stalls and the bar, clad, of course, in aquamarine tiles; there will also be a large outdoor terrace. The restaurant overlooks the main square and will be a vibrant place where locals, hotel guests and visitors will mingle through day and evening.

From the days of the Roman Empire, Budapest’s reputation for thermal bathing was second to none, and numerous bathhouses remain in the city today.

Naturally, Matild Palace is destined to have its own spa inspired by the bathing culture and re-interpreted into an exquisite sanctuary where the graceful forms of the swans which inhabit the River Danube infuse the design. Walls resemble their soft white plumes of feathers and an ornate metalwork screen depicts their dance; the ethereal relaxation room hints of traditional bathhouses or a deep-water pool into which swans may dive.

MKV completely re-configured the first floor upwards to create 114 guestrooms and 16 suites. The rooms are grand and elegant – like any great hostess, the Duchess was adamant that her guests were treated only to the best! There are magnificent Art Deco flourishes, in the elaborate embroidery to the full-height leather headboards for example, as well

as delightful details, such as the traditional purse clip handles to the wardrobe doors, and luxurious materials including faux shagreen, verre églomisé mirrors, marble-topped tables and parquet flooring with soft rugs. The jewel-like character of the bedrooms is matched by their stunning bathrooms, which have been designed as a private spa with wet rooms clad in turquoise glass mosaic interleaved with gold and richly veined Calacatta Oro marble to the walls, floors and vanities. However, the Duchess also loved to gather artists around her and the fifth floor is designed to be their very special pad. Tucked into the eaves and with inspirational views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows, these rooms are skilfully curated to evoke a sense of creative fun, from the casual platform sofas to lounge on to colourful modern prints on the walls and vintage-style rugs.

The Presidential Suite has been imagined as Princess Clotilde’s private apartment, designed to reflect her personality and social standing. The generous open plan living room is perfect for entertaining guests amidst her artefacts, original artworks and furniture pieces – a collection that feels as if it has been brought together over the years. The bedroom is her boudoir, a space exuding femininity and opulence where embroidered curtains are dressed with silk tassels and drape gracefully along the floor and large crystal wall sconces and a central chandelier sparkle seductively.

TOP: The concept for the spa was inspired by the graceful forms of the swans which inhabit the River Danube.

The bathroom is quite simply one-of-a-kind, with an Art Nouveau-inspired marble and gold mosaic design to the walls, a huge free-standing tub and classic bronze fittings.

The Duchess has one more secret however – a rooftop bar, a place so precious it might be reserved for her most favoured friends, and because it is a “secret”, the design here can be at its most precocious and decadent. The designers discovered the space and are creating an indoor bar with fabulous views of Budapest together with an outdoor garden. The ambience is that of a private club where fantastic things can happen. In the centre, a back-lit onyx bar glows surrounded by tables held aloft by brass peacocks. There are fractured trees and palm tree floor lamps; even a couple of giraffe sculptures join the host of extraordinary objects. The ambience is dark and moody with plush fabrics and marble finishes glinting under ceiling pendants. The Duchess Bar is for those who know the world and are never tired of living.

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TOP: Guest bathrooms are akin to private spas with turquoise glass mosaic interleaved with gold, Calacatta Oro marble and an immersive wet room experience.

BOTTOM: The Presidential Suite bathroom features an ArtNouveau inspired marble and gold design to the walls and a huge free-standing bathtub.

THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE HAS BEEN IMAGINED AS PRINCESS CLOTILDE’S PRIVATE APARTMENT, DESIGNED TO REFLECT HER PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL STANDING. THE GENEROUS OPEN PLAN LIVING ROOM IS PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING GUESTS AMIDST HER ARTEFACTS, ORIGINAL ARTWORKS AND FURNITURE PIECES – A COLLECTION THAT FEELS AS IF IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TOGETHER OVER THE YEARS.

THIS PICTURE: The Presidential Suite bedroom is imagined as the Archduchess’s boudoir - opulent, feminine and majestic.

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DESIGN LIBRARY TAMA DESK

by WALTER KNOLLL

DESIGN LIBRARY | TIMELESS FURNITURE

FLYING START DESIGNED AS A TRIBUTE TO THE NEW BAUHAUS, THE AISUU CHAIR COLLECTION PERFECTLY CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF ITS PREDECESSOR WHILE FEATURING AN EXCEPTIONAL CONTEMPORARY LANGUAGE.

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THIS PICTURE: With its sleek profile and perfect geometry, the Aisuu Side Chair’s best features are its elegant wing-like armrests supported by slender legs.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT YOUR GUESTS TO BE: PRESENT, BUT NOT PRESUMPTUOUS, ELEGANT, BUT UNPRETENTIOUS.

Aisuu Side Chair

Aisuu Chair

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leasing to the senses, geometrically perfect but still sensually casual in every way, the design of Aisuu Chair and Aisuu Side Chair

by Swiss designer Ginger Zalaba is more than meets the eye. Behind the well-coordinated seat that balances superbly over slim, delicate legs, is a story that speaks volume of Zalaba’s love and respect for her grandfather, Otto Kolb, known in the 50s as a master of the New Bauhaus.

All through her childhood, Zalaba has always been enamoured by her grandfather’s works, especially his avant-garde furniture pieces. Upon finding some of Kolb’s sketches a couple of years ago, his bat chair design caught her eye. This chair gained much attention in the 50s, so much so that Playboy called it the “love chair”. Walter Knoll was fascinated by the design as well and subsequently went on to create a stunning upholstered version of the chair with Kolb, but it was considered too avant-garde at that time.

Fast forward to present day, Zalaba saw the

contemporary potential of the chair and set out to bring its prototype to life using her distinctive design approach and language which emphasizes straight lines, sleek materials and the reduction of superfluous materials. The team at Walter Knoll was impressed by how Zalaba reinterpreted the chair in this manner.

To get the chair market-ready, the team executed a few tweaks along with optimizing the ergonomics and the inclination of seat and backrest, as well as the tube wall thickness and the finishing of the leather. What transpired is Aisuu, a stunning chair collection in two variations: where the Aisuu Side Chair has a casual, roomy effect with its wings, Aisuu Chair is more upright with its geometric form.

Both the Aisuu Chair and Aisuu Side Chair come in a bronze finished framework or in black. The chairs also incorporate an elegant saddle leather, available in a wide range of colours.

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TOP: The Aisuu Side Chair gives off a casual, roomy feel with its wings while the Aisuu Chair is more upright with its geometric form.

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THIS PICTURE: Swiss designer, Ginger Zalaba gave the Aisuu chair collection a contemporary update using her unique design language that emphasizes straight lines and reduction of material.

WALTERKNOLL.DE

DESIGN LIBRARY | CHAIR & ARMCHAIR

SITTING IN SPENDLOUR

LIKE A REMARKABLE HOST, THE ESTER COLLECTION PERFECTLY PLAYS THE PART OF MAKING GUESTS FEEL LUXURIOUSLY COMFORTABLE AS THEY WINE AND DINE AT THE UPSCALE LAGO RESTAURANT.

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THIS PICTURE: Featuring high attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship, ESTER’s brown and beige leather seatings express a touch of warmth and sophistication.

ESTER ARMCHAIR IS A MIX OF ELEGANCE, ERGONOMICS AND FUNCTIONALITY. THE ATTENTION TO DETAILS IS EVERYWHERE. THE RESULT IS A PRECIOUS MONOLITH MADE OF LEATHER COMPLEMENTED

BY REFINED DIE-CASTED ALUMINUM LEGS. SEAT MADE OF POLYURETHANE FOAM WITH ELASTIC BELTS ON A STEEL STRUCTURE.

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THIS PICTURE: LAGO’s Italian-inspired décor theme is elegantly complemented by ESTER chairs and armchairs, designed by Patrick Jouin for Pedrali.

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TOP LEFT: The ESTER chair collection is outstanding with its exceptional ergonomics and functionality, blending into LAGO’s main dining room immaculately.

rom its unique gastronomical fare to its Italian-inspired interior design and spectacular views, every single detail at the LAGO restaurant in the famous Bellagio Resort & Casinò leaves a memorable impression. The elegant ESTER chairs and armchairs, designed by Patrick Jouin for Pedrali prove to be the perfect fit, gracefully uplifting the upscale furnishing concept of this fine dining establishment.

LAGO, which is owned and operated by Michelinstarred Chef Julian Serrano appointed Alessandro Munge, principal of Studio Munge to create a unique new signature for his very first Italian restaurant. Taking cue from Italian Futurism of the early twentieth century, the architect successfully turned the restaurant’s interior into a sophisticated and original space that pays tribute to the Italian historical journey of style, art and fashion.

Featuring six well-composed areas including the

Bar Lounge, the Open Private Dining Area, the Bar, the Main Dining Room with dramatic arched windows, the Private Dining Room and a Patio that welcomes outdoor dining, each of these spaces have its own elegant yet surprising furnishing elements - one of them is notably, the ESTER collection, standing out yet blending in with its exceptional ergonomics and fashionable functionality.

ESTER is definitely a splendid choice for LAGO’s main dining room. A product of excellent craftsmanship, ESTER emerges as a striking upholstered leather seating supported by refined legs in die-casted aluminium. Upholstery in beige and brown was chosen for an earthy, sensual visual appeal. To further elevate ESTER’s comfort factor, the seat incorporates polyurethane foam with elastic belts, ensuring a lush and luxurious seated experience as guests wine and dine the night away.

TOP RIGHT: In the restaurant’s main area, the abstract ceiling panels in a white finish create a cascading effect along the walls enhanced by soft backlighting.

PEDRALI.IT

DESIGN LIBRARY | MILLWORKS & FURNISHINGS

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BEYOND THE BLUE HORIZON AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE BLUE LAGOON’S ETHEREAL LANDSCAPE AND INSPIRED INTERIOR SPACES, B&B ITALIA’S EXQUISITELY-DESIGNED COLLECTIONS PERFECTLY INFUSE THE RESORT WITH AN ENCHANTING STYLISH EXPRESSION.

THIS PICTURE: Inspired by the unique surroundings of the Blue Lagoon, the Retreat’s interior is designed to reflect a harmonious unity between nature and the man-made.

“TO KEY IN A UNIQUE SENSE OF REFINED LUXURY, THE RESORT WORKED TOGETHER WITH B&B ITALIA TO FURNISH MOST OF THE HOTEL AREAS, INCLUDING THE DECORATIVE LIGHTING OF THE HOTEL, RESTAURANT, LIBRARY AND SPA.”

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THIS PICTURE: The lobby offers magnificent view of the milky-blue lagoon and the stunning lava landscapes outdoors.

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an and nature come together in perfect harmony at The Blue Lagoon, famed for its geothermal seawater pool that offers a plethora of healing benefits. The resort is tucked in the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, a destination brimming with lava-laden landscapes and cone-shaped volcanoes. With millions of tourists flocking to its milky-blue lagoon annually, The Blue Lagoon also incorporates the Retreat, a fully facilitated resort hotel right next to the pool to give guests an all-encompassing holiday experience.

Designed by Design Group Italia and Basalt Architects, the Retreat’s interior spaces are inspired by the surrounding picturesque geography. From the lobby, restaurant and library to the suites and spa, a concept of simplicity is prevalent, achieved through minimalist forms, a palette of serene tones and meticulous attention to materials. To key in a unique sense of refined luxury, the resort worked together with B&B Italia to furnish most of the hotel areas, including the decorative lighting of the hotel, restaurant, library and spa. The interiors also feature

TOP: The Retreat is a 62-suite hotel where guests can leave the world behind and enter a timeless realm of relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration.

MIDDLE: The design of the Retreat features a concept of simplicity, natural colours and exceptional materials to convey a sense of being cocooned in refined luxury.

“VERSATILE FURNITURE PIECES FROM BOTH B&B ITALIA AND MAXALTO COLLECTIONS CAN BE SEEN WITHIN THE MAIN SPACES IN THE HOTEL, ALONG WITH FAT-FAT AND LADY FAT OTTOMANS, ÉDOUARD ARMCHAIRS AND DIESIS SMALL TABLES (ALL FROM B&B ITALIA) TO ENRICH THE ENVIRONMENT.”

an extensive number of custom-made furnishings by B&B Italia, designed exclusively for the Retreat by Design Group Italia.

In the lobby, the reception counter is crafted

by B&B Italia from black lacquered wood, cognac leather and lava stone sourced from the lava flow around the resort. The brand also designed a large wooden cupboard with black shelves at the entrance, placing it lengthwise at the lobby to frame the lagoon outside. Versatile furniture pieces from both B&B Italia (Mart armchairs and the Michel Club seating system) and Maxalto collections (Febo armchairs) can be seen within the main spaces in the hotel, along with Fat-Fat and Lady Fat ottomans, Édouard armchairs and Diesis small tables (all from B&B Italia) to enrich the environment.

Throughout the hotel, B&B Italia put strong emphasis on material choice to bring out a distinctive theme. Over at the Moss Restaurant, the intimate dining area is made more elegant by B&B Italia’s Canaletto walnut and black oak tables, designed exclusively by Design Group Italia, as well as the C-shaped Chef Table in Canaletto walnut and lava stone.

Visitors who arrive at The Spa will be impressed by the reception desk custom-made by B&B Italia using pure white OKITE® quartz/resin material.

The brand also supplied the upholstered pieces in different rooms as well as a custom-designed kitchen-bar in the private spa suite, Lava Cove. At the suites, a distinctive palette is employed to reflect the colours of nature outside, matched by B&B Italia’s closets, side tables, bedrests, vanity tables for the bathrooms and panelling in Canaletto walnut, with a special finishing to complete the sensorial experience.

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TOP: For the Library, B&B Italia created the custom-made millworks, referencing English clubhouses, in black oak completed with bookcase and a minibar.

BOTTOM: A serene palette is employed in the Moss Suite to reflect the colours of nature outside, matched by B&B Italia’s furniture pieces.

TOP: The Spa Restaurant brings together B&B Italia’s customdesigned pieces which are made to harmonize with the tranquil atmosphere within the space.

BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Designed to set the tone for the rest of the experience at the Retreat, the lobby is anchored by an eye-catching reception counter crafted from locally sourced lava stone.

BEBITALIA.COM

DESIGN LIBRARY | SOFA

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OASIS OF LIFE THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ALMOST ENDLESS WITH DOCK, DESIGNED WITH A VERSATILE PLATFORM THAT WELCOMES A VARIETY OF CONFIGURATIONS TO FULFIL EVEN THE MOST DIVERSE LIFESTYLE REQUIREMENTS.

THIS PICTURE: The new upholstered Dock sofa system by Piero Lissoni is based around a dynamic solid platform which supports a myriad of configurations.

“AFTER SPENDING SOME TIME ON DOCK, YOU CAN LEAVE THE PORT AND SET SAIL FOR UNFAMILIAR PLACES, RESTED, AND REFRESHED.” Piero Lissoni, Designer

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TOP: The wood base can be raised up with metal legs or placed directly on the floor like an Oriental divan.

BOTTOM: The cushions feature different sizes and proportions, making it possible to create double-sided, corner or chaise longue compositions.

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magine finding your safe harbour and immersing in the peace of your comfort zone. That’s how designer Piero Lissoni envisioned the new upholstered Dock sofa system. “After spending some time on Dock, you can leave the port and set sail for unfamiliar places, rested, and refreshed,” says Lissoni.

Made exclusively for B&B Italia, Dock’s prime element is its dynamic solid platform which forms the base of the sofa. The wood base can be raised up with supporting metal legs or placed directly on the floor like an Oriental divan. Designed as a versatile modular system, the platform is meant to accommodate a series of components including armrests and cushions, as well as other accessories such as tables and trays to generate different sofa configurations.

As the cushions come in a variety of sizes and

proportions, there are many design possibilities with Dock - for example, the sofa can act as a chaise longue or turned into a minimalist piece without backrests for the centre of the room. To further personalize the sofa’s landscape, complementary elements like comfortable padded armrests can be placed between the seat cushions. A transparent or smoked glass oval table can also be added to the users’ preferred arrangement to complement the visual rhythm of the sofa.

Offering a classic and luxurious appearance, the armrests and seat cushions are upholstered in fabric or leather and come with tone-on-tone stitching. Two new fabrics have also been designed specifically for the sofa.

MIDDLE: Transparent or smoked glass oval tables can be placed on the platform to offer users more choices when it comes to setting up their living spaces.

BEBITALIA.COM

DESIGN LIBRARY | MODULAR FURNITURE

MODULAR MAGIC

BIG AND BEAUTIFUL, MOLO’S STRICTLY RECTANGULAR FORM EMPHASIZES PURE MODULAR PERFECTION, OFFERING A MULTITUDE OF CONFIGURATIONS THAT ENSURES TOTAL RESPITE.

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THIS PICTURE: Molo is inspired by structures built on the shores of an ocean, sea, lake or river, offering a place of relaxation and reconnection.

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ALL PICTURES: Based on a rectangular modularity design, each module in the Molo collection can be taken apart and put together to create different configurations.

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ith simplicity at its core, Molo expresses a pure modular form devoted to versatile comfort that flexes according to users’ desired configurations. A masterpiece by Rodolfo Dordoni, Molo’s perfectly rectangular modularity design makes it highly adaptable, fitting into different spatial scenarios effortlessly, optimizing spaces no matter how it is configured. Based on an interplay of orthogonal geometry (or the perpendicular nature of two objects intersecting), each module can be disconnected and reconnected again to establish new arrangements and different purposes. Dordoni has intentionally crafted each of the modules to be oversized to promote a sense of spacious proportion.

Molo is also kept steadfastly minimalist, which means decorative elements and non-essential frills are omitted to make way for fabric, colours and meticulously selected details to be in the limelight.

The sofa collection effectively pulls together a

harmony of contrasting materials to perfection.

Aluminium, teak, concrete and terrain fabrics each play a significant role to carry out the collection’s aesthetic, resulting in a visually pleasing sofa set comprising sofas, a deck chair and a centre table that dances to the beat of your lifestyle preferences.

The inspiration behind Molo is a celebration of simple pleasures derived from the secured comfort of harbours that are built over open waters. “Molo, or pier in English, jetée in French and embarcadero in Spanish, is a structure built on the shores of an ocean, sea, lake or river which extends from the land over the water; a mooring place for boats, a rest between trips and a refuge from the swell of the waves. A return to terra firma and people, Molo by Kettal offers a place of relaxation and reconnection,” remarks the designer.

TOP: Steadfastly minimalist, Molo does away with decorative elements and instead brings a variety of materials including aluminium, teak, concrete and terrain fabrics to the forefront.

KETTAL.COM

DESIGN LIBRARY | COFFEE TABLES

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SAUL MATES

A BESPOKE COMPANION FOR ARPER’S SOFA COLLECTION, THE SAUL TABLE SYSTEM EVOKES A LIGHTWEIGHT EXPRESSION WHILE COMMANDING A STRONG PRESENCE WITH ITS GRACEFUL FORM.

THIS PICTURE: Saul tables are highly customizable, featuring aluminium legs in optional heights to support tabletop options in various shapes and sizes.

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ade as a heavenly match for Arper sofas and soft furnishings, the Saul table system designed by Jean-Marie Massaud plays an essential role in complementing the brand’s sofa collection to produce a distinctive ambience that is personal yet versatile.

“Saul is a collection of tables that help to create a real landscape and life scenario that fit with Arper’s different kinds of sofa systems,” Massaud explains.

“At Arper, the liberty of design has to be universal based on the idea of simplicity and basic language but with a little bit of emotion like Arper is always doing. The first take is to propose to the architects a vocabulary, a simple vocabulary for them to create their own story and so it’s not a product which plays the protagonist too much.”

As a faithful ally to accompany Arper’s collection of couches – like the Steeve and Sean range, its bold yet delicate lines blend in elegantly while enhancing the overall collection with a cohesive, emotive theme.

When it takes the stage as a standalone anchor piece, luscious materials that make up its tabletop give it a solid presence even when its lightweight appearance is prominent.

Saul is intentionally simple from top to bottom, expressing an edgy sense of grace. From the top, a sleek plane perches comfortably over aluminium legs, conveying durability in juxtaposition of its minimalist form. The table top itself is highly customizable: there are options for marble finishing or, for those who desire a sensual tactile appearance, the black silkscreened smoked glass creates a diverse ambience wherever it is placed. The table’s slender legs are also available in different heights (28,5, 36,5, or 42,5 centimetres) as well as a variety of configurations to suit tabletops in various shapes and sizes, from a small or large square to a round circular top or a rectangular surface.

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TOP: With the option of small or large square, a round circle or a rectangle, tabletops can be customized in black silkscreened smoked glass or white marble.

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SAUL IS A COLLECTION OF TABLES THAT HELP TO CREATE A REAL LANDSCAPE AND LIFE SCENARIO THAT FIT WITH ARPER’S DIFFERENT KINDS OF SOFA SYSTEMS

THIS PICTURE: Lightweight yet substantial in form, Saul tables are designed to complement the Arper collection of sofas and soft furnishings.

ARPER.COM

DESIGN LIBRARY | OUTDOOR SEATING

SHAPESHIFTING WITH STYLE FROM SUNNY MORNINGS TO BREEZY EVENINGS UNDER THE STARS, THE APSARA COLLECTION TRANSFORMS ACCORDINGLY TO ALIGN ITSELF WITH THE CHANGING NATURE OF OUTDOOR LIVING.

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THIS PICTURE: The Apsara modular sofa system features a unique base powder painted in carob colour and afrormosia wooden slats, alternated with aluminum.

APSARA IS A DESIGN THAT CAN BE RE-ARRANGED EVERY DAY ACCORDING TO REQUIREMENTS, A PLATFORM ARRANGED AS AN OASIS OF TRANQUILLITY WHERE OUTDOOR LIVING CAN BE ENJOYED ACCORDING TO THE TIME OF DAY, ONE’S SCHEDULE AND ONE’S GUESTS.

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TOP: A highly flexible sofa, Apsara can be easily configured into different outdoor seating landscapes to suit different lifestyle requirements.

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BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Available in different heights and shapes, the Apsara coffee tables are perfect companions to the sofa system.

nspired by the concept of simple living, the Apsara collection is the brainchild of designers Ludovica and Roberto who aimed to create a versatile outdoor piece that fits effortlessly anyplace, anytime. What transpired from this inspiration is a flexible modular sofa set that can be manoeuvred according to the users’ preferences – thanks to the well-coordinated low platform that makes up the sofa’s base.

“Apsara is a design that can be re-arranged every day according to requirements, a platform arranged as an oasis of tranquillity where outdoor living can be enjoyed according to the time of day, one’s schedule and one’s guests,” the designers remark.

Available in two sizes – classic and extra-large, the platform base is constructed with carob coloured aluminium frame alternated with afrormosia wood slats. The extra-large version is perfect for larger outdoor spaces requiring generous proportions.

Looking closer into the mechanism of the sofa, the aluminium frame incorporated between the wood slats is an essential structural element for cushions to be moved and removed easily. This means, when the occasion calls for it, the sofa can be rearranged to the users’ desired configurations swiftly and smoothly. To offer more possibilities for customizing the Apsara sofa system, cushions can be upholstered in a collection of fabrics that come with different varieties of refined colours and textures that are exclusive to the brand. The cushion upholstery is also completely removable for easy maintenance.

For a complete outdoor seating landscape, the modular sofa pairs elegantly with Apsara outdoor coffee tables. With different heights and shapes - round, square or rectangular top, each of them features steel frames with top in Peltrox or in grigio oriente marble.

TOP: The upholstery, with fabrics from the Open-air collection, is completely removable, with the piping in waterproof eco-leather available in various colour shades.

GIORGETTIMEDA.COM

CHOICE | ODE TO ART

A Warm Buddy 温暖者 (Bronze; 42x42x106cm)

Good Brother- 哥倆好 (Bronze; 98x60x128cm)

SOFT TOY AESTHETIC

BY XIE AI GE

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triking a balance between the ideal and reality, Xie Ai Ge sculpts figures that are poised, whimsical, reflective, and charming. Poetically conceptual at heart, Xie Ai Ge is inspired by Buddhist thought and the human spirit. With many of her works depicting men in nature, at peace or play, she draws on childhood memories of rural China and prominently features symbolic elements (such as birds for freedom and apples for desire) in her sculpted world.

As part of her Toy Series, Xi Ai Ge continues a childhood inspiration where she had little access to stuffed toys. She masterfully transforms this nostalgia to joy by depicting a play of whimsical characters and happily oversized stuffed toys. “Good Brother 哥倆好“ sculpture features different textures while conserving her signature minimalistic aesthetic to tell a compelling story of two blood brothers who have forged a friendship that surpasses any other.

Lee graduated from Kyunghee University in Korea after studying in the department of art education and obtained his Masters in the discipline of sculpture. He has participated in several exhibitions in Korea, America and Japan and features in numerous permanent collections in Asia.

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