HOTEL DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT & ARCHITECTURE
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ISSUE 55 JULY / AUGUST 2014
JULY / AUGUST 2014 25HOURS BIKINI - BERLIN / ROSEWOOD - LONDON / BARCELÓ - MILAN
BIKINI BERLIN 25HOURS HOTELS GO WEST IN BERLIN 55
ROSEWOOD
A NEW LANDMARK IN LUXURY FOR LONDON
BARCELÓ
SIMONE MICHELI MEANS BUSINESS IN MILAN
MALDIVES LOCATION REPORT • BLOC - GATWICK • HI DESIGN EMEA • BEATRICE GIRELLI
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Contents Features
Guestbook
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028 25hours Hotel Bikini – Berlin
TONY CHI
036 Maldives Location Report 040 Velaa Private Island 049 Kandolhu Island
© Mandarin Oriental Taipei
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056 Cheval Blanc Randheli 065 Maalifushi by Como
CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN As co-founder and CEO of 25hours Hotels, Hoffman is responsible for developing and expanding the youngand-affordable brand of design hotel. For the latest addition, Hoffmann worked with Studio Aisslinger and a host of collaborators to create an urban jungle in the redeveloped Bikini Berlin complex.
070 Rosewood – London 082 Mandarin Oriental Suites – Barcelona 086 Barceló – Milan
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093 Hotel am Steinplatz – Berlin
SIMONE MICHELI Born to creative parents, Micheli set up his own architectural office at the age of 26. His professional practice has taken him in numerous directions, from architecture to interior design. His creations, such as Barceló Milan, are often characterised by the use of bold shapes and colour.
101 Bloc – Gatwick Airport 131 Furniture
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Departments 011 Welcome 012 Check-In 014 Drawing Board
“Rosewood London was a ‘life-in-the-making’ project. It captures a sense of time and place,” says Chi of the brand’s new London flagship. Tony Chi & Associates designed all guestrooms, event spaces and many of the hotel’s public areas in a sophisticated residential style, using materials of the highest quality.
CHRIS CORBIN & JEREMY KING
109 Events 151 Specifier 162 Check-Out
© David Loftus
Corbin and King have been business partners for over thirty years and in that time developed, owned and managed some of London’s most successful restaurants. Their first hotel project, The Beaumont, will open in Autumn 2014 and features a suite in the form of a sculpture by Antony Gormley. WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
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Tomorrow’s Hotel is an ongoing collaboration between Arup and Sleeper Magazine to investigate the future of hospitality design. The Tomorrow’s Hotel Award challenges architects and designers to showcase their own visions for the hotel of the future, with reference to a specific theme.
Earlier this year, attendees at Sleepover Copenhagen took part in a workshop in the meeting space above world famous restaurant Noma to consider how issues surrounding food might impact future hotel design. The ‘tag cloud’ on the left shows some of the themes and topics that emerged, and provides the foundation for this year’s competition.
The theme for 2014 is ‘Food’. The winning entry will be announced at the European Hotel Design Awards ceremony in London on Tuesday 25 November 2014.
FOR FULL ENTRY DETAILS VISIT www.tomorrowshotel.co.uk DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 12 SEPTEMBER 2014
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Welcome This issue sees the launch of the 2014 Tomorrow’s Hotel competition, which has run for the last five years as part of the European Hotel Design Awards.
COVER STORY: Designed by Studio Aisslinger, the entrance lobby to 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is like no other. A worn-out Mini is seemingly abandonded in the concrete abyss. Schindelhauer bicycles are playfully suspended from above. And a towering steel frame is entwined with climbing greenery. Unlikely as it may seem, each element effectively sets the tone for the urban jungle within. Cover pic: Courtesy of 25hours Hotels
For the past few months we have been working closely with Arup’s Foresight + Research + Innovation team to revamp the competition for this year. I have experienced plenty of ‘Hotel of the Future’ workshops and awards schemes over the years. All too often they end up with vague and fanciful concepts: hotels on the moon, hotels underwater, hotels as flying blimps. Our intention with Tomorrow’s Hotel is to encourage concepts that are forward thinking, but viable in the shortto-medium term, rather than sci-fi fuelled flights of fancy. To focus the efforts of those who enter, and sharpen the rigour of thinking around the concepts they come up with, Tomorrow’s Hotel is now based around a specific theme each year, beginning this year with ‘Food’. The brief is based on a workshop we ran with Arup as part of our Sleepover Copenhagen event earlier this year. Participants took part in a series of exercises to begin mapping out new hotel concepts based around the theme of food. Fittingly, the workshop took place at Nordatlantens Brygge – the warehouse complex that is also home to Noma, on the day Noma was reinstated as The World’s Best Restaurant in the San Pellegrino-sponsored awards. The workshop was inspired by participants’ experiences on a variety of tours centred around Copenhagen’s status as a centre of gastronomic innovation, as well as ‘Food For Thought’ presentations from designer Jens Skibsted, David Zahle of BIG, and Oliver Maxwell – the driving force behind an innovative new beekeeping programme across the city. Flip back a page from here and you can see some of the ideas that emerged as a result. Tomorrow’s Hotel is free to enter, and open to anyone: students or professionals, architects and designers but also their suppliers, clients and consultants. We encourage collaborative entries from multi-disciplinary teams. Please visit www.tomorrowshotel.co.uk for a full brief and further details of how to enter.
Front Desk Editor Matt Turner m.turner@mondiale.co.uk Deputy Editor Catherine Martin c.martin@mondiale.co.uk Editorial Assistant Molly Dolan m.dolan@mondiale.co.uk Commercial Director Becky Thomas r.thomas@mondiale.co.uk Advertising Sales Rob Hart r.hart@mondiale.co.uk Advertising Sales Bernadette Humphrey b.humphrey@mondiale.co.uk Digital Content Administrator Becki Clarke b.clarke@mondiale.co.uk Design Dave Bell d.bell@mondiale.co.uk Advertising Production Dan Seaton d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk Marketing & Events Amy Wright a.wright@mondiale.co.uk Subscriptions Danielle Ramsden subscriptions@mondiale.co.uk Finance Director Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk Accounts Donna Barlow d.barlow@mondiale.co.uk Sarah Miller s.miller@mondiale.co.uk Chairman Damian Walsh d.walsh@mondiale.co.uk Publishers Sleeper Magazine Ltd Waterloo Place, Watson Square Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8390 Fax: +44 (0)161 429 7214 www.sleepermagazine.com Retail Cover Price (where sold): £7.95 Annual Subscription Rates: (6 issues) UK: £63.00 Europe: £78.80 RoW: £105 [$168] Two year rates available on request Back Issues: (subject to availability) UK: £10.00 Europe: £12.50 RoW: £17.00 Sleeper (ISSN 1476 4075) is published bi-monthly by Mondiale Publishing Limited, Waterloo Place, Watson Square, Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK. Subscription records are maintained at Mondiale Publishing Limited, Waterloo Place, Watson Square, Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK. Spatial Global Ltd is acting as mailing agent
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RECEPTION
Check-In Beatrice Girelli leaves LA life behind to bask in the tranquil beauty of Bhutan and its traditional Dzong architecture.
Name: Beatrice Girelli Position: Co-founder and Design Director Company: Indidesign Notable hotel projects: Grand Hyatt Singapore, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Hokulani Waikiki, Hyatt Regency Monterey, Hilton San Francisco, Palace Hotel San Francisco www.indidesign.com
Š 2014 Christina Gandolfo
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Where are we? In a lodge in the Bumthang district of a small, peaceful kingdom in the middle of the Himalayas, the happiest place on earth. How did you get here? Singapore Airlines Suites from Los Angeles (best suites in the sky if you ask me); Druk Air from Singapore to Paro (sitting on the left side of the plane for a clear view of Mount Everest); then private plane to Bumthang. Who’s at the concierge desk? I am not sure concierge services are as necessary in Bhutan! And the owner / manager? Adrian Zecha. He understands style, restrained luxury and service like no-one else in the world. Who are you sharing your room with? My husband and partner in crime Tim, with my two oldest nephews and some of our closest friends occupying the rest of the lodge. Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room on arrival? A crackling fire burning in the traditional Bhutanese stove, a bath and an Aperol Spritz. Describe the hotel building, your room and the experience... The building pays homage to Bhutanese architecture in its shape and mass, yet it is simple and contemporary in a timeless way. Its solemn and essential lines are the ultimate expression of local architecture filtered through the eye of a modernist. The rooms are large, open and filled with natural light. The interiors are warm yet minimal with
extensive use of local wood and a restrained selection of materials. The views are a vast, calming and beautiful display of nature. There are no cars, power lines, paved roads, street lights, antennae or tall structures. The landscape is serene and uncontaminated and the only sounds are of nature and life lived fully and simply in this sacred valley. The nights are pitch black at first until bright stars and constellations start revealing themselves adding dimension and glamour to the purity of the black canvas. Who designed it? Kerry Hill. He has the perfect sensitivity and vocabulary to honour the site and deliver a unique architectural and guest experience. What’s the restaurant / bar like? The restaurant is minimalist but welcoming, with a single large square communal table for all of us. The ceilings are tall with large floorto-ceiling windows framing views of the valley. The lighting is soft and there is a live fire. There is no bar, but rather a cart where guests can pour their own drink. Who are you dining with this evening? 1. Vivienne Westwood 2. Oscar Niemeyer 3. Don Draper 4. Paul Smith 6. Our group of friends
infusion of local Bhutanese ingredients. Starter: Bhutanese red rice suppli’ on a bed of local organic microgreens First Course: Handmade, homemade pappardelle with vegetarian ragout of local roots and beets Second Course: Roti canai with lentils or beans and vegetable curry Dessert: Dark chocolate soufflé with fresh berries Would you like something to drink? The best red of the house. Rich, layered and comforting. What’s on your playlist? 1. Thievery Corporation 2. Zero 7 3. Jose Gonzales 4. Coldplay... 5. …but mostly I enjoy the pure, uncontaminated deep silence of Bhutan, that is musical in its own way. What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap? Organic jasmine tea. Early morning alarm call or late check out? Early morning to enjoy a view of the sun rising on the valley lying before us with the Dzong on the horizon... and breakfast in bed of course!
Who’s manning the stoves? Aimo and Nadia from Il Luogo by Aimo and Nadia in Milan. And what’s on the menu? A wonderful vegetarian tasting menu based on Italian, Indian and Thai cuisine with an
Bath, jacuzzi or power shower? Hot stone bath. What toiletries would you like to freshen up with? L’Occitane. Swimming pool, spa or gym? Spa.
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THE DRAWING BOARD
THE DRAWING BOARD LONDON // DUBAI BEIJING // BATH // CHENGDU
SHANGRI-LA THE PALM TOWER, DUBAI Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and Dubai-based real estate developer Nakheel have signed a letter of intent for Shangri-La to manage a 290-room hotel in The Palm Tower on Palm Jumeirah. The parties are expected to sign a comprehensive hotel management agreement for the property in the coming weeks. Construction of The Palm Tower, part of the new Nakheel Mall and hotel complex at the heart of the world-famous island, is slated to begin this year with the hotel due to open in 2016.
 Shangri-La will be located on the first 18 floors of the 52-storey building and will feature an array of facilities including family dining, an outdoor pool, a health club and spa. Guests will have direct access to The Palm Monorail and Nakheel Mall, a new retail, dining and entertainment destination for Dubai also opening in 2016. The landmark project will also feature a rooftop leisure and dining complex offering uninterrupted views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. Nakheel has confirmed that, after successful negotiations with business partners, a contract has been awarded to UAE firms United Engineering Construction LLC (UNEC) and Actco General Contracting Company LLC to build the new complex.
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NOBU HOTEL SHOREDITCH LONDON Nobu Hospitality has announced it will open its first European property, Nobu Hotel Shoreditch in London in early 2016. The hotel is currently under construction and is being developed by Meir Abutbul in a longterm management agreement between Nobu Hospitality and Willow Corp Sarl. It will feature 156 guestrooms, banqueting and meeting facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and food and beverage menus developed by chef Nobu Matsuhisa. 016
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As with all Nobu properties, the design will reflect both the city of origin as well as Nobu Hospitality’s signature East-meetsWest philosophy. The design is a creative collaboration between Ben Adams Architects and Studio PCH and will feature a palette of concrete, bronze, timber and glass overlaid with creative textiles and warm fabrics. The hotel’s five levels are fractured into angular balconies, which combined with cantilevered corten steel beams, form a seemingly frayed edge to the northern façade. Protruding slab
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edges penetrate the glazing while innovative printed glass interacts with its surroundings through the interplay of colour, reflection and light. A landscaped garden at the site’s eastern edge is articulated into terraces, seating and planting, and provides natural light and access to the triple-height restaurant and bar. In recent months, the group has announced an aggressive expansion plan with new hotel properties in development in global markets ranging from Eden Roc Miami and City of Dreams Manila to Chicago and Riyadh.
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Innspec is a new online platform dedicated to hotel design and specification, brought to you in association with Sleeper Magazine. It’s a tool created for the hospitality industry to support the delivery of new hotel projects by enhancing the connections between the companies involved. Whatever your involvement in hotel design there are plenty of benefits to adding your profile to Innspec. Sign up today on www.innspec.com
DESIGNERS
THE DRAWING BOARD
BULGARI HOTEL DUBAI Dubai-based real estate development company Meraas Holding has signed an agreement with Bulgari Hotels & Resorts to bring the luxury brand to Dubai. The agreement was signed in the presence of His Excellency, Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman of Meraas Holding, and JeanChristophe Babin, Chief Executive Officer of Bulgari Group in Rome at Bulgari’s historic flagship store, which recently reopened after a spectacular renovation. It will be the world’s fifth Bulgari Hotel following the opening of Milan in 2004, Bali in 2006, London in 2012, and Shanghai, set to debut in 2015. The newest addition will be located 018
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on Jumeirah Bay Island, a mixed-use development sculpted in the shape of a titanic seahorse featuring low-rise residential villas and a marina. Framed by lush landscaped gardens, the luxury marine complex will spread over 1.7 million square feet. The hotel element will be designed by Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners and offer a mix of traditional and modern themes through the juxtaposition of new and conventional architecture, aptly reflecting the design and style of the surrounding area. It will comprise 100 guestrooms and suites in the main hotel building, as well as twenty hotel villas, and a full range of luxury facilities.
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Commenting on the announcement, Al Habbai said: “In keeping with the tourism directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, our agreement with Bulgari Hotels & Resorts marks a new milestone in our journey to play a pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s tourism and hospitality landscape. We are confident the new resort will emerge as a welcome addition to Dubai’s iconic shoreline. Through this key partnership, we will be expanding our portfolio in the hospitality sector in line with Dubai Vision 2020 for tourism.”
USA · DEDON Inc +1 877 MY DEDON · office@dedon.us Asia Pacific · DEDON AP Ltd +852 2529 7233 · contract@dedon.hk Europe ∙ Africa ∙ Middle East · DEDON EMEA +34 93 215 08 26 · contract.export@dedon.es
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THE DRAWING BOARD
YANQI LAKE KEMPINSKI HOTEL BEIJING Kempinski has announced that its largest property in China, the Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel Beijing, will be unveiled in Autumn 2014. Located 60km north of Beijing’s city centre alongside the picturesque Yanqi Lake and boasting panoramic views of Yanshan Mountain and the Great Wall of China, the property is designed by international heavyweights DiLeonardo, Wilson Associates, Rockwell Group and Hirsch Bedner Associates. Shanghai Huadu Architect Design Co. is responsible for creating the ‘rising sun’ shape of the hotel, symbolic of the fastdeveloping economy of China. Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel has a total of 020
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595 guestrooms and suites, with 306 rooms located within the main building, a further 111 rooms at the State Guest House, and 178 rooms spread across twelve boutique properties situated on a private island. These low-rise structures will blend contemporary and traditional design with thematic décor, such as the Chinese Imperial Gardens of Beijing and Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard combined with modern elements. The resort will be home to 14 bars and restaurants, a fitness centre and spa, a marina, and a Gary Player-designed 18-hole golf course. It will also feature some of the largest meeting facilities in mainland China with over 14,000m2 of meeting space and the 1,850m2 Kempinski Grand Ballroom.
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THE DRAWING BOARD
THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA A series of interconnected Grade IIlisted buildings originally designed by John Pinch are being transformed into a luxury hotel and spa for Malaysia-based YTL Hotels, the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Due to open in early 2015, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is set in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, famed for its healing waters. Upon completion, it will be the first hotel in the UK with a natural thermal spa. Designed by EPR Architects and Champalimaud Design, the hotel will feature 99 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, an allday-dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, private dining room, banquet and conferencing 022
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facilities, and a Spa Village Bath that taps into the original Roman Baths. Originally known as the United Hospital, the buildings were completed in the 1820s, with the Albert Wing added in the 1860s. From 1930 to 2005, the complex was home to the Bath Technical College and renamed in honour of Sir Thomas Gainsborough, the famed Victorian society portrait and landscape artist who lived and worked in the city. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the hotel sits on the site of a Roman Bath House and this has been the inspiration behind the design of the spa, offering eleven treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, ice chamber, natural thermal water pools and fitness centre, with a new double-height glass
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atrium roof enclosing the pool. The 99 custom-finished guestrooms subtly reference period details combined with contemporary forms. The accommodation will offer plenty of natural light and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. In addition, Bellotts, a Victorian annexe, comprises 14 guestrooms set around a tranquil courtyard with an underground passage connecting it to the spa. EPR Architects secured a series of planning and listed building consents and worked closely with the Conservation Officer during construction. The team is also responsible for implementing Champalimaud Design’s interior scheme to the front of house areas.
THE DRAWING BOARD
© Neoscape
MOXY EUROPE Studio3877 has released the first interior renderings of Moxy, Marriott’s new economy brand for the emerging millennial traveller. The Washington DC-based practice, founded by David Tracz and David Shove-Brown, was tasked with developing architectural and interior concepts for the three-star brand, which will open its first property at Milan Malpensa Airport in September 2014. A fresh and innovative lifestyle brand created for the millennial traveller, Moxy combines contemporary design and approachable service at a reasonable price. Its colour palette will feature calming, neutral tones reminiscent of rich brown leather, 024
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combined with natural materials to evoke an organic, comfortable and restorative feel. Guestrooms will be functional yet well designed, with upscale bathing amenities, large flatscreen televisions and conveniently located USB ports. Each room will also feature a floor-to-ceiling signature art wall selected to reflect the destination. Adaptable public spaces will invite guests to relax and socialise, evolving throughout the day from breakfast buffet in the morning to a lounge bar in the evening. Moxy hotels will also offer a 24/7 market for snacks on the go, and ‘Plug and Meet’ work spaces designed with stylish ergonomic seating, writing walls and large television screens for presentations. The brand launched in March 2013 and
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is expected to reach 150 properties in 10 years, with growth throughout Europe. There are currently 13 properties in the pipeline including a 317-room hotel at Munich Airport, a 190-room hotel in Berlin close to Ostbahnhof train station, and a 305-room hotel at Frankfurt Gateway Gardens. All are being developed with Inter IKEA Property Division’s Inter Hospitality Holding. In the UK, sites have been earmarked in Stratford and London Royal Docks, as well as at Aberdeen Airport, where ABZ Developments Ltd has submitted a planning application. Once consent has been granted, work on the £15 million hotel is expected to begin immediately, with completion by 2016.
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THE DRAWING BOARD
ST. REGIS CHENGDU Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced that St. Regis Chengdu will open its doors on 4 September 2014. It will be the 32nd St. Regis hotel worldwide, and the sixth in Greater China following recent landmark openings in Tianjin, Sanya, Lhasa and Shenzhen. Designed by DiLeonardo International, St. Regis Chengdu will set a new standard in Southwest China for bespoke service and refined elegance. The 29-storey hotel is part of the new Huazhi Plaza, a mixed-use development comprising a cluster of four towers that will become a hub for residential, business, entertainment and shopping. With an exclusive address in the heart of Chengdu’s 026
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business district, the hotel is located steps away from Tianfu Square and the Chun Xi Road high-end retail area. Interiors fuse Art Deco styling of the 1920s with traditional elements of Szechuan culture and the high-energy dynamism of Chengdu. The detailing and styling is a catalyst between eras and cultures, offering East-meets-West philosophies and the fusion of classic elements with modern day luxury. St. Regis Chengdu will offer 279 sumptuously-appointed guestrooms and suites ranging from 65m2 to 325m2 – among the largest in the city. In a nod to the city’s epicurean pedigree as UNESCO’s first City of Gastronomy in Asia, St. Regis Chengdu will feature six distinct restaurants and
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lounges. These include: Social, a signature all-day-dining restaurant; Yan Ting, St. Regis’ speciality Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine; Yun Fu, a series of four distinct private dining rooms on level 27; Decanter, Chengdu’s only dedicated wine bar offering an extensive selection of fine wine labels, liquors and aged cigars; Vantage XXVII, an outdoor sky bar with views of the city skyline; and The Drawing Room, offering afternoon tea. St. Regis Chengdu will also offer the signature St. Regis Butler Service for all guests, the first for any hotel in Chengdu, providing 24-hour anticipatory service and stay customisations according to the specific needs, tastes and preferences of guests.
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HOTEL REVIEW
25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Courtesy of 25hours Hotels
Studio Aisslinger looks to Berlin’s contrasting cityscapes to create an urban jungle for hip and happening 25hours Hotels.
C
onstructed in the 1950s with an open-sided second-storey framed by pillars that divide the upper and lower sections, the two-piece Bikini House once reminded Berliners of the risqué swimwear that had recently come into fashion. The nickname stuck and the complex – made up of four adjacent buildings and a fifth interconnecting newbuild – has now been reincarnated as Bikini Berlin. An enterprise from Bayerische Hausbau, one of the largest integrated real estate groups in Germany, the mixed-use project combines offices, a concept mall and a cinema. Anchoring the development is 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, the seventh property from the hip hotel group that created quite a stir when it hit the scene in 2003. Founded by Christoph Hoffmann, Kai Hollmann, Ardi Goldman and Stephan Gerhard, 25hours Hotels emerged as one of the first young-and-affordable design hotel brands and has since made its name through individual, dynamic and often unconventional lodgings brought to life by a collection of architects, interior designers, artists and stylists. Much like its siblings in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Vienna and Zurich, this collaborative nature is evident in the latest addition where an impressive roster of creative minds have, in one way or another, stamped their unique style on the public spaces and 149 guestrooms. Berlin-based publishing house Gestalten Verlag, for example, has curated a library of browse-worthy books and magazines that are sold alongside quirky
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gifts and everyday essentials, while the well-informed Freunde von Freunden network offers access to its shopping, dining and cultural guides via a touchscreen kiosk. And on the third floor, local design duo Bless has created a haven where guests can laze on furlined hammocks and hanging chairs. Multidisciplinary design agency SAQ was tasked with creating the concept for Bikini Berlin’s revitalisation, executed by Munichbased architects Hild und K who were also selected to oversee the façade reconstructed of both Bikini House and Kleines Hochhaus. Making up the hotel component, Kleines Hochhaus has been restored to its original 1950s style, retaining extensive glazing on each of the nine levels and with the addition of a rooftop extension. The development has been a number of years in the making, but 25hours Hotels marked its territory some 14 months prior to its grand opening with the arrival of mobile 030
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food truck Burger de Ville. Serving up organically-sourced Black Angus beef patties from a retro US-style silver Airstream, the gourmet burger van has gained cult status, not only amongst late-night revelers but city workers and hotel guests too. Steps away inside the entrance lobby, another vintage vehicle, this time a worn-out Mini, is seemingly abandoned in the concrete abyss. Though not immediately obvious, it marks a partnership with the iconic brand, newer models of which can be used by guests free-of-charge. Schindelhauer bicycles – also available to hire – are playfully suspended from the triple-height atrium, while a towering steel frame entwined with climbing greenery sets the tone for the rest of the property. Conceived by Berlin-based Studio Aisslinger, the story behind the hotel’s design is in reference to its unique location. To one side, is the concrete metropolis of West Berlin, and to the other, the city zoo and green oasis
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of Tiergarten Park. Together, they provide a framework for the ‘urban jungle’ theme that is evident throughout the hotel. Winning the pitch for the project was a little unexpected for studio founder Werner Aisslinger, as he was already working with 25hours on their forthcoming Zurich property, slated to open in 2017. In line with the brand’s ‘if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen none’ ethos, it seemed unlikely that the same practice would be selected to design a second property. But as Hoffmann explains: “To use different designers for each project is not set in stone. As long as we feel that we can do something very different with one designer then we also appreciate the experience and the common understanding developed between us.” He adds: “Since the Zurich and Berlin hotel projects have so many different circumstances, we are certain that Werner Aisslinger will create separate strong characteristics for each.” Working closely with Aisslinger,
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HOTEL REVIEW
Hoffmann considers himself co-conductor, guiding the creative minds in composing their masterpiece. “We are strong believers that a great hotel concept is based on the interaction between hoteliers, designers and architects,” he explains. “At the end of the day, it is not only about design, it is about amazing concepts and the feel-good factor… The places to eat, drink, talk, think, love and sleep. And this cannot be created merely in a design studio. It has to be a collaboration.” Having made Berlin his home for the past 20 years, Aisslinger was the authority on selecting creatives with which to collaborate and establishing an authentic design narrative. His understanding of the city’s distinctive edgy style has been key in determining that allimportant connection between a hotel and its location. The “unfinished” look – as Aisslinger calls it – comes across in variety of ways. Untreated concrete lines the original stairwells; ceilings are untouched leaving ducts and utility 032
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pipes exposed; and graffiti from when the building lay dormant is still intact. Instead, Aisslinger spent his limited budget where it matters. “After all, how often to you look at the ceiling,” he quips. In typical 25hours style, the third floor lobby ignores the usual restraints of a hotel and is more of an open-plan lounge catering to both work and play. Included in the sprawling space are three secluded meeting rooms, individual work labs geared towards the single business traveller, and an in-house bakery serving fresh bread and pastries from a wood-burning oven. Despite its communal style, the lounge features some surprisingly cosy corners thanks to the use of living walls and clever arrangement of furniture. Aisslinger designed the modular range of soft seating specifically for the hotel, introducing components of differing heights that can be combined freely. Named after the hotel, the Bikini Island collection was produced by Moroso and has now been added to the
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Italian manufacturer’s catalogue along with coordinating dining chairs and coffee tables. The check-in desk clad in turquoise tiles reclaimed from the underground station at Alexanderplatz, Berlin’s main transport hub, brings the city’s heritage into play, while living walls and abundant plantlife add to the junglefeel. Further references to Berlin’s past can be seen in the intentionally dark corridors, where neon room numbers pay homage to the strobe lights of the popular Linientreu nightspot that once occupied the site. The hotel’s 149 guestrooms are categorised by view with around half – the Jungle rooms – overlooking Berlin Zoo’s ape house and elephant enclosure. Natural materials and warm colours set the tone here with wood playing a key role. The remainder, the Urban rooms, offer views over West Berlin and have a rougher, unfinished feel inspired by the city’s edgier side. Industrial lighting is suspended from the exposed ceiling while hand-drawn
HOTEL REVIEW
illustrations by Japanese artist Yoshi Sislay decorate the concrete walls. 40% of the room is given over to the en suite but with no real distinction as to where the bathroom begins and the bedroom ends, even the smaller categories benefit from the feeling of space. The hotel’s crowning glory is its 10th floor extension housing the main bar and restaurant. A spectacular rooftop terrace wraps around three sides of the building and offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding greenery, which also makes its way inside. In line with the urban jungle theme, Neni Berlin is designed around the concept of a greenhouse made from parts of old hothouses. Tables within the central greenhouse are elevated to take advantage of the view, while additional seating, again from Aisslinger’s Bikini Island collection for Moroso, is clustered around and oriented towards the glass-fronted kitchen or glazed façade. It is here that the urban jungle theme is at its most stunning. Potted palms sit atop the reclaimed parquet flooring, foliage bursts out of repurposed wooden pallets, plants hang in clusters at varying heights and shoots of ivy are intertwined with industrial rafters. Tel Aviv-based chef and restaurateur Haya Molcho is the driving force behind 034
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Neni Berlin, serving up an eclectic East Mediterranean cuisine influenced by a “culinary mosaic” of flavours. Together with her sons, Molcho has already established Neni at 25hours Hotel Zurich West, and now she is conquering Berlin. Local influences play a major role in all of 25hours Hotels, and in Berlin, a partnership with InFarm – an indoor farming concept – provides another reference to the city’s creativity while supplying the kitchen with fresh microgreens. Berlin-based stylist Sybille Oellerich was also involved. As creative finisher, she acted as hunter-gatherer, collecting objets d’art and supplementing Aisslinger’s design with quirky details. Completing the tenth floor facilities is the appropriately-named Monkey Bar, offering views directly in to the zoo’s ape house. The loft space has something of a Moroccan feel with its dark wood and Arabian-style patterned cushions. Lights with glass bottles for shades are suspended from a steel mesh frame above the bar while a variety of seating elements include traditional bar stools and tiered stalls. The beauty of this project is that, as the urban elements tire and the jungle life grows, 25hours will forever be evolving.
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EXPRESS CHECKOUT 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin Budapester Strasse 40 10787 Berlin Germany Tel: +49 30 26 36 95 94 www.25hours-hotels.com 149 guestrooms Neni, Woodfire Bakery, Burger de Ville Monkey Bar Jungle Sauna Two Microhouses, Freiraum function room Developer: Bayerische Hausbau GmbH Operator: 25hours Hotels Architects: Paul Schwebes / Hans Schoszberger (1955), Hild und K Architekten (2013), SAQ (Bikini Berlin) Interior Designer: Studio Aisslinger Collaborators: Sybille Oellerich, Bless, Gestalten Verlag, Freunde von Freunden, Green Eyl, Thomas Lupo, Yoshi Sislay
Enjoy and Sasha featured.
Considering guest experience, always. Enjoy the view through the eyes of Jacuzzi
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Visit the Jacuzzi速 Original Wellness Hotel section on our website or contact our EMEA & Asia Hospitality Director Marcus Hawtin: mobile +44.0.7715.051638 marcus.hawtin@jacuzziemea.com http://www.jacuzzi.co.uk/hotels
LOCATION REPORT
MAGNIFICENT MALDIVES Game-changing resorts have turned all eyes to the Maldives over the past year, says Neena Dhillon as she lands in one of Asia’s hot spots.
Pic: Kandolhu Island © Muhaphotos.com
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resort set in virgin territory, a benchmark-setting rate seller and the calling card of the world’s biggest luxury goods conglomerate… it’s little wonder the Maldives has been subject to the attentions of the world’s travel media. Established for over a decade as the preferred choice for affluent travellers seeking sybaritic escapes in relative seclusion, the Indian Ocean archipelago has welcomed a handful of new upscale hotels since November 2013, reinforcing its status as a premier holiday destination. Last year the Maldives achieved tourist arrivals of over one million for the first time, this milestone representing a healthy increase of 17.4% over a difficult 2012. The outlook for 2014 remains positive, with 1.2 million visitors
expected according to the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation. Compared to Asia’s top tourism markets, arrival figures may appear modest, but for a country whose landmass is found largely below the water – the Maldives is an undersea mountain range – they are evidence of a nation that has turned tourism into its lifeblood. Indeed the industry represented 38% of government revenue in 2012, clocking up receipts worth US$1.9bn. Europe has traditionally been a critical source market and its status as the largest regional generator, accounting for 50% of visitors, remains secure into 2014. China is now a force to be reckoned with, however, as the biggest single-source country. Driven by economic growth, an emerging upper-middleclass and better airline connectivity, rising
numbers of Chinese can only serve to bolster the Maldives’ tourism prospects, provided the archipelago remains en vogue with the younger generation of Chinese traveller. Still, that’s not to say the Maldives is without its challenges. Two years of political turmoil preceded the election of a new president in November 2013, ushering in hopes of greater stability for this fragile democracy. Sustainability is a crucial concern for the world’s lowest-lying country, and while the government has announced its intention to become a carbon-neutral economy by 2020, pressing questions remain over the feasibility of such a pledge. After all, this nation has very limited resources of its own, meaning that everything from building materials to some food staples have to be flown in.
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Waste management is another issue for local conservationists who consider rubbish the main threat to the natural environment, in particular precious coral reefs. Of 200 inhabited islands dotted across the archipelago, just over half of these are devoted to tourism. A total of 30,000 beds, from the best five-star resorts to guesthouses located on the capital Malé, are forecast to be operational by year-end, representing a small jump from 29,767 in February 2014. As a value rather than volume destination, marketing efforts are being poured into attracting high-net-worth individuals who can absorb eye-wateringly expensive resort services and tourism-related taxes. With this in mind, hoteliers have been canvassing airlines to increase the number of business class seats on regional routes. Room rates are another determining factor when it comes to tourist demographics. According to an STR Global report, ADR stood at US$670.77 at year-end 2013 while RevPAR rose to an impressive US$480.60. In fact, nightly rates of US$1,000-plus are not uncommon here. Occupancy hovered above the 70% mark, with average length of stay fixed just above six days. Operating within the unique ‘one-island, one-resort’ concept, it’s easy to see why international hoteliers are attracted to the Maldives, despite the inherent logistical challenges and costly operating structure. “Average room rates remain among the highest in the world and the capture rate of guest spending is incredible given visitors find themselves hostages in their own private kingdom,” observes industry expert Bill Barnett of C9 Hotelworks. Last year, a succession of hotel launches commenced with Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa in late spring. Fast forward to November 038
and the industry buzz was palpable as LVMH prepared to unveil its second hospitality offering worldwide. Although the patronage of royalty and rock stars is nothing new in the Maldives, the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Cheval Blanc Randheli just four months into its opening caused quite a stir and gave the new property a royal stamp of approval. Hot on its heels, a private enterprise from Czech entrepreneur Jirí Šmejc entered the market in December, promptly attracting two famous musicians to its shores. Velaa’s quality of service, amenities and design placed it in direct competition to neighbouring Cheval Blanc but opening rooms rates here were unique. At US$1,5003,100 dependant on season, Velaa has become the highest rate seller in the Maldives. Alongside international concerns, local operators have also been active in the past ten months. Universal Resorts has bolstered its portfolio of Maldivian properties while Atmosphere Kanifushi, under development for 24 months, represents the launch of a new Indian Ocean hospitality brand. Run a by a close-knit team of local hoteliers – including Salil Panigrahi, Chief Operating Officer of Malé-based development company EoN Resorts – Atmosphere opened in December 2013 as an entry-level, five-star proposition complete with a premium all-inclusive plan. General Manager Rajat Chhabra explains more: “EoN is known in the Maldives as a high-end developer that has built resorts for management companies such as Jumeirah and Viceroy. EoN shares key personnel with our newly conceived Atmosphere brand – the realisation of a collective dream to manage our own Maldivian property. We’ve developed an ‘Art of Balance’ concept here, resting on
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the four pillars of bliss, tranquility, fun and value, which we’ll apply to other Indian Ocean developments.” Alongside targeting Sri Lanka, India and the Seychelles for forthcoming Atmosphere properties, the same group has already begun construction of a 100-villa resort situated in Malé Atoll. As an epitome of luxury, this Maldivian island will be unveiled under its own distinctive brand umbrella. Looking ahead, ADK Company in partnership with Turkey’s Caprice Gold Group, is expected to open the first resort designed and operated according to Islamic principles this October. Dubai-based JA Resorts & Hotels meanwhile is relaunching the former Beach House Iruveli as part of its own portfolio. And The Small Maldives Island Co. will open its flagship resort, Amilla Fushi in Baa Atoll, followed by its fun-loving younger sister Finolhu in Q4 2015. Furthermore, over the next two years, new entrants will include a 250-room Radisson Maldives Hulhumale designed by Blink, and GHM’s first Maldivian property, The Chedi Dhapparu being designed by AW2. Perhaps one of the most distinctive hospitality offerings is 5 Lagoons, a joint venture between Dutch Docklands, the world leader in floating developments, and the government of the Maldives. Comprising a mixed-use masterplan that will allow foreign investors to own property in the Maldives for the first time, the five futuristic lagoons will be home to the world’s first floating golf course, residences in varying configurations, retail and a star-shaped floating convention hotel. This pioneering development, described as both environmentally friendly and sustainable, is just one of the reasons to keep a close eye on the Maldives in the months to come.
The Fine Art of Hospitality
www.aliseo.de
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HOTEL REVIEW
Czech architect Petr Kolar’s maiden hospitality venture is a private retreat crafted with generosity of space, meticulous detailing and a sprinkling of theatre.
Velaa Private Island Maldives Words: Neena Dhillon Photography: Courtesy of Velaa Private Island
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evotees of the destination for years, Czech entrepreneur Jirí Šmejc and his wife Radka began a search for their own Maldivian island because they wished to build a paradisal home away from home. In charge of this island quest, local hospitality specialist Mohamed Nihaj suggested the couple transform their private endeavour into a resort business instead – still residential and exclusive in feel but open to travellers seeking a redefinition of the Maldivian experience. Located in the northeasterly Noonu Atoll, a former farming island encircled by an obligatory powder-sand beach fit the bill. Transformed over a period of two and a half years into a $215 million resort, every stage of its construction process was overseen by the first-time hoteliers. Although their initial choice of architect was local, the Šmejcs soon realised this partnership wouldn’t achieve the desired design results so they turned to a family connection. Drafting in Czech architect Petr Kolar and his ADR studio, the new team set about comprehensively researching the destination to refine their brief: develop a benchmark-setting resort optimised to provide both privacy and variety in equal measure. For a 45-villa resort, the range of amenities is impressive and often unique. In addition to the upscale dining options, sporting activities and a dive centre, Velaa features the biggest wine and champagne collection in East Asia; the first Spa My Blend By Clarins wellness facility in Asia; the Maldives’ first ‘snow cabin’ in which drinking-quality water is cooled to a temperature WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
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ABOVE: Natural linens, ikat rugs, slatted wood panelling, bamboo lighting chimes and floor-to-ceiling glass doors all come together in generously sized, high-vaulted living spaces, finished with turtle murals by Milan Jaroš OPPOSITE: Styled as a gentlemen’s club the temperature-controlled wine cellar features a lift that allows guests to peruse the the largest wine and champagne collection in East Asia
of -15°c; the only Troon Short Game Golf Academy in the Maldives, designed by José María Olazábal; a semi-submarine that can be hired by guests to explore the deep waters of the atoll; a Wolke 7 Cloud 9 multisensory reclining pod for deep relaxation, only one of four currently available in the world; a 6,000book library, and the first four-storey tower erected on a resort island. The destination also represents the first hospitality project for Prague-based ADR, which has been in existence for 25 years, specialising in the public, commercial and residential fields. Kolar, who sought inspiration from his studio’s track record in Caribbeanbased private residences, explains more about his approach: “Our aim in the Maldives was to achieve an organic symbiosis of largely restrained architecture based on exclusively natural materials with a few standout structures 042
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conceived as attractions in their own right.” Jordanian stone, meranti wood from Borneo, palm leaf roofing and architectural concrete form the foundation blocks of a bold and assertive scheme that is witty in places, elegantly streamlined in others. In its geometric forms and fizzing pops of colour, the concept is atypical of the Maldives, at times willing to draw the attention inwards rather than rely on the elemental beauty of sky and sea beyond. All-day-dining restaurant Athiri is a case in point. Here, sand doubles as natural flooring but suspended from the vaulted ceiling are eye-catching, contemporary chandeliers comprising silver-lined vinyl shades hung with exposed green cabling. As the resort’s informal daytime hub, this space subtly introduces some unifying decorative elements. Since Velaa shares its name with the turtles that have called this island home for
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generations, Kolar has used the pattern of a turtle shell as a decorative motif throughout the resort. Oversized ceramic vases, petrified wood springing from planters, mosaic-lined infinity pools and pebble-bordered walkways also make repeat appearances. Much of the interior fittings are customdesigned although Kolar has chosen furniture from selected European suppliers. Splitlevel Avi cocktail bar, for example, with its louvre panels, sinuous staircase and mirrored ceiling, houses lounge seating from Dedon and Gervasoni in combination with bespoke metallic bar stools. Swinging rattan chairs and other furniture pieces from Kettal, meanwhile, punctuate the outdoor areas. Dialling up the drama, Tavaru tower is the island’s surprising centrepiece; its sensuous shape inspired by a butterfly cocoon, created using perforated PVC. Resort islands
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are not typically granted permission to build upwards but Velaa makes the most of this comparatively vertiginous structure through the installation of an external elevator and rooftop terrace for private dining. A Teppanyaki restaurant is another feature alongside the temperature-controlled wine cellar, styled as a gentlemen’s club complete with its own giggle-inducing lift. “When we designed the contents for this space, our owner had an idea that he would like the sommelier to be a flying angel – levitating as he brings your wine,” recalls Kolar. “Ultimately, though, we decided we would install a lift around the room’s axis to allow guests to hunt for their own bottles of wine.” Kolar is equally enthusiastic about Aragu and Cru, Velaa’s signature restaurant and champagne lounge overseen by Michelinstarred chef Adeline Grattard. Floating 044
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HOTEL REVIEW
PREVIOUS PAGE: In Athiri, contemporary chandeliers comprising silver-lined vinyl shades hung with exposed green cabling are suspended from the vaulted ceiling, while a sculptural school of 362 fish dive through the air in Aragu ABOVE RIGHT: Tavaru tower is the island’s centrepiece; its sensuous shape inspired by a butterfly cocoon is created using perforated PVC
harmoniously above the water in a standalone pavilion, uninterrupted views out to the Indian Ocean compete with the backlit onyx bars, metallic accents, bark planting displays and crisp white table linen that characterise this distinctive venue. But it is the sculptural school of 362 flying fish diving through the air, reflected in the shiny black ceiling above, which really grabs the attention. Recognising that a day spent in the relentless heat can leave some guests hungering for respite, ADR has chosen a palette of cooling materials and fabrics for the accommodation. This ranges from a sunrise water pool villa measuring 232m2 to a palatial 1,349m2 residence, fit for royalty and rock stars, found on its own private beach and accessible only by boat. Natural linens, ikat rugs, slatted wood panelling, bamboo lighting chimes and floor-to-ceiling glass doors all come together in generously sized, high-vaulted living spaces, finished with turtle murals by Milan Jaroš, plus turtle shell-etched tables, 046
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taps and scatter cushions. Circular soaking tubs enclosed by pebbles take centre stage in sophisticated bathrooms where his-and-hers basins are rendered from terrazzo. The villas have equally impressive outdoor facilities, some with gazebo-covered day beds, others with garden atriums or sleekly designed external bathrooms, but all with terraces, private pools and alfresco dining neatly positioned to afford maximum privacy. Kolar and his team have not achieved this level of detailing in isolation. Working with fellow Czech firms Mimolimit Studio and Mário Wild on interiors and decorations respectively, the architect speaks of a professional collaboration that has resulted in a dynamic and seamless guest experience. Velaa has set its sights high from the outset with the most expensive room rates in the Maldives. Accordingly its design elevates the resort experience, injecting restrained and sensuous glamour into a natural environment to create a private retreat par excellence.
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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Velaa Private Island Noonu Atoll Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 6565 000 www.velaaprivateisland.com
45 villas Athiri, Aragu, Teppanyaki Cru Champagne Lounge, Avi, Wine Cellar Spa My Blend By Clarins Dive centre, golf academy, kids club, water sports, fitness centre, tennis, library, boutiques Owner / Operator: Jiří and Radka Šmejc Architect & Interior Designer: ADR Interiors Collaborator: Mimolimit Studio Decorations Collaborator: Mário Wild Signage & Corporate Design: Milan Jaroš
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HOTEL REVIEW
Kandolhu Island Maldives Words: Neena Dhillon Photography: © Muhaphotos.com
Universal Resorts’ newest offering creates a home for the work of contemporary designers amid stunning natural surroundings.
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t the forefront of the fledgling tourism industry in the early 1970s, family-run Universal Resorts has flourished into one of the Maldives’ most influential and highly regarded hospitality developers. Having opened the country’s first resort over 40 years ago, the company today owns and operates six properties including original Kurumba Island. Among its other interests, Universal is the owner of Starwood-managed W Retreat & Spa Maldives and co-owner, with Minor Hotel Group, of Per Aquum, the joint venture behind Huvafen Fushi and Niyama. Part of the Universal portfolio for several years, the heart-shaped Kandolhu Island had served as a small-scale destination for excursions, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty and near-perfect house reef. Director Ali Noordeen and General Manager Abdul Latheef always envisaged more for the island though, and in February they realised WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
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ABOVE: In the Ocean Pool Villas, bathrooms are housed in angular glass boxes over the water to maximise sea views RIGHT: In other villas, roofs shaped as inverted dhonis create considerable height
their long-held ambition to transform it into a five-star boutique resort through a $13 million investment. Measuring just 200 by 150 metres, the new resort accommodates 30 villas – realised in five distinct categories – four restaurants, a full-service spa and a dive centre run by Noovilu Sports. From its conception, Kandolhu has been positioned as an island for those seeking contemporary, affordable, laidback luxury. Maldivian architect and designer Mohamed Shafeeq of GX Associates, in partnership with Noordeen, has sought to express this positioning through an aesthetic that reflects local culture in places yet allows plenty of scope for modern, international, top-of-the-line furniture and fixtures. Buildings, whose roofs are shaped as inverted dhonis (Maldivian fishing boats), create considerable height and up to 150m2 of floor space in guest villas, paved with Parador laminate flooring, fitted with Hülsta beds and cabinetry. 050
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Clear Communication The Hotel Display Convenient communication between hotel guests and staff: Corridor unit acts as a service and display unit, combining a doorbell with “Do not disturb” and “Make up room” announcements. The room unit enables the guest to choose the instructions „Do not disturb“ or „Make up room“ with a 2-gang switch. Clear and simple.
ALBRECHT JUNG GMBH & CO. KG | P.O. Box 1320 | 58569 Schalksmühle | Germany Phone: +49 2355 806158 | Fax: +49 2355 806370 | E-mail: mail.vka@jung.de | www.jung.de/en For sales contacts in your country please see: www.jung-salescontact.com
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Slate, stone, pine and balau-timber decking feed into naturally relaxed sundecks, terraces and verandas, the majority of which are installed with mosaic-lined, fibre optic-lit pools. Furniture pieces from Kenneth Cobonpue, Freistil Rolf Benz and Rausch maintain clean, uncluttered lines in contemporary indoor and outdoor living spaces with a subdued colour palette. Feature walls of bronze and white Bisazza mosaics lend a touch of glamour to slickly designed bathrooms equipped with Laufen fixtures, including Il Bagno Alessi systems, for a residential feel. Special mention should be made of the Ocean Pool Villas where bathrooms are housed in angular glass boxes over the water to maximise sea views. Glass panels slide fully open for those who wish to bathe alfresco. 052
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Walking around Kandolhu, it becomes clear the resort is an evocation of Noordeen’s passion for contemporary design – Living Divani furniture, for instance, also graces the public spaces. “Our owner has his own interiors store where he showcases collections from international designers,” explains resort manager Marc LeBlanc. “In many ways, our island, with its residential vibe, is a shop window for those designers and brands, some of whom he exclusively distributes in the Maldives.” Set within an adjoining series of thatchtopped circular pavilions, the restaurants juxtapose structural and decorative wood in bamboo, pine and balau varieties against a symphony of white – uniform in colour yet conveyed in multifaceted textures from
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ABOVE: Furniture pieces from Kenneth Cobonpue, Freistil Rolf Benz and Rausch maintain clean, uncluttered lines in contemporary indoor and outdoor living spaces with a subdued colour palette
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HOTEL REVIEW
ABOVE: Spacious bathrooms are fitted with collections from Laufen and Alessi BELOW: Kandolhu Island’s restaurants, including Sea Grill, are set within an adjoining series of thatch-topped circular pavilions
exposed brick to polished titanium. With its interior ceiling of concentric curves held aloft by studded columns, all-day-dining restaurant The Market evolves into Vilu Bar where Kenneth Cobonpue bar stools and lounge chairs are paired with outdoor seating from Rausch Classics. Cobonpue’s Kris Kros wall lamps, part of his lighting collection for Design by Hive, illuminate the walls of Sea Grill where even tableware comes with designer names attached – Solex cutlery is paired with Kahla porcelain and Leonardo glassware. There is a crispness of form that unifies this island’s design in which some of the simplest architecture, such as the arrival jetty’s thatched dome, evokes the most romantic of silhouettes. Despite its boutique size, Kandolhu also has the power to surprise. Housed on the upper floor of the teak-panelled lobby, an intimate library accommodates funky modular seating and a high-performance telescope primed for an evening of stargazing. From here, it is possible to take in the island’s picture-postcard good looks. And it is those natural attributes that have been allowed to shine alongside a design concept conceived for contemporary island living.
EXPRESS CHECKOUT Kandolhu Island North Ari Atoll Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 333 2200 www.kandolhu.com 30 villas The Market, Olive, Sea Grill, Banzai Vilu Bar Varu Spa Noovilu Sports, gym, library, boutique Developer / Owner / Operator: Universal Resorts Architect & Interior Designer: GX Associates Contractor: Universal Resorts Landscape Architect: Mohamed Naseem
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HOTEL REVIEW
In crafting Cheval Blanc’s second maison – a barefoot island complex in the Maldives archipelago – Jean-Michel Gathy has achieved a sleek amalgamation of European style with Asian layering.
Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives Words: Neena Dhillon Photography: © Stefano Candito
F
rom the outset, it was the brand’s vision to offer guests different hospitality experiences across the globe,” says Renato W. Chizzola. “We didn’t want to be solely focused on ski, city or resort, so it was very important for the team to find a new offering in the perfect location, something different from Cheval Blanc Courchevel.” The team to which Chizzola refers is the hospitality management division of LVMH Group, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate. Since its opening gambit in 2006 – a 36-room haute-couture hotel nestled in chairman Bernard Arnault’s favourite ski resort – the same team has signalled its intention to expand the Cheval Blanc brand into a collection of intimate, exclusive and contemporary maisons, combining residential features with nods to the heritage of the destinations in which they are located. Properties are in development in Oman, Paris, Mexico and St. Barths.
Perhaps this is why industry anticipation around the brand’s second opening reached fever pitch late last year. Cheval Blanc Randheli, of which Chizzola is General Manager, takes LVMH into resort territory, offering an island escape to the affluent clients already familiar with the group’s portfolio of fashion, accessories, jewellery, beauty, champagnes and wines. Not surprisingly, the new Maldivian resort incorporates features that will become familiar as part of the brand’s DNA. There’s the emphasis on personal service coined as ‘Art de Recevoir’, while privacy, craftsmanship and creativity are listed as other key values. You can always expect to find a full-service spa and fine-dining French restaurant, as well as a commitment to white décor used in combination with signature colours selected for each location. In the Maldives, the palette is a citrus yellow and restrained taupe. As a European who has worked in Asia for
over 25 years, Jean-Michel Gathy, founder of Denniston, brought the right mix of sensibilities, knowledge and know-how to the project. He and his Kuala Lumpur-based firm have overseen all aspects of the design from architecture and interiors through to landscaping, an approach he favours to achieve a seamless quality. “One of the architect’s first responsibilities is to integrate the resort into the location and local conditions, so with Cheval Blanc Randheli you’ll see the buildings have steeply pitched roofs with large thatch overhangs to cope with the weather,” Gathy explains. “Then you consider the profile of the clientele; in this case wealthy Europeans accustomed to scale, privacy, refinement, facilities and finishes. In response, we have developed an architectural language that draws out certain European values – geometry, symmetry, balance of proportions and subdued colours – into an Asian context to create a silky, smooth design.”
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This intention to marry two design cultures is articulated as soon as guests enter the main lobby, or Alchemist’s Lounge. Conceived with the size and sight lines of a grand European access, the lounge opens to a garden on one side and is defined on the other by an animated copper and bronze wall of curves, referencing Asian design vocabulary. Heading into the brasserie and poolside venue, The White and White Bar, it is possible once more to see this exchange of aesthetics. “With its thatched roof and weaved ceiling pattern, The White has recognisable touches of Maldivian architecture,” Gathy points out. “But in this open rectangular space, we have installed four independent glass boxes, very sophisticated and European, which can be enclosed for privacy. For me, this harmonious coming together of languages is instinctive.” 058
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Contemporary and crisp, The White Bar maximises its connection to the lagoon beyond, spilling out onto a balau-timber deck, which frames a black granite resort-sized pool. Water ripples have inspired the choice of whiteveined marble for the bar itself while intricate laser-cut screens are inspired by the effects of a pergola reflected in water. Bronze wallmounted lamps either take on a glamorous zebra-pattern finish in the bar or the look of a coconut tree trunk back in the restaurant. Providing guests with contrasting dining experiences are Le 1947 and The Deelani. Set over the water, The Deelani benefits from a cleanly chic arrangement of timber decking enlivened by aquamarine accents and iconic furniture pieces such as Rik ten Velden’s Femme chair. Local seafood and Mediterranean specialities are at home in
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ABOVE: French artist Vincent Beaurin has created a set of sculptural spots made from marble and quartz sands in individual colour combinations. These spots or ‘Couronne’ are a focal point in each of the resort’s 45 villas PREVIOUS PAGE: The Cheval Blanc Spa is located on its own island
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THIS PAGE: Furniture in the lobby, The White restaurant and Le 1947 Bar feature is either sourced from European designers such as Philippe Hurel, Flexform, Kettal and Dunja Weber, or custom-designed by Gathy’s team and manufactured in Asia
this alfresco space where a sculptural horse’s head springs from the bar. Over in Le 1947, named after Château Cheval Blanc’s most sought-after Grand Cru, the mood is more ornate. Ceiling mouldings, crystal chandeliers, white linens, cabinetry and custom-designed leather chairs adopting a 1930s aesthetic convey the typically Gallic yet there are subtle salutes to the destination in both the art and silhouettes. Each table setting, for instance, is partly hidden from view by a suspended swathe of white fabric – this, Gathy explains, is “very Asian, to create shadows in this way.” Stingray-lined mirrors, an ombré stone feature wall and sea sculptures set on pedestals of bronze and lava stone layer this fine-dining venue. For the ultimate in gastronomy, La Table de Partage caters to private parties with a Chef’s menu served on a monolithic bronze table surrounded by leather dining stools positioned astride a Nepalese rug. Built-in and loose furniture throughout 060
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ABOVE: Gathy has developed an architectural language that draws out certain European values – geometry, symmetry, balance of proportions and subdued colours – into an Asian context
the island complex is either sourced from European designers such as Philippe Hurel, Flexform and Dunja Weber, or customdesigned by Gathy’s team and manufactured in Asia. In the Cheval Blanc Spa for example, there are bespoke wardrobes from Indonesia with laser-cut leather insets crafted to mimic the pattern of a Guerlain cosmetics case. Alongside such decorative detailing, art is an essential component of Cheval Blanc’s design. Local and Asian artists bring colour and interest as seen in the vibrant amber walkway to Le 1947 or the lychee tree-root display from Balinese gallery CushCush. French artist Vincent Beaurin meanwhile has created a copper ‘arch’ to greet all island visitors from the water as well as a set of sculptural spots made from marble and quartz sands in individual colour combinations. These 062
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spots, or ‘Couronne’ are a focal point in each of the resort’s 45 villas. Expansive bathrooms, separate dressing rooms and refined living spaces all congregate under pitched roofs of cathedral-like height in villas that celebrate symmetry. The addition of 7m tall oak pivot doors allow guests to section off their residences when the time is ripe for intimacy. Suitably subdued in white and taupe, with cotton and linen fabrics chosen for comfort, textural interest comes in the form of Asian materials such as rattan and mother of pearl. “The challenge on this project has been taking Cheval Blanc’s requirements and translating them into a top-class destination where an osmosis of European and Asian values was required,” Gathy concludes. “Ultimately this called for a particular state of mind.”
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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Cheval Blanc Randheli Noonu Atoll Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 301 6000 www.chevalblanc.com 45 villas The White, Le 1947, The Diptyque, The Deelani, La Table de Partage The White Bar, Le Bar du 1947 Cheval Blanc Spa Dive centre, kids club, teens club, water activities, sports, fitness centre, tennis Owner: I&T Management Pvt Ltd Operator: LVMH Hotel Management Architect & Interior Designer: Denniston Contractor: I&T Management Pvt Ltd Lighting Designer: The Flaming Beacon
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Maalifushi by Como Maldives Words: Neena Dhillon Photography: © Simon Whitbread
Christina Ong’s second Maldivian resort lets nature do the talking from an unspoilt setting in the remote Thaa Atoll.
W
hen Christina Ong first came to the Maldives with her family, the journey from Singapore would take over six hours. Despite the logistical challenges all those years ago, the Indian Ocean archipelago remained a firm favourite with the hotelier and in 2002 she opened Cocoa Island, her first foray into the market. Setting the tone for a gently cosseting brand of island luxury, the 33-suite resort has since become a popular choice among honeymooners. As a natural progression, her second Maldivian proposition leads an interesting trend in diversification, as General Manager Andrew Drummond explains: “Stretching away from Malé, Maalifushi is the first resort to be found in our southerly Thaa Atoll, reached by a 35-minute flight from the international airport. Recognising that honeymooners may wish to return to the Maldives with their children, we’re set up as a secluded resort that can WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
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cater for family groups as well as activity seekers.” The pristine nature of the atoll is certainly a draw for seasoned travellers as well as those seeking underwater experiences in virgin territory. “Since we’re surrounded by uninhabited islands, there are dive sites yet to be fully explored and surf breaks renowned in this region,” confirms Drummond. Spanning eight hectares, Maalifushi has space in abundance for a range of one- to two-bedroom suites and villas, either set over the water, by the beach or in a tropical garden environment. In addition to a signature Como Shambhala spa, facilities include a dive centre, excursions programme, complimentary wellbeing classes and entertainment created for children. Drummond says the resort is developing these “family activities in 066
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partnership with professionals from a theatre and arts background.” The team is also looking into establishing a beach club, which would be housed on a neighbouring island. Initially intended as a Regent Hotel, Maalifushi became available to other operators in 2010 when the first project fell through. Identifying the opportunity a year later, Ong called on award-winning Koichiro Ikebuchi, who had designed her Uma resort in Bali, to modify Maalifushi’s existing structures according to Como guidelines, and to craft the interiors. Renowned for his sensitive approach to nature and respect for cultural authenticity, Ikebuchi was the ideal choice for a brief that stipulated clean, light and contemporary design embracing local elements. Kajan thatched roofs in varying articulations
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along with balau timber and natural stone dominate Maalifushi’s architecture. Communal buildings rising from stilted columns benefit from open vistas and sight lines that direct the attention out towards sea, beach or landscaping. In fact, even the rooms with their interiors of teak flooring, hammered brass and copper fittings, natural linens and Egyptian cotton canopied beds, draw the outside in. Rooms extend out to timber-decked gazebos and private pools while polished stone bathrooms, fitted with Bagno Design soaking tubs and basins, can be completely opened to the elements. Although colour is deployed sparingly – soft furnishings in burnished greens, oranges and reds – the pared-back scheme incorporates sculptural and textural elements. Soothing water pools spring up
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alongside entranceways or at the centre of social spaces, natural fibres drop alluringly from a height in Thila Bar and a wood carving rises perilously high in the lobby. In Tai, the resort’s Japanese restaurant, metallic finishes dress the venue but it is the use of under- and over-water lighting to highlight the living reef below that proves irresistible. Como, built around the pillars of wellness, service and food, also takes its responsibilities to the environment seriously. Plans are under way to cultivate an organic garden but in the meantime a sewage treatment plant, waste-reduction machine and desalination plant underscore Maalifushi’s commitment to sustainability. In the Maldives, where the natural environment is so precious, it is refreshing to find both operating practices and resort design based on longevity and empathy with the surroundings.
THIS PAGE: Kajan thatched roofs in varying articulations along with balau timber and natural stone dominate Maalifushi’s architecture. Communal buildings rising from stilted columns benefit from open vistas and sight lines that direct the attention out towards sea, beach or landscaping PREVIOUS PAGE: Rooms extend out to timber-decked gazebos and private pools while polished stone bathrooms can be completely opened to the elements
EXPRESS CHECKOUT Maalifushi by Como Thaa Atoll Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 678 0008 www.comohotels.com 65 guestrooms Madi, Tai, Thila Thila Como Shambhala Retreat Dive centre, boutique, Play by Como, games room Developer / Owner / Investor: Investment Ventures Private Limited Operator: Como Hotels and Resorts Original Architect: Tekton Design Associates Interior Designer: Koichiro Ikebuchi Contractor: Hotels and Resort Construction Private Ltd Landscape Architect: One Degree North
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HOTEL REVIEW
Rosewood London Words: Matt Turner Photography: © Dursten Saylor
Tony Chi & Associates, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and EPR Architects have lead the sublime renovation of a London landmark, surely destined to take its place among the top tier of luxury hotels in the capital. 070
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A
rriving at many grand hotels the world over is much the same. You spin through the revolving doors and there it is. A towering lobby. Acres of marble. Probably a baubled chandelier of some description. Rosewood London is different. Its design is a story that gradually reveals itself through a procession of spaces, as you are transported from the bustle of High Holborn, wrought iron gates leading past the bar and restaurant that flank the entrance to an intimate courtyard, beyond which a corridor rendered in beautiful bronze metalwork leads into the lobby. This bronze entrance gallery is a particularly clever design intervention by Tony Chi & Associates, who handled the design of the guestrooms, event spaces and public areas. As Chi says, it is “really the hallmark design within the building”. The golden glow of fabricator Mazorati Ronchetti’s screen – comprised of 8,000 pieces of rose bronze around a steel frame – subtly references the Rosewood brand name, as well as immediately signifying that this is a luxury hotel where the materials and finishes throughout are of the very highest quality. No doubt H. Percy Monckton, who designed the
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BELOW: Tony Chi & Associates’ guestroom designs combine furnishings by Interdecor with high gloss black lacquer finishes and Arabascato Vaglie Oro marble in the bathrooms. Lighting supplied by Chelsom includes bedside pendants using cream linen French drum shades around seeded glass cylinder shades. Blinds and lighting are controlled via a Lutron system
Edwardian Belle Epoque building in 1914 as the headquarters of the Pearl Assurance Company, would approve. Monckton himself spared little expense in specifying the Pavonazzo marble which rises up through all seven storeys of the hotel to a spectacular 166ft cupola and has been painstakingly restored, as have many other original architectural features, by a team of craftsmen overseen by main contractor and fitout specialist Beck. The task of maintaining the integrity of Monckton’s original designs through Listed Building Consents, whilst working with the interior designers to implement their vision, fell to executive architects EPR. In addition to the front of house, EPR Architects also designed and implemented all adjacent back of house areas, with the assistance of consultants for the food and beverage outlets. That seven-storey staircase – one of the 072
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finest examples of its type in England – offers access to 262 guestrooms and 44 suites where horsehair wall panels, darkened black lacquer doors and redwood flooring combine to create a sophisticated residential feel. Against this backdrop, Tony Chi & Associates has specified custom-made furnishings by Interdecor and fixed casegoods by Beck. Artworks, books and objets have been carefully curated. The detailing is exquisite. Take for example, the high gloss lacquer to the joinery in the suites. According to Beck, this lacquer was built up of eight layers, each left for 24 hours to dry, then wet sanded and cleaned before the next layer applied. The top coat was then left to harden before being burnished with a series of progressively finer polishing mops. The overall process takes a fortnight. Even the door hinges had to be specially procured from the US as they are a unique ‘swing clear’ type of hinge,
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that allows the door to swing into a pocket at a right angle to the door frame, completely clear of the opening. Another recurrent design feature is the hand gilded glass tiling by Brooklyn-based artisan Lisa Stimpson. These ‘Verre Eglomise’ tiles are made through an old mirroring process which dates back to the pre-Roman era, used in the finest European estates throughout the Middle Ages and later revived in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Screens of these tiles are used in the lobby and meeting areas to create smaller pockets of privacy and intimacy, with Beck going to great lengths to satisfy Chi’s requirement that the screens should be freestanding, with minimal fixing to the fabric of the building. Such design features were inspired by the theme of a classic English manor estate – a theme that has also lead to the naming of
creating an exclusive guest experience EPR Architects +44 2079 327 600 architects@epr.co.uk www.epr.co.uk
Project Rosewood London Executive Architect EPR Architects Interior Designer Tony Chi
HOTEL REVIEW
the signature suite. The Manor House is described by Chi as “exhibiting the ultimate qualities of a luxurious private signature residence” across its living room, library, pantry, dining room, bedroom and bath areas. According to Chi, these areas “unfold like a multi plot storybook as you wander from space to space: curved shapes that evoke the mystique of feminine charm, the consistent use of patterns denote the edginess found in the restlessness of youth, and hidden fixtures pay tribute to the curious adventure seeker. It is a space that is fun, entertaining, unashamedly extravagant, luxurious and comforting.” When booked with the five connecting rooms, the Manor House Suite becomes the Grand Manor House Wing, a space with a private entrance from High Holborn, a private lift and its own postcode. Chi’s storytelling approach is equally 074
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evident throughout the public areas. There are enchanting touches at every turn to amuse or delight. Bulldog statues, bird cages and handmade alpaca tiles in the lift lobby show that even the transitional spaces have benefited from the same attention to detail as the main lobby or the Mirror Room restaurant, a salon where angled mirrors to the ceiling and wall panels bounce flattering light around the room. The hotel’s other dining areas have been designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The Holborn Dining Room is a vibrant British brasserie with adjoining delicatessen, operated by Des McDonald – former head chef at The Ivy and Group CEO of Caprice Holdings. Says Martin Brudnizki: “We’ve updated the traditional British brasserie concept using subtle modern design detailing, whilst also drawing on the building’s high baroque architecture and rich history. A mixture of
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ABOVE: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio’s scheme for the Holborn Dining Room and Delicatessen is an update of the traditional brasserie, with red leather seating, brass detailing and bespoke lighting by Dernier & Hamlyn
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BELOW: The rose bronze entrance gallery features metalwork by Italian fabricator Marzoratti Ronchetti, and a handcut mosaic floor in Calacatta Gold, and Belgium Black marble. According to Beck, much design development and prototyping was required to deliver the screen due to weight load considerations, the automation of the sliding doors and the concealing of the running gear
statement pieces, such as the glamorous neo-gothic chandeliers and Art Deco dining counter, combined with the relaxed elegance of the seating area and inviting delicatessen next door, make Holborn Dining Room a comfortable yet vibrant brasserie.” Reclaimed oak furnishings, antique mirrors and opulent red leather upholstery with tweed fabric detailing are illuminated by an eclectic selection of vintage lamps. Bespoke hand sculpted brass bars flank both sides of the room. Inspired by Edwardian shop displays, meats are hung, butcher-style, above the antique patina copper bar top of the dining counter. The main bar runs the full length of the room, providing seating for patrons to perch themselves upon red leather bar stools and admire the drinks display housed in an antique brass frame, influenced by a Victorian hospital trolley and designed specifically to preserve the Grade II-listed marble walls. Scarfes Bar takes it name from the bespoke murals by renowned cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, and has been inspired by Bemelmans Bar at sister Rosewood property The Carlyle in New York, where artworks by children’s book illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans decorate the walls. Here, Brudnizki has played on the heritage of the building to create a drawing room / gentleman’s lounge which feels as if it has been there for the best part of a century. Vintage furnishings are mixed with custom pieces covering a range of eras from an 1870 ‘lollipop’ rocking chair sourced in New York, to a series of 1950s antique cocktail chairs. At the far end of the bar, a large bespoke fireplace is flanked by oak bookcases filled with intriguing artefacts gathered from travels across the globe. A collection of 1,000 leather-and-cloth bound books were selected by a Portobello antique dealer. The feeling is one of supreme comfort and sophistication with guests able to enjoy 076
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MAI N C O N T R A C T OR F IT OUT SP ECIAL IST TO TH E PREST IGIO US ROSE W O O D L O N D ON, VOTED BEST NEW H OTEL I N T HE WO RLD *
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their surroundings in comfortable, low armchairs and sofas in soft leather or mohair. Rustic lanterns provide the flattering lighting whilst a herringbone floor is covered in handwoven rugs. Rosewood London is a statement of intent from New World Development Company – the Hong Kong based real estate company that acquired Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in 2011. It is the first time the Rosewood brand has been represented in London since The Lanesborough – which Rosewood originally launched in 1991 – was reflagged as a St. Regis. New World Development were already the owners of this property in its previous incarnation as the Renaissance Chancery Court, and its new positioning as the brand’s European flagship shows how serious the new owner is in its ambition to establish Rosewood as a global leader in luxury hotels. With a variety of projects already in the pipeline through Asia and the Middle East, and the recently acquired Le Crillon in Paris also undergoing a significant renovation, the growth of the brand over the next few years will be another story worth watching unfold. THIS PAGE: Martin Brudnizki’s design for Scarfes Bar features Dernier & Hamlyn crafted 2m high globe chandeliers that have been hand finished with a verdi-gris effect. They are complemented by lamps with bronze bases and opal glass shades that add a further dimension to the wooden bar that runs the length of the room EXPRESS CHECKOUT Rosewood London 252 High Holborn London WC1V 7EN, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7781 8888 www.rosewoodhotels.com 306 guestrooms including 44 suites Mirror Room, Holborn Dining Room, Holborn Delicatessen Scarfes Bar Sense Spa, Fitness Suite 11 meeting spaces, event studio Owner / Operator: Rosewood Hotel Group Architect: EPR Architects Interior Designers: Tony Chi & Associates (guestrooms, suites, lobby, Mirror Room, Dining Room, Living Room, Manor Club); Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (Holborn Dining Room, Holborn Delicatessen, Scarfes Bar) Main Contractor: Beck Lighting Designer: Joern Siebke Artwork / Photography: Peter Millard & Assoc. Project Manager: GVA Second London Wall M&E Engineers: Aecom
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HOTEL REVIEW
Mandarin Oriental Suites Barcelona Words: Molly Dolan Photography: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
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Mandarin Oriental has once again teamed up with Patricia Urquiola to develop 17 new suites, expanding the existing space and ensuring the hotel remains at the forefront of luxury.
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S
ince opening in 2009, Mandarin Oriental Barcelona has set a precedent for a new standard of luxury in the cosmopolitan city. As the first fullscale hotel project for Patricia Urquiola, it has won a host of awards, including the prestigious hotel of the year accolade at the 2010 European Hotel Design Awards. Five years on, and the Asian-infused hotel is endeavouring to maintain this impeccable reputation with the addition of 17 expansive suites and five new luxurious guestrooms. The existing façade on Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s answer to Paris’ Champs-Elyseés, has been maintained, blending in with the surrounding high-end boutiques. Meanwhile, the sanctuary that is housed behind has expanded, enveloping part of the adjacent building to increase the room count to 120. Measuring between 55m2 and 124m2, the vast area occupied by each suite allows them to be reconfigured easily, offering up to three
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bedrooms and spacious living areas. This sense of space is accentuated by high ceilings, encouraging natural light streams to flood in from both the exterior and inner atrium. Exterior views of the Eixample area allow guests to fully immerse themselves into the locale, with a former Patio de Manzana acting as a courtyard below. Typically used as a gathering place, this space now offers an insight into Catalan culture and the vision is reflected in the wellbeing area of the suite, where a collage-style mosaic typical of the surrounding neighbourhood graces the wall. In the bathroom, a mirror reflects the freestanding circular bath, emphasising the luxury of the open-plan space, where only the WC is separate. The Asian influence of the brand is evident through the use of dark-oak wood floors and pops of colour in yellow, green and orange hues that spread through the bedroom and living areas. The flagship Barcelona suite is a fifth-floor
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sanctuary, presenting crisp design infused with oriental elements. A light palette adorns the entire space, including the glass-walled bathroom with rainforest shower and deepsoaking bath. Meanwhile, out on the 123m2 terrace, a Jacuzzi and solarium sit alongside the Patricia Urquiola for Kettal furniture collection. With impressive views across the Barcelona skyline and rooftops, the terrace serves not only as a viewpoint, but as an extension of the living space. Many of the distinctive furniture pieces have been created by the Urquiola Studio in Milan, solely for this project. Other highlights include lighting by Flos, sofas and tables by Moroso, and Husk chairs by B&B Italia. The new additions supplement the existing Presidential and Penthouse suites at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, fusing avant-garde European style with traditional oriental quips, as well as Urquiola’s striking interpretations of Catalan modernism.
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HOTEL REVIEW
Barcel贸 Milan Words: Molly Dolan Photography: Courtesy of Barcel贸 Hotels & Resorts
Simone Micheli brings his futuristic designs to Milan in a bid to reinvent the business hotel for Barcel贸 Hotels & Resorts.
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esigned by architect Giancarlo Marzorati, Barceló Milan stands bold and confident between the designcapital centre and Rho, grabbing the attention of tourists and business travellers alike. While its location – close to the city’s sprawling exhibition grounds and adjacent to the developing Expo 2015 site – will likely attract the corporate guest, this isn’t your typical business hotel. The façade of the 21-storey newbuild – comprising glass elements, silk-screened with aqua tones and decorated with wave-like lines of different widths – offers a glimpse of the futuristic interiors that lie within. The entrance canopy, shaped like a leaf, features a bright red support bar and is something of a focal point for arriving guests.
The hybrid design combines the hotel’s primary aim of functionality for business travellers, with the underlying desire to meet the diverse needs of leisure guests with a gallery for shopping, relaxation area and playful atmosphere. Not content with creating a standard businessoriented hotel, interior designer Simone Micheli has designed a concept inspired by nature’s forms – the sea, mountains and hills. Ergonomics play a starring role in the eclectic features inside, which range from natural materials such as the Luserna stone floor, to colourful, lacquered sculptures and furniture in acid green and red. As all spaces are connected, the sense of fluidity is dominant. “Barceló Milan is different from other hotels because it re-invents the category WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
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PREVIOUS PAGE: Inspired by nature’s forms, the hotel features an open-plan lobby area with stone floor and leaf-shape entrance canopy ABOVE: Guestrooms fuse subtle lighting with a muted colour palette RIGHT: Yellow sculptural forms punctuate the pool area
of business hotels,” comments Micheli. “It re-examines and renews the criteria of obsolete and old-fashioned definitions, erasing all stereotypes. It is different from the others because it creates its own exclusive, incomparable and symbiotic atmosphere.” As with many of Micheli’s properties, the futuristic theme was a starting point from which the forward-thinking design flourished: “The hotel is conceived as architecture inside architecture: a harmonic space able to go over known limits.” Straying from the stereotypical business hotel, sculptural armchairs litter the entire hall, not only providing relaxing islands, but offering spaces for work. “Macro-chandeliers come down from the ceiling, futuristic and 088
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imaginative, consisting of white and green globular bright balls hung at different heights to fill the entire space,” describes Micheli. “Directed lighting highlights the plastic, giving an indication of the paths to follow and defining the areas.” Travelling to the first floor via the panoramic glass elevator, guests reach the hotel’s main restaurant where softer tones and natural daylight flood the space. Relaxation is promoted through the serene atmosphere and oversized murals by Maurizio Marcato that imitate an infinite birch forest. This natural influence continues with real birch branches that reach from floor-to-ceiling, surrounding the tables and shaping the territory. Heading up to the second floor, the
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ABOVE: Maurizio Marcato images of an infinite forest are enlarged throughout the first-floor restaurant, applied as murals to the walls and emphasised by real birch branches that shape the space
spa juxtaposes the expected muted tones with vibrant colours, but maintains a tranquil atmosphere. Strong, vibrant forms in bright yellow punctuate the usually undisturbed pool area, while the treatment cabins and sauna emanate colourful mood lighting. “The project was developed in synergy with the client, thinking together best solutions to give birth to the interior design of the entire structure, with specific attention to the choice of materials and use of technology making guests feeling comfortable in every action,” Micheli explains. “Guestrooms are ergonomical and functional,” he continues. “Lilac walls contrast with those in wood that characterise the bedhead and wrap the whole bathroom.” The open-plan concept is realised in the guestrooms, with the shower taking centre stage. Wrapped in a curtain of frosted glass, the visual fulcrum stands proudly between 090
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opposing mirrored walls, not disrupting the sweeping space. Flowing shapes define all aspects, as the bed mount merges into the bathroom space, becoming support for the sink and vanity unit. The combination of these two spaces appears to increase fluidity and create an atmosphere that is not constricted physically or emotionally. Lighting is subtle and refined, fusing with a natural colour palette to create an almost tranquil ambiance. White furniture is complemented by the bubble-like gravitydefying fixtures, complete with mirrored fronts to reflect the soft lighting around the space. “The aim of the hotel is to receive every kind of guests who are interested in living an experience that goes over normal staying in a hotel,” concludes Micheli. “Transforming human experiences into active memories.”
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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Barceló Via Stephenson 55 20157 Milan, Italy Tel: +39 02 3328 6201 www.barcelo.com 280 guestrooms including 24 suites Two restaurants Lounge Bar Spa with four treatment rooms, indoor heated swimming pool, gym Seven multifunctional meeting rooms Owner: Alinvest Operator: Barceló Hotels & Resorts Architect: Giancarlo Marzorati Interior Designer: Simone Micheli Project Management: EGM Global Services & Consulting Main Contractor: Drees & Sommer
HOTEL REVIEW
Hotel am Steinplatz Berlin Words: Guy Dittrich Photography: Courtesy of Marriott International
Bost Group Berlin takes inspiration from in the Golden Twenties for the rebirth of an architectural gem.
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etained in the recent re-birth of Hotel am Steinplatz are its blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, of glamour and modesty, of the ornate and the simplified. There is transparency and yet unseen depth to the total restoration of this historic property in West Berlin. The pentagonal corner building overlooking Steinplatz and the Universit채t der K체nste Berlin had lain derelict for a decade. Vast areas of flooring and staircases were beyond use. An unusual situation for property in this affluent, leafy neighbourhood of Charlottenburg populated with professionals and artists. An area that is seeing a resurgence in popularity as the focus for the last two decades shifts from the East. Constructed in 1913 the five, now six-storey building was designed by architect August Endell, known for WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
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his ornate façades at the Hackesche Höfe in Alexanderplatz. First used as a military residence, it was then converted into a pension hotel by the Zellermayer family and became popular with Soviet immigrants. Modest as it was, the pension paradoxically served 30-40 kilos of caviar a week. But this was the Golden Twenties in Berlin. A time of excess and also great disparity between rich and poor. It was also a time of change when building styles were in state of flux. Art Nouveau was morphing into Art Deco and this is reflected in the beautifully restored original detailing of the heritage-protected building. Moorish windows, Arabesque decoration and organic-inspired stucco mix with symmetrical layouts, stepped arches and geometric patterning. And designer Tassilo Bost of Bost Group 094
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Berlin reflects this in the interiors. Taking inspiration from the Babelsberg film studios where Fritz Lang’s Metropolis was filmed, Bost seamlessly blends Nouveau motifs – organic etchings on the bed head mirror and wavy plaster features above the bathtub – with Deco in the form of cubist-style lamp stands and rectilinear loose furnishings. The new Mongolian owner, who has invested €30 million in the 87-room hotel (including the purchase price), wanted to retain the bourgeois style of the property. An obvious opulence is seen in the sparkling granite on the bathroom floors. Or the twisted chrome strips that are the chandelier in the restaurant where a semi-open kitchen is behind a backlit alabaster counter. The beautiful leather lounge chairs from Walter Knoll that
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sit either side of the glass-fronted working fireplace next to the lobby. And the cushioned leather surround of the Grohe flushplate. Bost has further developed this with items he describes as “having a twinkle in the eye”. The numbers on guestroom doors are lit by a spotlight angled in the doorframe. The viewfinder in the door is actually the camera of an iPad-like device built into the door. Corridors are lined with frames showing film sequences from the Golden Twenties created in cooperation with Cinepost and Lucas Müller. There is a carved panther, sourced from a local market, striding above the bar. And leather lining of the drawer in the bedside tables. Like the leather lined drawer that will go unnoticed by most guests, there is a whole story of construction that is largely unseen. 096
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Architect on the scheme, Claudia Dressler of Morgen Architekten, explains: “We had to reconstruct the building from the bottom to integrate a parking garage under the courtyard. This needed 800 tonnes of concrete and a lowering of the ground.” Highly visible but probably also unnoticed is the new entrance to the hotel. Sadly the stunningly beautiful decoration of the entrance to the original owner’s apartment could not be used, plus the new owner wanted an address on Steinplatz. And so a new one was constructed, allowing for the provision of a ramp for disabled access that would not have been possible otherwise. Topping this ramp is a curving concrete portico that adopts a very Art Nouveau character. “The gesture was supposed to be welcoming without
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ABOVE: Taking inspiration from the Babelsberg film studios where Fritz Lang’s Metropolis was filmed, Bost seamlessly blends Nouveau motifs with Art Deco detailing
Hospitality design & turnkey solutions INTERIOR
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ABOVE: Bar am Steinplatz continues the opulence seen in the hotel’s 87 guestrooms ABOVE RIGHT: Corridors are lined with frames showing film sequences from the Golden Twenties created in cooperation with Cinepost and Lucas Müller
destroying the configuration of the Art Nouveau façade,” explains Dressler. “We needed more than 30 different designs to meet the client’s and heritage department’s requirements.” Entering the hotel, the lobby is compact yet clever. Standing on the intricately patterned marble floor guests can easily see the reception, lifts, courtyard and entrance to the restaurant. Quite a feat for an historic building. At the reception desk, guests will like the small shelf to put their bag on when checking in or out. Similarly, the recessed shelf at the entrance to the guestrooms. Both thoughtful touches. The transparency of this lobby area helps in the navigation of the hotel and is repeated in the restaurant area where, from the street terrace, glass windows look into the bar, and the eye is drawn to a connecting service hatch. This directly leads to the all-glazed volume of the winter garden and courtyard beyond. 098
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The spa, that straddles the top two floors, is an equally airy volume with plenty of relaxation areas and terraces. Marriott International manage the hotel within the Autograph Collection but their relatively late appointment meant that certain changes, such as altering the fire protection system to meet US standards, had to be made. Other things such as the heavyweight, handcarved Axminster carpets remained in the specification despite being, at 3,000g/m2, three times the norm for Marriott. Hotel am Steinplatz is not grand in the way of the nearby Waldorf Astoria. And it is more timeless than the quirky boutique outpost, Das Stue. The more modest, residential feel of the property is cut through with quality materials, an outstanding attention to detail and the respectful restoration of a century-old building now ready for its next chapter.
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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Hotel am Steinplatz Steinplatz 4 Berlin 10623 Germany Tel: +49 30 55 44 44 0 www.marriott.co.uk 84 guestrooms and three suites Restaurant am Steinplatz Bar am Steinplatz Spa am Steinplatz Two meeting rooms Owner: DG Steinplatz 4 GmbH Operator: Marriott International Architect: Morgen Gesellschaft von Architekten Interior Designer: Bost Group Berlin Contractor: DSH GmbH
More nuances. More elegance. More versatility: The Starck bathroom series with the coordinating furniture programme. Just one example from the comprehensive Duravit range – sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, accessories, bathtubs, wellness products and saunas. To find out more: Phone 0845 500 7787, info@uk.duravit.com, www.duravit.co.uk
HOTEL REVIEW
Bloc Gatwick Words: Giovanna Dunmall Photography: Courtesy of Bloc Gatwick
Boxbuild, the driving force behind the affordable luxury Bloc Hotels concept, has unveiled its second property within Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal.
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or its second opening after Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, British budget boutique brand Bloc has chosen Gatwick Airport as its home. Yet that’s where the similarities with other airport hotels end. For one thing, Bloc is actually located in the South Terminal building, just a couple of minutes from security. For another, its clever design makes guests feel as if they have booked a room somewhere a lot more glamorous than a converted office block above an airport building. The reception area, with its atmospheric lighting, gold, bronze and copper tones and 95-inch Ultra HD Samsung TV, sets the tone. Perhaps, most significantly, it’s the brand’s pioneering use of technology that sets it apart, with guests able to pay for their room, open their door and control all mod cons once inside, via a straightforward app on their smartphone. The brain behind Bloc’s sleek and stylish look is Colin Graham, Director of hotel building design company Boxbuild. Rather than standard construction methods Graham used a flatpack wall construction system and pre-manufactured bedroom kits that were installed in the room shells. The bathrooms, he says, were made offsite as single units. The benefits of this modular system are manifold: “It saves time, it guarantees quality and gives a much longer lifecycle cost.” It’s also a WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
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lot more hardwearing and flexible than a plaster and paint finish. “It gives us the ability to change and update the spaces without mess and disruption, but also to access the cabling and plumbing and everything that’s hidden behind those panels.” With dark patterned Bolon flooring, rich and textured wood laminate panelling (that is “more expensive than a veneer” notes Graham) on the walls and ceilings, green or grey alcantara lining the walls around the bed, and bronzed mirrors in the bathrooms, the rooms are smart, elegant and remarkably opulent for the price. And that’s the point says Graham. “We’ve tried to achieve everything you would expect from a much more expensive hotel,” he continues. “If you stay at a Travelodge or Premier Inn you tend to stay there because you have to. We are in the same price point but we hope people will be excited by the fact that they stayed here. We’ve tried to make it an aspirational brand.” And there’s no doubt that the aspirational 102
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elements come out of the design. The hotel’s location means there’s no need for communal facilities or restaurants so all the money has been sunk into the 245 guestrooms. The roster of companies the hotel has partnered with is impressive. From Artemide for the lighting, to Roca and Laufen for the bathroom fittings, Bolon for the flooring and Samsung for the TVs and technology, these are international high-end heavyweights in their field and Graham intends to continue to “build relationships” with such companies. Some of the effects achieved with the lighting in particular are beautifully choreographed. Arriving at Bloc at night, there’s a magenta glow over the bed that also frames the window. In some cases, incredible views of planes taking off enhance the captivating atmosphere further. “On the window walls I used a laminate with a ripple effect so that the light catches the ripples as it comes down the wall,” explains Graham. The purple light stays on even when the white black-out blind is closed creating a beautiful
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visual effect from outside as the colour washes over it. “It gives a tactility to the outside of the building,” agrees Graham, as well as allowing a strong identity from the exterior, despite airport lighting restrictions. Guestrooms start at a fairly modest 9.5m2 – though the presidential suite is a generous 32m2 – yet the way the space is used means they don’t feel cramped. The king-size bed is a staggering 2.4 metres long and comes with plenty of storage space for suitcases underneath. In all but the presidential suite and seven VIP rooms, the bathroom is actually more a wetroom with a basin, monsoon shower and toilet, but again it feels stylish and perfectly formed rather than too minute. In the top eight rooms Graham has opted for Armani Roca bathrooms with a walk-in waterfall shower, body jets as well as a giant monsoon head. The Bloc at Gatwick experience is a seductive affair. It’s different enough to be unique and feels exciting.
Design Details… ACCESS Any smartphone with NFC (near-field communication) technology doubles as a room key enabling guests to do everything before they arrive and simply proceed straight to their room. For technophobes, there are still live humans at reception who can give out traditional keycards.
FABRICS & FURNISHINGS With its ‘affordable luxury’ ethos, Bloc has chosen not to scrimp where it matters. Towels are over-sized and each bed comes with premium Egyptian cotton sheets and a colourful throw, custom-made in Italy. At the head and foot of the bed the wall is lined with Alcantara, a man-made version of suede that is “more durable but just as tactile,” says Graham.
TECHNOLOGY Guests who have downloaded the hotel’s app can also use their phones to change the lighting, adjust the black-out blinds and air conditioning, and even change the channels on their Samsung LED Smart TV. If for any reason that’s not your thing, a tablet by the bed offers simple touch on-and-off options.
BATHROOM FITTINGS & AMENITIES Bloc has partnered with bathroom giants Roca and Laufen for the bathroom fittings and skincare brand Zenology for the amenities. The products – a block of soap and a hair and body wash in standard rooms – are pleasingly free of parabens and other harsh chemicals, and the packaging has been created bespoke for Bloc.
LIGHTING All the lighting in Bloc is by Italian manufacturer Artemide. That includes the geometric Artemide Edge wall-lamp beside the bed, the magentatinged lighting around the windows and near the bed, and the motion-sensored lighting in the corridors “that rises and falls as you walk”.
FLOORING All floors are covered in ultraresistant Bolon tiles: Bolon Missoni raspberry for the upper two corridors, Bolon Create Deco Simula for the lower two corridors, and Bolon Create Deco (split between Simulo and Como) for the guestrooms. Graham chose the material not just for its hardwearing qualities, but because of the pretty visual effects when viewed from different angles.
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Macdonald to invest after refinancing Macdonald Hotels has agreed a refinancing package with Lloyds Bank which will see the company’s executives take full ownership of the group. The agreement includes a fiveyear GBP299m banking facility, which the group said would contribute to investments in its estate. Under the terms of the agreement the group’s executives now own 100% of the share capital, after the 50% stake owned by Lloyds Banking Group was swapped for GBP5.5m in loan notes. GBP70m of the facility has been earmarked for capital expenditure. The banking facility replaces a previous three-year term. The company’s finance director, Gordon Fraser, told the Herald Scotland: “The core facilities are 1% more expensive but are still very competitive. We are very pleased with the deal. As part of the refinancing we wanted the shares back and asked for them back. The shares that are in existence are now 100% owned by the executives in the company. We negotiated with the bank to convert their shares into loan notes and that is what the bank have done.” The group is expected to reduce its debt over the period and has just completed a sale and leaseback deal for its Macdonald Randolph Hotel in Oxford, for an undisclosed sum, reported to be around GBP35m. Fraser said that the group would continue to operate the site under a 60 year 104
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lease with a tenant’s only break at 35 years “which creates additional value for us” as part of the debt reduction strategy. He added: “For the past five years the group has been working on a planning application for 1,400 houses on a 200 acre Brownfield site in Hampshire. Planning permission has now been granted subject, however to the outcome of a judicial review raised by a local action group. This development will realise cash in excess of GBP55m which will be used to further reduce our debt.” The group will now continue to invest in its estate and, while it has not ruled out buying new properties, is reported to be planning to expand through management contracts. The news came as the company announced its results for the year to March 2013, in which it revealed it had invested GBP8.7m over the year. The group saw a 5% increase in hotel and resort operating profit to GBP14.7m, which CEO David Guile attributed to hotels in which the company had recently invested. He said: “We have achieved continued sales and profit growth of 5% and 7% respectively this financial year to March 2014, driven primarily by a 4 percentage point growth in occupancy. The commercial and leisure segments continue to grow, however the conference market is still inconsistent.” Looking forward, Fraser added: “We have tremendous latent investment potential within our existing estate and we look forward to realising this over the term of the new banking facility and beyond. The business in its 24 year history has never been better placed.” Lloyds involvement with the company effectively dates back to Macdonald’s decision to go
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private in 2003, a GBP590m move which saw HBoS supply the debt as well as equity. The takeover of HBoS by Lloyds made the latter a bigger player in the hotel sector, although it has been initiating a series of sales since then. In January 2007 the company moved to cuts its debt with the sale of 24 hotels to Moorfield Real Estate Fund in January for a sum in excess of GBP400m, retaining operation under short-term management deals. The group was to lose those sites to Accor a few months later and has since then focused on its core 45-strong estate. HA Perspective: Fraser told The Scotsman: “It has always been our intention to reduce our debt and to strengthen our balance sheet. The deal allows us to do just that and gives us the platform to realise the potential in our portfolio and to be in a position to take advantage of new opportunities when they arise.” And when did he say this? 2007, on the occasion of the sale to Moorfield. It all looks very familiar when compared to this latest move, with one crucial difference – Macdonald now has a clear route out of debt and a significant reduction in bank involvement. What this has meant for the bank’s equity in the group has yet to become clear, but the decision-making power is back with the executives, who have a strong year of trading ahead of them in Scotland and have made the investments to take advantage of it. As has been reported frequently in these pages, markets outside London in the UK are rebounding aided by rising consumer confidence and conferencing executives. A word of caution for those looking at the leisure
market; only 45% of UK holiday market is planning a domestic break in 2014, compared to 56% in 2013 and 58% in 2012, according to BDRC Continental’s Holiday Trends 2014 report – the lowest level since 2010. At fault? Rising consumer confidence, which is encouraging everyone overseas in an attempt to avoid the falling British rain. Jon Young, associate director at BDRC Continental, said: “Hopefully, with an improvement in the weather, the rest of the UK will join London and increase in its appeal as a holiday destination.” For regional hoteliers such as MacDonald, the challenge now is to provide a point of differentiation for those holidaymakers prepared to stick it out in the UK. The company has sites in perennially popular destinations for overseas travellers, such as Edinburgh, Bath and Oxford but the downturn has seen the rise of boutique country house hotels with stylish interiors, high quality locally-sourced food and drink and free-range chickens. The competition has upped its game. The trials of Macdonald have been many of the past decade. Charitable observers hope that the weather is the greatest of its issues looking ahead.
Motel One provides food for thought German budget chain Motel One has opened two new hotels so far this year, as it continues on a growth track both in its home market and in other European city markets.
The award-winning chain will certainly provide food for thought for Whitbread management, which revealed that it is seriously considering an expansion into the German market. Chief executive Andy Harrison told analysts: “It’s a very interesting market, and we think the Premier Inn product will work there.” Harrison cautioned that the market is fundamentally different to the UK, notably in consumer behaviour, distribution channels and online activity, adding: “We haven’t decided yet, and I think it will take us a few more months before we reach a conclusion.” Motel One is the leading budget hotelier in Germany, with 43 properties and 10,911 rooms open in the country at the end of March; it is already aware of its British rival, through UK openings in Edinburgh, and a pipeline property under development in central London. First quarter revenues were up 20% at EUR50m, while occupancy at 66.7% slipped marginally from the previous year’s 66.9%. Ebitda rose only 13% to EUR14m, with the profit margin decline blamed on higher lease costs, pre-opening expenditure and head office costs. During the quarter, EUR25.5m was invested in hotel projects, including the purchase of the new Barcelona site; while the company has a remaining EUR86m of headroom for further spending, should it see opportunities. Motel One likes to run large hotels. Its newly opened property at Frankfurt Messe has 401 rooms, while its third hotel in Cologne has 218 rooms. The upcoming Motel One in Brussels will have 490 rooms. Common areas in each hotel have a design that reflects something of the locality’s heritage, and interiors
are more strongly design-led than Premier Inn’s offering. In common with Whitbread, it has a mix of tenures for its properties, though this is usually based on the opportunistic needs of acquiring properties. Currently, it owns 20 hotels and rents 28, having swapped the ratio around at the end of 2013 with a sale and leaseback deal. Union Investment bought three hotels from the company, in Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf, for one of its funds. In addition, a pipeline project in Manchester has also been forward sold to LaSalle Investment Management. Looking ahead, rental deals predominate in the secured pipeline of 26 hotels; of these, 11 will be in Germany, and 15 international. In its key home markets, Motel One has strong coverage. There are nine hotels in Berlin, seven in Munich, and four in Hamburg and Frankfurt. Internationally, it has established in Austria and the UK, and recently bid for a site in central Barcelona for its first Spanish hotel. Motel One expects a modest single figures improvement in revpar in its key German markets through 2014. Its only likely cloud on the horizon could be any fallout from political issues in Ukraine, though this is considered a low risk. HA Perspective: Motel One’s strategy is “Great Design for little Money” and it doesn’t get much more direct than that. With rooms starting from EUR59 and targeting anyone who is likely to stay in city centre locations, the group is looking for rapid expansion and to “further expand the quality leadership in the low budget segment”. The group is taking a big-
box approach in the main and is opportunistic how it secures a site, flexibility which will stand it in good stead in the UK, where London is a key battleground for rivals Premier Inn and Travelodge (the group has also identified Citizen M as a likely rival and, in central London, will be taking on Tune, which has a similar ‘stack ‘em high sell ‘em cheap’ approach). The capital represents opportunity to the imaginative and Motel One is capable of doing office conversions, new builds or mixed-use developments – with a model starting at 70 rooms but going up to 500. According to PwC, 20,000 rooms and almost 200 hotels were due to open in 2013 and 2014, with over half of these new rooms being budget. The company said: “New, modern, strongly branded properties, often technology friendly, are giving consumers what they value and will make the going harder for more ‘tired’ products, clearly in need of investment.” For all the talk of a buoyant consumer, the likelihood of interest rate rises looms large and what looks like confidence may just be enthusiasm because the long, rainy winter is over. The protracted economic malaise has, as any high street retailer will tell you, given the consumer a taste for a good offer. The consumer also has a taste for a brand – knowing what you’re going to get is part of the budget message, otherwise you’re just paying for an unknown quantity. Anyone who has taken the £50 King’s Cross challenge will tell you that madness and possibly late-night murdering that way lies. Travelodge and Premier Inn have spent hearty on marketing – Motel One must do the same if it
is to compete. So it’s good news for flexible operators peddling a bargain. It’s likely to be bad news for the ever-pressed mid-market, which continues to struggle to justify itself. Travellers loathe to pay for anything they don’t need, and the point between functional and indulgent is of little interest any more. Expect some of Motel One’s hotels to be repurposed from the mid-market - if it can find anything big enough.
European IPOs in favour A trio of public share offerings are in prospect over the summer, as hotel operators look to cash in on increasing investor demand. From budget to luxury, every sector is looking to draw in cash. At the budget end of the market is EasyHotel, which the London Times revealed has hired Investec to help explore a share sale in the coming months. The principle beneficiary of the listing, on the UK junior AIM market, would be Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the founder of EasyJet and all the following orange-branded businesses. EasyHotel follows much of the philosophy that drove growth at the EasyJet airline: a budget offering with a base price and chargeable extras, featuring direct booking using a pricing model that rewards early bookers and reacts strongly to demand. There is also the inevitable corporate orange featured prominently throughout the properties. Rooms
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are small, basic and sometimes come without windows. EasyHotel has promised much since its establishment in 2005, but has found its franchise model struggling to gain traction in recent tough market conditions. A dream of 200 hotels within a decade will not materialise, while a master franchise with Lonhro to expand in Africa has failed to deliver. To date, the chain has 21 hotels open, with Prague and Frankfurt in the pipeline. The company recently moved to purchase and reopen its hotel in Glasgow, following the demise of the franchisee; it also owns its City of London property, and is backing an opening in Croydon scheduled for this summer. Group sales were GBP15.2m last year. Sir Stelios has recently beefed up the management team at EasyHotel. Chief executive Simon Champion, a former Deutsche Bank equity research director, joined last year. He is joined by Darren Mee as chief financial officer, moving from TUI Travel. For investors interested in a stake in the mid market, Scandic Hotels is likely to be heading for a float in the summer. The listing will provide a payback to private equity investor EQT, which owns 78% of Scandic, in a transaction potentially worth more than EUR1bn including debt, according to a Reuters report. The rising Nordic market has encouraged several listings in recent months. EQT itself has benefited from listing stakes in sanitaryware maker Sanitec and Danish outsourcing specialist ISS, both of which have performed well since floating. EQT bought into Scandic in 2007, when it was spun off from Hilton, shortly before Blackstone took Hilton private. Scandic reported 2013 106
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revenues of EUR913m, with ebitda of EUR80m. Since the year end, it has agreed to acquired Norwegian market leader Rica Hotels, adding 72 hotels to the portfolio, which now numbers 223. Scandic has also launched its own edgy, urban hotel brand, HTL, aimed at the younger generation traveller, with a target of adding 20 HTL properties operating within five years. And for those seeking a holding in a luxury hotel operation, Italian company Gruppo Statuto is planning to split out its hotel holdings into a new vehicle to be listed on the Milan stock exchange. JP Morgan and Banca IMI have been asked to plan the listing of the EUR1.5bn vehicle, which will deliver a payback to Italian property entrepreneur Giuseppe Statuto, who operates a broad real estate group with interests in offices and residential as well as hotels. Among the hotels to be included in the new company are the Danieli in Venice, and the Four Seasons in Milan. According to the Financial Times, new developments in progress such as the Milan Mandarin Oriental, which opens in 2015, will also be wrapped into the package. There is a suggestion that the new company could emulate the style of US REITs Host and Strategic. While the Italian property market has suffered along with the country’s languishing economy, some now suggest there is upside to be had in luxury Italian property assets. Qatari investors have recently snapped up the five star Regina Baglioni in Rome, and a hotel in Sardinia; while the Sultan of Brunei has also added the Eden in Rome to his Dorchester group. Statuto helped open up the AC Hotels brand in Italy, and has also
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bought the Grand Hotel Duomo in Milan, a Crowne Plaza in London and delivered the first W in Italy for Starwood. HA Perspective: To market, to market and the frenzied drive to go public in the US is catching on over the pond, as investors, particularly those in the private equity sector, look to make what in many cases is a long-postponed exit. London is a popular choice, with the capital accounting for more than half the EUR11.4bn raised through IPOs in the first three months of the year in Europe, the strongest first quarter for flotations since 2007, according to PwC. The general enthusiasm for all things flotation should not be taken as a carte blanche by all. The propositions listed above are three very different prospects, in three distinct sectors of the market. In the case of Scandic, the company comes with a proven track record. With Gruppo Statuto, likewise, as the luxury market continues to storm ahead. EasyHotel would appear to be the mystery guest at the party. When Champion joined the group Sir Stelios said that he looked to him “to take the lead role in developing the next phase of EasyHotel strategy – in particular taking on franchisees in new markets as well as advising me on further direct investments”. The group’s direct investments include its site in Old Street, London and the Glasgow property. But while the former was a matter of showcasing the brand and the latter more one of saving face there has been no drive to push the company forwards, with the preference remaining with growth through franchising, something which is
hard to do without first building critical mass. The brand has always felt like the company’s attempts to take on the takeaway pizza market or male cosmetics – throwing the ‘Easy’ name on something, painting it orange and seeing if it takes. The reasons why EasyJet was successful – dynamic pricing, online booking, travellers prepared to fly in and out of remote locations – are only partially effective in the hotel sector and the best bits of that model have been successfully exploited by Premier Inn and Travelodge, which have left the brand in their dust. Should there be an Easy IPO, investors will be looking for assurances that the money raised will be used to build a proper foundation for the brand, rather than providing an exit.
Squeezed middle as UK market polarises The UK’s mid market is continuing to be squeezed as a polarisation of supply continues. Analysis of the hotel supply pipeline suggests just 3% of new builds are destined to be for the three star market, with 50% destined for the budget market and 39% to house four and five star brands. Currently, the three star market occupies around 30% of the UK market, say consultants Zolfo Cooper, AM:PM and HVS in their latest market analysis. But with barely any new supply, this sector is destined to shrink in real
terms over the next few years. In contrast, investor attention – and new supply – is focused on the budget end of the market, and the luxury sector. In the budget sector, the analysts include brands Hampton by Hilton and Citizen M alongside budget stalwart Premier Inn, while newcomers growing their presence include Whitbread’s Hub, Motel One and Marriott’s new Moxy, which promises to start opening UK venues within the next two years. Currently, this sector accounts for 36% of supply, making it already the largest sector in the UK market. At the luxury end, the four star market currently accounts for 27% of the market, and precisely 27% of the pipeline. Above this, the five star market is currently just 4% of the UK portfolio, but with around 4,000 rooms set to be added in the next three years, accounts for 12% of overall pipeline. Another sector destined for growth – and this is no surprise, given a recent Savills report on the subject – is the serviced apartment sector. Currently representing just 3% of the market, it accounts for 8% of the pipeline. Savills noted that the London market had a penetration of 0.6 units per 1,000 overseas visitors, a measure that suggested considerable potential for expansion, compared with figures of 5.8 for New York and 2.9 for Hong Kong. Outside the capital, it is probably UK rather than overseas visitors that are booking apartments, for short stays as often as long stays, in key city markets. Union Hanover, with its Urban Villa product, is keen to grow and recently received major private equity backing, a funding source that Savills says will predominate until such time as institutional investors become
comfortable with serviced apartments. StayCity and Roomzzz are among local brands, while IHG is looking to grow its UK portfolio of Staybridge Suites. Compared with the previous year, the Zolfo Cooper report says investment transactions in the first quarter were considerably down on early 2013, this year recording turnover of just a little over GBP400m. Notable deals included Starwood’s acquisition of the Four Pillars group, the disposal of eight Premier Inns and eight Travelodges, and Kew Green’s acquisition of four Holiday Inn properties. Despite the slow start, all indications are that the pipeline is stronger and 2014 transaction volumes will match those of last year. Analysis of individual UK city markets suggests some clear winners and losers in the coming year or two for investors and operators. By collating average revpar movement over the last year, changes in supply over the last two years and the active pipeline, it is possible to detect those locations liable to oversupply, or conversely a lack of supply despite rising demand. Newcastle appears the city with the weakest market, where a strong pipeline meets weak growth in demand. Strong performers include Belfast, which saw revpar growth of 22% in the first quarter of 2014, but has little supply pipeline, and Leeds, where the only hotel due to be built soon is a five star Hilton. Also showing strong demand growth are the Scottish cities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Record conference bookings helped Glasgow hotels to a 19% improvement in revpar in the first quarter of 2014. However, the supply pipeline in all three cities is responding, with substantial new openings planned.
HA Perspective: The good people of Guinea-Bissau favour an alcohol they fashion from cashew nuts. Cashew nuts are a staple of the country’s economic activity and are reported to make up 90% of the country’s exports. When you have limited resources, you make do with what you have. As the country’s economy follows the rest of Africa up, variety is likely to enter the alcohol market – take note booze producers. When the hotel market was just some rooms in a house, we took what we could get. But as using hotels became more widespread, so did the options available and, blessed with choice, the consumer became more demanding. People have become used to products being tailored to them – this is not likely to change soon. People also want to have an emotional connection with brands. This is unlikely to be met in tired hotels which pre-date branding. Earlier this year InterContinental Hotels Group and Marriott International both commented about the need for personalisation when trying to engender customer loyalty. At IHG, the company talked about the collision of the global, local and personalised experience, accelerated by the rapid rise of technology-enabled personalisation in recent years. This was, the report said, changing the experience guests expect when they travel. Hotel brands that are able to become truly “3D” – by delivering localised and personalised experiences through trusted global brands – will build the trust that is needed to sustain lasting relationships with guests and outperform in the future. At Marriott, a blog post by Arne Sorenson, president and CEO, had him describing a typical Millennial consumer – ‘Jia’, a
30 year-old. He said: “She’ll be sceptical about what we tell her she will like, but eager to hear from her friends about what they think she will like. That’s how Jia and her peers find their hotels and their brands. They share them. Almost 40% of US millennial travellers will not book a hotel unless they’ve read user-generated content – such as online reviews. To win her loyalty, we must be a part of that conversation. In other words, we need to act like a friend, not a supplier”. IHG and Marriott are confident that they can do what it takes to make these connections, but both could easily have been describing the sharing economy. Driven by social connections and, with no two properties alike, there is no more personal option available. The brands which provide the distribution – the likes of Airbnb and Housetrip – are the ones with which the consumer identifies, not the brands on the properties. Previously dismissed as for the leisure market only, they are encroaching on the corporate market. This correspondent was at a conference recently where one sponsor company has made a permanent move to HouseTrip for business travel. The midmarket may wish to convert back to its residential roots.
Hotel Analyst Having read these four pages of Hotel Analyst we hope you want to find out more. To sample visit: www.hotelanalyst.co.uk/sample For more details visit: www.hotelanalyst.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 8870 6388
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News and reviews of the hospitality industry’s leading events
Maison & Objet Paris 5-9 September www.maison-objet.com
Diary
The Hotel Show to feature an International Village
Turkey Hotel Expansion Sum mit Istanbul 11-12 September www.turkeyhotelexpansion.com SAHIC – South American Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference Quito 15-16 September www.sahic.com Held at Dubai World Trade Centre, The Hotel Show will take place from 28-30 September with exhibitors from over 38 countries. According to organisers DMG Events, the event also expects to attract visitors from 99 different countries. New for 2014, The Hotel Show will feature an International Village dedicated to country pavilions for international brands. Meanwhile, Vision 2014 – the high-level conference that
attracts influencers from the region and beyond – will focus on dynamic issues and trends over three days of free events. Comments Event Director Christine Davidson: “Remaining one of the fastest growing regions worldwide with forecasts of 3% growth up to 2016, we focus on being the event that brings real opportunities to all who participate.” www.thehotelshow.com
Hotel to span six thematic platforms for 2014 in Moscow
“Architects and the City” announced as theme for WAF 2014 conference
The third international exhibition Hotel, Development, Design & Operation will be held on 23-25 September at IEC Crocus Expo in Moscow. Organised by PIR Expo Company, the event is supported by the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Russia (FRIO) and held alongside the Moscow Bar Show. The large-scale business program of Hotel will be held within six thematic platforms offering professional consultations, seminars and workshops delivered by hotel business experts. Last year 190 companies participated in the exhibition and it was attended by over 8,000 hotel market professionals. www.hotel.pir.ru
Returning on 1-3 October for its seventh successive year, WAF will once again take place at Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore. The theme for the event’s main conference will be “Architects and the City”, with speakers examining the contribution architects can make to a city, as well as the relationship with politics, infrastructure, planning, communities and technology. Presentations, panel discussions and keynotes will feature prominent architects Richard Rogers and Rocco Yim, in addition to policy makers and urban organisations including Thomas Wright, Executive Director of The New York Planning Association. www.worldarchitecturefestival.com
HD Americas Miami 16-17 September www.hdamericasexpo.com Hot.E London 17-18 September www.europehotelconference.com 100% Design London 17-20 September www.100percentdesign.co.uk Designjunction London 18-21 September www.thedesignjunction.co.uk Tent/Superbrands London 18-21 September www.superbrandslondon.co.uk Decorex London 21-24 September www.decorex.com Focus/14 London 21-24 September www.dcch.co.uk Hotel Moscow 23-25 September www.hotel.pir.ru
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EVENT PREVIEW
European Hotel Design Awards 25 November 2014 – Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London The judging panel for this year’s European Hotel Design Awards has been announced as the first round of voting gets under way.
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he entries are in, the judging panel has been announced, and voting has started for this year’s European Hotel Design Awards. Internationally acclaimed as the leading pan-European competition to focus on excellence in hotel architecture and design, the awards are organised by Sleeper and attract the hospitality industry’s brightest stars competing in a variety of categories. Widely celebrated for their role in establishing the value of hotel design, the awards are distinguished by a meticulous and comprehensive judging process based not only on creative merit but also on commercial viability. Each shortlisted entry is visited by a member from the panel of judges. Refreshed annually, this jury encompasses the highest calibre of industry experts selected to ensure a diverse range of professional opinions are represented in the selection process for the finalists and winners. Over 225 entries were received for this year’s awards – a record number. “Not only have we had the highest number of entries since the European Hotel Design Awards began, but the overall quality of the entries is also very high this year. I believe the competition will be the toughest I have seen in my ten years on the judging panel,” says Awards Director Matt Turner, Editor of Sleeper.
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Chair of the judging panel in 2014 will be Celia Geyer, Senior Director, Architecture & Design, Global Design Services – Europe + North Africa for Hilton Worldwide. “As a benchmark for excellence, innovation and creativity, the awards bring gravitas and recognition not just to the design community but across the hospitality industry as a whole,” she says. “The breadth and diversity of projects entered make this one of the industry’s top accolades, and I look forward to chairing this prestigious competition.” Geyer will be chairing a panel featuring representatives from the world’s leading hotel companies, architectural practices and interior design firms as well as respected industry commentators. The first round of online voting takes place throughout July, with the shortlist announced at the beginning of August. The judges then begin visiting the nominated projects across Europe to decide the eventual winners, which will be announced at the glittering awards ceremony at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London on 25 November. Sponsors for this year’s awards include Grohe, Alger-Triton, Laufen and Twyford Bathrooms. The ceremony takes place the evening before Sleep – the hotel design event being held at Islington’s Business Design Centre from 26-27 November 2014. www.europeanhoteldesignawards.com
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OPPOSITE PAGE: The judging panel for this year’s European Hotel Design Awards has been unveiled and includes (TOP ROW) Celia Geyer, Hilton Worldwide; Eileen Keribar, Proxi Advisory; Guy Dittrich; Sybil de Margerie, SM Design (SECOND ROW) Robbie Bargh, Gorgeous Group; Sarah Camilleri, European Spa Magazine; Eugene Staal, Rezidor; Ellen van der Wal, Mecanoo Architecten (THIRD ROW) Ray Greenfield, Prime Development; Javier Hortal, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group; Sören Hullberg, Story Hotels; Catarina Mollen-Runas, Nordic Property Management (BOTTOM ROW) Inge Moore, The Gallery HBA; Craig Milne, Marriott International; Caroline Cundall, GA Design; Daniel Englender, Benjamin West
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Sleep: The Hotel Design Event 26-27 November 2014 – Business Design Centre, London Sleep builds towards a unique show, indoors and out, and reveals itself as the launch pad for a new modular hotel concept.
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rue to form, Sleep, Europe’s leading hotel design and development event, has announced a plethora of original and forward-looking features to excite visitors and participants in 2014. This year, Sleep is promising to shine a spotlight on what design can do outside the hotel building as well as in, offer a focus on emerging talent, present great new products, explore the key challenges and opportunities that face the industry today and, intriguingly, reveal the prototype of a new UK hotel brand. The Sleep Set (previously known as Sleep Hotel) is off to a flying start with three design firms and their contractors now confirmed as competitors. German interior design company, Dreimeta, acclaimed for pushing the boundaries in gritty urban hotel design, SKM Design, a recent newcomer to hospitality design, and NoChintz, a Manchester-based creative studio focused on interior design and branding, will be honing their talents to create a guestroom blueprint for a new hotel brand which takes ‘simplexity’ as its core value. “We see Sleep as a wonderful opportunity to showcase our ideas and place them in the company of our industry peers and experts,” says Lucy Goddard, Creative Director of NoChintz. “A couple of years ago, we built the Sleep Bar; for 2014 we’re going bigger and better and are approaching our design in an inventive and trend-focused manner.” The Sleep Set judges will be Katherine Blaisdell, Vice President of Technical Services
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at Belmond, Marco Nijhof, CEO of Yoo Hotels and Conrad Smith, Managing Director of ReardonSmith Architects. The winning team will be announced on the evening of the first day of Sleep following tours of the rooms and a conference session where the designers will present the case for their design. Anticipating his involvement in The Sleep Set, Marco Nijhof says: “Sleep has always been an event where people connect and where new trends are recognised and extended upon. I am more convinced than ever before of the power of design and the value it brings to real estate projects, and I am looking forward to exploring the ideas that The Sleep Set will surely generate this year.” For the first time at Sleep, the value of a well-designed outdoor environment is to be highlighted. Part of the top gallery level will host ‘Above & Beyond’ dedicated to displays of high-quality outdoor furniture curated by Phil Jaffa, founder of resort landscape architects, Scape Design Associates. “The spaces around hotels are crucial to the guest experience and increasingly designers and their clients are seeking to capture outdoor space both as a revenue-generating opportunity and because of the power that the outdoors has to influence guests’ perceptions of their entire stay,” he says. “In creating Above & Beyond, we hope to explore and highlight some of the issues and success stories of this sometimes overlooked aspect of hotel design.” The real outdoors at the Business Design
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Centre is not being neglected either, since it will be the location for the first public exhibition of a new modular hotel concept for Whitbread. Sheppard Robson, Peter Dann and Polcom are collaborating to create a modular version of Whitbread’s Hub due to be rolled out across urban sites over the following months. The concept will demonstrate just how much time-saving the system can deliver during the design and development phases – a subject that will be explored further in the Sleep Conference. Visitors to the show will have the chance to watch a live stream of the construction process as well as view the room first-hand and learn about the benefits of modular construction. The conference has a justified reputation for touching the zeitgeist and debating topics that impact on hotel design and development. This year, expect “disruptor” presentations that challenge assumptions, PechaKuchastyle ‘Rapid Eye Movement’ talks that give the stage over to up-and-coming industry talent, and an interview with the winner of the Outstanding Contribution Award, part of the European Hotel Design Awards which will be celebrated in London the night before Sleep begins. Moderator, Guy Dittrich, plans to turn the tables on well-known conference inquisitor and Hotel Analyst Editor, Andrew Sangster, interviewing him in a session entitled ‘Analysing the Analyst’, while panels will debate topics such as long-stay apartments, the new wave of hostel design and the realities of designing hotels in heritage
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sleep will host the first public exhibition of a new modular concept for Whitbread; Dreimeta, designers of 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier Vienna, will create a room for The Sleep Set; Dare Studio will launch The Bronte Alcove chair; Preciosa’s Ice Cube pendant will grace the main hall; and Agua Fabrics will return to Sleep with two new product ranges
buildings. As last year, the entire conference will be free-to-attend for registered visitors, with sessions on a first-come-first-served basis. Jan Wilson, Managing Director of RPW Design sums up sentiment towards the conference: “As one of the leading industry events, Sleep is something I look forward to each year. Having participated as a speaker and moderator at several past editions, it’s always a pleasure to be part of the event. It is current, insightful and inspiring and helps me keep up with industry colleagues and topical thought.” The exhibition is also shaping up to be another example of what Sleep does well – creatively combining edgy and established companies which share an ethos of quality craftsmanship and manufacture as well as commitment to serving the hotel industry. New for this year is SoFarSoNear who will
be revealing luxuriant collections of fabrics designed and woven in Italy, while Dare Studio will be launching The Bronte Alcove, a cocooning chair and a sanctuary of peace. It is Dare Studio’s second time at the show and for company founder, Sean Dare, returning was a no-brainer. “We exhibited at the Sleep event last year and were amazed by the quality of leads we generated,” he says. “This has resulted in the inclusion in many prestigious projects and we are certainly looking forward to returning in November.” Furthermore, Toto will show its latest Washlet, Harlequin Contract will reveal the Momentum collection, while Agua Fabrics is set to return with two new product ranges. Sleep will also feature two major lighting installations from Preciosa and Swarovski. Gracing the main hall, Preciosa’s Ice Cube pendant is the latest in a series of Bohemian
crystal lighting fixtures which the Czech-based company realised, working from a concept created by Areen Design. The show’s prime networking spot the Sleep Bar is being hosted in association with Sleeper Magazine this year. Stylt Trampoli has taken up the challenge of designing the space together with contractor Famos Scandanavia AB. The team has looked to the history of the building for inspiration and will reference its former life as the Royal Agricultural Hall. Eric Nissen Johansen of Stylt Trampoli explains: “By celebrating history and the fact that the hall is still an active place where business is conducted, we want to revive simplicity and the grand spectra of nature in contrast to the urban surroundings. We will be inviting visitors to step into our imaginary garden and fully enter the reborn world of the Royal Agricultural Hall.”
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EVENTS
HI Design EMEA
4-7 June 2014 – Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg, Sweden Words: Molly Dolan Photography: © Richard Pereira
Europe’s hospitality design community flock to the Swedish city of Gothenburg for two days of networking in true Nordic-style.
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eturning to its launch country after eight years touring the various cities of Europe, HI Design EMEA was hosted by the city of Gothenburg, Sweden this year. Following the arrival of the hotel operators, interior designers, architects and suppliers, many delegates opted-in to a pre-event tour of the historic city, taking in local landmarks such as River Gota and Masthuggs Church, a perfect example of Sigfrid Ericson’s Nordic style of architecture. Delegates then returned to the host hotel Clarion Hotel Post, a former Post Office located just steps from central station. Now owned by Nordic Choice Hotels, the historic building has been transformed into an eclectic 500-key venue. The evening welcome buffet reception allowed guests to get to know one another in an informal environment, while a series of quick-fire Pecha Kucha sessions were hosted by seminar moderator Guy Dittrich. The following morning saw the event kickstart for the 255 attendees with a presentation
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by Kathryn Miller, Business Development Manager of STR Global, whose outlook for the industry was relatively positive. Research showed demand outstrip supply in almost all regions as people are travelling again, however Africa proved to be the exception. Elsewhere, the Middle East sees healthy occupancy while Africa continues to struggle. Following this, the first meetings programme launched with one-to-one sessions, meticulously planned to maximise productivity. Architects, designers and hotel groups met with FF&E suppliers, enabling them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The keynote seminar from Eero Koivisto followed lunch, kicking off the afternoon with a look at his projects with Claesson Koivisto Rune. Speaking about partnerships, Koivisto stressed the importance of working with select companies, stating: “We used to design furniture for over 70 companies, but now we only work with around 30, allowing us to collaborate more closely and for longer amounts of time.” Current work includes
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projects with Tacchini and electronics for LG. Focusing on the Nordic influence of the event, Koivisto highlighted two case studies in the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Speaking of the importance of experience, audience members were shown the “hotel experience sketch” to accompany case study one; Hotel Skeppsholmen. “The process through the hotel is extremely important,” explained Koivisto, “and unexpected experiences are very good and needed.” Going on to discuss the culture of routine, he referred to a product whereby functionality has failed, and controversially counted this as a success: “It doesn’t always work well, but so long as it breaks up a guest’s standard routine, it is good.” Case study two looked at Nobis Hotel, which consists of two buildings merged together. Continuing his provocative views, Koivisto stressed the importance of working with other creatives to add quirky details, but warned: “It’s important not to do it yourself, get someone else to do it and it will be much better.”
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Speaking of future trends, the designer described seeing an increased use of “real materials in projects, such as wood”, and labelled Luis Barragán as inspiration for this style. “Hipster chic is what I’d call it,” exclaimed Koivisto, “there are cycles but this is a hybridisation of older styles. As we leave the analogue age, Scandinavian and Nordic styles are good as they complement the digital age.” When summing up his tips, he advised to always cultivate change and quipped “creativity is intelligence having fun”. Le Pain Francais, located just a short, authentic tram-ride away hosted the delegates from 160 companies on the second night. Designed by local interiors firm Stylt Trampoli, the venue offered four floors of Frenchinspired style. Kicking off the final day was Stylt Trampoli founder and Creative Director Erik Nissen Johansen, as part of the ‘New Nordic’ panel discussion alongside Kristiina Michelsson, 116
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CEO of Studio Aricbella OY; Catarina Molen Runnas, CEO of Nordic Property Management AB; and Johan Michelson, Vice President of Brand and Marketing at Scandic Hotels. Opposing the views of the previous day’s keynote, functionality was prioritised by the panel. “Sustainability and functionality are crucial,” opened Michelsson, when speaking about the priorities of Nordic design. While Nissen Johansen agreed partly, he described the importance of cost: “I think the driver is the labour cost, it is the biggest influence when working on a design.” That being said, Michelson commented: “You need to combine beauty and functionality. The role of brands is changing so much and you need to check the relevance, be ahead of it all and then focus on design.” He added: “The hotel builds the brand, it’s important that you look at it the right way.” In agreement Molen Runnas concluded: “Style reflects society and despite functionality,
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we have to remember that we’re designing for the guest. Although some things may cost a little extra, if guests enjoy them then you can charge more.” The final seminar session came from Johannes Torpe, Creative Director of Bang & Olufsen, with his take on branded spaces and experiential design. Following a number of case studies by Johannes Torpe Studios, he illustrated the importance of providing an element of entertainment as well as a holistic experience. Summing up, he stated: “If it feels like work, you are doing it wrong.” The farewell dinner was hosted at Trädgårds Föreningen, a picturesque walk away from the hotel. Delegates were thanked by Atticus Events Director Jonathan Needs, and treated to an evening of Abba fun from Swedish tribute band Arrival, in true HI Design EMEA style. The next HI Design EMEA will take place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, from 3-5 June 2015.
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CONFERENCE REPORT
Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel Summit 12-13 May 2014 – The Montcalm, London Report by Molly Dolan
Industry experts gathered at The Montcalm, London, in May for Europe’s only B2B conference dedicated to the thriving boutique and lifestyle hotel sector. Opening the summit with a keynote speech was John Quilter, aka the Food Busker. Four years ago, following the credit crunch, three robberies and a fire, Quilter closed his Chorlton-based restaurant and started afresh. After claiming that F&B is a “nightmare” for boutique hotels, Quilter stressed the importance of creating an experience that is real and not replicated, as consumers know the difference. Next up was the Market Update, courtesy of Joe Stather, Business Development Manager at STR Global. Offering a relatively positive outlook, Stather outlined that 38% of European pipeline is in the UK, with the majority in the budget sector, closely followed by upper midscale. Meanwhile both Europe and the US are now operating at RevPAR levels above their pre-recession peak. More specifically, Glasgow has seen a high RevPAR increase due to the Commonwealth Games, while Leeds is a success story following the airport expansion, Trinity shopping development and upcoming Tour de France opening ceremony. According to Stather, the 118
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industry is in the second phase of recovery, and the boutique hotel sector is a good investment for those looking for something adverse to the volatile economic climate. Building on the success of the UK market came the announcement that Nobu are set to open a new hotel in Shoreditch, London in 2015. Speaking of loyalty and engagement, it became apparent that consumers now have virtually unlimited information and options in their palms, putting the sector under increased pressure to stand out while maintaining guest loyalty. In a session addressing the topic, Youri Sawerschel, consultant at Bridge.over Group commented: “Attention spans are lower and loyalty programs are no longer fun, it’s time to bring back the fun in loyalty.” Bill Walshe, CEO at Viceroy Hotel Group, added: “The crisis in loyalty is self-created. Rewards and loyalty are completely different and there is a laziness in our industry, giving points over service to create loyalty.” Concluding, Walshe commented: “The deal chasing mentality is here to stay and we need to incentivise existing customers.” In a session looking at the ‘F&B Conundrum’, Mark Fuller, owner of Sanctum Hotels revealed his properties make as much revenue on F&B as they do
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on guestrooms. “You can wander out and there are many excellent restaurants, so you’ve got to be on point,” expanded Fuller. “I want to give people the best experience.” Reiterating this point was Bob Puccini, President and CEO of Puccini Group: “Most people can’t taste above good. They want an experience, very good environment and service. You need to run a hotel restaurant as a restaurant and pay attention to the market.” Turning attentions to finance, a panel of owners and investors discussed what they look for in a hotel deal. “Do what you do best and go into markets you are comfortable with,” advised Stephen Brandman, co-owner of the recently launched Sixty Hotels. “Build something that’s not traditional, and be passionate. You have to take risks, and if you do the investors will eventually come to you,” he added. Acknowledging it’s not always so simple, he continued: “One challenge is that to grow a brand, you need access to capital and to understand which assets to own or manage. It’s a struggle.” According to Chris Penn, General Manager at Ace Hotel London Shoreditch, a boutique hotel “cannot be something corporate or robotic, as this will never be dynamic.” He elaborated: “The most successful
ideas come from outside the sector, from people who have seen an idea and made something visionary. It is never one-size-fits-all.” Also speaking on the panel was Kate Levin, General Manager at The Capital Hotel and The Levin Hotel, who discussed the removal of technology from guestrooms: “My client base are grateful to not have to fiddle and overcomplicate things. They still have an iPad, but no complicated systems such as TV controls.” The event also saw tours of local boutique hotels, as well as the presentation of case studies from Jason Holley, Director at Universal Design Studio for his creations at Ace Hotel London Shoreditch, and Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir, on ION Luxury Adventure Hotel in Iceland. Wrapping up the day’s events, an esteemed panel of hoteliers and designers looked at trends in the sector. Ilse Crawford MBE, owner of StudioIlse commented: “It is hard to define a moving beast, boutique should have a heart and respond to what is going on.” Reflecting on the comments of the keynote speaker, Niki Leondakis, CEO of Commune Hotels & Resorts concluded: “It is more than design – people want experience. It is about experiencing the locale and being inspired.” www.boutiquehotelsummit.com
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Turkey & Neighbours Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC) 9-10 June 2014 - Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center,Turkey Report by Catherine Martin With strong performance for the year-to-date, huge opportunities in the mid-market sector, and a healthy pipeline going forward, Turkey is bouncing back. As last year’s CATHIC drew to a close, an overwhelmingly positive outlook for the region was marred by mass anti-government protests over the demolition of Istanbul’s Taksim Gezi Park. In the aftermath, analysts warned that Turkey’s decade of unprecedented growth could be at risk and the hotel industry would feel the immediate effects, later confirmed by a 19% decline in demand. Twelve months on, the hotel investment community gathered once again to discuss the latest trends, opportunities and challenges, and crucially, whether this wave of nationwide civil unrest will have any long-term damaging effects. Now in its fourth year, Turkey & Neighbours Investment Conference brings together regional and international investors, operators, developers and consultants and offers the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the current investment climate in the region. To the theme of ‘Drawing the Industry Together’, the conference kicked off with a look at national tourism statistics as well as developments in
the aviation industry as key indicators for future growth. The number of international visitors to Turkey has increased by 40% since 2007, reaching 32 million in 2013, and is expected to climb to 37 million by 2017. Furthermore, it is currently ranked 6th in the world by the number of tourist arrivals, and Istanbul – Turkey’s largest city – recently beat Rome, Paris and New York to the number one spot on TripAdvisor’s top 10 destinations in the world. Confirming the importance of tourism to Turkey’s economy, Ozgur Ozaslan, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, gave an overview of investments being made in to the country’s aviation sector to accommodate an influx of tourists. Days earlier, Istanbul broke ground on a new megaairport, due to be one of the largest in the world, which will have capacity for some 150 million passengers annually upon completion in 2018. There is also talk of a third airport according to Faith Cigal, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Turkish Airlines, which could see the national carrier operating direct flights to Sydney. “In the first quarter of 2014, we have achieved a growth of 16%,” commented Cigal. “Today we operate in many regions and
we fly to every continent except Australia, however it is constantly on our radar.” While Istanbul’s development as a transit hub is good news for hotels, it must be remembered that hotel demand is not expected to see the same upsurge due a proportion of arrivals touching down for only a matter of hours before travelling on. That said, Turkey remains the fourth most visited country in Europe after Italy, France and Spain and growth is expected to continue. Switching focus to the hospitality industry, Elizabeth Winkle, Managing Director of STR Global presented the latest performance data. First taking a global perspective, Winkle revealed that performance is improving. At April 2014, Europe was showing RevPAR increases of 4.4% for the year-to-date. For the same period, Turkey outperformed the region as a whole with an impressive 16% rise in ADR and a 7.7% increase in RevPAR. Despite this strong performance, an influx of new supply has affected occupancy, falling by as much as 10% in the case of Istanbul. In fact, more rooms opened in the first four months of 2014 than in the whole of 2013. Looking to the future, STR Global data showed a total
of 12,000 rooms in Turkey’s pipeline, of which over half are in Istanbul. The number of rooms planned throughout regional Turkey has also seen a significant rise. And according to Winkle, the focus is on the upscale sector marking a move away from luxury and upper upscale. This research was backed up in a number of panel sessions throughout the conference, although there were differing views on whether Turkey needs any more luxury hotels. By 2018, it will have 438 five-star hotels, an increse of 16% from 2012, leading some analysts to believe Turkey – in particular Istanbul – has reached saturation point. Yet Murat Ersoy, Chairman of TYD (Tourism Investors Association), expressed the need for 35 more five-star properties and urged airlines and hotel groups to cooperate with one another to meet such a requirement. The real opportunity, according to many of CATHIC’s speakers, lies in the mid-market. In examining the development and investment potential in Istanbul, the Turkish Riviera and secondary cities, Michael Collini, Vice President of Development for Turkey, Russia and Eastern Europe at Hilton Worldwide, noted that Istanbul was still hot for investment but only in the under-represented midscale
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CATHIC continued... and economy segments. Collini also revealed that Turkey’s secondary cities are largely untapped, stating that many of its 32 cities with a population of over 300,000 have a lack of quality accommodation. There was also said to be opportunities for branded hotels on the Turkish Riviera, however questions were raised over the financial viability of seasonal resorts. Representatives from the major global players participated in a number of sessions to unveil plans for growth. In the leaders panel, Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions and Development at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, was “very bullish” on Turkey stating that the group had invested heavily on time, people and resources in the region. Starwood currently has 10 hotels operating in Turkey, five expected to open in the next 1218 months, and a further 15-20 properties in the pipeline. Wyndham Hotel Group – the largest in Turkey by number of hotels – currently has 30 hotels open in the country with aggressive plans that include the development of 20 Super 8 hotels and 30 Ramada Encore hotels over the next 10 years according to Rui Barros, Managing Director and Senior Vice President EMEA, while Accor is responding to the need for more economy and midscale hotels by actively developing its Novotel and Ibis brands. Simon Vincent, President Europe, Middle East and Africa at Hilton Worldwide, revealed 122
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that Hilton identified Turkey as a strategic growth market some eight years ago and now has a total of 50 hotels operating and in the pipeline, many of which are focused service brands Hampton and Hilton Garden Inn in secondary cities. Angela Brav, CEO Europe at IHG, also explained that the majority of IHG’s future growth in Turkey is in the budget sector with Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Discussions designed to help guide those who are looking to or are currently investing in Turkey’s hotel industry, and strategies for capitalising on growth were amongst CATHIC’s highlights. In an overview of the global investment market, Dr. Daniel Thornily, President of DT Global Business Consulting, offered a “semi positive” global and geo political outlook for 2014, stating that it would undoubtedly be a better year than 2013. He added that consumer confidence in Turkey was high, but warned that a wait-and-see approach to corporate spending and bank lending could have repercussions. Of the line up of bankers present, Hakan Ates, President and CEO of DenizBank, explained the group’s commitment to funding tourism projects, a strategy that has contributed to it becoming one of the biggest lenders to the sector. It was also noted that on the whole, bank loans to the tourism sector have risen considerably over the last decade, from TRL2.2 billion in 2004 to TRL33.2 billion in 2014, with 50% of financial investment
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directed to tourism hotspots Istanbul and Antalya. While Turkey is typically associated with sun, sea and sand, success in recent years is thought to be due to its development as a year-round destination, a topic explored in a series of breakout sessions. Investment and marketing is aimed at promoting the country’s other attractions such as winter sports, golf, and health tourism, while Istanbul has also proved to be a growing MICE destination. According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the city is ranked eighth in the world for the number of meetings it hosts, a status that will be further bolstered by the opening of CATHIC’s host hotel – Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center – which boasts 12,000m2 of events space and the largest pillarless ballroom in the city. The recently opened Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli also offers events space and played host to delegates at CATHIC’s closing reception. Much like other emerging markets, Turkey does face a number of challenges including staff shortages, lack of training, high land costs and low spend per tourist. Yet, despite further protests to mark the anniversary of 2013’s civil unrest –albeit on a lesser scale – and concerns of sensationalised media coverage in the West, there was little sign of the damage analysts once anticipated. www.cathic.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS IHG announced the signing of Holiday Inn Express Istanbul – Airport. Due to open in 2014, the 110-key property will operate under a franchise agreement with Liv Yapi Gayrimenkul Yatirim and will be the first internationallybranded limited service hotel near to the airport. FRHI revealed that Raffles Istanbul at the Zorlu Center is accepting reservations from 1 September 2014. Wyndham Hotel Group announced that it now has 30 properties in Turkey, firmly establishing it as the market leader by number of hotels open and operating in the country. The latest properties to join include Wyndham Istanbul Old City and Ramada Usak. The group has also launched a new Turkishlanguage website to support its rapid expansion in the market. The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announced it is to open the 137-room Park Inn by Radisson Izmir in 2015, followed by the 260-room Radisson Blu Istanbul Topkapi in 2016. Mehmet Önkal, Managing Partner of BDO Hospitality Consulting was awarded the CATHIC 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the contribution he has made to hotel investment in Turkey and surrounding countries throughout his career.
The World F e s T i va l o F inTeriors, c e l e b r aT i n g The FinesT inTeriors From around The globe
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RHIC
20-22 OCTOBER 2014
RUSSIA & CIS HOTEL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE
Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, Russia
INVESTING IN RUSSIA’S FUTURE
THE REGION’S LEADING HOTEL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE
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Join us in Moscow for the 10th Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference (RHIC), to network with the most influential gathering of hotel investors, owners, operators and developers and explore new opportunities in the region.
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HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
ACCOR
NETWORKING Meet 350 senior decision makers, make valuable new contacts and catch up with old friends. EDUCATION PROGRAMME Over 70 local and international experts will share their specialist knowledge over two days. SPONSORS’ EXHIBITION The heart of the conference, where meetings are arranged and deals are done. www.russia-cisconference.com
JLL Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Hilton Northern Caucasus Resorts Stavropol Region Administration GOLD SPONSORS
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September 16 -17, 2014 Miami Beach, FL
The Ultimate Connector to the Hospitality Design Industry Join us at HD Americas, the premier event dedicated to hospitality design in Latin America and the Caribbean. See an exclusive selection of products specifically created for the emerging Americas market and meet the most respected hoteliers and designers in the region. Don’t miss keynote speaker Arthur Casas, of Studio Arthur Casas, São Paulo; and our signature session Owners’ Roundtable: The Americas Analyzed. We can’t wait to see you September 16-17th!
hdamericasexpo.com Register today. Use code 4040, for $25 off any ticket Presented by
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17-18 September 2014
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29 Sept - 1 Oct 2014 Sheraton Addis Ababa Ethiopia
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS The Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) is the continent’s leading hotel investment conference. It brings together over 400 top-level hotel investors, operators, developers, and advisors from over 20 countries, including government ministers from African nations. AHIF is THE event to network and discuss the latest developments, trends and opportunities available to hotel and tourism investors in Africa.
REGISTER BEFORE 31 AUGUST TO SAVE $300 PLATINUM SPONSORS
MOSEKETSI MPETA Industry Champion International Development Corporation
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MICHAEL WALE President of Europe, Africa, Middle East Division Starwood
WOLFGANG NEUMANN President & CEO The Rezidor Hotel Group
ANTOINE CASTRO Managing Director Quantum Global Real Estate
ALEX KYRIAKIDIS President & Managing Director Middle East & Africa Marriott International
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SIMON VINCENT President Europe, Middle East & Africa Hilton
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FURNITURE
Reinventing the classics The return of the classic has seen innovation take a new turn as brands strive to keep timeless pieces relevant.
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eutral palettes, alternative textures and accents of highlighted colour define the latest trends in furniture, as seen at Salone Internazionale del Mobile and Clerkenwell Design Week 2014. Host cities Milan and London welcomed thousands of international visitors, presenting to them the latest releases from leading manufacturers. Republic of Fritz Hansen launched two new products in Milan, one being a reintroduction of the iconic Arne Jacobsen chair The Drop (pictured). In addition to the original design of upholstered foam, the chair is now available in a moulded plastic and comes in a number of muted tones in keeping with the neutral palette trend. Also favouring fabrics in subdued colours was Pedrali, who presented Log, a fully upholstered one-volume-seating. B&B Italia made a strong return to Milan with designs from the likes of Antonio Citterio and Patricia Urquiola, who released the Husk sofa. Meanwhile, adding a pop of colour was Arper, who displayed the complete Bardi’s Bowl Chair range at its Milan showroom, reimagining Lina Bo Bardi’s original 1951 design. Now in it’s fifth year, Clerkenwell Design Week welcomed trendspotters in May. Visitors did not have to look far before stumbling
across the latest designs from British manufacturer Morgan Furniture at its newly opened London showroom. Among the new additions were Pimlico and Brompton, both made from solid beech and upholstered in any contract fabric or leather. Bringing a touch of Italian style to the city was Poltrona Frau, with a number of new launches from designers such as Jean-Marie Massaud, Roberto Lazzeroni, and Lievore Altherr Molina. Elsewhere, product launches came from Ligne Roset, whose Cosse sofa by Philippe Nigro is inspired by ‘lightness’, as reflected in the discreet framework and minimal materials. The likes of Jeff Lazar Furnishings, Burgess Furniture and Vitra have also released new products, including the reinterpreted Aluminium Chair based on the design philosophy of Charles and Ray Eames. Reinvention of classic designs has been prominent, as seen with Knoll, alongside the use of textured materials and soft, classic colours. Accented tones have added highlights to many collections, but the palette looks neutral for the time being. See overleaf for the latest product launches and case studies from international furniture suppliers.
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FRITZ HANSEN THE DROP Originally designed by Arne Jacobsen, The Drop was produced with the Swan and the Egg, but was never put into standard production. In addition to the original design of pliable, upholstered foam, The Drop is now available in a molded plastic version that is especially relevant for modern interiors. www.fritzhansen.com
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ANOTHER COUNTRY DESK THREE Desk Three is a diverse piece of furniture that need not be confined to one area. It can be utilised as a workstation, a dressing counter or an occasion table. The solid beech desk has a top with gently rounded edges, a centrally placed drawer and the trestle-style base that characterises this collection of furniture. www.anothercountry.com JAB ANSTOETZ DANDY/DIVA The timeless combination of classic meets modern makes Diva and Dandy. The gently rounded silhouette and hand-shaped folds on the armrest display a classic balance, while the elegant body on long legs creates a modern look. The two chairs bring life to any room with ease and take pride in their comfort and are available with a low backrest (Diva) or a high backrest (Dandy). www.jab-furniture.de
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LIGNE ROSET COSSE Designed by Philippe Nigro, the concept of comfort was inspiration for the Cosse sofa. Lightness is achieved through material optimisation such as minimally thick materials and discreet framework, which fade into the background. Softly welcoming contours, a delicate enveloping form that floats above the ground and elastic-webbed suspension all contribute to the feeling of relaxation, comfort and lightness. www.ligne-roset.com
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Pimlico Now in Clerkenwell designed by Morgan Studio Experience our Inspired Collections at our new London showroom 1 Dallington Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 0BH
@MorganSeating T +44 (0)1243 371111 www.morganfurniture.co.uk
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BURGESS FURNITURE EVOSA The slender Evosa chair features a chrome plated steel frame, together with the option of knitted mesh or upholstered back. With its slim webbed seat and hidden back construction, Evosa presents a modern design that is remarkably lightweight and stackable. With or without arms, the chair is also available with a solid powder coated frame. www.burgessfurniture.com
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CAPDELL PLUM BY CLAESSON KOIVISTO RUNE The curving profiles and rounded surfaces of Plum give the collection a character that is not strictly mathematical. A great deal of attention has been given to sculpting the progressive curves and volumes of each piece, making them attractive from all angles. The collection includes a conference chair, a larger easy chair, two-seater sofa and a highback sofa. www.capdell.com
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GO IN DECO ART Two new chairs from Go In aim to offer elegant relaxation in the form of either the Deco Art tub chair or wingback variant. A bold statement in its original form, the chairs can also be customised by specifying different materials, colours and finishes from a wide range of choices. Upholstery choices include genuine leathers, imitation leathers, striped, plain and patterned fabrics in many colours. The chairs are hardwearing and robust, manufactured from moulded foam, mounted on a satin stainless steel base with chromeplated column. www.go-in.co.uk
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MORGAN FURNITURE BROMPTON Created by Design Director Katerina Zachariades, Brompton has recently been awarded a Design Guild Award. Utilising the brand’s expertise in upholstery and beautiful timber detailing, the original seating features a fitted cushion, combined with an elegant profiled walnut frame. www.morganfurniture.co.uk
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B&B ITALIA HUSK BY PATRICIA URQUIOLA “Those who look at a sofa must visually perceive a sense of both mental and physical comfort,” says Patricia Urquiola of the new Husk armchair. Designed with a stiff body made of Hirek that contains a soft cushion, divided into portions, Husk is available in various styles with three cushion types. www.bebitalia.com
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PS INTERIORS LACLASICA Laclasica is a wooden chair that combines the traditional principles of classical designs, translating them into a pure and contemporary style. Designed by Stua’s founder, Jesús Gasca, the aim was to create a chair that would embody the values he most appreciated in design: great ergonomics and timelessness. www.ps-interiors.co.uk
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CULT ORGANIC STYLE CHAIR Designed in 1940 by Charles Eames in collaboration with Eero Saarinen, the Organic chair was originally designed for the “Organic Design in Home Furnishings” competition in the Museum of Modern Arts, New York. The beauty of this design is that it mimics the natural seating position, which makes for the perfect reading chair or occasional lounge chair. Featuring a laminate seat shell, solid timber legs and upholstery, the piece is available in a range of different colours. www.cultfurniture.com
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CARL HANSEN & SON HANS J. WEGNER ANNIVERSARY Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hans J. Wegner’s birth, Carl Hansen & Son has selected three iconic chairs to be reproduced in a fusion of oak and walnut. The Wishbone Chair, Sawbuck Chair and the CH33 chair combine light and dark wood in homage to Wegner’s extraordinary understanding of the material. www.carlhansen.com
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+44 (0) 1908 327100
sales@efchairs.com
www.efchairs.com
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TACCHINI SHELTER Shelter draws inspiration from the Egg armchair design by Arne Jacobsen, first created in 1958 for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Following this iconic design, and echoing the theme of the relationship between an object and space, NoĂŠ Duchaufour-Lawrance has created an armchair that is extremely simple and light in its design. Importance is placed on the legible boundary between the intimate inner space of the interior, and the structural shell of the chair. www.tacchini.it
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VITRA ALUMINIUM CHAIR The Aluminium Group from 1958 exemplifies the design philosophy of Charles and Ray Eames. Vitra is now launching a number of the models that belonged to the original product family first marketed as the Aluminium Dining Chairs. A number of new products have also been added, expanding the selection with models that are smaller and lighter. www.vitra.com
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JANUS ET CIE SLANT Inspired by clean, architectural lines, the Slant lounge collection features craftsmanship that is second-to-none. Constructed of powdercoated aluminium and available in six finishes, the range also features bespoke cushions available in over 200 Janus textile options. www.janusetcie.com
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PEDRALI LOG Designed by Manuela Busetti, Andrea Garuti and Matteo Redaelli, the fully upholstered Log seat welcomes the body gently, without hindering movement. The right mix of formal balance, stability and comfort has been achieved by reducing the volume through a careful process of modelling. The chair’s steel structure is covered by polyurethane foam and utilises the best upholstering technologies to minimise weight. Log is available in both leather and fabric. www.pedrali.it
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Xeno2 Natural, serene style.
A new prestigious bathroom collection combining striking minimalism and soft geometric shapes to create a timeless elegance.
www.keramagdesign.com Keramag Design, Lawton Road, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 2DF. T: 01270 871 756
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TOJO STUHL The new Stuhl by Tojo is a chair with replaceable seat. Despite the filigree frame, the structure is both supportive and comfortable. The steel tubing is available with white coating, while the seat is available in a wide variety of versatile colours. www.tojo.de
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WARINGS FURNITURE THE JOHNSON The Johnson is a classic tub chair, compact yet comfortable and wellsuited to stylish interior dining and lounge areas. Recently supplied to the Le Strange Arms Hotel with bespoke fabric choices and detailing to complement the venue, The Johnson achieves an elegant look, paired with the quality and durability essential for contract furniture. Bespoke solutions are available, enabling the creation of a unique look using fabric or leather. The solid beech legs can also be polished in any approved colour. www.waringsfurniture.com
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ANDRIANNA SHAMARIS ST. BARTS CUBE The new collection of polished organic bleached teak wood from Andrianna Shamaris features a cube filled with aqua resin. The natural grooves of the teak are carefully filled with resin, which is cracked before applying to achieve a unique quartz crystal effect. The final result evokes imagery of the white sand beaches and aqua waters of the French Caribbean Island. www.andriannashamarisinc.com 140
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MOROSO PROP COLLECTION Encompassing a sofa, armchair, side table and coffee table designed by Benjamin Hubert for Moroso, Prop includes the studio’s first sofa design. Upholstered in a softly padded fabric in collaboration with Dutch textile manufacturer Innofa, the sofa and armchair covers are attached via zips, making them interchangeable. Despite the exposed frames, Prop has been designed for comfort rather than strict architectural form. www.moroso.it
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DISCOVER DECOREX A WORLD OF LUXURY DESIGN
Visit www.decorex.com to register Please quote invitation code SLE1
Organised by:
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JLF IBARRA LOUNGE CHAIR Breaking outside the box of traditional seating, the Ibarra lounge chair presents a unique shape from all angles. An exposed powder coated aluminium frame complements the hand painted wood-textured finish, maintaining the traditional look and feel. Upper and lower frames are covered in a twotone fine weave, giving the piece a distinctive depth. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor, the chair is available in a variety of weave and frame colours. www.jlfurnishings.com
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KNOLL LOUNGE COLLECTION A new sofa with chaise longue and compact armchair have been added to the range by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby. First introduced in 2013, the range now includes different sized pieces available in a variety of upholstery fabrics and leathers. Each piece sits on distinctive cast aluminium feet that slide neatly between its upholstered elements which can be specified in chrome and various lacquered colours to serve as a contrasting highlight. www.knoll.com 142
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HOWE CONVENTU Designed by Morten Nikolajsen, Conventu is a meeting chair with a distinct identity. The exposed veneer back frame allows harmony with tabletops, without compromising on comfort and classic lines. All versions are available with the elegantly twisted armrest, while bases vary from x-base to cantilever. www.howe.com
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MYBEST ITALIAN BESPOKE FURNITURE MyBest has collaborated with a renowned London-based design studio to create the elegant customised lounge chair. Featuring a sophisticated shape and decorated with shiny sateen piping, the armchair rests on a modern base in a bronzed metallic finish, enhancing the rich upholstery with chine effect. www.my-best.it
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THE DESIGN NET CABOT CONSOLE TABLE Featuring two push-latch drawers painted in white gloss and frame with lower shelf in oak stained to Wenge, the Cabot console table is both British designed and manufactured. www.thedesignnet.co.uk
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WARISAN IJO CHAIR Stylish comfort constructed of new growth teak, the Ijo chair features a contrasting stitched leather sling seat. Whether indoor or outdoor, classic or contemporary, wood or upholstery based, Warisan places emphasis on quality and customisation, with this piece created with comfort in mind. www.warisan.com
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ALLEMUIR GRAINGER Design-led furniture brand Allemuir has launched Grainger, a collection of modern lounge seating inspired by the classic wing chair. Designed to invite private discussion and quiet contemplation, the range encompasses luxurious high and low back winged chairs, two-seater sofa and buttoned ottomans. The versatile style works with both modern and vintage interiors, while the acoustic properties of the wing panels make the piece ideal for hospitality environments. www.allemuir.com
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27 BRITISH CONTRACT FURNISHING ASSOCIATION The BCFA has seen a real turnaround in the furnishing market and this applies to many markets around the world. The UK economy seems to be leading the drive but international activity is also very strong. The association has been present most recently in China, Russia and the Middle East to support UK trade and in 2015 will celebrate 25 years exhibiting at Index in Dubai. Networking and social events have never been more popular with the November Annual Luncheon in London selling out in three days. It is then perhaps no surprise that membership of the BCFA is growing very quickly. A driver
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for this is social media and the Design Insider Live has captured the interest of designers and hotel operators alike. The quality of news on industry activity and opportunities, plus the inspiration from many hospitality projects has raised the profile of the association and this has been seen as valuable to members. BCFA Managing Director, Colin Watson comments: “News, up to date information and the priority to support members in the development of their business is what makes the BCFA a unique community within the interiors sector.� www.thebcfa.com
Departures Lounge – United Airlines Heathrow T2B
COMPANY PROFILE
Bette Design-led innovation Words: Molly Dolan Photography: Courtesy of Bette
From starting out as a bathtub manufacturer over 60 years ago, Bette has progressed with the latest technologies to become one of the leaders in enamelled steel products. 146
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S
tarting off as a family owned business in 1952, Bette’s history has involved an expansive evolution of products and a change of ownership, as it is now headed by members of the Pahl family. Created as a steel enamel factory, Bette was founded by Heinrich Bette and Günther Schlichtherle in Delbrück, Germany, before FritzWilhelm Pahl joined in 1975. Leading the firm until recently, Pahl pioneered its development from bathtub production to include shower trays, washbasins and the design line BetteOne. Now Managing Director, Wilhelm’s son Thilo C. Pahl succeeded his father in 2012, completing the transition from Managing Partner to his current position. “It was definitely a challenge, to have a shift in power,” he comments. However, the familyorientated company adopted a joint-management technique for two years, allowing both father and son, and staff, to adjust to the new path of the company. “It works very well,” says Pahl, “my
PREVIOUS PAGE: The factory in Delbrück has the capacity to produce over 700,000 products per year LEFT: Although the majority of production is completed by machines, a small number of products require finishing by hand BELOW: In compliance with its eco-status, Bette re-uses any waste drips from its enamelling process
father is still in the office often, however it can be hard to hand over responsibility.” In another nod to the current success of the company, a recent €10million investment has resulted in a new enamelling plant, located on the same Delbrück site. Conscious of its environmental footprint, the new 4,500m2 factory is mostly powered by the company itself, with solar power and Photovoltaic system providing two-thirds of its energy needs. In addition to this hefty investment, the company has two cogeneration units producing heat and power, which is then used to heat cleaning tanks and feed Bette’s own power grid. Heat recovery techniques are also in place, capturing any waste heat from the enamelling furnaces and re-using it accordingly in the factory. The emphasis on energy efficiency continues past the new factory and its 13 enamelling robots, where waste drips are re-used to reduce waste, and on to the products. “Most consumers don’t want to have to keep thinking about the environment in their everyday lives,” explains Sven Rensinghoff, Head of Marketing.
“The best bathrooms of the future will enable users to be free of eco guilt, knowing that they have chosen sustainable materials and products that will last.” The production processes of Bette use only 100% natural materials such as titanium steel, glass and water, which are all recyclable. The deep pressing technology used and enamelling technique all contribute to the impeccable standard of Bette products, with the advanced steel moulding system ensuring a uniform thickness, guaranteeing stability and a perfect surface for the enamel process. Initially creating bathtubs, the evolution of the market meant that Bette had to branch out into other aspects of steel enamel production, namely its shower tray division of the business, with production of the first extra-flat shower tray in 1985. Bette’s products now span the entire bathroom, with the flush-to-floor BetteFloor tray and BetteOne design line. Bette’s steel enamel processes include the production of all tools in-house, allowing full flexibility for design and customisation. Over
600 standard products are available at any given time, with the ability to produce in more than 1,000 colours, including bespoke. Many of the tools have been made at the plant over the past 60 years, however must be renewed every 15 years to ensure quality. A specific machine is used for bespoke creations, which was done by hand until 2009. Although rare, some of the mainstream production is still finished by hand, including the freestanding bathtub, some washbasins and a number of new products, including the BetteLux bath. Although 98% of all products made here are white, the trend for colour in en suites is increasing, as hotels use washbasins as a statement piece. Due to the small volume of coloured products, they are enamelled by hand. Other trends predicted by Rensinghoff include an increase in the need to relax and escape. “We anticipate an increased focus on comfort and spa-like features in the bathroom, but not always with the use of whirlpool systems. Creating a spa-like relaxation area is as much about the quality of the
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COMPANY PROFILE
ABOVE: BetteLux Highline is a freestanding bath with varying panels, allowing half-and-half surfaces for customisation BELOW: BetteFloor with Upstand is a shower tray enabling a seamless wall connection offering increased hygiene in hotel guestrooms
experience,” he explains. “ We foresee that the most successful technology-focused launches for the bathroom will be those that aid relaxation and benefit our health and wellbeing.” Speaking of new products, the brand’s latest Novelties 2014 collection reiterates the importance placed on design, as “the designer is in the driving seat,” comments Pahl. “We follow them, take their advice but we also give them a slight push in the right direction.” “At Bette, we believe that it is an understanding of craftsmanship that turns a product into a premium product,” concludes Rensinghoff. “We see enamelled steel products becoming increasingly popular due to their eco credentials, in addition to their impressive longevity and excellent in-use benefits. For Bette, it is the combination of industrial process with individual craftsmanship that is the key to our quality.” 148
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Flame Retardant Contract Fabrics
The new CHAMONiX Collection. Elegant Upholstery for Hospitality Interiors.
sales@skopos.co.uk | Tel: 01924 436 666 | www.skoposdesignltd.com
Love design? Love innovation? Manager, Brand Design & Innovation, Attractive Pay + Benefits At IHG we employ people who apply the same amount of care and passion to their jobs as they do their hobbies – people who put our guests at the heart of everything they do. We’re looking for a highly creative and motivated Senior Interior Designer. We have lots of exciting and new innovative projects coming our way we need to add to our specialist Design and Engineering Team. The right candidate will be able to influence and shape the future of what ‘Great’ hotels look like for IHG and will work on some of the best hotel projects in Europe. If this sounds like the perfect move for you or you want to find out more, please visit www.ihg.jobs quoting job reference DEN001163. So what’s your passion? Please get in touch and tell us how you could bring your individual skills to IHG. IHG is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Stephen IHG
One Marylebone exterior
Chelsom 5m Custom Rods chandelier hangs above party goers
Some of the team from HBA (from left) Margarita Mirakova, Debbie Mattis, TeckWei Choo, Katie Sargent
Will and Robert Chelsom
LED Dock range
Chelsom Edition 24 launch party attracts 400 guests Chelsom celebrated the launch of their stunning brand new collection in style with a fabulous party on Thursday 12th June in central London. Attended by almost 400 specially invited guests from the global interior design, hospitality and marine industries, the launch party took place at One Marylebone, a deconsecrated church and now one of London’s most prestigious venues for fashion shows, product launches and social gatherings. An assortment of sumptuous cocktails and delicious canapés were served from 5pm to 11pm as guests networked, partied and enjoyed an exclusive preview of the striking new product ranges on display.
Brand new website now live: www.chelsom.co.uk Email- sales@chelsom.co.uk • Phone- +44 (0)1253 831400
(from left) Amanda McMorris and Kim Vass from ICA
(from left) Dan Reed from Hilton, Will Chelsom and Dee Adcock from Chelsom and Alan McVitty from McVitty Interior Consultants All photography by AJ Heath Photography • www.ajheathphotography.com
SLEEPER SPECIFIER
LONGDEN DOORS HAMILTON GRAND Longden Doors has supplied 431 bespoke panelled solid timber doorsets to one of Scotland’s most prestigious hotels, Hamilton Grand. Using a photograph to work from, the company reconstructed original detailing and worked closely with Unwin Jones Partnership and ISG Construction Limited, ensuring all expectations were met. Styles supplied include the Sheraton flat panel in Dorchester, Bath and Sussex styles. www.longdendoors.co.uk
KOLEKTIV CRYSTAL LIGHTING SYSTEM Crystal is a variable architectural lighting system developed by Czech glass artisans. The unconventional use of classic glass-making techniques, in combination with a high-end technical lighting control solution, makes the system exceptional. Developed for interior and exterior usage, CLS can be adjusted to each architectural project. www.wearekolektiv.com
BETTE BETTEFLOOR SLIDE Bette has introduced four extra large sizes to its innovative enamelled steel BetteFloor Slide flush-to-floor shower area range, now also available with BetteUpstand (pictured). This enables tiles to meet with the floor, removing the need for silicone. Permanently waterproof and hygienic, BetteFloor Slide fits perfectly into a floor tiling pattern. www.bette.co.uk
GLOSTER GRID LOUNGE Designed by Henrik Pedersen, Grid has a name that describes both function and mind-set. Both grid and double grid form the basis of this flexible system where clients are able to combine personal elements and meet personal needs. The shapes of the various elements enable the sofa to be constructed in multiple ways and directions. www.gloster.com
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COMMENT
APPLE LAID DOWN THE GAUNTLET, NOW MANUFACTURERS MUST RESPOND – BY JASON NG, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, HONEYWELL
Few people in the twentieth century did as much as the late, great Steve Jobs – and his hugely talented chief designer Sir Jonathan Ives – to champion the importance of form and function in consumer technology. It’s fair to say that Steve and Jonathan were both a blessing and a curse on manufacturers everywhere. A blessing, because today, consumers see technology as a fashion accessory in its own right. They are willing to pay a premium for form and function; for devices that work, but also look fantastic. When you jump on a bus or tube to leave the office, take a look around and you’ll notice that headphones are no longer just a device for listening to music. Today, they are fashion statements, labels, brands – Beats by Dr Dre, Marshall, SkullCandy – available in different colours, complete with funky designs on the earphones. Remember when headphones were just a way of listening to music? How the world has changed. Steve and Jonathan were also a curse though, because the success of Apple’s products – iPod, iPhone, iPad – has completely and irreversibly reshaped consumer’s expectations of mainstream personal technology. The key word there is ‘expectation’. As manufacturers, there’s no longer any place to hide. There are no more excuses left; consumers expect form and function from their technology. So, what about wiring accessories? The sockets and switches that adorn pretty much every room in the world. As much as manufacturers might wish otherwise, the world of wiring accessories is not exempt from ‘form and function’. Far from it, in fact. It’s impossible to predict the future, but one thing we can say with a degree of certainty is, if consumers aren’t willing to buy a pair of
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headphones, MP3 player, a PC, tablet, or smartphone that just works anymore, it’s only a matter of time before they won’t buy a switch or a socket for the same reason. Ask any hotelier and they’ll tell you that a room’s look and feel is a sum of its parts, no matter how small. A sleek, sexy, minimalist lobby; a dark, imposing, traditional, wood-panelled dining room; a funky, kitsch, eclectic, colourful guestroom, hoteliers and their interior designers work hard to ensure that every last inch of a space contributes towards the overall impact. It’s about ensuring every single building block used – furniture, paint, skirting boards, lights, wallpaper, you name it – plays a part in creating the room – and hotel’s – individual brand. Wiring accessories – switches, sockets – have been the anomaly for too long. Worst case, they are an eyesore that detracts from the overall impact of a space. Best case, they are designed to blend in and look as inoffensive as possible. It’s a cosy compromise that wiring accessories manufacturers have relied on for too long, and it’s a gravy train that’s chugging towards the end of the line. As consumers increasingly come to expect form and function from their technology, wiring accessories manufacturers like ourselves must adapt or die. We have to rise to the challenge of creating something that is beautiful, stylish and a ‘feature’ in its own right. We have to build a product that can lift a space and contribute positively to a hotel’s aesthetic impact. Targeted at hoteliers who want more from their wiring accessories, we recently launched the MK Elements Collection; a revolutionary range of stylish, design-led wiring devices, inspired by materials including wood, leather and stone. It’s our big, bold step into this brave new world.
BLUE SKY HOSPITALITY STUDIO GRIGIO Taking up the entire top floor of InterContinental Davos, Studio Grigio is a 1500m2 destination, re-imagining the notion of gourmet restaurant, private dining, cocktail bar and sky terrace in one social space. Imagined by designer Henry Chebaane from Blue Sky Hospitality, the space features a palette of 83 different black, white and grey tones inspired by the local region of Grisons. www.blueskyhospitality.com
MEGAMAN BROWNS HOTEL Set in the heart of Mayfair, London, the lighting of Browns Hotel has been significantly improved following installation by Megaman. With aims to reduce its environmental footprint and seeking energy efficient alternatives to its existing lighting, the new lamps also have a strong light output and dimming capabilities to create ambience in the hotel. www.megamanuk.com
ZENOLOGY BLOC HOTELS Zenology has partnered with Bloc Hotels to supply it’s products to the newly opened Bloc Gatwick Airport. Furthermore, Zenology has created bespoke packaging for the project. Founded in 2009, Zenology creates quality beauty and lifestyle products that nourish the skin, restore the body and care for the environment. Having design and the commitment to providing affordable luxury at the essence of the brand, Zenology is the perfect partner and brand match for Bloc Hotels. LHC is the exclusive license holder for the travel market globally. www.zenology.eu / www.luxuryhotelcosmetics.com WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
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MOOOI COLOUR GLOBES The Colours Globe lamps by Scholten & Baijings inaugurate a new collaboration with Moooi in the name of refinement and transparency. Two layers of fine mouth-blown glass run parallel in a rounded embrace of colourful contrasts that optically blend into eachother, generating a dynamic effect. The bright LED lamp is enclosed, protected by the opal shrine of glass. www.moooi.com
TAI PING CARPETS REVIVE The Revive collection has been designed with British street artist Paul ‘Moose’ Curtis. Drawing inspiration from Moose’s innovative method of reverse graffiti, which involves meticulously cleaning and removing layers of dirt, Revive embellishes rather than peels away via a three level process. www.taipingcarpets.com
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ALISEO THE LONDONER COLLECTION The hand-crafted textile leather accoutrements provide an enduring statement of quality, sophistication and function. Traditional in design and luxurious in their look and feel, the Londoner Collection also features ribbed stitching, turned corners and non-scratch bottoms. The waterresistant satin service is fixed to sturdy forms of versatile shapes and sizes, making the pieces customisable. www.aliseo.de
ABATE ZANETTI CASTELLO This design-orientated family of fittings made with hand-blown glass on the island of Murano represents a change in glass production. A series of concentric metal rings intersect a group of vertical glass sculptures, in a playful and interchangeable combination. Multiple wall options are available, while the product is offered in 11 transparent colours, 12 opal colours and five framework finishes. www.abatezanetti.it
BRINTONS BRINLAY UNDERLAY Understanding the importance of investment in carpets, Brintons has launched its own engineered carpet underlay. The cushioning effect means less wear, which prolongs the life and aesthetic appearance of the carpet whilst acting as a barrier to prevent heat loss, thereby reducing energy costs. In addition, the sound absorbing capacity means that the carpeted floor is significantly quieter. All Brintons Brinlay underlay is fire retardant, installed by double stick or stretch method. www.brintons.co.uk
SKOPOS PERU A new collection of flowing plain dyed fabrics has been launched by Skopos Design. As part of the Accents range, the choice of 34 colours make this flame retardant collection a flexible choice for drapery and bedding across a number of sectors. Peru is a lightweight sateen, useable on both sides, giving the option of a lustrous reflective finish or a more natural matte option. Working as a standalone product or for edges and trims, the colours for the collection reflect market trends and have been selected to provide a fresh, contemporary lift. www.skoposdesignltd.com
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4th Annual Turkey Hotel Expansion Summit 11th &12th September 2014, [Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent], Istanbul, Turkey
Event Brief As a bridge between Asia and Europe, at the crossroad of civilizations, Turkey has excelled in establishing itself as a mainstream destination for many European nations because of its rich culture, history and natural beauty. The direct contribution of the travel and tourism industry to the GDP was USD 27 billion and the total number of international visitor arrivals was more than 31.5 million tourists which is expected to exceed USD 60 billion by the year 2023. The Turkish tourism industry has grown more than the global travel and tourism industry. As 75 hotels with 11,376 rooms are in the pipeline, global brands like Hilton, Fairmont, Starwood, Wyndham, Carlson Rezidor, Marriot, IHG, Accor and Morgans are among the leading operators expanding in various segments and the regions in Turkey`s Hospitality Market. Noppen`s 4th Annual Turkey Hotel Expansion Summit will feature the most prominent industry leaders providing informative and inspiring discussions pertaining to the region's current needs and their ambitious future. Global and local leading operators, developers, investors, construction companies, architects, financial institutes, associations, consultants and solution providers are invited to discuss projects, future investment possibilities, international stakeholder involvements, design trends and technology updates.
Major issues to be addressed at the 2014 event:
Organizer:
- Updated 2014 Outlook and Market Trends - Hotel Investments In Major And Smaller Cities - Luxury, Mid-Market and Budget Segment Outlook - Boutique, Lifestyle, Luxury Serviced Hotel Apartments - Hotel Properties within Mixed-Use Developments - Management Agreements, Franchise & Manchise - Finance Availability and Return on Investment - Technology Development & Smart Hotels - Facility Management - Customer Experience & Loyalty - Environmental and Sustainability Issues - Competitiveness - Architectural Innovations and Design Company Showcases
Some of Series Speakers: 3rd Annual Hotel Expansion: Tarık Nasser Vice President Development – Turkey Marriott International
Sary Arab Chief Operating Officer, Nikki Beach EMEA Hotels & Resorts
Philippe Attia CEO Hospitality GRL Hotels & Resorts – Switzerland
Bilge Turcan Chief Business Development Officer Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International
Ferzan Çelikkanat General Manager Er Investment & Development
Peter Penev Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, EMEA Hyatt International LLC
Murat Yılmaz Senior Director, Acquisition & Development, EMEA Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Kaan K. Kavaloğlu General Coordinator Limak International Hotels & Resorts
İbrahim Birkan Board Member, Turkish Tourism Investors Association
Tuğrul Temel Development Director Hilton Worldwide
Yalın Yaltıraklı Development Director, Turkey InterContinental Hotels Group
Christophe Piffaretti Vice President Development Europe Fairmont Raffles Hotels International
Onur Kurç Developer Accor
Marie-Noële Schwartzmann Operations & Development Director for Turkey Louvre Hotels Group
Paul Pisani Senior Vice President - Development Corinthia Hotels
David Vely Senior Vice President Development, Middle East & Africa Premier Inn International
Alaeddin Babaoğlu Founding Partner & Chairman of the Board Amplio Real Estate Investments
Kamil Berk Tourism Group Coordinator NG Hotels & Resorts
Testimonials from our previous event: Good networking opportunities provided during the tea breaks” – Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels & Hospitality Group “Good organization and good event. Bravo!” – GRL Hotels & Resorts “ A very good opportunity to meet and understand the hospitality market, trends, developments in the projects as well as the challenges” – The Parker Company “It was helpful and good” – Worldhotels.com “Thank you for the organization, well prepared and variety of topics were excellent” – Accor “Interesting and very well organized” – Coster
At Noppen’s Summit you’ll Experience:
For more information contact:
-Meet pre-qualified industry leaders - Discover the current investment climate and opportunities -Increase your brand recognition within the marketplace -Create new partnerships and alliances -Develop relationships through new networking opportunities
Dennis A. Bridgeforth Group Marketing Manager DennisB@noppen.com.cn +86 21 6085 1000
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Architectural Vision Panels for doors and walls North 4 Design specialise in the design and manufacture of architectural Vision Panels for doors and walls. Produced from stainless steel to the highest standards, they can be easily installed to create additional visibility and a stunning design feature. The panels are suppled as complete kits and can be upgraded to offer fire integrity, etched signage, coloured glass etc. In addition bespoke projects can be commissioned.
0208 885 4404 | sales@north4.co.uk
Designers Directory
Sponsored by
Below you will find contact details for the interior designers of the hotels reviewed in this issue. For more information on the companies involved in projects featured in Sleeper Magazine, please visit our new online resource www.innspec.com – the network for hotel supply and design.
25HOURS HOTEL BIKINI BERLIN Studio Aisslinger Heidestraße 46-52 10557 Berlin Germany Tel: +49 (0)30 315 05 400 www.aisslinger.de
VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND ADR Libínská 3127/1 150 00 Prague 5 Czech Republic Tel: +420 257 210 252 www.adr.cz
KANDOLHU ISLAND GX Associates Aakakaage Galolhu Male Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 3328075 www.group-x.com
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MAALIFUSHI BY COMO Tekton Design Associates Pvt. Ltd H. Mialani, 3rd Floor, Sosun Magu Malé 20069 Maldives Tel: +960 332 4959 www.tektondesign.com.mv
ROSEWOOD LONDON Tony Chi & Associates 121 Varick Street 5th Floor New York 10013 USA Tel: +1 212 868 8686 www.tonychi.com
CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI Denniston 26th Floor, UBN Tower 10 Jalan P. Ramlee 50250 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel: +603 2031 3418 www.denniston.com.my
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BARCELO MILAN Simone Micheli Via Ventura 6 20134 Milan Italy Tel: +39 02 26414735 www.simonemicheli.com
HOTEL AM STEINPLATZ Bost Group Berlin Danckelmannstraße 9 D-14059 Berlin Germany Tel: +49 30 3083070 www.bost-group.com
MANDARIN ORIENTAL BARCELONA SUITES Patricia Urquiola Via Bartolomeo Eustachi, 45 20129 Milan Italy Tel: +39 02 36768401 www.patriciaurquiola.com
Advertising Index 108
Ege 027
LSE Lighting
AHDA 164
EHDA 091
Matki 163
AHIF 130
EPR Architects Ltd
073
Morgan 133
AJP Bathrooms
061
Excalibur Furniture
137
North 4 Design Ltd
Albrecht JUNG GmbH & Co KG
051
Furniture Fusion Ltd
045
Porcelanosa 047
Aliseo GmbH
039
Geberit 053
PS Interiors
Altfield Ltd
023
HD Americas
127
RHIC 126
124 & 125
Roca 031
Abitare Il Tempo
Andrianna Shamaris Inc
006 & 007
HI Design
064
157 002
Artemide 100
HICAP 120
Roset Hotels
010
Astro Lighting Ltd
055
Hot.E 129
Sanipex Group
092
BCFA 095
IHG 149
Shaw Contract Group
067
Beck Interiors Ltd
077
Innspec 017
Skopos Design Ltd
149
048
INSIDE 123
Sleep Event
Interdecor Design
075
Terzani Srl
033
Interface Europe Ltd
079
The Hotel Show
128
035
Tomorrow’s Hotel
Cetis, Inc. Chelsom Lighting Ltd Creation Bauman
021 & 150 063
Crosswater 069
Jacuzzi Spa and Bath Ltd
Cult Furniture
JANUS et Cie
143
004 & 005
008 & 009
Turkish Hotel Summit
156
Ultrafabrics Europe Ltd
059
Decorex 141
JL Furnishings
Dedon 019
Keramag 139
WAF 119
Design Junction
Kobe 085
Warisan 135
117
089
080 & 081
Duravit 099
Laufen Bathrooms AG
025
EE Smith Contracts Ltd
Living Design
097
145
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SLEEPER SHOWCASE
Mattresses made by hand in Devon
hotel 99 Talbot Road, London, W11 2AT 020 7985 0474 info@naturalmat.co.uk www.naturalmathotel.co.uk
Matki Swadling Invincible thermostatic showers, available in Chrome and elegant Nickel and Antique Gold finishes. 01 4 5 4 3 2 2 8 8 8 | W W W. M AT K I . C O. U K
www.mrlight.co.uk Syon Dresser
LED Reading Light Warings Furniture is the preferred supplier of interior and exterior furniture to the UK’s leading restaurants, bars and hotels and is one of the UK’s largest stockholders of furniture in the industry.
Tel: 0207 352 7525
sales@mrlight.co.uk
T: +44 (0) 1953 499949 E: sales@waringsfurniture.com
www.waringsfurniture.com
ART GLASS INTO ARCHITECTURE LIGHTING SCULPTURES GLASS WALLS CHANDELIERS
www.wearekolektiv.com +420 724 007 845
H么tel Les Haras: 漏 Helene Hilaire
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ROOM
by Antony Gormley In extracts from a newsletter published by Corbin & King Hotels, co-founder Jeremy King reveals the story behind Antony Gormley’s “habitable sculpture” attached to the façade of their first hotel project,The Beaumont. “After five years in the planning and execution, this morning we stood with the art world press – it was very much an event for Antony and them – and listened to him eloquently explain his thoughts, feelings and aspirations, which have so beautifully been realised in this project. I have mentioned in the past that Westminster Council has an admirable policy of only giving planning consent to new buildings if they include a piece of public art and although our hotel,The Beaumont, is going to appear for all intent and purpose an original building, the truth is, it is only the façade that we were able to retain. Chris Corbin and I have always enjoyed our strong ties with many artists and it was important to us that whatever artwork was commissioned for The Beaumont should not be gratuitous. Antony Gormley seemed to be the perfect choice and in June 2009 he was soon producing some beautiful drawings of ethereal figures somewhat reminiscent of his work ‘Event Horizon’. I remember asking: ‘Is it possible to develop the idea to include the building too, because I know that Westminster are excited by the notion of making the building part of the work.’ There was a perceivable lift in Antony’s interest and a glint in his eye when he asked: ‘Just how serious are you about this work being truly intrinsic?’ ‘Completely.’ ‘Then give me a week…’ And from there on, ROOM was born.”
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N e w E a u Z o n e P l u s U l t r a B e s p o k e . T h e e p i t o m e o f l u x u r y, t a i l o r - m a d e , e x p e r t l y m e a s u r e d a n d i n s t a l l e d b y M a t k i ’ s s p e c i a l i s t I n s t a l l a t i o n T e a m Beautifully engineered in the UK
F O R I N F O R M A T I O N O N M A T K I ’ S M E A S U R E A N D I N S T A L L S E R V I C E A N D T O R E C E I V E A B R O C H U R E C A L L 01 4 5 4 3 2 2 8 8 8 | W W W. M A T K I . C O. U K | M A T K I P L C , B R I S T O L B S 3 7 5 P L
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A New Celebration of Hotel Design for Asia Call For Entries Now Open Deadline: 29 August 2014 Save The Date: Inaugural Awards Ceremony: Thursday 12 March 2015 Parkroyal On Pickering Singapore www.asiahoteldesignawards.com Organised By
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