Sleeper January/February 2017 - Issue 70 by Mondiale Media

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017

Domes Noruz

The Robey

Katamama

A Cretan masterpiece joins Marriott’s Autograph Collection

Grupo Habita’s twin hotel and hostel concept lands in Chicago

Ronald Akili and PTT Family celebrate Indonesian craftsmanship in Bali

MASTERFUL MODERNISM The Deauville exudes an air of confidence through its simple yet elegant lines, adding a mid century modern charisma to any bathroom scheme. Because good design demands simplicity. Model: Deauville

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Inside Sleeper JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017

Hotel Reviews

Features

Cover Story

044 Katamama Bali

103 Events… AHEAD Following the launch of AHEAD – Sleeper’s new awards programme for hospitality experience and design – the shortlist for Asia has been announced.

037 Domes Noruz Chania A new addition to Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, Domes Noruz borrows from the Ottoman, Venetian and Greek architecture seen in nearby Chania. Domes are a common theme with the vaulted ceilings at their most remarkable in the main lobby building, where towering shelves take advantage of the double-height space.

050 Arlo Hudson Square New York 059 Sheraton Grand Park Lane London 066 The St. Regis Langkawi Malaysia 075 The Berkeley London 081 Rove Downtown Dubai 086 The Robey and The Hollander Chicago

Departments

140 Events… Kohler Design Forum The latest in a series of events providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, the Hong Kong Kohler Design Forum explored the use of technology in architecture, interior design and product application, in a bid to build a smarter world.

018 Check In 020 Drawing Board 094 Development Report Urban Escape 097 Business Centre Hotel Analyst 107 Events Diary 110 Events HI Design Asia 114 Events Deloitte EHIC 118 Events EHDA 132 Events Sleep 147 Company Profile Danish Design 153 Product Profile Floorcoverings 164 Product Profile Door Furniture 167 Specifier 178 Check Out

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Cover Photography: © Heinz Troll

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Welcome

2016

was a defining moment in the hospitality industry worldwide. Despite subdued M&A activity, there was one deal in particular that will undoubtedly change the hospitality landscape forever. On 23 September, Marriott International announced the completion of its $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, creating the largest hotel group in the world. It is the industry’s most significant deal since Blackstone Group bought Hilton Worldwide in 2007, and the numbers are colossal: 30 brands, 5,500 hotels under management, and 1.1 million guestrooms – twice as many as its closest rival. Whispers of a takeover emerged back in 2015, but the deal took a full year to play out. In that time, a flurry of mergers and acquisitions hit the headlines,perhaps driven by the sheer scale of the new powerhouse.Increased competition from the burgeoning hotel-alternatives such as Airbnb have also added pressure. As such, established players are seeking to diversify their portfolios, tapping into the tech-savvy millennial-minded guest – a notoriously difficult market to crack amongst the global players. A notable trend has been in the acquisition of smaller, independent brands such as Mama Shelter, Design Hotels, and most recently, 25hours Hotels, in a bid to avoid being outpaced. Such mergers have been met with trepidation however, calling into question the very essence of an independent brand. That aside, the implications of the Marriott-Starwood deal are far reaching. The group now offers the most comprehensive brand portfolio on the market – spanning the select-service, lifestyle and luxury tiers – benefitting from economies of scale and an enhanced loyalty programme. But what about the owners, developers, architects and interior designers? Will consolidation lead to stricter brand standards so that groups can scaleup and roll-out more rapidly? Will this lead to less individuality in design schemes? At this stage, it’s difficult to say how the merger, and subsequent consolidation, will impact those working in hospitality design, but the powers that be must remember that this is an industry driven by people, not profit. If the guest wants a bespoke, personalised experience, that is what they should get.

Catherine Martin | Editor

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Guest Book

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IAN SCHRAGER

RONALD AKILI

ERIN HOOVER

GRUPO HABITA

“T he Sanya E dition was conceived for the China of today and the China of tomorrow,” says Ian Schrager of Edition Hotels’ expansion into Asia. “The resort is a unique sophisticated vision and embodiment of a cosmopolitan China for all the world to see.” Schrager is co-founder of the brand, a joint venture with Marriott International, which has properties in London, Miami and New York.

An entrepreneur, art collector, gallery curator and property developer, Ronald Akili is CEO of PT T Family, the hospitality group best known for establishing Potato Head Beach Club. With a number of F&B and entertainment operations across Asia, the group has recently opened its first hotel, a 58-key boutique property in Seminyak, Bali, that celebrates Indonesian culture and centuries-old traditions.

As Vice President of Global Brand Design at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Erin Hoover is responsible for the design direction of the group’s upper upscale brands – Westin, Sheraton and Le Meridien. She has recently overseen the refurbishment and subsequent re-badging of Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, which has spearheaded a change in the way Starwood’s design team approaches its projects.

Moisés Micha and Carlos Couturier are the co-founders of Grupo Habita, a Mexico City-based developer-operator with 12 hotels across the country. The group has recently expanded its operations in Chicago with a twin hotel and hostel concept comprising two individual yet connected properties: The Robey, a 69key hotel housed in an Art Deco gem, and The Hollander, a 66bed ‘social stay’ hostel.

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EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

DESIGN

Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Commercial Director Rebecca Archacki r.archacki@mondiale.co.uk

Design David Bell d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

Editor Catherine Martin c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

Advertising Manager Rob Hart r.hart@mondiale.co.uk

Production Zoe Willcox z.willcox@mondiale.co.uk

Assistant Editor Molly Dolan m.dolan@mondiale.co.uk

Advertising Sales Charlotte Goodlass c.goodlass@mondiale.co.uk

FINANCE

Editorial Assistant Kristofer Thomas k.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Business Development Lorraine Jack l.jack@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

CORPOR ATE Chairman Damian Walsh

Finance Director Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

EVENTS & MARKETING

Group Financial Controller Sarah Miller s.miller@mondiale.co.uk

Brand Director Amy Wright a.wright@mondiale.co.uk

Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi l.levi@mondiale.co.uk

Events & Marketing Co-ordinator Millie Allegro m.allegro@mondiale.co.uk

Accounts Assistant Kerry Mountney k.mountney@mondiale.co.uk

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Sleeper (ISSN 1476 4075) is published bi-monthly by Mondiale Publishing Ltd. Subscription records are maintained at Mondiale Publishing Ltd. Spatial Global Ltd. is acting as mailing agent. Printed by Buxton Press.

W W W. A L G E R - T R I TO N . C O M PROJECT DESIGNER PURCHASER

THE LONDON HOUSE - CHICAGO SIMEONE DEARY DESIGN GROUP THE GETTYS GROUP

Robert Polacek PUCCINI GROUP

A Puccini Group veteran, Robert Polacek samples the culinary delights of chef Ferran Adrià Acosta as he takes a fantasy break in the Bay of Kotor.

Where are you? Kotor, Montenegro. How did you get there? We skirted the coast from Dubrovnik into the Bay of Kotor on a Delphia 47 yacht – a synergy of nautical architecture and design. Who is there to greet you on arrival? Mohamed Abdel Moneim Al-Fayed, the owner of Hôtel Ritz, Paris. And who’s at the concierge desk? Gustave H from The Grand Budapest Hotel. He will keep me on my toes and fully entertained during my stay. Who are you sharing your room with? My amazing partner and muse, artist Ryan Pendleton. I absolutely love to travel the world with him. Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room? Njeguška pršuta, a speciality of the Montengrin village of Njeguši. The dry-cured ham is served uncooked, paired with a local grape brandy. Describe the hotel, your room and the view... The hotel is located in Kotor Square in a late 17th century Venetian limestone palace. The grand central courtyard with a stairway designed by Giuseppe Momo opens up to manicured gardens ruled by an ostentation of peacocks. The room, with its original highly patterned stone floors and painted

wooden ceilings, has a commanding king-size bed with Frette linens and down pillows. The gracious balcony with its potted plants and oversized daybed overlooks the beautiful blue waters.

And what’s on the menu? Olives; a papillote of gherkins and flowers with tender almonds; cliff mussels with ‘gargillou’ of seaweed; and langoustine with quinoa.

Who designed it? The interiors were decorated by a group of revered artists who have stayed there over the years and personalised every inch of the hotel. Murals by Henri Matisse grace the guestrooms, while a collection of nudes by Jean Cocteau hang in the lobby. Furniture has been selected by Julian Schnabel and there’s a beautiful garden court designed by Roberto Burle Marx.

Would you like something to drink with that? A pre-dinner Whiskey Collins.

What’s the restaurant and bar like? Intimate and exclusive, the restaurant is for hotel guests only. It’s a sanctuary dedicated to providing a setting for guests to share stories over a meal. The bespoke bar is converted from a late 17th century Italian Baroque armoire featuring a carved relief with a pair of confronting blindfolded putti holding a wreath.

What’s your ultimate luxury? To be wrapped up in a yukata cotton robe.

Who are you dining with this evening? Artist Pablo Picasso; First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama; French novelist Marcel Proust; modern architecture pioneer Le Corbusier; and Sacagawea, the Lemhi Shoshone woman known for her role on the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Would you like a newspaper or magazine in the morning? I like to read a local newspaper in the morning.

What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap? Pinot noir and smoked almonds. What’s on your nightstand at bedtime? I like to catch up with the day’s social media events on my smartphone before retiring to bed.

What toiletries would you like to freshen up with? Acqua di Parma. Early morning alarm call or late check out? Early morning alarm call.

And what’s for breakfast? I love an international breakfast full of delights from Asia and the Middle East.

Who’s manning the stoves? Ferran Adrià Acosta – former head chef at threeMichelin-starred restaurant elBulli – who’s preparing the most amazing Spanish cuisine.

Name: Robert Polacek | Position: Partner and Chief Creative Officer, Puccini Group | www.puccinigroup.com Notable hotel projects: Kimpton The Sawyer Hotel, Sacramento; Hilton Curio, Napa California; Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel, Florida; The Langham, Boston

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Wild Coast Tented Lodge SRI-LANKA

The family behind the Resplendent Ceylon collection of Sri Lankan hotels has announced the development of its third property, Wild Coast Tented Lodge. Set along a beach on the fringes of Sri-Lanka’s Yala National Park, and comprising 28 tented cocoon suites, the resort combines the comforts of a luxury hotel with the back-to-nature experience of a wilderness safari camp. Suites will feature vaulted ceilings and panoramic jungle views through double-height glass façcades. Interiors fuse a colonial expedition aesthetic with contemporary design elements while four additional beach-facing suites will offer private plunge pools. A further 16 suites cluster around water holes that attract a host of local wildlife. Elsewhere, an open-air bamboo-clad bar and restaurant wrap around the resort’s free-form swimming pool, serving up daily-changing menus of authentic Sri-Lankan cuisine.

The Silo CAPE TOWN

The Royal Portfolio has unveiled plans for its second hotel in Cape Town, a Thomas Heatherwick-designed property housed in a former grain silo complex.

original structure will be the addition of pillowed glazing panels, inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors, which will bulge outward as if gently inflated. By night, this will transform the property into a beacon for the V&A Waterfront. The Silo will offer 28 guestrooms and suites, with most being more spacious vertically than they are horizontally due to the building’s unique architecture. The 211m2 one-bedroom Presidential Suite is the jewel in the crown, offering triple-aspect views of Table Mountain and Cape Town. Additional facilities include The Granary Café, a bar, sky terrace, rooftop swimming pool and a spa. The new addition will complement The Royal Portfolio’s collection of hotels that include Birkenhead House in Hermanus, Royal Malewane in Kruger National Park, La Residence in Franschhoek, and The One Above in Cape Town.

Slated to open in March 2017, the hotel is being built in the grain elevator portion of the complex – once the tallest building in SubSaharan Africa – occupying six floors above what will become the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). At the heart of the building is a grain-shaped atrium providing access to the hotel, its facilities, and the museum. Heatherwick Studio was tasked with the transformation of the elevator house and adjacent storage annex of 42 silos, while carefully retaining its cultural significance. From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s

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The Sanya Edition CHINA

Edition Hotels, the brand conceived by Ian Schrager in collaboration with Marriott International, has announced the opening of The Sanya Edition, a luxury oceanfront property on Hainan Island, off the coast of Southern China.

The villa exteriors combine wood and stone textures while interiors exude a comfortable, simple sophistication, incorporating oak finishes and airy fabrics to evoke a relaxed beach vibe. Its light-filled guestrooms contrast stone floors against a bright colour palette, and the reception area features a traditional lotus pool and live bamboo grove, providing a counterpoint to a curated art gallery displaying the work of renowned Chinese artists. Dining facilities include Market at Edition, where rustic wood and faded tiles reference Sanyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history as a trading port, The Jade Egret, serving up a selection of craft beers and small plates, and Beach Barbacoa, capturing the casual cool of beachside dining. Elsewhere, one of the largest ballroom spaces in Haitang will host events and conferences, while a rooftop bar will offer guests panoramic views of the ocean and the province of Hainan.

Located in Haitang Bay, the hotel is set within 50 acres of tropical greenery and comprises 512 residential-style guestrooms, including 46 suites and 17 villas, all offering ocean views and nestled into a terraced hillside. The resort features a balance of contrasts, and sees traditional elements interweaving with contemporary culture. A modern design by SCDA Architects amplifies natural beauty, and in keeping with Editionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual approach, draws inspiration from local influences whilst infusing each space with surprising modern twists.

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Eden Project CORNWALL

Eden Project has submitted plans for an £8.5 million, 109-key on-site hotel designed to blend into the countryside and offer high standards of accessibility, energy-efficiency and sustainability.

The footprint of the building is comparable to the previously approved designs and, although the building is taller at the northern end of the scheme, this section will be located in a less visible part of the site. The hotel, Eden says, will be a great asset in sustaining business all year round and unlocking the wider estate beyond the world-famous Biomes. The hotel is designed to support existing projects, partners and future developments, as well as provide accommodation for event guests. It will also feature classrooms to enhance Eden’s educational programmes. David Harland, Executive Director at Eden, comments: “The hotel would be a striking building, built to high environmental standards. We are very pleased with this design and are grateful to our neighbours for their input into the plans, helping us ensure the building has minimal impact on the surrounding environment.”

If the plans are approved, the project will start construction in late 2017 and open in April 2018. Eden originally received planning permission for a hotel in June 2015, but following public concern over the visual impact and scale of the proposaled structure, a new design was developed. The accommodation will now be split between two blocks, with construction making use of stone cladding and locally-sourced timber poles. The area’s existing natural elements, including trees and stone walls, will be incorporated into the grounds, while a new meadow and orchard will be planted around the hotel to integrate it further.

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14/12/2016 17:29:28

The Chedi MUMBAI

General Hotel Management (GHM) has signed a management agreement with real estate company Rajesh LifeSpaces to bring The Chedi brand to Mumbai.

Rajesh Patel, Managing Director of Rajesh LifeSpaces, comments: “The GHM team is not only providing hotel management expertise, their concept for The Chedi Mumbai is one that will metamorphosise the current landscape and create a new buzz for lifestyle and quality dining in general.” The unveiling of The Chedi Mumbai marks the third project announced by GHM in recent months, with properties including The Chedi Tomakomai in Hokkaido, Japan, The Chedi Luštica Bay in Montenegro and The Chedi Maldives all in the pipeline. Hans R. Jenni, Director and President of General Hotel Management, concludes: “We have always wanted to plant a GHM flag in India and being able to establish The Chedi brand in the thriving city of Mumbai is an honour as well as a challenging opportunity my team and I are eager to face.”

The 316-key property will be situated in close proximity to the Powai region, an area where infrastructure developments, increased connectivity and social initiatives have laid the foundations for a diverse expatriate community. The ambitious development is set to be a hub for work and leisure outside of South Mumbai, and will house a new convention and exhibition centre alongside an art auditorium, plaza, private residences and offices. The project will also incorporate five restaurants catering to a variety of tastes, extensive meeting facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and a holistic spa and wellness facility.

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Rosewood HONG KONG

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has announced the 2018 opening of its first Hong Kong property, occupying a prime waterfront site on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The property will also incorporate 199 luxury accommodations to cater for longer stays. Located on the top 19 floors of the tower, these residences will offer outdoor terraces and views of the city, and provide guests access to a dedicated lounge, indoor swimming pool and fitness centre, along with exclusive services and amenities. Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group, comments: “We aim for this hotel to capture Hong Kong’s grace, dynamism, culture and modernity, while debuting Rosewood’s engaging, intuitive and refined service here in our home city.” Rosewood Hong Kong will join a network of distinctive Rosewood properties in Asia including Rosewood Beijing, as well as pipeline developments in prime Asian destinations including Phnom Penh, Phuket, Guangzhou, Luang Prabang, Sanya, Bali, Jakarta, Hainan, Bangkok and Siem Reap.

Set to occupy 27 storeys of a mixed-use tower owned by New World Development Company Limited, the property will feature 398 guestrooms designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, and public spaces by Tony Chi and his New York studio. Rosewood Hong Kong will offer a range of facilities including eight restaurants, a fitness centre, swimming pool, the Manor Club executive lounge and The Pavilion, a high-end residential-style event space. The project will blend classic design elements with references to its vibrant contemporary surroundings, and will aim to channel the aesthetics of a luxury lifestyle.

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W Algarve PORTUGAL

W Hotels Worldwide, now part of Marriott International, has announced it will open a new property on Portugal’s central Algarve coastline in 2018.

the world, W Algarve will embody everything a W Escape should be – breathtaking and bold with a healthy dose of revelry.” Facilities include a 10,000ft2 spa, pool deck, two 500m2 wellequipped meeting rooms, extensive outdoor facilities for open-air events or beachfront celebrations, a gym, and a range of cocktail and culinary experiences in the W Living Room, the brand’s spin on the hotel lobby. For guests seeking permanent accommodation 81 W-branded residences, available for purchase in a range of sizes, will offer ocean views. “Today’s travellers define leisure on their own terms,” concludes Ingham. “The new W Escapes platform speaks to that evolution by bringing together all of our beach, ski and urban leisure properties that are designed to fuel our guests’ lust for life – whether they want to shut it down or live it up.”

Located on a 250,000m2 stretch of beachfront, W Algarve comprises 134 stylish guestrooms, including two extreme WOW Suites – the brand’s reinterpretation of the presidential suite. Developed in partnership with Nozul Algarve, the debut will mark the third W Escape in Europe, a newly created portfolio of W Hotels located in ski, sand and entertainment destinations around the world, Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide, comments: “This beachfront paradise is the perfect backdrop for the W brand’s tone-setting design, signature cocktail culture and dynamic spirit. Located on one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in

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02/01/17 10:23

Fairmont Taghazout Bay MOROCCO

HKS Hospitality Group has revealed its design concept for Fairmont Taghazout Bay, a 155-key hotel set against the backdrop of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.

Native materials have been selected to create a connection between the buildings and the land, while a design scheme by Wimberly Interiors cultivates a sophisticated ambience rooted in tradition. HKS is also working with Scape Design Associates on the landscaping. Luciano Mazza, Director of Hospitality Architecture at HKS, comments: “Repeating history would be too straightforward. Our client challenged us to refine the age-old Imazighen cultural aesthetics into something modern for the younger generations of local Agadirens, not just well-travelled Moroccans who have seen the world. It is much more rewarding to create something new that celebrates the unique character of Agadir.” Slated to open 2019, the resort will offer a selection of al-fresco, poolside and terrace dining options, a state-of-the-art conference centre and ballroom and fitness facilities.

Situated on a 180,000m2 swathe of beachfront along the Atlantic coast, the new property forms part of the 615-hectare Taghazout Bay seaside resort, located 18km north of Agadir. It is being developed by Sud Partners, a subsidiary of Akwa Group, which is dedicated to creating a destination that celebrates the cultural style of the region. HKS’ design tells a story about the transient nature of the site, from the time-honoured farming communities of the Imazighen, to the modern-day Agadirens seeking leisure and relaxation. In response, the design of the hotel and villas is culturally attached to the dwellings of the Imazighen rather than typical Riad architecture.

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14/12/16 10:53

Domes Noruz CHANIA

Joining Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, the second Domes property from Ledra Hotels & Villas debuts on Crete’s north coast. Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: © Heinz Troll (unless otherwise stated)

hen Domes of Elounda opened in Eastern Crete in 2008, it set a new standard of luxury for the island. But the global financial crisis hit hard, and the hospitality industry suffered as a result. In 2016, after eight long years of hardship, Greece officially edged out of recession following two consecutive quarters of growth. While the debt-stricken country still faces challenges, there’s good news coming out of the travel and tourism sector. In Q3 2016, Greece hit record performance with occupancy reaching 81.9% and RevPAR increasing 8.1% to €118.35, despite new supply coming on line. The holiday hotspots of Athens,

Thessaloniki and Santorini saw openings from a range of independent operators, while Crete welcomed a second Domes property from owner-operator Ledra Hotels & Villas. Located some 200km west of its sister hotel, Domes Noruz sits on the outskirts of Chania, a thriving city known for its Venetian harbour and old town charm. Like Domes of Elounda, it is part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection – defined by its ‘Exactly Like Nothing Else’ philosophy – and combines contemporary design with authentic Cretan hospitality. Where the hotels differ is in their target audience: while Domes of Elounda has won awards for its family

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Above: The vaulted ceilings are at their most remarkable in the main lobby building, where towering shelves take advantage of the double-height space

offer, Domes Noruz is adults-only, resulting in a more sophisticated, sexier approach. Occupying a beachfront site in the village of Agioi Apostoloi, the resort is a collaboration between Ikodomi, Schema 4 Architects, and Olivia Siskou – all familiar with Ledra’s style having worked with the group on its other ventures. The architectural design was masterminded by Stefanos Skandalis, co-founder of multi-disciplinary firm Ikodomi, taking the Cretan sun as inspiration. The hotel’s logo represents the sun, while indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to maximise the natural daylight, providing sunny spots for soaking up the rays as well as sheltered areas to escape from the midday heat. The resort comprises a series of low-rise buildings cascading down a stepped landscape towards the Aegean Sea. The multiple levels serve to create natural zones that each offer a different service or experience; the upper-level swimming pool for example, is a designated quiet zone, while the main pool is livelier, with a bar service and musical entertainment. In keeping with the island, the complex is built almost entirely from Cretan sandstone, a material that is prevalent in the small villages that dot the coastline. And like Chania, it borrows from a variety of architectural styles. Ottoman, Venetian and Greek influences can be

seen in the archways, domes and vaulted ceilings, all of which serve to naturally cool the interiors in the hot summer months. Naturally, domes are a common theme across both of Ledra’s hotels, their use here likened to the domed Ottoman baths in the city’s harbour. The vaulted ceilings are at their most remarkable in the main lobby building, where towering shelves take advantage of the double-height space. Reception is little more than a single counter, with check-in typically taking place in the spacious lounge bar. Natural materials such as wood, marble, linen and cotton, all in neutral colours, reference local tradition, as do the tall, vertical windows filtering the daylight. Foscarini’s Allegretto lamps, a nod to the metal baskets used by the island’s fishermen, hang overhead, while pops of colour come from Moroso’s Binta armchair, upholstered in vibrant shades of ocean blue. Designed by Schema 4 Design, the hotel’s public spaces continue on the beachfront with all-day dining restaurant Zeen. Greece’s climate was a key consideration in planning the eatery, which in response features semi-enclosed spaces and a canopy-covered terrace to protect diners from the elements. Local crafts and materials once again inform the furnishings, while miniature olive trees adorn tabletops. Zeen’s menu is the work of award-winning chef Doxis Bekris, who

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Above & Opposite: Guestrooms, many of which feature private plunge pools, combine a light, airy atmosphere with splashes of colour

puts emphasis on local produce and organic ingredients, adding an international flair to beloved Cretan recipes. The restaurant also plays host to guest chefs throughout the season as part of its culinary journeys programme. To the front of the restaurant, a manicured lawn is topped with daybeds, oversized cushions and beanbags, providing yet another spot to take in the landscape. The view however is best enjoyed from The Raw Bar, perched above. Designed with Chania’s famous sunsets in mind, the al fresco space is oriented to the west and is the perfect spot for panoramic views of the sandy bay and turquoise Aegean – washed down with one of Giorgos Dendrakis’ expertly mixed elixirs of course. With ‘Noruz’ meaning ‘new light’, the sun plays an important role in the resort’s guestrooms too. Accommodations are split into seven types, from the Upbeat Retreat with its own plunge pool, to the Sublime Loft, a duplex suite with outdoor bathtub. The most luxurious, Ultimate Haven, is an 80m2 suite with expansive outdoor living space and a 40m2 private pool. For those rooms facing the resort’s two swimming pools, the clever use of angled wooden slats offer an element of privacy, as well as creating an interesting play of light and shadow throughout the course

of the day. Inside, guestrooms are designed by Thessaloniki-based Olivia Siskou and combine a light, airy atmosphere with splashes of colour. Clean lines, natural finishes and carefully considered touches combine with Frette bathrobes, locally made toiletries and Smeg fridges to create a contemporary, elegant look. While rooms are by no means small, neat storage solutions such as wall-mounted cabinets and an under-stair mini-bar make better use of the space. As does a sliding tabletop that covers the vanity unit to a dining table or desk. Each guestroom also features a fitness corner equipped with a yoga mat and exercise ball, adding to the feeling that wellness is part of the philosophy here. A gym, outdoor training area and on-site personal trainer add to the offer. For the less energetic, the below-ground spa is a haven of serenity and tranquility. Inspired by traditional embroidery and fabrics, the calming space is intentionally sub-lit with diffused, indirect lighting to sustain a sense of relaxation. It offers the latest in natural massage and treatments using organic herbs from the island, accompanied by nourishing smoothies from the juice bar. By blending local elements with an international perspective, Ledra Hotels & Villas has created a property that provides a meaningful and memorable stay. “We added our own touch of aesthetics to make accommodation at Domes Noruz Chania a unique experience,”

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comments the group’s Vice President George P. Spanos. “From the initial design to completion, our team has been working at creating an innovative, boutique property.” Commenting on the new addition to the Autograph Collection, Brand Leader John Licence says: “We are delighted to welcome the luxurious Domes Noruz as our second Greek and Mediterranean resort into the collection. As the portfolio grows in Greece, in a country where Autograph Collection has been so well received with Domes of Elounda, we believe that Domes Noruz Chania truly embodies the philosophy of our collection by showcasing unique attributes ensuring that the brand’s offering is nothing short of exactly like nothing else.”

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 83 guestrooms | 2 restaurants | 2 bars | Spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness area | www.domesnoruz.com Owner: Ledra Hotels & Villas | Architecture: Ikodomi | Interior Design: Schema 4 Architects (public spaces); Olivia Siskou (guestrooms) Lighting Design: George Demetzos Electrical Engineer | Construction: Ikodomi; Giannis Tzanakakis Civil Engineer

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Make a lasting impression. T: +44 (0) 1524 239679 | E: enquiries@lincrusta.com | W: www.lincrusta.com

Katamama BALI

Ronald Akili and PTT Family collaborate with local artisans to create a boutique hotel that celebrates Indonesian culture while preserving centuries-old skills. Words: Juliet Kinsman | Photography: Courtesy of Katamama

ntegrity on a level such as this is rare. Creating any hotel of quality takes a huge budget and a lot of commitment – but applying such attention to detail aesthetically and ethically has positioned Katamama in a league of its own. Hotels often pay lip service when it comes to eco policies, but beyond a sign that tells you to leave the towels in the bath if you want them washed, their heart isn’t really in it. Just like organic farming needs to be certified to be taken seriously, Katamama deserves a new generation of seal that salutes sustainable style as well as substance. Opened in March 2016, this 58-key boutique hotel in Seminyak features bold architecture from Andra Matin, and is constructed using 1.5 million red bricks. Artisans in leafy Darmasaba village were deployed for two years, hand-pressing the slender blocks usually used to build temples in a commission that saved their business, and the economy of its community. The effect of Katamama’s striking geometrical walls, and the rich reddy-brown timbre of this almost functionalist surface, has a remarkable warmth, inside and out. But it is Katamama’s storytelling ability that is truly compelling; many of the arts and crafts used in the design can be traced back generations. Since traditional methods are so complex and time-consuming, countless artisanal practices are dying out; the

Above: Cocktail lounge Akademi, billed as a centre of mixology, is the first space guests encounter on arrival Opposite: Andra Matin’s bold architecture used 1.5 million red bricks

property’s use of handicrafts mean that such skills have been saved, and as a result, they have a legacy. A lesson in Katamama’s community spirit comes in the incredibly delicate, tactile indigo-dyed fabrics – a rare treat in hospitality contexts where wear-and-tear is usually the primary consideration. Beautiful handwoven table runners, soft throws and patterned batik cushions are everywhere. Even the signature natural blue is in the kimono robes and bedside-table coasters, all meticulously crafted in Ubud using ancient techniques. Adding to the experience, guests can take fieldtrips inland to the textile studios saving such age-old arts from dying out. The same goes for the ceramics, which hail from small independent producers such as Gaya. Such vision comes courtesy of owner Ronald Akili and PTT Family, and the vibe that buzzes between the team in Bali, Jakarta, Singapore, Hong Kong, is that this is indeed a family of creatives. Ever-developing Seminyak isn’t the most obvious location for a trailblazer in sustainability, especially since better known than Katamama is its booming bigger sibling, Potato Head Beach Club next door. The exterior of the bar, restaurant and pool party hangout – a vast wall made up of thousands of antique wooden shutters – is hard to miss. Sourced from all over the country, this installation

is the first thing guests see as they arrive at the compound, which also includes their affiliate coffee brand One Fifteenth, and Canaan’s gallery-like retail space. Entry to Potato Head is through the gift shop, but conventional commercialism is not the shtick. In fact, upcycling is a big part of the décor – in a way that’s glamorous rather than gritty. Akili’s appreciation of the Jengki – also known as Yankee – a post-war modernist design movement, was a big factor in the styling. Akili’s own collection of mid-century modern furniture extends to Hans J. Wegner chairs and Paul McCobb tables which even feature in some of the hotel’s suites. Smooth teak furnishings used across all their projects are custom-made using local materials and makers. Don’t think for all its eco ambitions Katamama is short on promoting fun. This is intelligent luxury at its most enlightening. Audio and visuals are as hi-tech as can be, yet gentle and never over-complicated, as you’d expect from owners who recently hosted Grace Jones for a sell-out show at the beach club, and from a venue that tempts the likes of Disclosure to play and then pause here to use their recording studio. Not quite up to working on your next album? The in-suite desks conceal every electrical requirement for pros and amateurs to play with, including discreet multi-country plug sockets and USB connections to tune devices into the TV. Guests will also

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Above & Opposite: As part of its mission to revive the fading arts of the Indonesian archipelago, Katamama features pieces handmade by local craftspeople

appreciate the flatscreen, programed to play the hotel’s ‘artisan porn’ short film on arrival. “As part of our mission to revive the fading arts of the Indonesian archipelago, we produced ‘Made by Artisans’ to depict the meticulous handiwork and remarkable dexterity of the thousands of craftspeople who built the hotel piece by piece.” It tells the tale of some of the workmanship than goes into creating their furnishings: now that’s storytelling. Further setting the tone that this is a sociable hotel, there’s no conventional reception; cocktail lounge Akademi is the first space guests encounter on arrival. The venue was created in cahoots with award-winning mixologist Dre Masso and its spirit is alive in every suite via rows of house-made infusions, spiced-up elixirs and exotic bitters. Unwrap the striped cloth pouch to find hand-tooled muddlers, shakers, stirrers, strainers and more. A large box of ice with a scoop and a gallery of hand-blown glasses completes the recipe for good times, with corners aplenty for the conviviality to spill into. Some of the spacious suites even have a roof garden with a hot tub and barbecue for entertaining.

If God is in the detail, Katamama is positively holy. Incidentally, the resort also has its own house priest, known as Pak Mangku, who makes fragrant offerings to place at the three on-site temples. Meanwhile, witty, specially commissioned artworks and images adorn the walls, while the smallest flourishes on the most prosaic of items are touches that surprise and delight. In fact, human and organic touches abound. Ceramic refillable pumps in the bathrooms – which are larger than most hotel bedrooms – dispense sweet-smelling chemical-free local unguents. The lack of frothing denotes no sodium lauryl sulphate nasties. Raw-cotton bags of amenities have hand illustrations indicating the sewing, shaving, tooth-brushing kits and more. Anjat baskets, handwoven from naturally dyed rattan, are fashioned into beach backpacks and caps (also available to buy). This isn’t a clichéd coastal hideaway where you end up gushing about ocean views or plantation chairs on cookiecutter terraces. It’s more intelligent – and more interesting – than that. But there’s a knockout of a swimming pool too for those who insist on a little old-fashioned pool-time appreciation.

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Arlo Hudson Square NEW YORK

AvroKO and sister company Brand Bureau have completed the interiors and brand concept for the debut property of Arlo Hotels in New York’s Hudson Square. Words: Matt Turner | Photography: © Eric Laignel

aunched in October 2016, Arlo Hudson Square is the debut property for a new hospitality brand from real estate developer Quadrum Global. Described as ‘a haven for wanderers with a purpose’ and targeted at ‘informed urban explorers’ the brand has been conceptualised by Brand Bureau, with the hotel’s interiors designed by its sister firm AvroKO. Billed as the first micro-hotel in the US with four-star design, it fits into a similar bracket to CitizenM, Mama Shelter or Yotel, with its compact guestrooms, fluid public spaces and intelligent design. But the interiors are warmer, with furnishings influenced by mid-century modern Scandinavian design, and tactile finishes of wood, leather and glass. According to Quadrum Founder and CEO Oleg Pavlov, Arlo is designed “so that everything is in its place and nothing is in excess, leaving you free to focus, think, feel, plan, create and experience what you want to the way you want to.” The New York hotels – a second Arlo opened in November in Manhattan’s NoMad district – were originally conceived as the first properties for Two Roads Hospitality’s millennial-oriented brand Tommy Hotels, until Quadrum decided to create their own brand and operate the hotels themselves. “The properties were designed with a specific type of guest and particular energy in mind,” says Matt Goodrich, Chief Creative

Officer at AvroKO and Brand Bureau. “The spaces, both guestrooms and common areas, put community building centre-stage and bring outsiders together as insiders. It’s a creative, interactive experience that connects visitors to other innovative people, and supports their individual exploration and discovery.” Guestrooms have been carefully considered and cleverly engineered to maximise every available inch of space, with features such as folddown desks and closets with adjustable hanging pegs. They blend multi-functional modern furniture, efficient storage, and a range of bed types with wool-tufted area rugs, warm walnut furnishings and rain showers. Expansive windows showcase city and courtyard views, while the layered architecture of the building provides selected rooms with large outdoor terraces. Goodrich explains the design process that allowed AvroKO to make the most of the small footprint for each room: “We literally taped it out on the floor in our office, and looked at what was essential, and what we could leave out. The result is a smart and efficient space, very streamlined but not devalued. In subtle ways we’ve made the volumes feel as big as they could. Instead of resorting to gimmicks like using mirrors to trick the eye, we’ve done simple things like deconstrucintg the closet, opening up the bathroom component, and providing steamers instead of irons.” Much of the furniture and lighting throughout has been custom

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designed. Bedside lights are Ledtube fittings designed by Daniel Lopez for Marset, showers and sinks are by Apaiser, sliding doors to the bathrooms are by Krownlab, casegoods are by furniture manufacturer Cheng Meng and upholstery by Cortina Leather. Smart design also informs the look and feel of the public areas. Guests can choose between kiosk check-in or a more traditional experience. A noticeboard displaying tips and recommendations from guests and staff offers a clever alternative to the usual concierge desk. The lobby, coffee shop, bar and lounge areas beyond are all designed as one flexible, fluid â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Living Roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that can be opened up to the courtyard outside. The bespoke furniture is complemented by pieces from the likes of Poltrona Frau, Knoll and Lily Jack. The meeting spaces on the first floor are similarly adaptable. Modular furniture allows areas to be cleared easily, whilst interconnecting doors allow the courtyard to be annexed.

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Above: A noticeboard in the lobby allows guests and staff to post recommendations on places to visit in the local neighbourhood

“Each Arlo Hotel features public spaces built to accommodate a variety of environments and needs,” says Goodrich. “We wanted the whole experience to be more ‘high-touch’ than this category has been previously, everything has been considered to anticipate guest needs.” Hence guests can socialise and relax, listen to music, play board games, watch a football match, work and meet, or dine and drink in the common spaces, all while connecting and interacting with other guests. A range of activities and amenities have also been programmed and procured in collaboration with local partners from the creative communities. Wandering through the hotel, guests might stumble upon a live performance from an emerging artist, a wine tasting, a bootcamp class, or a crowd-sourced art project. Local connections continue to the uniforms designed by Miller’s Oath, a bespoke label based in the Hudson Square neighbourhood, while bathroom products are by Blind Barber, and the coffee is supplied by local family-owned brand Joe. The property’s crowning glory is its expansive rooftop space, designed with indoor / outdoor areas to be enjoyed year-round with

views of the Hudson River and One World Trade Center. Inspired by the artist’s lofts that proliferate in the district, the space has a welcoming atmosphere with communal tables, a handpicked selection of craft beers, and grilled snacks during warmer months. The ground-floor restaurant is a partnership with chef Harold Moore, formerly of Commerce restaurant. Designed by SL Design, Harold’s Meat + Three is a modern take on the traditional roadside diners of the mid-South, where customers select a protein-based main and supplement it with three side dishes. “We’ve taken this concept and re-engineered it to suit modern, Manhattan dining sensibilities,” says Jason Enany, Director of Food, Beverage & Entertainment. “You can have a great meal whether you are going gluten-free or gluttonous.” Asked why they chose Arlo for the nomenclature of the new brand, Goodrich explains: “One of the things we liked about Arlo as a name is that it didn’t have a lot of strong associations, it’s more of an open container that we can continue to infuse with meaning. It’s gender neutral, short, accessible and open.” Like the hotel itself, it can be “anything to all people at all times.”

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Sheraton Grand Park Lane LONDON

MKV Design completes the transformation of a Park Lane landmark, elevating it to Sheraton’s premier tier. Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: © Matthew Shaw

or the past two decades, the former Park Lane Hotel has quietly operated under the Sheraton brand, retaining the original signage and somewhat limiting the Sheraton name’s penetration in central London. Now, 90 years after it first opened, the property has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment and rebadged as Sheraton Grand, a designation reserved for properties that attain the highest levels of design, service and guest experience. The new tier was launched in 2015, and to-date has been awarded to just 37 hotels worldwide. However, the Park Lane Hotel’s refurbishment has been a long-

time coming. “There had always been a sense that we really needed to focus on this asset,” explains Erin Hoover, Vice President of Global Brand Design at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “London is incredibly important as a world destination and this was an opportunity to create a real flagship for Sheraton.” Based in the New York office, Hoover oversaw the design process, working with a UK-based team that included architects Woods Bagot, main contractor BECK and procurement specialists Benjamin West. For the interiors, Hoover appointed MKV Design, largely based on its successful overhaul of Sheraton Grand Edinburgh back in

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Above & Opposite: Guestrooms and public spaces are furnished with quality materials from Chelsom, ODonnell, Contardi, Romo and Decca

2012. This property, much like the Park Lane Hotel, had significant issues in terms of layout and guest flow through the public spaces. With a proven track record in such issues, Maria Katsarou Vafiadis, founder and Managing Director of MKV Design, took the lead. “MKV understand the Sheraton brand, the design criteria and the level we’re trying to achieve,” explains Hoover. “We should have an aspirational aspect to the design and I felt that the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh really captured that. The problem solving that Maria and her team did in improving the flow make it so much more dynamic in terms of the guest experience.” In London, the biggest challenge for the team was making sense of the ground floor public spaces, which previously saw guests dragging luggage through the Palm Court in the midst of afternoon tea. The vehicular drop-off and main entrance is now to the rear of the property, while the former dead space facing on to Piccadilly has been transformed into two F&B venues. “You could see the building had great bones, a great location and history, but it was so muddled in terms of experience,” continues Hoover. “You don’t get an opportunity to transform a property like this very often so it was important for us to get it right.” Being a heritage building, there were of course constraints, from giant columns that couldn’t be moved, to converting the hotel’s high proportion of single occupancy rooms to king-size, without

losing keys. Adding to this, the hotel remained open throughout, with BECK effectively managing the refurbishment in multiple phases at no detriment to the guest experience. “A key challenge of the project was working within a fully live and operational hotel, particularly with regards to extensive works on the building services, which had to be kept running at all times,” explains Chris Galloway, Managing Director at BECK. “Refurbishing the hotel’s main kitchen in the sub-basement also required careful planning to ensure that catering services still ran smoothly, whilst ensuring the hotel guests experienced minimal disruptions.” BECK was also mindful that new elements of the design scheme matched with the original features of the building, many of which have been sensitively restored to their former glory. Thought to be one of the finest examples of Art Deco in London, the Grade IIlisted ballroom retains its ornate coving, bevelled mirror panels and chandeliers, while a new carpet designed by MKV in collaboration with Brintons draws on the colours and motifs of the period. Interventions have also been kept to a minimum in the Silver Gallery, where polished balustrades and hand-painted palladium leaf details complement the metallic tones of the wall murals. Together, these spaces form the basis of MKV’s entire design scheme, which combines Art Deco style with Sheraton’s familiar traits. “Take the colour palette in the guestrooms,” explains Vafiadis,

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Above: In Mercante, coloured ceramic tiles – designed as a fresh take on the traditional Italian folk pattern – add interest to the dark timber floor

“it was in response to the brand standards but also originates from the Silver Gallery.” The 303 guestrooms and suites feature a sophisticated palette alongside quality materials and Art Deco touches. Polished finishes, a vinyl headboard in the same metallic shade of the Silver Gallery, and Art Deco-inspired wall lights designed by Chelsom all feature, as does an over-bed ceiling cupola with integrated lighting that captures the same warm tones of the ballroom. “We have brought the same finishes into the guestroom but used them in different ways,” confirms Vafiadis, adding that the fittings in the en suite bathrooms, some of which feature Roca bathtubs, also refer to the former era. While the majority of furniture, lighting and finishes are new, Vafiadis was mindful not to create a look that was overly contemporary. “We didn’t want it to feel new, we wanted it to feel as if it had always been there,” she explains. “We had to strike a balance in the selection of materials, the selection of colours and the level of layering.” Vafiadis also looked to the surrounding area for inspiration. Black-and-white photography in the corridors for example, depicts the people and places of 1920s Mayfair, while ornamental canines beneath the guestroom TV are a nod to Disney’s 101 Dalmations, which was filmed in nearby Green Park. Back on the ground floor, the reorganisation of the public areas has

significantly improved the flow of guests from one space to another. The main lobby, located off Brick Street, is to the left of the glazed entrance while a newly created Club Lounge is tucked away to the right. Polished Travertine stone and Macassar ebony veneer provide the backdrop to the space, where bespoke joinery manufactured in BECK’s workshop sits alongside furniture from Decca, Ligne Roset, Interna and Knightsbridge. Meanwhile, the original fibrous ceiling has been retained, repaired by skilled craftsmen. At the heart of the public spaces is the Palm Court, an original feature of the hotel from when it first opened in 1927. Oozing with Art Deco glamour, it seamlessly blends old and new, transporting guests to another era, particularly when afternoon tea is in full swing. A magnificent vaulted ceiling with original stained glass panels and mouldings has been restored and enhanced by the addition of a mirrored surround below, while period details from the ballroom and Silver Gallery have been translated into new features including a striking carpet motif and Japonaiserie-style wallcoverings. Plush seating upholstered in rich shades of aubergine and tangerine velvet completes the look. In a bid to maximise guest use of the Palm Court, the voluminous space has been subtly divided into zones. A long sharing table equipped with connectivity points attracts working guests during the day, while the champagne and cocktail bar is packed come nightfall.

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Above: The design narrative at Smith & Whistle is based on the fictional tale of Detective Inspector Smith and his pursuit of high-class criminal William Whistle

Beyond the Palm Court towards the Piccadilly entrance are two additional F&B outlets, each with their own distinct identity. Their positioning in the hotel, with separate entrances off the main thoroughfare, add to the feeling that these are standalone venues designed to attract passing trade. Mercante has the air of an authentic Italian trattoria and takes its inspiration from the market place to which its name alludes. The existing floorplan has resulted in a restaurant of two parts; what was initially considered a constraint has made for a more flexible space that can be used for breakfast, dinner and private events. In the new area, near to the Piccadilly entrance, coloured ceramic tiles – designed as a fresh take on the traditional Italian folk pattern – add interest to the dark timber floor, while open shelving displays market produce to create a rustic vibe. An ancient trading map has been imaginatively transposed onto the wall tiles, accompanied by vintage framed photographs depicting bygone country life. In the original dining area, mouldings have been restored and the timber wall panels have been painted grey, offset by uplifting yellow upholstery.

Smith & Whistle meanwhile is based on the fictional tale of Detective Inspector Smith and his pursuit of high-class criminal William Whistle. Although on opposite sides of the law, the pair would often meet over a stiff drink in order to trade information. Those stiff drinks have found their way onto today’s menu in the form of 35ml spirit measures as standard. The narrative continues through to the staff uniforms and interiors, accessorised with bowler hats and gentlemen’s umbrellas. While Mercante and Smith & Whistle feel very much a part of the hotel, they could easily operate as standalone venues. This is something that was of crucial importance to Hoover in her objective to reinvent the F&B offer across the brand. The refurbishment has also spearheaded a change in the way Starwood’s design team approaches its projects. “We’ve had a very prescriptive approach for a number of years, so when this project came along it really started the dialogue about our design guidelines,” concludes Hoover. “It was great timing for us and we have since started applying this narrative driven approach to other properties in the portfolio.”

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The St. Regis Langkawi M A L AYSIA

Rainforest meets riviera in a relaxed yet glamorous island paradise with nods to European and Moorish influences. Words: Neena Dhillon | Photography: Courtesy of The St. Regis Langkawi

lthough well established on the world map among affluent travellers, the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi has been without a high-profile luxury resort opening for the past decade. The arrival of the St. Regis brand to the southern tip of Langkawi’s main island signals the end of that dry spell, with an all-suite resort embedded into a centuries-old rainforest facing out to the Andaman Sea beyond. A joint venture between Indonesia’s Rajawali Group and the Government of Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance, the site was discovered by accident when the resort’s owner sailed around the tranquil private cove on his yacht during a memorable sunset. With its own road offering access to golf courses, a yacht club and on to the main town, the location manages to retain the feel of a hideaway tucked away from civilization. So here, among the roaming monkeys, soaring eagles and lush flora and fauna, it was decided that an alternative version of a nautical lifestyle could be fashioned, taking advantage of the island’s greenery, crystalline waters and languid pace of life yet rivalling the glamour of riviera destinations more typically associated with the Mediterranean. To introduce something out of the ordinary, the owning company

collaborated with three internationally renowned architecture and design firms. Commissioned to develop the architectural vision, Gensler’s London office decided to eschew the island’s common architectural vernacular, including the pitched roofs seen at other resorts, in favour of a concept it refers to as ‘paradise found and refined.’ Tom Lindblom, Principal and Hospitality Practice Area Leader, explains: “This distinctive luxury alternative for The St. Regis Langkawi is based on the vision of a grand mansion house suggestive of European Riviera charm. By designing light and airy spaces, which balance contrasting influences from both Europe and the Middle East, the design team have brought the idea of ‘paradise found and refined’ to life.” Drawing parallels to a residential palace when masterplanning the resort, Gensler has taken advantage of the site’s two steep peninsulas to provide four exclusive overwater villas. The main dominating structure, housing 85 suites, multiple dining destinations, wellness and event spaces, has been oriented to maximise views of the rainforest and emerald green sea as part of the resort’s axial symmetry. “A core element is the relationship that guests have with the surrounding landscape,” Lindblom elaborates. “Key views have been enhanced

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Above: Celebrating the cultural mix that makes Malaysia, the property’s design is influenced by Islamic art and Moorish traditions Previous Page: The outdoor wedding pavilion has been oriented to maximise the view

and pockets to relax within nature such as the pool facilities have been optimised. We wanted to define the entire resort experience as a journey of discovery – of sanctuary, vistas, wellness, cuisine and water. Indoor spaces harmonise with the outdoors, through a light colour scheme inspired by the island’s natural riches, along with bold, precious metallic accents and local artwork that underscore Langkawi’s heritage.” Celebrating the cultural mix that makes Malaysia, design hints from Islamic art traditions can be seen in the mashrabiya-inspired screening and arches while Moorish traditions are alluded to through the use of timber floors, mosaics and decorative lighting. Bill Bensley, whose Bangkok studio designed the landscaping, heightens the sense of discovery with a series of manicured courtyards lined with date palms and overhanging ferns, opening up to the visitor bit by bit. “We infused the colour cobalt blue into materials such as ceramic, glass and canvas, also incorporating a nod to things Islamic, to keep the tale cohesive,” he notes. To achieve the style of a mansion house with subtle hints of a colonial past meanwhile, large volumes, open spaces and marble flooring combine for the ‘wow’ factor in public spaces, complemented

by simple and elegant lines elsewhere. In this endeavour, Gensler worked closely with G.A Design, the latter charged with the interior design. “It was important for the architecture not to fight against the landscape, so the buildings become less formal and more influenced by nature as they draw closer to the sea,” observe Su Ball, G.A Design Executive Director and David Clixby, Senior Associate. “Integrating elements found in different settings was the main challenge: to create a residential mansion house set against the backdrop of a tropical island resort and have them work together and feel organic.” Injecting the fresh and light interiors with colour palettes influenced by the sea and indigenous vegetation, G.A Design honours the natural landscape with coral-embroidered feature headboards, pearl-effect mosaics and jungle green cushions found in guest suites. With beds oriented towards the water, the scheme of nautical blues and tropical flower hues is evident in the fabrics chosen for other soft furnishings while handtufted rugs pick up on the island’s traditional craft of batik. Sea villas include a glass floor at the entrance to emphasise the overwater location while the interior palette here takes its cue from the lagoon and fruits de mer. Artwork has been sourced locally where possible, including from

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Above: Designed by Bensley, signature restaurant Kayu Puti features a deck that floats above the sea

nearby markets. For major locations in the public domain, however, The St. Regis Langkawi showcases three Malaysian artists – Ch’ng Kiah Kiean, Kevin Loo and Jack Ting – their work ranging from abstract expressions of the vivacious nature of the country’s people to intimate depictions of island life. As always, The St. Regis Bar is an important home for art and decorative touches evocative of the destination. “In contrast to the rest of the hotel, the bar offers a richer and sultrier atmosphere,” explain Ball and Clixby. “Heavily inspired by the jungle, dark timbers, petrified wood tables and soft furnishings echoing shades of the vegetation outside help bring the island into the hotel. Above the bar, a striking chandelier of emerald green agate crystal acts as a lavish centrepiece and brings a pop of colour to the darker palette.” Mounted on a granite wall behind the bar, an intricately etched handcarved wooden mural of impressive scale represents the Beringin or Banyan Tree, the same species that stands tall in the resort’s porte cochère. In addition to the landscaping, Bensley contributed interiors to the resort’s speciality restaurant, Kayu Puti, which he has imagined as an

eclectic house full of fun and architectural salvage. “Some years ago, I bought door panels and the internal wall window of an embassy in Rangoon, knowing they would sooner or later become useful. I love architectural salvage, not just because it is environmentally sensible, but because such pieces can bring their own story to my story. The house concept is built around these panels, with other layers including 22 old wooden columns from India and teak beams from Chiang Mai.” In the same vein, his studio has transformed the wooden windows of an old Burmese barge into vanity mirrors for the powder rooms. Standout seating arrangements include bespoke Ostrich Leather Bergère chairs bedecked with feather fascinators. As with the rest of the resort, the restaurant’s orientation has been planned to promote unforgettable views, as Bensley concludes: “I intended for diners to enter in the east, to walk through the house past the elaborate show kitchens, onto the west-facing deck for sundowners. But there are no vertical rails on the deck – rather a wide horizontal hammock bed with cushions that float seductively above the sea.”

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The Berkeley LONDON

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Robert Angell and John Heah complete the stellar line-up of designers enlisted to refurbish a Knightsbridge institution. Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: Courtesy of Maybourne Hotel Group

ompetition amongst London’s five-star hotels is fierce, with a number of the capital’s luxury properties undergoing refurbishment at any one time. 2016 was the turn of The Berkeley, one of London’s longest running establishments, now operated by Maybourne Hotel Group. Starting life as a coffee house some 300 years ago, The Berkeley has long been a favourite with well-heeled Londoners. It was christened a hotel in the late 1800s before moving to its current home in 1972, occupying a Brian O’Rorke building in the heart of Knightsbridge. Over the years, soft refurbishments have accompanied high profile

additions such as the David Collins-designed Blue Bar in 2000, and the two-Michelin starred Marcus Wareing restaurant in 2008. More recently, collaborations with Alexandra Champalimaud and Andre Fu have seen the redesign of the ballroom and The Opus Suite, subsequently paving the way for works of a grander scale. A new entrance, redesigned F&B outlets, and revamped guestrooms made their debut in 2016, further adding to the guest experience. Renowned architectural practice Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners was enlisted to enhance the façade of the property, creating an innovative structure never before seen in hotel architecture. The

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Above: The Collins Room introduces a colour palette of soothing greys and lavender hues Opposite: Suites by John Heah make use of sustainable teak, complemented by a neutral scheme of creams and browns

dramatic design comprises a glass canopy supported by a series of 16 carbon fibre beams, each measuring nine metres. The high strength, lightweight material is one that is more commonly seen in the aerospace industry, or in the construction of racing cars, than on the façade of luxury hotels, yet its application here has been applauded by the industry. The pioneering development and manufacture of the structure was undertaken by Bellapart, with Richard Rogers – a regular guest at the hotel – and his colleague, the late Amo Kalsi overseeing the architectural detailing. The canopy has been successful in creating a sense of arrival worthy of a hotel of this caliber, but it has also proved its commerciality, serving as an extension to the hotel’s F&B spaces. Flanking the entrance, the glazed pavilions add a new dynamic to The Collins Room and The Blue Bar, their glass walls featuring subtle honeycomb detailing that allows for a constant play of light and shadow. To the right of the lobby, The Collins Room has undergone a redesign masterminded by Robert Angell, the protégé of the late David Collins whom the restaurant is named after. Angell’s scheme introduces a colour palette of soothing greys and lavender hues, prevalent in so much of Collins’ work, to create a serene setting for

the hotel’s famed Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea. Handpainted floral wallpaper by de Gournay takes its inspiration from the artisan’s classic cherry blossom design, while wall-mounted concave mirrors and porcelain white petal chandeliers add a touch of whimsy. Inlaid rugs are detailed with a design that evokes the look of fallen petals, and tables are dressed with peonies to complete the ode to nature. Angell has also worked his magic on The Blue Bar, originally designed by David Collins. The popular spot is close to the heart of many a Berkeley regular, so it was imperative that intervention on any scale was handled with care. In response, Angell has created a look that is respectful of Collins’ design, with subtle touches of his own aesthetic. The iconic wood panelling by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens – which came from the original Berkeley hotel when it was based in Piccadilly – has been restored and painted in the distinctive Lutyens Blue, with additional splashes of seductive red with black and silver tones. The bar’s favourite hue also extends to its drinks menu, where imaginative cocktails are categorised by colour to denote their potency. The dramatic central light – an authentic Lutyens’ design known as Cardinal Hat – has been retained, restored by its original maker

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Above: Robert Angell was responsible for the redesign of The Blue Bar, where original panelling has been restored and painted in the distinctive Lutyens Blue

Dernier & Hamlyn. The British manufacturer has also reimagined a series of wall and pedestal lights, which add to the cosy ambiance on a dark winter’s night. A blue bar topped with onyx takes centrestage on a floor of white marble and dark crocodile print navy leather, while bespoke furniture has been designed by Angell and handmade by Ben Whistler. The most recent additions to The Berkeley, completed in November 2016, are the redesigned first-floor suites, created under the direction of John Heah, founder of Heah & Co. Known for his work with Aman and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, the British architect and interior designer has created a contemporary look for the Park Suite, The Gallery and The Apartment, as well as a series of Terrace Suites. Heah’s fusion of Asian and British interior sensibilities brings a well-travelled residential feel to the suites, complemented by an eclectic mix of finishes and one-off furnishings. Throughout the creative process, Heah sourced over 30 fabrics and materials from around the world, from Thai silk to Chinese wool and Swedish timber, working closely with local craftsmen and artisans to bring them to

life. Heah’s use of sustainable teak throughout is complemented by a neutral scheme of creams and browns, interspersed with pops of colour in the artwork, which was selected together with the hotel’s coowner Paddy McKillen. The soft level lighting encased in intricately curved marble has been sourced from George Sexton Associates. One of the largest suites is the 232m2 Apartment, a spacious twobedroom accommodation with open-plan living space, a dining room, kitchen, walk-in dressing room, study area and his-and-her bathrooms. The intimate Terrace Suites meanwhile represent the best of British luxury and feature expansive outdoor terraces, filling the interiors with natural light and offering views of Belgravia and the neighbouring St. Paul’s Church. These developments propel The Berkeley into a new era, allowing it to compete with the city’s other upgrades, not to mention forthcoming openings. But Maybourne Hotel Group isn’t done yet. The recent closure of chef Pierre Koffmann’s on-site restaurant opens up new opportunities for the hotel. Executives are currently deliberating what to do with the space, but rest assured it won’t stay vacant for long.

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Rove DOWNTOWN DUBAI

A joint venture between Emaar Properties and Meraas Holding, the new Rove brand has launched in Downtown Dubai. Words: Molly Dolan | Photography: Courtesy of Rove Downtown Dubai

rom the group behind a number of luxury hotels accross the UAE, including The Address and Vida properties, the launch of the new Rove brand marks a move into the mid-market for Emaar Hospitality Group. Defined by simplicity and authenticity, Rove Hotels appeals to the modern nomad: a generation of travellers that roam freely, seeking out every nuance of the host city’s culture and neoteric identity. “The vision was to create a brand that was born in Dubai, and will address the new generation of traveller, without being restrictive,” explains Anne-Cecile de Chaumont, Design Manager for Rove

Hotels. “It will embrace the magic of Dubai with a crossover of cultures and present a strong sense of identity including the Emirati sense of hospitality. Trying to bring this standard into something that is contemporary and uncommon is a challenge.” The debut property champions art and the brand’s Emirati roots. Every component has been considered, from accessories to artworks, down to the welcome that guests receive from staff. “All of the stories are created around this global concept,” de Chaumont continues. “We tried to create a different sense of arrival.” With a focus on experience, the art offering presents an explorative journey.

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Above: Guestrooms overlook the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai and feature locally-inspired art Opposite: Every component of the brand has been considered, from accessories to artworks, which reference the local Za’abeel area

“The artwork is playful and welcoming. For example, the camel caravan is an iconic image found in most Dubai hotels, yet we present it in an unexpected way,” explains de Chaumont. The camels roam the lobby wall, creating a shadow from the downlights above. Working with boutique art consultancy Capsule Arts, the Rove design team commissioned artworks that reinterpret local traditions and nuances, but in a contemporary fashion. The lobby lounge features a cabinet of curiosities – set to be a hallmark of all future Rove properties – with art pieces and curios of the local Za’abeel area. “Every time you look at the wall, you will discover something new, a new layer of detail,” explains de Chaumont. Among the art displayed are candid photographs by Alia Al Shamsi, limited edition heritage prints by Emirati visual artist Mariam Abbas, illustrations by Khalid Mezaina, and sketchbooks from BahrainiAmerican architect and artist Nasser Alzayani. On Sleeper’s visit, an installation occupied the front of the hotel. Created by Saudi Arabia-based firm Think Tank Co., ‘Takki W Hakki’ draws on memories of the past. The sensory experience was spearheaded by Maha Al Sudairi and champions Saudi heritage in an accessible manner, echoing the ethos of Rove’s art offer. The lobby lounge champions sociability, in-keeping with

contemporary trends found in western regions. “The social and community components are very important for us, creating engagement and interactivity,” continues de Chaumont. “Not only us interacting with the guest, but the guests having an opportunity to connect with each other.” Touches to promote a sense of community also represent the heritage of Dubai, with seating gathered to evoke a majlis, and canopies offering reference to tents. A light box acts as a centrepiece, reading ‘this is our neighbourhood’ in both English and Arabic to ensure inclusivity. “We’re trying to share old Dubai with guests, to create a connection,” de Chaumont says. Challenging typical Emirati convention through its design, The Daily is the hotel’s all-day food outlet and neighbourhood hangout. The design is industrial, with exposed ceiling and concrete floor. According to de Chaumont, this new approach proved challenging for the contractors, who are perhaps more accustomed to working on luxury properties: “We had to explain that this type of design could be a feature, which was difficult. When they realised the outcome, they were proud to have worked on this design. It was definitely a collaborative effort.” References to the locale come to the fore with the wall of dishes,

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Left: The lobby lounge features a cabinet of curiosities, with art pieces and collectibles of the local Za’abeel area

where enamel plates create an art piece, evoking those found in Emirati houses. Purchased from local souks, the plates also complement those used for serving within The Daily, while the chairs have been designed by Patrick Norguet for Tolix. Elsewhere, furniture is mostly bespoke with pieces from Vitra, rugs from Ice International, and lighting from Tom Dixon. Spread across 14 floors overlooking the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, Rove’s guestrooms are spacious at 26m2 and feature media hubs for tech-savvy travellers. The interiors feature a neutral palette while reflecting an eclectic mix of urban chic and Arabic heritage. References to travel include alternating quotes of ‘This is where I am’ and ‘Time to start the journey’ printed above the headboard in the brand’s signature typeface. An aggressive expansion plan is in place for Rove Hotels, with ten openings planned before 2020. Following flagship Rove Downtown, Rove City Centre and Rove Healthcare City have opened, with imminent openings including Trade Centre, Marina, Satwa and Rove at the Park.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 420 guestrooms | 1 restaurant | Gym, swimming pool | 7 meeting rooms | www.rovehotels.com Owner / Developer: Emaar Hospitality and Meraas Holding | Operator: Rove Hotels | Architecture: Archgroup International Interior Design Concept / Development: FJ Stijl; Stride Treglown International; Meraki (The Daily) | Contractor: Shapoorji Phallonji Mideast

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The Robey and The Hollander CHICAGO

Grupo Habita extends its presence in North America with a twin hotel and hostel concept in an up-and-coming area of Chicago. Words: Lauren Ho | Photography: ÂŠ Adrian Gaut / Grupo Habita / Design Hotels

t’s fantastic! It’s perfect timing and in a prime location too – I mean they couldn’t have thought of a better place to put these hotels,” praises Kevin. Like many locals, Kevin – an Uber driver – is enthusiastically raving about The Robey and The Hollander, a pair of properties that have just opened between Chicago’s Wicker Park and Bucktown neighbourhoods. Precisely located at the six-corner junction where Milwaukee, North and Damen Avenues meet, the hotels – a first for the area – further reinforce the enclave’s reputation as the city’s hip cultural hub, while highlighting Grupo Habita’s particular nose for sniffing out promising hotspots. “When we toured the city and discovered these two properties, it was evident we had to develop a hotel here,” says Carlos Couturier, co-owner of Grupo Habita. “We foresaw a great opportunity to be pioneers in an up-and-coming area of Chicago.” With most of its 13 properties scattered around Mexico, this is the company’s second venture in North America following the launch of Hotel Americano in New York City five years ago. The Chicago iterations unfolded as a double act when owners DRW Real Estate Investments and local property development firm Convexity presented two distinct buildings adjacent to each other, prompting Grupo Habita to recreate its Downtown twin hotel and hostel concept, already a success in Mexico City. So, with that in mind, Couturier went on the hunt to secure the

architects to create individual identities for each building and fulfil the group’s design-led principles. “We always like to work with different designers on each of our projects, it is part of our philosophy,” says Moisés Micha, the brand’s co-founder. Couturier agrees: “Design has been the ultimate connectivity between Grupo Habita and its guests. We wanted to bring something new and innovative to Chicago and the design of both properties was a way to do so.” With a previous line-up that includes the likes of India Madhavi, Joseph Dirand and Dimore Studio, selecting a suitable designer who understands the Grupo Habita outlook and who, at the time, has just enough footing in the industry, is a tricky task. But always on the lookout, Couturier and Micha happened upon Belgian designers Nicolas Schuybroek and Marc Merckx, who they appointed to outfit The Robey, the 69-room property housed in the 12-storey Northwest Tower, a slender triangular-shaped Art Deco gem from 1929 that was one of the first skyscrapers to be constructed outside of the downtown area. “For The Robey, we aimed for a designer that could understand the northern climate and create a warm and classic atmosphere, but also unique,” explains Couturier of the Design Hotels member. “We wanted them to embrace the original architecture of the building and find inspiration from the time it was built.” Ex-colleagues formerly employed at Antwerp-based firm Vincent Van Duysen, Schuybroek and Merckx have since gone solo, often

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Above & Opposite: In The Robey, guestrooms have been fitted out with materials from Carnegie Fabrics, vanity lighting from RH, and faucets from Waterworks

joining forces for larger projects. “The way that we think about architecture, about the interiors, references and materials is very similar,” explains Schuybroek. “For The Robey, we wanted to use the richness and context of both the location and the fabulous building to design something that corresponds to the neighbourhood.” The result is minimal and warm, encapsulating the heritage of the building and the spirit of the neighbourhood, but with a European twist. Original features, from the revolving door on the ground floor to the marble wall panels in the corridors, have been meticulously restored, creating a rich foundation for the clean, modern aesthetic. Elements such as the terrazzo flooring and wood panelling in the lobby influences a continuation of materials throughout the hotel, including the guest bathrooms, which are all bathed in natural light thanks to a wire glass partition – inspired by the building’s former life as an office – that separates it from the bedroom. Here, a viridescent palette, motivated by the original mossy colour of the building, along with wooden flooring underfoot, combine to create a comforting overtone that highlights the views outside. “The amazing views towards the city are really inspiring,” says Merckx. “And the soft, natural light that comes into the rooms is something we wanted to bring into the bathrooms.” Schuybroek agrees: “The guestrooms provide a fantastic experience – warm but pared down and with natural light.”

Indeed, the building’s unique flatiron shape that slots like a slice of pie right into the intersection of North and Milwaukee Avenues, is the perfect format to provide a cityscape vista from each guestroom, however, Chicago’s sprawling urban landscape is best seen from Up & Up on the 13th floor. Here, the rooftop bar is a cosy space dotted with mid-century modern furnishings, while a grotto-like hollow within the building’s spire has been transformed into a snug private lounge. “For us, it was about sourcing locally and making sure we found the right balance,” explains Schuybroek. “We have mixed custom-made items with beautiful names from the 1940s and 50s such as Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber and Milo Baughman.” And while Up & Up is available to The Robey guests only, in true Grupo Habita style, the hotel also has a public rooftop pool and restaurant called The Cabana Club that, located on the roof of The Hollander next door, can only be accessed via The Robey – a disorienting thought that is actually fairly seamless in reality – just one of the smart ways the group has integrated the two hotels. Occupying a former fireproof warehouse from 1905, The Hollander’s raw, industrial bones are in direct contrast to its Art Decoembellished neighbour, making it the perfect building to experiment with a new category of accommodation that Grupo Habita have labelled the ‘social stay’. In a bid to redefine the traditional hostel format, the luxury design-led quarters comprise a total of 66 beds

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Above & Opposite: The Hollander is characterised by a gritty, rough-hewn undertone with sparse, pared-back furnishings

that are arranged as a series of private and shared rooms sleeping three-to-eight people. Whether for families, groups or independent travellers, the concept is aimed at the modern nomad looking for a social experience. For the interiors, Couturier, who wanted a smart and playful design, tasked a young collective of French designers called Ciguë. Led by Adrian Hunfalvay, who has since set up his own studio called Delordinaire, the final product is indeed fresh and youthful, inspired by, as Hunfalvay says, the working class utilitarian part of Chicago. He explains: “The interesting thing about the building is that it is both historic and in some ways quite banal. We wanted to bring that to the forefront and keep the existing elements exposed.” As such, the original concrete floor has been sealed with an epoxy resin to create a highly polished shine that contrasts with the stripped-down walls and bare piping. This, in turn, creates a gritty, rough-hewn undertone for the sparse, pared-back furnishings that upstairs, comprises custom birch plywood and black-painted steel bunk beds in the shared rooms, while the private rooms also feature accent tables and lighting from

Portland-based Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co., a minibar and TV. Each quarter also has its own bathroom facilities as well as an individual locker system fitted with charging outlets. The concept is centred around the ground-floor lobby where laundry facilities and a hipster bike repair shop sit alongside The Hollander Bar & Café. Here, the building’s original structural pillars have been dressed with custom green leather banquettes, while a 27ft table functions as a bar, from which artisanal coffee, pre-bottled cocktails and hotdogs are served to a mix of locals and visitors. For something more substantial, guests can nip next door to Café Robey, the street-level restaurant set against the backdrop of Wicker Park. With the properties located in North America, the designers in Europe and the operators in Mexico, logistics alone should prove a challenge to any project but, no strangers to working with international designers and architects, Couturier and Micha both reiterate the importance of trust and communication, which has successfully resulted in two distinctly different hotels that have been smartly woven together to represent the Grupo Habita brand.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 69 guestrooms (The Robey); 66 beds (The Hollander) | 4 restaurants | 2 bars | www.therobey.com; www.thehollander.com Owner: DRW Real Estate Investments | Developer: Convexity Properties | Operator: Grupo Habita | Architect of Record: Antunovich Associates Interior Design: Marc Mercx Interiors and Nicholas Schuybroek ( The Robey); Delordinaire and Ciguë (The Hollander) | Lighting Design: Filament 33

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Urban Escape #07 OPER ATIONS

The last few installments of this Development Report have looked at the interior design details, artwork and graphics for the At Six and Hobo hotels in central Stockholm. Now is the time to get the low-down from those in charge of the day-to-day running of the properties. Words: Guy Dittrich

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he convergence of a hotel’s design and operations are vital to its capacity as a commercially viable enterprise. It also influences the ability of staff to thrive in their role and enhance the guest experience. Take the arrival sequence, the flow of guests through the public spaces and the efficiencies of back-of-house, not to mention the logistics of housekeeping. With two contiguous hotels, 343 guestrooms in At Six and 201 in Hobo, some economies of scale are to be expected. Indeed, given the high staffing costs in Scandinavia, they are probably essential. There’s a team of three shared between the hotels to operate a loading bay in the basement, for example. Similarly, the second-floor restaurant in At Six and the open-kitchen concept at Hobo will both use the same prep-kitchen. A particular operational issue faced in At Six has been at the main entrance. “The limited space on the ground floor means that we will need to have hosts to guide arriving guests to a first-floor check-in area,” explains General Manager Jennie Håkanson. Stockholm native Håkanson only took up her position in August 2016, by which stage most of the design decisions had been made. However she is still actively pursuing the possibility of bringing a second existing staircase at the entrance into use to ease congestion. The perennial question of how to better utilise hotel restaurant spaces that need to do doubleduty and be operational throughout the day is answered differently at each hotel. For At Six, Henrik Jakobsen, Director of Food & Beverage, explains that working with UDS, the hotel’s designers, saw the development of stone-topped communal tables that can be heated or chilled

when in use as serving tables for different dishes, and yet still be accessible for the working crowd and their prerequisite laptops. Similarly, Mattias Stengl, General Manager of Hobo describes designers Studio Aisslinger coming up with the equally smart solution of boxes to hide the beer taps at breakfast. “The hotel’s DNA is about co-creation, but this is meaningless unless it is practical, and that has been part of the ongoing dialogue with Studio Aisslinger,” says Stengl, illustrating the idea with a 21m2 peg-wall in the lobby that engages guests but is also used

Additional to the two hotels is an autonomous 170-cover rooftop restaurant known as Tak. Lift access is outside of both hotels via its own, streetlevel entrance. Tak has a dedicated kitchen and is the first standalone restaurant concept for Nordic Hotels & Resorts. Designed by Swedish studio Wingårdhs, this new construction offers a great city panorama from the 14th floor bar and terrace with the restaurant a level below. “We have made an interior concept similar to head chef Frida Ronge’s philosophy regarding the cuisine: local materials and Japanese methods,” explains Helena Toresson, Senior Lead Achitect, Wingårdhs. “We have a Japanese take on the open spaces of the bar and restaurant but with a touch of the local seventies architectural context when it comes to interior finishes, furniture and colours. The Scandinavian look and feel is also present in carefully designed wooden tables and chairs.” Of course behind all of this is the bigger picture of keeping a complex project on track. Catarina Molén-Runnäs, Chief Property Officer of Nordic Choice is responsible. “It has been a tight schedule but we will make it,” she comments of the fast approaching opening date of 23 March 2017. Notwithstanding some minor issues, she adds of the relationship with owner and contractor: “Everyone has put in a lot of effort to get the job done. We have had a good co-operation with AMF Fastigheter and NCC and now it’s almost show time.”

“Everyone has put in a lot of effort to get the job done. We have had a good co-operation with AMF Fastigheter and NCC and now it’s almost show time.” Catarina Molén-Runnäs, Nordic Choice

to showcase local, artisanal, handcrafted products. The concept is repeated with smaller peg-walls in each guestroom, from which items such as umbrellas and pocket synthesizers will hang, available for guests to borrow during their stay. Other operational considerations have been taken into account in the design process. In At Six, the inclusion of a cocktail corner in each guestroom – stocked with a variety of drinking glasses – has necessitated a dishwasher on each floor, making its servicing a somewhat easier task for housekeeping. Special provision for the treatment of some materials here – stone and metal – will be made to ensure they gain patina with grace. Meanwhile, square duvets and lightweight bed throws will make for a more efficient turnaround.

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In our next issue, we hear from all those we have met along the way, gauging expectations of the forthcoming openings.

Bespoke Hotel Furniture | Made in the UK +44 (0) 113 248 0605 | www.curtisfurniture.co.uk

THE INTELLIGENCE SOURCE FOR THE HOTEL INVESTMENT COMMUNITY

Marriott balances the scale Marriott International used its Q3 results conference call to say that it would leverage its enlarged size to negotiate better terms with the OTAs. It hailed the news that only 16% of its combined loyalty members belonged to both companies’ schemes. The company described itself as “more international” following its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts and said that it was looking to grow across all its brands. Marriott International president & CEO Arne Sorenson told analysts that next year should start to see “savings” on OTA contracts, adding: “Marriott has historically been able to obtain more attractive OTA contract terms. While savings to Starwood Hotels will vary by region, applying Marriott’s contract terms should save Starwood owners OTA commissions, even assuming no change in OTA usage, with more savings expected in 2018.” One of the group’s key motivations for the takeover was combining the two companies’ loyalty schemes, with the enlarged scheme counting 85 million members. The group is to continue challenging the OTAs by offering discounted rates to members of its programme, with Sorenson confirming 800,000 to 900,000 incremental Marriott Rewards signups since member-only rates were launched. Sorenson reiterated comments made at the company’s last earnings

call, where he confirmed an impact on revpar of the strategy. He said: “The discounts are available to folks who would have booked directly previously, as well as folks who might be booking directly now for the first time, and that continues to have a very modest impact on revpar – about 30 basis points [in Q3]. This is something we talk with our owners about with some regularity, and I think generally the community … is supportive of continuing to pursue this.” When asked whether the group, which now numbers 30 brands, would consider adding, or taking away from its portfolio, Sorenson said: “The other thing that’s important to recognise here is the biggest expense from a brand perspective is about marketing the brands. And that’s the most expensive when each brand has to be marketed on its own. “The principal model today is to market through our loyalty platform, through our dot com site, through our app. And those things allow us to market a portfolio and offer an incredible range of choice to our customers, which drives conversion from looking to booking that much higher and makes the economics of each brand better, not weaker. “We’re going to keep these brands and we’re going to continue to grow them. I don’t really think that there are material incremental costs to having a brand, given that that’s the business model that we have.” Sorenson highlighted the potential of Aloft and Element

in particular. He also pointed to the global reach of the combined company, commenting that last year saw Marriott earn about half of its incentive fees outside the US but combined with Starwood, it saw around two-thirds of its incentive fees come from outside the US, “so we’re a more international company than we were in the past”. The group is looking to its enlarged brand stable to take the lion’s share of hotel development, as financing tightens. In the US, the combined Marriott and Starwood brand portfolio represents 14% of open rooms. It has 36% of the rooms under construction in the US, and 23% of rooms under construction worldwide. Sorenson said: “Leverage levels on new construction loans have moderated and construction costs are also increasing. While these conditions are not likely to change supply growth in the near term, we believe they should discourage marginal new projects from moving forward. They should also enhance our share of new construction as lenders continue to favour the strongest brands.” The company was confident that it could sell Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ remaining assets, for “north of USD1.5bn” despite concerns over the transactions market, with CFO Leeny Oldberg commenting: “For brands that are very strong and in markets where there is demonstrated performance… deals can absolutely continue to be done.” The group confirmed that it was already in discussions over some of the assets and said that it expected

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to see the 70% of the sites which are in the US sell sooner than the ones in Latin America. In line with the other global operators, the company said that it was seeing corporate customers being “clearly cautious” and looking ahead, it expected that 2016 fourth quarter revpar would be flat to up 1% in North America and worldwide. Outside North America revpar will be roughly flat. For 2017, the group has cut its forecast revpar growth from 7% to 2%, which Sorenson described as “worse than we anticipated”. While 2017 looks to concern in terms of operating performance, Ryan Meliker at Canaccord Genuity was confident not only in terms of the cost savings expected at the group, but a return to premerger activity. In a note to clients he said: “With the closing of the Starwood transaction in the rearview mirror, Marriott International is now back into share repurchase mode.” The analyst estimated that the company could repurchase USD210m in stock in the fourth quarter and another USD1.8bn and was prepared to admit that was a conservative forecast, with the company having the capacity to repurchase over USD4.5bn in 2017 and over USD8bn by 2020, representing 30% of the current market cap. Meliker was convinced that the Starwood acquisition would transform the group into a “category killer” across the lodging landscape, that would experience much stronger long term growth than peers.

HA Perspective (by Katherine Doggrell): The combined Marriott and Starwood has 1.6 million rooms open or in the pipeline and no matter how you cut it, that’s a fair few. Although Booking lays claim to over 1 million hotels, you can bet they’re not going to give Marriott a raw deal, particularly when you consider how many of Marriott’s rooms are in the corporate market and how interested Booking is in accessing that market. Tim Ramskill, managing director, pan-European travel & leisure equity research, Credit Suisse, told us that consolidation in the sector has been the expected response to the growth of entities such as the OTAs, adding: “Whether you’re Google Travel, Airbnb or Marriott International, ultimately you are being paid by someone who owns a piece of real estate to fill rooms. If there is competition in your universe, gaining scale is important. “How much is it going to make a difference? Being bigger has got to be a helpful starting point and so has having more brands to sell.” The cost to those owners of filling those rooms through a loyalty discount is something those owners are starting to raise their hackles about. Marriott will have to ensure that, when it is cutting staff to make the promised cost savings, it doesn’t leave those owners feeling neglected and considering a more direct route to market via the OTAs themselves. HA Perspective (by Andrew Sangster): There are at least two pieces to these numbers that are worth a closer look: the short-term trading and the longer-

term strategy. On trading, it looks like good news on leisure but bad news on corporate bookings. While overall revpar was up an impressive 7% in the quarter in North America, room revenue from legacy-Marriott’s top 300 customers in North America was flat. There has been a steady decline in the rate of growth from 4% in Q4 last year, to 2% in Q1, to less than 1% in Q2 and no level in Q3. The increase in group business fell from 7% to 2%, a much sharper drop than anticipated. The good news in terms of strategy is the strength of the pipeline. Marriott has 14% of rooms in the US but its brands have 36% of rooms under construction. Globally, Marriott has a 23% share of rooms under construction. Less good is the book direct strategy. Sorenson admitted that in Q3 it has shaved “probably” 30 basis points off from revpar. Book direct has increased loyalty programme members but this is hardly going to thrill owners if they think it has been achieved at a significant cost of revenue and profit. But Marriott has stressed that this is a long game. Sorenson said: “There was a perception that rates at our hotels were cheaper on channels other than our own, which has not been true for well over a decade.” Those other channels are, of course, OTAs. There has also been a significant issue with wholesaler rates. Marriott now seems on top of the wholesaler issue but the problem with OTAs is not so easily fixed. The issue is who is the best retail channel? Unfortunately for Marriott and other hoteliers there is a clear

answer: the OTAs. The OTAs have better marketing, they have better technology and they have a better overall consumer proposition as they offer a far broader selection of properties. If the book direct campaigns undermine the more effective retail channels, these retailers will sell inventory from elsewhere. While the economic environment remains strong, Marriott can still fill its properties, even if it sells the rooms for a bit less to do so. What will it be like in a weaker market though? Sorenson suggested, in off-thecuff remarks, that the peak of supply growth in the US market will probably occur in 2018. This usually follows a turn in the business cycle which is probably due imminently in the US. A tougher economic environment is going to test the book direct theories. Already, the mood music is a lot less warlike than it was a year ago. I suspect a truce with the OTAs will be called soon. Owners will be asking what has been achieved and whether it was worth it. We answered no to the latter question a year ago and we think we’re still right.

Accor bolsters boutique AccorHotels has bought a 30% stake in 25hours Hotels for EUR35m as the company looks to expand around the world. The deal is the latest in a series of efforts by AccorHotels to strengthen its position in the boutique sector,

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which has also seen it take a stake in Mama Shelter and launch Jo&Joe. 25hours Hotels currently operates seven individual hotels in Hamburg, Frankfurt, Berlin, Vienna and Zurich. A further five hotels will open in Zurich, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Paris in the next two years. The company has been looking to expand into other European countries for some time, and is now also targeting long haul destinations. 25hours Hotels is planning to add around three hotels per year to its estate. The group will continue to be run by its CEO Christoph Hoffmann and his long-time management team. He said: “We feel very much at home within AccorHotels’ recent lifestyle strategy and are delighted to be an important partner of one of the world’s leading hotel operators.” Hoffmann told Hotel Analyst: “We founded this company around 10 years ago and we did it for the fun of it, without any real strategy to become a bigger player. We believe that if you want a special hotel you have to have a love for it and we want to create hotels with a lot of soul and a lot of individuality – we believe that ‘you know one, you know none’”. “Once we had expanded into the main German-speaking cities we had to consider global expansion and it’s not easy to do that in foreign countries. So far we have only done lease agreements and it is not as simple in Bangkok or Miami. We realised that we had to partner with someone. We didn’t want to work with private equity, or partners who would want to milk the cow, so we

started to look around for a luxury hotel partner.” Hoffmann said that the company had not previously considered AccorHotels. He said: “AccorHotels at that time was very large, but not in that segment. Then we met Sébastien Bazin and realised that their philosophy was changing. The deal is very similar to what they did with Mama Shelter, with a stake and options to buy more.” Sébastien Bazin, chairman & CEO of AccorHotels said: “This alliance came about because we were immediately attracted by these individual, design-oriented boutique hotels that are a great workplace for urban nomads and an ideal starting point for outings into key cities. Through this partnership, AccorHotels is investing further in one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry and enriching its offer to achieve scale in this segment. Today, we are going one step further in our strategy to be a global leader in lifestyle hotels.” The deal follows hard on AccorHotels’ launch of Jo&Joe, a hostel offering which will start at EUR25 per night. The group plans to have 50 properties open under the brand by 2020 “in destinations popular with Millennials”, with the first two, in Paris and Bordeaux, by the end of 2018. AccorHotels worked with UK design company Penson on Jo&Joe – a group which had worked on campuses for Google, YouTube and Jaguar Land Rover but never hotels. Lee Penson, CEO, Penson, told us that AccorHotels were looking for: “Something holistically

game-changing that can’t be defined by what we already know and expect. They didn’t want a hospitality architect or designer, they wanted someone who hadn’t done hospitality ever before. This programme needed an entirely new operational strategy, experience, price and adventurous model. My first pointer to them was to think about ‘It’s NOT A BED’.” The end of 2014 saw AccorHotels make its first move into the boutique market, with the acquisition of a 35% stake in Mama Shelter. While the operator is expected to help the brand expand, Bazin said the decision to only take a one third interest was based on preventing Mama Shelter’s innovative ideas from being watered down. “The minute we’re integrating too much into their system, we may defeat those fresh eyes that they have, which is part of their success.”

Hoffmann is well aware of the challenges faced by those looking to expand their boutique offerings, as we reported with the staggering fortunes of Morgans and Soho House (it was later pointed out to us that Firmdale is doing a good job, but, once again, not on a massive scale). He told us that the money invested was going in part on setting up a creative lab in Hamburg, which will drive the design and the ethos of each hotel and prevent the management from having to be as involved on the ground with each development. AccorHotels is no stranger to a lab – it used its own to create Jo&Joe, one of the most promising new launches from the sector in recent years. While 25hours Hotels is never going to be a growth driver for AccorHotels, the creative lab is likely to provide some wisdom which can be applied elsewhere and help banish the cookie-cutter trap that the boutique sector gets caught in on repeat.

HA Perspective (by Katherine Doggrell): As Marriott International is doing a victory dance over the lack of crossover between its loyalty programme and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, so AccorHotels is continuing to expand the sites on offer to its own programme members to some truly individual properties, giving Airbnb something to think about at the same time. As Hoffmann noted, the deal is similar to that with Mama Shelter in terms of not only the stake, but AccorHotels’ keeping its distance to protect the unique nature of this unbranded brand. The global operator knows its strengths, but also its weaknesses.

HA Perspective (by Andrew Sangster): Accor was the first of the global majors to acknowledge the threat from the sharing economy. And it has been the first to do something meaningful in response. But at Accor’s Investor Day in early October, Bazin said Jo&Joe was a response to guest demand rather than to the sharing economy. It is a nuance that matters. Rather than simply joining in the sharing economy – which the One Fine Stay acquisition does – Accor is tweaking its product offerings as it understands what the sharing economy is bringing to travel

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and hospitality. What makes Jo&Joe so smart is that it brings together the “townster and tripster” – the locals and the travellers – thanks to innovative f&b and the right bedroom offer. On the Investor Day, Bazin also talked about “speed, scale and strength” as being integral to what he described as “chapter two” of Accor’s transformation under his watch. He said the group had done more in the last three years than it had done in the more than 10 years before he arrived. It’s hard to disagree. With 25hours, Accor is again clearly showing it understands that hospitality is about selling experiences rather than service. Bazin readily admits that this is a tricky area as experience concerns emotion, an intangible concept that big corporates can all too easily destroy. By building stakes in these cutting edge offers, Accor hopes it can preserve the essence of what makes the new products appealing. What matters now is how well this vision is executed.

Fall of Sterling drives M&C Millennium & Copthorne said that it had seen an increase in leisure travellers into London as a result of the fall in Sterling post-EU Referendum. The news came ahead of Deloitte’s 28th annual European Hotel Investment Conference in London, which reported an increase in investors from China into Europe,

capitalising on the weakness of the British currency. At Millennium & Copthorne, Kwek Leng Beng, chairman, said: “Our London hotels have seen some positive benefits from leisure travellers following the EU referendum in June 2016 although the outlook for the UK economy is uncertain. We have also seen an improving trend in the regional US and growth in the New Zealand markets; and benefitted from favourable foreign exchange movements. “However, trading of our New York and Singapore hotels was disappointing and we continued to focus on improving margins. We are monitoring the performance in all our markets closely and the group’s financial position remains strong. The group has a long term perspective and considers asset ownership as key to its strategy.” The company is currently refurbishing a number of its properties, with the programme for Millennium Hotel London Mayfair planned to start around the end of this year. To minimise the impact on London occupancy, there will be a gap of at least 12 months before Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge undertakes smaller scale refurbishment work. The group said that the the steep fall in the value of Sterling after the referendum had a “significant impact” on its results, with exchange gains adding GBP43m and GBP7m

to group reported revenue and profit before tax respectively for the first nine months of the year. CDL, of which M&C is a subsidiary, owns one hotel in the UK, in Cambridge, but has not made any further moves into ownership in the region, its most recent move at the time of going to press being to exit a luxury condominium development in Singapore. Deloitte’s research found that, 62% of respondents to a survey carried out ahead of the event saw China as the biggest source of inbound investment into Europe, up from 51% last year. This is followed by North America (46%). The company said that deal flow in 2016 had been more subdued than 2015, but that hotel executives were optimistic about the investment opportunities that lie ahead, with more than a third (34%) believing that the European investment cycle was 12 to 18 months way from peaking. Close to 60% of respondents saw disposals and consolidation as prominent investment themes in the next year. Despite the wavering pound, Deloitte said that only a quarter of respondents were worried about the UK’s decision to leave the EU with the various European elections scheduled for 2017 generating greater unease (37%). With these concerns in mind, onethird of respondents cited the budget segment of the market as being the most attractive for

investment in 2017, followed by the upscale (24%) and midscale (20%) segments. Nikola Reid, director in Deloitte’s Hospitality Advisory team, commented: “The fact that 2016 has been a comparatively subdued year of hotel transactions is due to a confluence of factors. Not only is the industry having to contend with political and economic uncertainty in the UK and Europe, but there is also a lack of product. “It is reassuring to still see clear signs of optimism. Investors from China and North America are likely to capitalise on the weakness of sterling and still see the continent as offering potential.” She added: “In the regions… trading is up as the UK becomes a more affordable and accessible place to visit for overseas tourists. Furthermore, despite initial uncertainty in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote, we have recently seen a rejuvenation of interest from foreign capital driven by their appetite for income and the opportunity to capitalise on Sterling’s depreciation. As well as expectations for Asian capital to dominate activity, industry leaders have also highlighted domestic investment as a key driver of regional deal flow in 2017.” The news came as footballers Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville announced plans to open a footballthemed café in Singapore by 2017. The pair have previously worked

with Singaporean investor Peter Lim on Hotel Football and Café Football, but are thought to be looking for additional funding to roll out both brands in Europe and Asia. HA Perspective (by Katherine Doggrell): As HVS’s Russell Kett said, there is a period of uncertainty now for investors as they wait to see what form the UK’s exit from the EU looks like and then what form the economy takes as it adjusts to its new reality. Kett expected to see an improvement in transactions volume at the end of 2017, where one would hope to see some clarity. As Savills’ Rob Stapleton told us, one change that seems likely is much longer hold times for investors, something which plays into the hands of Asian investors, who are looking for safe, long-term homes for their money. An end to the frenetic times for hotel brokers. But, while the pound continues to receive a shock at each new turn of events, good news for those visiting London and those who already own hotels to host them.

Hotel Analyst is the news analysis service for those involved with financing hotel property or hotel operating companies. For more information and to subscribe visit: www.hotelanalyst.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 8870 6388

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SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED The finalists for AHEAD Asia have been revealed, with projects including Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Katamama in Bali and MSocial Singapore all in the running. A regional panel of hoteliers, architects, interior designers and industry commentators will assess the entries on their aesthetic excellence, guest experience and commercial viability, and winners will be announced at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre on 7 March.

BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE Akademi at Katamama – Bali, Indonesia Baa Baa Beach Club at Finolhu – Maldives Coo – Singapore Grand Club at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

RESORT HOTEL Alila Anji – China Katamama – Bali, Indonesia Keemala – Phuket, Thailand Seamarq Hotel – Gangwon-do, South Korea

GUESTROOMS Akyra Manor Hotel – Chiang Mai, Thailand Grand Hyatt Hong Kong The Langham Haikou – Hainan Island, China The St. Regis Langkawi – Malaysia

RESTAURANT Baba Chews at Hotel Indigo – Singapore Katong Colony at Ritz Carlton Millennia – Singapore MoVida at Katamama – Bali, Indonesia Seasonal Tastes at Westin Jakarta Hotel – Indonesia

HOTEL RENOVATION & RESTORATION Chiva-Som International Health Resort – Hua Hin, Thailand Galle Face Hotel – Colombo, Sri Lanka Six Senses Ninh Van Bay – Vietnam The Edison George Town – Penang, Malaysia

SPA & WELLNESS Anantara Peace Haven Resort – Tangalle, Sri Lanka Four Seasons Hotel Seoul – Korea Mala Spa at Keemala – Phuket, Thailand The Cove Club at Finolhu – Maldives

LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES Akyra Manor Hotel – Chiang Mai, Thailand Katamama – Bali, Indonesia Keemala – Phuket, Thailand The St. Regis Langkawi – Malaysia

SUITE Ambassador Suite at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Four Seasons Hotel Seoul – Korea Katamama – Bali, Indonesia Presidential Suite at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES Four Seasons Hotel Seoul – Korea Grand Hyatt Chengdu – China Parkside Serviced Suites by Lanson Place – Shanghai, China Park Hyatt Guangzhou – China

URBAN HOTEL Canberra Airport Hotel – Australia Hoshinoya Tokyo – Japan Hotel Indigo – Singapore Katong MSocial – Singapore

OPEN FOR ENTRIES

VENUE ANNOUNCED

Entries have opened for the inaugural AHEAD Americas,

W Hotel Al Habtoor City Dubai has been announced

with the platform accepting submissions from hotel projects

as the venue for the inaugural AHEAD MEA awards

completed across North, Central and South America between

ceremony. Celebrating the best hotel projects opened

September 2015 and December 2016. A closing deadline of 31

throughout the Middle East and Africa region, the

January has been set, with the shortlist due to be announced

awards will be handed out at a ceremony taking place on

in March.

15 November 2017, with a call for entries set to be issued

A handpicked judging panel of hoteliers, architects,

on 1 March.

interior designers and industry commentators will assess

The 356-key hotel is located in Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest

the entries across 16 categories, which include Guestrooms,

integrated urban resort, Al Habtoor City, with the

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ceremony taking place in the propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generous 1,000m2

Spaces. Further prizes for visual identity and new concepts

event space. With its forward thinking, unconventional

will also be awarded. Winners will be announced at an

and vibrantly coloured design, the property is a striking

awards ceremony taking place at Perez Art Museum, Miami,

example of the exceptional hospitality projects that

on 28 June 2017.

AHEAD seeks to celebrate.

Enter now at www.aheadawards.com/americas

Further info at www.aheadawards.com/mea

7 March 2017

28 June 2017

Capitol Theatre Singapore

Perez Art Museum Miami

15 November 2017

20 November 2017

W Hotel Al Habtoor City Dubai

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

Organised By

Headline Sponsor

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Digital Partner

Design By

Events Diary & News 10-13 JAN

Heimtextil Frankfurt

23-25 JAN

www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com 14-17 JAN

Domotex Hannover

JAN

IMM Cologne

23-25 JAN

JAN

Maison & Objet Paris www.maison-objet.com

Great Hospitality Show Birmingham

7-9 FEB

Surface Design Show London

3-12 MAR

FEB

Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair Stockholm www.stockholmfurniturelightfair.se

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Singapore Design Week Singapore www.designsingapore.org

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HI Design MEA Muscat www.hidesign-mea.com

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www.imm-cologne.com 20-24

1-3 MAR

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www.domotex.de 16-22

ALIS Los Angeles

IHIF Berlin www.berlinconference.com

7 MAR

AHEAD Asia Singapore www.aheadawards.com

20-24 JAN

Designer of the year

7-9 FEB

MAISON & OBJET PARIS

In the spotlight SURFACE DESIGN SHOW

For each run of its fair, Maison & Objet select a designer of the year working within the fields that characterise each of its two shows: a product-design oriented profile for January, and a designer recognised for their work in interiors in September. The recipient of this accolade then has the opportunity to showcase their work in a space entirely designed by and dedicated to them. This January, Maison & Objet has selected Pierre Charpin for the title. Known for his collaborations with Alessi and Ligne Roset, his style is defined by formal simplicity, softened curves and distinctive chromatic choices. Since the early 1990s Charpin has dedicated his focus to furniture and object design, whilst simultaneously undertaking research projects for a series of clients. At Maison & Objet Paris, Charpin will present his new PC Lamp. Developed in partnership with Sebastian Wong, the lamp combines a complex articulation mechanism and discretely concealed technology for a distinctive lighting solution. Elsewhere, the tradeshow will feature new product launches from a variety of furniture, lighting and textile manufacturers including Vincent Sheppard, Vondom, Gervasoni and Vitra. There will also be a seminar programme with a number of sessions focusing on hospitality. ‘Designing for Wellbeing’ will take place on 23 January featuring Dorothée Meilichzon of Chzon and Simon Rawlings of David Collins Studio, while a session on hostels will explore the next generation of budget accommodation. www.maison-objet.com

The ‘Surface Spotlight’ will shine on the hospitality industry as part of this year’s Surface Design Show, returning to London’s Business Design Centre from 7-9 February. The annual trade show will highlight the use of materials and surfaces within the hospitality sector, and explore their role in how surroundings and spaces are experienced. Featuring a packed programme of presentations, panel discussions and trend talks, the event will provide architects and designers with a range of inspiring design possibilities. On 8 February, Sleeper Editor Catherine Martin will host a session entitled ‘Future Trends in Hospitality Design’, in which a panel of speakers reveal the opportunities and challenges of using new and innovative materials in hospitality design. Projects under scrutiny include Motel One in London and Puerta America in Madrid. The programme also includes Surface Spotlight Live 2017 following its successful debut last year. The feature is once again curated by trends expert Sally Angharad, who will present the most innovative materials for use in hospitality before they hit the market. Exhibitors showcasing materials specifically designed for the sector include CD UK displaying Corian, Grestec Tiles, Factorylux and Bal, whose surfaces combine the necessary degrees of luxury and practicality required for high footfall areas. www.surfacedesignshow.com

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The hospitality industry’s buyers and suppliers come together in Hanoi for the region’s leading decision-makers forum. Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: © Richard Pereira

espite Asia’s ongoing geopolitical and economic woes, the region’s hospitality industry has continued to prosper in recent years, with no sign of a slowdown in the hotel development pipeline. There was no lack of appetite either for an event that brings together the industry’s leading decision-makers. Taking place at JW Marriott in Hanoi, Vietnam, the eighth HI Design Asia was the largest to-date, reinforcing the need for such an event in the region. Made up of four components – meetings, supplier showcase, seminars and networking – the event attracts owners, operators, architects, interior designers, procurement specialists, suppliers and manufacturers, and is an effective platform for building and maintaining relationships. Representing the buyers, design directors from FRHI, Hilton, Langham and Onyx were joined by senior project managers from Arcadis and Chris Garrod Global. Also in attendance were principals from leading architecture and interior design practices such as Aedas Interiors, EDG, Jaya International and Steve Leung. HI Design Asia 2016 opened with the traditional pre-event excursion allowing early arriving delegates to get to know one another, and their host city, in an informal setting. Guided tours took in the sights of Hanoi before a welcome reception back at the hotel’s lakeside terrace. The following morning, the seminar programme opened with a scene-setting presentation from Top Hotel Projects, an online database that tracks the hotel development pipeline worldwide. Following a brief global overview, International Sales Manager Caroline List revealed that there are 1,726 hotels in the pipeline across Asia Pacific, accounting for a total of 432,260 guestrooms. According to the group’s database, 51% are in the luxury segment,

significantly more than in developed markets such as the US and UK, and 47% are in the upper upscale / upscale. Two third of the hotels in the pipeline are currently under construction and 35% are expected to open in 2017. Countries with the largest pipelines included Thailand (73 projects), Indonesia (117 projects), and India (192 projects). Taking the number one spot and leading the region’s hotel development, was China, with 764 hotels in the pipeline. List revealed that between 2012 and 2016, development increased by an impressive 53%, due in part to a rise in business travel and upgrading of key tourist attractions. Drilling down to a city level, Shanghai, Chengdu and Bali were identified as having the largest pipelines in the region, followed by Sanya and Jakarta. Looking at the penetration of major hotel groups, Hilton Worldwide appeared to be making inroads, with its Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree and Garden Inn brands showing significant new supply. List went on to highlight a number of key refurbishments currently under way in the region, including Hotel Okura Tokyo, The Strand Yangon, and Raffles Singapore. The adaptive re-use of a one of the oldest high-rise buildings of Shanghai meanwhile, will see Ian Schrager’s Edition Hotel open on the Bund. A special focus on Vietnam revealed that HI Design’s host nation will add over 15,000 rooms to its inventory over the coming years, in cities such as Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For much of the day, buyers and suppliers engaged in their personalised business meetings programme, a system devised by organisers based on pre-requested appointments. The 20-minute slots were an opportunity to present products, discuss new hotel projects and ultimately, build relationships.

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There was also a product showcase, a mini-exhibition in which the supplier companies could display their products. Agape, Claybrook and Hansgrohe presented the latest innovations in the bathroom, while Alpi – a producer of decorative surfaces – showed new designs in its contract collection. Furniture manufacturers such as Jonathan Charles, Extremis and Point had catalogues of their versatile ranges to-hand while the lighting sector was represented by Preciosa and Baccarat, amongst others. The afternoon seminar saw hotelier and restaurateur Loh Lik Peng take to the stage in a one-to-one interview with host Guy Dittrich, exploring how he made the transition from lawyer to hospitality entrepreneur. With a string of ventures in Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney and London, Peng described his affinity for heritage buildings, having built a career out of acquiring crumbling landmarks and transforming them into hotels or restaurants. “It’s easier to knock down a building and start again,” he told the audience. “But I like our properties to have a sense of history.” A prime example being Hotel 1929, a 32-key boutique hotel in Singapore’s Chinatown converted from a row of shophouses. Or there’s the 98-key Town Hall Hotel in London, housed in an Edwardian civic building dating back to the early 1900s. While Peng’s seven hotels and 20+ restaurants fall under the umbrella brand Unlisted Collection, Peng is proud of the fact that every one of his establishments has a different identity. “To-date we have never repeated a brand or design,” he explained, adding that every project begins with a blank piece of paper. Every project also begins with a new designer, with the entrepreneur opting to work with those who have limited experience in hospitality projects. “They come up with new ways of looking at things,” he justified, going on to explain that he rarely gives designers a brief, or even a budget. Perhaps unorthodox but it has undoubtedly made for a captivating collection of properties. Day two’s seminar programme kicked-off with a detailed look at HI Design’s host hotel, a landmark in Hanoi’s new central business district. With representation from the architect, the interior designer and the operator, the case study explored the story behind the hotel’s creation, and its success as one of the region’s leading events venues. With 2,200m2 of event space including two ballrooms, 17 meeting rooms and the more informal Studio, the JW Marriott Hanoi is billed as an event organiser’s dream, a claim that Atticus Events can attest to. Taking to the stage to discuss the hotel’s architectural design was Carlos Zapata, of his eponymous New York-based studio. Zapata

explained that the building’s form takes its inspiration from the mythological imagery of the dragon, which plays a significant role in the rich cultural heritage of the country. Careful planning of public spaces has resulted in a variety of successful F&B venues that cater to groups and corporate guests, as well as a striking glass-enclosed rooftop swimming pool. Interiors are the work of Peter Silling, Founding Partner of Peter Silling & Associates, who described the challenges of creating arresting interiors within such a dynamic piece of architecture. The biggest challenge, he explained, was the unusual footprint of the building, which resulted in dozens of different room types. The final presentation of the session was from Karen Kim, President of Interior Design, Global Design Asia Pacific, Marriott International. Kim is responsible for all of Marriott’s operating and newbuild properties in APAC and was able to describe the group’s approach to planning the events spaces. In response to consumer demand, Kim insisted on natural daylight in the meeting rooms, and was responsible for bringing The Studio to market, which has now become a benchmark for the region. HI Design’s final seminar examined the complex world of conversion and refurbishment, a topic particularly relevant in the hospitality industry in Asia as construction costs rise and city space becomes scarce. David Hodkinson, Design Director at Noor, Isabelle Miaja, Managing Director at Miaja Design Group, Paul Semple, Principal at Hassell, and Andrew Lo, Executive Director of Design & Construction Asia Pacific at FRHI Hotels & Resorts made for an experienced panel, discussing the challenges and opportunities of renovation and refurbishment. In an enlightening session, panellists debated the difficulties of refurbishing a space that’s well-loved, as well as the risks of carrying out works while the hotel remains operational. While there were differences of opinion across some topics, all were in agreement that conversions and refurbishments are infinitely more complex than newbuilds. HI Design Asia drew to a close with a celebratory dinner and further networking opportunities, as organisers revealed that delegates had collectively taken part in a record 2,000 business meetings – a sign that despite its challenges, Asia’s hospitality industry will continue to grow.

The next HI Design Asia will take place at Grand Hyatt Bali from 1-3 November 2017. www.hidesign-asia.com

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A Classic Shows One’s Colours.

COLOUR: 4320L OCRE JAUNE CLAIR

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Deloitte 28 European Hotel Investment Conference th

9 NOVEMBER 2016

Brexit, the shock result of the US Presidential election, and the ongoing threat of terrorism were high on the agenda at Deloitte’s annual conference, as industry leaders gathered to explore the hotel industry’s current performance and future outlook. Words: Catherine Martin

aking place on the same day that the results of the US Presidential election were announced, Deloitte’s 28th European Hotel Investment Conference was always going to make for an interesting watch. Attracting over 400 delegates from both sides of the Atlantic, the invite-only event – held at The Dorchester, London – examined the hospitality industry’s current performance, as well as the opportunities and challenges set to impact the year ahead. Opening the conference, Nick van Marken, Global Head – Hospitality, Deloitte, set the scene with an overview of world affairs. “Things are possibly not as bad as we thought,” he began, stating that the IMF has forecast global GDP growth of 3.4% for 2017. But in light of recent events, van Marken pointed out that these are challenging times. “On the global agenda, the list looks ever longer in terms of things that we could possibly worry about,” he explained. Brexit, the refugee crisis, the slowing of China’s economy and the ongoing threat of terrorism were listed as major concerns. “Nevertheless, we’re an industry that continues to thrive,” he added. Van Marken went on to reveal the results of Deloitte’s delegate survey, in which senior figures including owners, operators, lenders, developers and investors, gave their views on the outlook for the European hotel market. When asked to name risks to their business in 2017, geopolitical instability and lack of economic growth emerged

as key concerns. One in four respondents believed the impact of Brexit would affect them, while 37% said they were apprehensive about the various European elections taking place over the coming 12 months. To help make sense of the economy, the market and the outlook, Deloitte assembled a stellar line-up of speakers – from CEOs of global and European hotel groups to analysts, investors and lenders – to address the overarching theme – ‘opportunity out of uncertainty?’ First to the stage, Roger Bootle, Managing Director, Capital Economics, offered his perspective on a variety of topical issues that could shape the hospitality landscape in the years ahead. Addressing the slowdown of the Chinese economy, a concern for 21% of delegates according to the pre-conference survey, Bootle said: “We know that the growth rate of the Chinese economy has been slowing for many years, but it had to. It couldn’t keep growing at 15% as it was at one point.” The analyst added that, despite its continuing problems, China is not collapsing, it’s stabilising. Moving on to the US economy, Bootle said that the nation was seeing a continued gradual recovery and predicted a rise in interest rates before the end of 2018. “I’m more confident about the 2018 forecast now than I would have been if Hillary Clinton was elected,” he stated, believing that interest rates will rise higher with Donald Trump in power than they would have done otherwise. Elaborating on the election result, Bootle stood firm on his belief that Trump as President isn’t the

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most important thing we should be worried about. “My experience is that most of these supposed radical politicians don’t turn out to be as radical as you think they’re going to be, and that is my suspicion about Donald Trump,” he stated, adding that the economic powers of the President are really quite limited. Bootle also pointed out that in the past, major changes in the US economy have not corresponded with political shifts. Bootle’s outlook for the Eurozone was less optimistic, however there was hope for the UK, despite Brexit woes. The FTSE dipped but has recovered strongly, while the low pound has improved prospects for many industries, he said. Turning attention to the hospitality industry, the day’s second presentation saw Robin Rossmann, Director, STR, review hotel performance for the year-to-date. “Looking at performance so far this year, you can split what’s happening into developed markets and developing markets,” he explained, revealing that the developed markets of USA and Europe have had a solid year with RevPAR growth of 3.5% and 2.2% respectively. The developing markets of Asia and the Middle East meanwhile have seen RevPAR declines of 0.7% and 9.3% respectively, largely due to a significant increase in new supply. According to STR’s data, this trend looks set to continue with the Middle East recording a significant uptick in supply (53%) in the coming years, making the outlook undoubtedly more challenging. In Europe, supply will remain flat (3%), while North America will see a 10% increase.

Focusing on Europe, Rossmann revealed that for the year-to-September 2016, all KPIs showed growth. Occupancy rose 0.2% to 70.9%, ADR was up 2% to 112.7, and RevPAR increased by 2.2% to 79.9. “It has been a reasonably strong year but there are markets that have been struggling because of terror attacks,” he explained, referring to the atrocities in Paris, Brussels and Istanbul. “When you look at the data of individual cities, you really can see the impact,” he continued, stating that the three markets saw RevPAR declines of 15%, 23% and 41% respectively. Looking ahead to 2017, STR data showed that new supply is concentrated in the UK and Germany while growth across the rest of the continent remains relatively flat. “We see a good year across most major European capitals in terms of occupancy growth,” Rossmann continued, naming Milan, Paris, Budapest and Athens as markets where limited new supply will result in occupancy gains. “The markets where we see more of a challenge are those with significant supply growth, such as Manchester, Glasgow, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.” Also worth noting is that Amsterdam has replaced London as Europe’s most attractive hotel investment destination, after more than a third (34%) of delegates ranked the Dutch capital in first place. Further demonstrating the mixed prospects of Europe, Rossmann reported on a number of key cities, including Dublin, where sustained demand and limited supply growth is enabling significant rate growth, and Paris, where the impact of the terror attacks is pronounced. Returning to the stage to host the muchanticipated session on mergers and acquisitions, Nick van Marken revealed that transaction volume was down 40% for the year-to-date. Despite this, 2016 saw two landmark deals that will likely change the hospitality landscape: Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Accor’s purchase of FRHI. Chief

Development Officers Carlton Ervin of Marriott International and Gaurav Bhushan of AccorHotels were on hand to discuss these transactions in detail, explaining the motivation behind the deals. Speaking about Accor’s $2.7 billion purchase of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) from Qatar Investment Authority and Kingdom Holding Company of Saudi Arabia, Bhushan commented: “This deal was as much about the vendor investing in Accor as Accor buying into FRHI. It was one of the best fits we could find in the market and has given us crucial leverage to become a real global player in the luxury segment.” According to Bhushan, one of the most challenging aspects of the acquisition was working with the former owners to structure the right deal. “They didn’t want to cash out, they wanted to be part of it,” he said. Meanwhile Marriott’s deal with Starwood Hotels & Resorts has resulted in the largest hotel group in the world, with a portfolio of 5,700 hotels across 30 brands. But rather than get hungup on the numbers, Ervin said that focus has been on the cultural integration of the two companies. “It’s a matter of integrating the best of Starwood into the best of Marriott,” he explained. “Marriott is appropriately well known for respecting its associates and Starwood’s success has been on the entrepreneurial spirit.” Ervin also said that the guest offer was a key consideration in the deal. “The way we look at acquisitions has changed,” he explained. “Rather than just acquiring brands, we look at deals that will enhance the loyalty of our guests.” Continuing on the topic of scale, the following session saw CEOs from two smaller hotel groups discuss opportunities for growth. Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO, Hyatt, said the group’s open hotel base and pipeline both grew by 10% in 2016, bringing the total number of hotels to 667. “We’re not trying to be everything to everyone, everywhere,” he explained, adding that Hyatt’s focus will remain on the high-end traveller.

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James Riley, CEO, Mandarin Oriental, also stood firm on the view that size and scale isn’t everything. “I believe in growth as an important element of what keeps an organisation healthy, but I don’t believe in growth for growth’s sake,” he stated. “I would like to see Mandarin expanding slightly more rapidly than it has done, but 100 hotels in five years? Absolutely not.” With a portfolio of 29 hotels across 19 countries, Riley sees great opportunity for the niche group. “We’re focused on a single brand that is underrepresented in many parts of the world,” he said. “I would like to see us open three or four hotels per year for the next few years.” Led by Deloitte’s Adam Weissenberg, the CEOs addressed a number of topics, from millennials and the sharing economy, to the effects of terror attacks on tourism. The result of the US Presidential election was also high on the agenda with concerns that Trump’s views on the open border policy would affect travel and subsequent hotel development. However, Riley argued: “I certainly wouldn’t be reining back investment on the presumption that it’s going to lessen people’s desire to travel and see the world, and that’s what our business is primarily based on.” The afternoon’s sessions took the US market as their focus with operators from across the Atlantic affirming their aspirations to grow in Europe. Despite the effects of Brexit and terrorist attacks, panelists were bullish about possible expansion on the continent. “We’re really excited about opportunities in Europe, and in London in particular,” commented James Bermingham, Executive Vice President and Head of Operations, Montage Hotels & Resorts, adding that the weaker pound could make for a more attractive deal. With five hotels in operation and five more in the pipeline, the group operates under two brands, Montage and Pendry, the latter being a luxury lifestyle brand soon-to-open in San Diego. Also with aspirations to expand into Europe is SH Group, represented on stage by Managing

Director Scott Woroch. The operator, backed by Barry Sternlicht, counts Baccarat and 1 Hotels amongst its brands, both of which have potential outside of the US. Representing a brand that already has a presence in Europe was Josh Littman, Vice President of Development EMEA at Hard Rock International. Following recent openings in Ibiza and Tenerife, he offered: “The challenge for any US company coming to Europe is that Europe is a collection of distinct markets; Germany is very different from the UK, from France and from Italy. It is important to understand the dynamics of each individual market.” US investors echoed this sentiment, as they discussed challenges and opportunities in a variety of European markets in the following session. For Coley Brenan, Partner, KSL Capital Partners, Spain and Portugal were regarded as having significant opportunity once again, with the region benefitting from unrest in the Middle East and North Africa. Panelists – including Cody Bradshaw of Starwood Capital Group and Desmond Taljaard of London & Regional Properties – agreed that it was a “defining moment” for Spain, while Italy and Germany posed challenges. “Germany used to be a really safe bet but now it’s hard to say that it is a compelling buy,” commented Carmen Hui, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions – Europe for Host Hotels, following the consensus that there was too much capital chasing too few deals. Following a bumper year for transactions in 2015, deal flow for 2016 was described as subdued. However, the results of Deloitte’s delegate survey revealed that hotel executives were optimistic about future investment opportunities, with 34% of respondents believing that the European investment cycle is 12-18 months away from peaking. Chinese and North American investors are expected to dominate the market in 2017 with 62% of respondents predicting China to be the

biggest source of inbound investment into Europe. The final sessions of the day focused on the UK hotel market, with Robin Rossmann returning to the stage to present STR’s findings. According to data, the year-to-2016 showed RevPAR growth in the majority of UK cities, with the top performers being Dublin and Birmingham, up 19% and 8% respectively. Aberdeen (-34%), Newcastle (-5%) and London (-2%) saw RevPAR declines. Looking to the future, Rossmann forecast

“I go wherever I feel there’s great product, great management, and good cash flow. If it works for us, then we’ll lend.” Tim Helliwell, Barclays

challenges for London due to consistent and continued supply growth in the short-to-medium term. Regional UK supply growth is forecast to pick up from 2018 and demand is also set to grow thanks to a rise in staycations. In concluding, Rossmann predicted a strong 2017 with an overall increase in occupancy in the regions. UK operators were also optimistic for the year ahead, reporting robust performance for 2016. Peter Gowers, CEO, Travelodge, revealed that the group’s UK portfolio outperformed the market in 2016 due to strong demand in key cities. Principal Hotels also reported growth according to CEO Tony Troy, following the repositioning of its Manchester, York and Edinburgh properties. The outlook across the panel was that of optimism, however Shane Harris, CEO, Jupiter Hotels, expressed concern for the both the British

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economy and the hotel industry once the effects of Brexit are felt. With the sector recruiting 70% of its staff from outside the UK, a restriction of movement will have a huge effect. Further challenges discussed by the panel included the ongoing dispute over OTA fees, as well as increased employee costs. The Heads of Hotels at key banks in the sector gathered on stage for the closing panel, offering their views on the UK market for the year ahead. “From HSBC’s perspective we remain very positive towards the sector,” commented David Stephens. “We still have appetite to lend to the sector subject to appropriate structures.” Executives from Santander and Wells Fargo also expressed a willingness to lend if the operator, experience and location were a good fit. When asked about favourable locations for new development, Tim Helliwell, Head of Hotels, Barclays, commented: “I go wherever I feel there’s great product, great management, and good cash flow. If it works for us, then we’ll lend.” Furthermore, panelists also noted a rise in clients looking to buying provincial portfolios, in line with results from the delegate survey. For the third year running, industry leaders named Edinburgh (47%) the most attractive hotel investment destination in the UK outside of London, closely followed by Manchester (46%) and a resurgent Birmingham (22%, up from 9%). Summing up the day, Nikola Reid, Deloitte’s Director of Travel, Hospitality & Leisure, commented: “There’s been refreshing sign of cautious optimism, despite all the uncertainty that we’ve seen this year and of course the surprise US Presidential election result this morning.” Deloitte’s next European Hotel Investment Conference will take place in London from 7-8 November 2017. www.deloitte.co.uk

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European Hotel Design Awards 23 NOVEMBER

Celebrating the best of the best in hotel design, Europe’s hospitality industry gather in London for one final EHDA ceremony. Words: Kristofer Thomas | Photography: © Sven Eselgroth

renovated farmhouse in the Algarve, a disruptor in the heart of Amsterdam, and a luxury resort on a private island in Venice, the 2016 European Hotel Design Awards has announced its winners. Taking place at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, the ceremony was hosted by Sleeper Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich alongside comedian and drag artist Jonny Woo. The Studio-54 themed event drew 970 guests from across the continent, including architects, interior designers and operators, marking the ceremony’s largest to-date. Following an opening number by Savage Disco dance troupe, Sleeper Editor Catherine Martin took to the stage to welcome guests and introduce the night’s procedings. “The quality and variety of entries across the board has been outstanding,” she commented. “Any hoteliers, designers or architects who are nominated tonight can be genuinely proud to have made the shortlist.” The sentiment was echoed by Celia Geyer, chair of the judging panel, who added: “We are equally seeing intelligent design trends affecting and informing hotel design. Design is changing brands and affecting the hospitality industry as a business on the whole.” With a remit to honour exceptional hotel design and architecture, the panel of industry experts awarded prizes based on the criteria of creativity, innovation, commercial viability, practicality and overall quality. A wide variety of projects, from luxury to budget, branded to independent were in the running, with the eventual winners gifted a Lasvit-designed trophy. Vila Monte Farm House in the Algarve, Mandarin Oriental in Milan, and Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol were all rewarded for their efforts, though it was the home-office hybrid Zoku, and the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Venice, that emerged as the night’s most decorated winners. Zoku and its designers Concrete took home two interior design awards – Bedrooms & Bathrooms and Lobby, Lounge & Public Areas – whilst Matteo Thun & Partners were commended for their work

on the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Venice, which was awarded the Adaptive Re-Use prize in the Architecture category, as well as the coveted title of The European Hotel Design of The Year. The Radical Innovation Award, which recognises ideas with the power to change the industry, was given to HOK for its self-sustaining mobile hotel concept Drifscape, which that utilises drone technology to provide forward-thinking transferable accommodation. Elsewhere, the Outstanding Contribution award was gifted to Barry Sternlicht, CEO of Starwood Capital, who Dittrich described as “a dynamic, innovative hotel leader,” and “a man responsible for a seismic shift in the way large hotel groups operate.” Unable to attend the ceremony in person, Sternlicht pre-recorded a special message from the re-launched Principal Manchester, sharing what inspires and motivates him, and what he believes makes for a successful brand. As the ceremony drew to a close, Sleeper Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner took to the stage to thank the guests, congratulate the winners and unveil the relevance of the night’s Studio 54 theme. “Tonight’s theme has been the last days of disco” he began. “Not only did we think this would be good fun to work with, but it also had a certain resonance, since I must now announce that this is in fact the last ever EHDA award ceremony… From 2017 these awards are expanding worldwide, under our new brand AHEAD.” Building on the success of the European Hotel Design Awards and Asia Hotel Design Awards, Sleeper’s new global AHEAD scheme will celebrate design in all its forms, and the guest experience it creates. The new platform will cover the four regions o f Asia, Americas, Middle East and Africa and Europe, with winners being announced at a series of award ceremonies in each region. Turner concluded: “We look forward to building on the success of the European Hotel Design Awards as they become part of our new platform AHEAD – the awards for hospitality experience and design – from 2017 and beyond.”

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Opposite Page (Row 1): Clark Scott of Alger-Triton, Deborah Forrest of Forrest Perkins and Tom Scott of Acuity Brands; Future 54 pose with Savage Disco (Row 2): The Hansgrohe team arrive; Host Guy Dittrich and Savage Disco (Row 3): Cody Bradshaw accepts the Outstanding Contribution award on behalf of Barry Sternlicht; Zoku and the Concrete team collect their award for Bedrooms & Bathrooms (Row 4): Matteo Thun & Partners receive their first award of the night; Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel interiors is triumphant in the Spa & Wellness category This Page (Row 1): HBA London (Row 2): Representatives from BECK pose at the photoboard; Armin Fischer of Dreimeta (Row 3): Flying in from the US, Clodagh of Clodagh Design; Daniel Englender of Benjamin West greets Heleri Rande (Row 4): The ReardonSmith team at the EHDA photoboard; representatives of Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel Interiors with their trophy

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THE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS

NEWBUILD HILTON AMSTERDAM AIRPORT SCHIPHOL By Mecanoo Architecten

The first award of the night went to Mecanoo Architecten for Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a striking curved structure that skilfully incorporates a dynamic range of shapes and ideas. The firm was awarded the Newbuild prize for a design that sees the hotel’s main rounded cube structure emerge from a low-rise plinth and rotated 45-degrees. The rounded corners accentuate the dramatic structure and distinguish the project from its surrounding rectilinear buildings. The façade unites the three elements of the complex – the plinth, the tower containing the guestrooms, and the passageway to Schiphol airport – and is constructed from three types of prefabricated composite panels. Judges described the arrangement and execution of the project as a “bold architectural statement” and noted that “the hotel cleverly responds to the client’s brief, creating a new landmark building as part of the Schiphol masterplan.”

RENOVATION & RESTORATION VILA MONTE FARM HOUSE, ALGARVE By Vera Iachia Atelier In a year that saw a number of farmhouse projects in the running, Vera Iachia Atelier’s transformation of a derelict farmhouse into a timeless boutique hotel proved a winner in the Renovation & Restoration category. The project, located in Portugal’s Olhão municipality, comprises 55 guestrooms and suites and, through the use of whitewashed surfaces and natural wood, the renovation process has resulted in a bright and airy ambiance. Judges praised both the updates and the overall guest experience, noting that the renovations were “a significant upgrade to an established property.” Spread across nine hectares of landscaped gardens, the hotel boasts classic Algarve-style architecture, a soaring lobby and regional flourishes including white masonry and traditional fabrics. Judges concluded that the “careful use of design to accentuate the existing buildings and landscape provides unique spaces to rest, relax and socialise.”

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THE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS

ADAPTIVE RE-USE JW MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA, VENICE By Matteo Thun & Partners

Repurposing a private Venetian island as a luxury hotel and resort complex was never going to be an easy task, however Matteo Thun & Partners’ work on JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Venice, respectfully transformed a state protected landscape into a luxurious landmark hotel. Described by the panel as a “thoughtful, creative, energised transformation” and a “beautifully executed” adaptation project, the hotel combines incredible attention to detail with a holistic and sustainable approach to create a stunning project with a new purpose for existing buildings. Situated on the island of Sacca Sessola, the adaptation takes what was previously a World War II-era hospital and, along with the adjacent

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historical Neo-Roman church, leisure pavilion and sanatorium building, carefully reimagines the complex as a modern resort with respectful Venetian twists. Judges also praised the renovations for their commercial viability, noting that the “layout of the property creates multiple business opportunities without interfering with the different required guest experiences.” Offering 266 guestrooms accross five room categories, well-equipped event spaces housed within the adjacent 19th century church, and a carefully re-purposed boat-accessible entrance, the property expertly and thoughtfully redefines a historical location.

THE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS

BAR MANDARIN BAR at MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MILAN By Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel Interiors

Moving on to the Interior Design categories, the panel awarded Mandarin Oriental, Milan’s bar space the first accolade noting its “standout design, striking interiors, intimate, beautiful courtyard, and Milanese vernacular.” Recognising the achievements of Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel Interiors, the Milan-based studio was triumphant thanks to for the project’s effective “mixture of ultra modern and fashionable interiors.” The Mandarin Bar features a black-and-white marble mosaic covered floor and walls, smartly combined with a large central bar and an eclectic mix of furniture. The result is a striking yet relaxed space, at ease during the day and vibrant at night when it transitions into a popular nightspot. The panel concluded that the monochrome and mirror scheme combines to great effect and displays a sophisticated glamour, whilst the outdoor space provides an interesting contrast with a more relaxed and private feel.

BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS ZOKU, AMSTERDAM By Concrete

In the hotly contested Bedrooms & Bathrooms category, Concrete’s design for Zoku – a flexible home/office hybrid for the global nomad – came out on top. Winner of the Radical Innovation Award in 2015, the concept – devised by Hans Meyer and Marc Jongerius – was praised by judges for being “truly innovative”. The loft-like guestrooms can be adapted for short and long-term stays and set new standards in the intelligent use of space. In a regular hotel room, the bed dominates, but at Zoku, the large kitchen table serves as focal point while the elevated sleeping area can be screened off. Guests also have the opportunity personalise the space, down to the art that adorns the walls. Within its guestrooms, Zoku channels the modern guest’s desire for an individualised space, creating a new type of hotel experience in the process.

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THE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS

EVENT SPACES MARRIOTT HEATHROW CONFERENCE, BANQUET & EVENT SPACES at LONDON HEATHROW MARRIOTT HOTEL By EPR Architects

Transforming a tired conference suite into a dynamic and vibrant facility for business use, EPR Architects’ refurbishment of the Banquet & Event Spaces at London Heathrow Marriott Hotel combine variety, comfort and flexibility. Opening up the existing footprint of the hotel’s first-floor and extending it into adjoining and underused back-of-house areas, EPR’s design provides a generous free-flowing layout and improved connectivity. Two multifunctional bars at each end of the space act as gravitational anchors and provide adaptable centrepieces, while the interior design subtly references the airport location through bespoke carpet patterns inspired by the geometry of airport runways. Commenting on the space, judges noted: “It demonstrates a fresh and more grown-up approach to the conception of mixed-use function spaces, working successfully as a business and social venue.”

LOBBY, LOUNGE & PUBLIC AREAS ZOKU, AMSTERDAM By Concrete A second award for Zoku and Concrete, this time recognising the lobby, lounge and public areas, and the vibrant social scene within. Channelling the atmosphere of a busy city neighbourhood through the modular and disruptive theme of the wider property, the spaces were described by judges as “providing a fresh perspective on the welcome experience” and “an innovative approach to the design of public areas.” Judges further deemed Zoku’s populated areas alluring enough to attract diners, even without a street presence, thanks to a layout that encourages social interaction. The bar, living room, kitchen and communal areas, as well as a tailored retail element brings guests together with other residents, and locals alike. Judges concluded: “Zoku has created a lobby space that reinforces its innovative position in the hospitality world, establishing it as a forwardthinking industry innovator.”

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THE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS

RESTAURANT KOLLAZS BRASSERIE & BAR at FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GRESHAM PALACE, BUDAPEST By EDG

EDG’s design for the Kollazs Brasserie & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest, has resulted in a vibrant European brasserie that has already proved its popularity with guests and locals alike. Housed within the hotel’s intricate Art Nouveau architecture, Kollazs provides the hotel with a contemporary brasserie as well as a sucessful revenue generator. Described by the judges as “the right restaurant in the right space for the right hotel” the interior scheme marries dark wood and rich fabric with a dynamic, glamorous design for a cosmopolitan dining space. Channelling the opulent aesthetics of the Roaring Twenties, as well as ideas drawn from coffee house culture and the hotel’s Art Nouveau exteriors, the restaurant features constantly changing artwork to cultivate and balance a variety of atmospheres, and appeal to a wide range of both travelling and local guests.

SUITE LA MAISONETTE at JW MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA, VENICE By Matteo Thun & Partners A series of split level refuges situated within the the magnificent JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Venice, the La Maisonette suites are a series of Matteo Thun & Partners-designed guestrooms that offer a spacious living room, lounge and second-storey sleeping area, all harmoniously linked via an outdoor garden. Judges described La Maisonette as “peaceful retreats on the doorstep of one of the world’s most enduring cities, away from the noise and bustle of Venice” and further noted that “the spaces are delicate interventions that allow the character of setting and architectural heritage to speak.” Bathed in natural light, Thun’s interiors were created through a skilful reinterpretation of the 20th century brick building, and feature shades of ivory and aquamarine for a calming and tranquil ambience. The panel concluded that “an ingenious architectural twist creates the difference in these suites, and everything else naturally flows.”

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THE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS

SPA & WELLNESS THE SPA at MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MILAN By Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel Interiors

Noting that its mix of detailed surfaces and highquality materials make for a rich environment, judges agreed that Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel Interiors’ design for The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Milan was the year’s best. Cultivating a peaceful and nurturing atmosphere, the project won the Milan-based studio its second award of the night and recognised the intricate detailing, harmonious palette and interesting light solutions present throughout the space. Comprising six private treatment rooms, including two couples suites, a dedicated Thai massage room and a spacious VIP suite, the spa offers a sleek indoor swimming pool alongside a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a hair salon from celebrity stylist Massimo Serini. Set against a backdrop of wood and stone interiors and characterised by stylish modern touches, the spa provides the hotel with what the panel referred to as an urban oasis, where guests can relax and unwind away from the bustle of the city.

THE EUROPEAN HOTEL DESIGN OF THE YEAR JW MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA, VENICE By Matteo Thun & Partners

It was the most debated winner in recent years but the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Venice was eventually voted winner of the coveted European Hotel Design of The Year. Selected from projects shortlisted in two or more categories, the property beat Zoku in Amsterdam and La Granja in Ibiza to receive the night’s highest achievement. Praised by the judging panel as “a new landmark in hotel design,” the complex comprises of a number of early-20th-century buildings, with the 230-key hotel residing in what was once a hospital. It also boasts a spacious rooftop terrace, an outdoor pool and a restaurant with panoramic views of the landscape. Acclaimed for the understated complexity of its design and the creative expertise behind it, the panel concluded: “It is a beautiful and extremely sensitive integration of design in a complex environment. It further has given old and redundant buildings a completely new lease of life.”

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Sleep 22-23 NOVEMBER 2016

Leading suppliers and hospitality heavyweights come together for the 11th annual Sleep event in an exploration of hotel design, development and operation. Words: Molly Dolan and Kristofer Thomas | Photography © Sven Eselgroth (unless otherwise stated)

elebrating it’s 11th year, Sleep – Europe’s leading hotel design and development event – brought together designers, exhibitors and operators to explore the latest hospitality innovations, trends and products. Returning to London’s Business Design Centre, Sleep 2016 attracted over 4,700 visitors, up 9% from 2015, and boasted more overseas exhibitors than ever before. With 150 brands showcasing their latest product launches, a third of which were making their Sleep debut, the event highlighted expert craftsmanship, ingenious designs and forward-thinking ideas through its parallel exhibition, conference and roundtable strands. The event was guided by the overall theme ‘The Science of Tribes’, relating to research conducted by the Sinus Institute into how sections of society can be grouped and defined. Taking into consideration an analysis of everyday life, and derived from the study of ethnoanthropology, the research splits society, and by extension hotel guests, into five categories. Five design studios – Gensler, Mitsui Designtec, Studio Proof, Aukett Swanke and Wow Architects – were then challenged to create a corresponding Sleep Set for each tribe. On the show floor, the lighting, flooring, furniture, art and bathroom markets were represented by emerging and established brands alike, each with their own curated stand designed to demonstrate products in action or as part of a concept. Lighting brands were out in force, with Chelsom and Astro each presenting new products. Astro revealed the expansion of its Mashiko range with a sleek new LED version, while Chelsom showcased its elegant Stockholm Table Lamp and minimalist Rock Desk light. British bathroom specialists Perrin & Rowe and Crosswater both exhibited new products, with Crosswater’s Belgravia and Waldorf models taking centrestage, and Perrin & Rowe’s Traditional Brassware Collection appearing alongside a selection of functioning shower set-ups and configurations. Elsewhere, Impey showcased its luxurious wetroom solutions and bathroom accessories, whilst Bagno Design’s new Ibiza model

combined classic bathroom ceramics with gold faucets for an elegant take on a timeless design. Meanwhile, signage specialist Modulex made its Sleep debut with an ingenious wayfinding concept, guiding visitors through the event space with a system informed by research and analysis of guest movements, demonstrating the influence and power of effective guidance solutions. A conversation with Grohe Creative Director Mirko Goetzen, revealed that the Sleep founder sponsor is set to release a selection of striking colour and finish combinations to accompany its Essence Mixer. Drawing influences from the mass customisation trend within the automotive and consumer electronic industries, Goetzen explained that “it’s all about choice” while noting the importance of personalisation to the newly launched collection. Running parallel to the exhibition was Sleep’s conference programme, featuring keynote speeches from Sharan Pasricha, CEO and founder of Ennismore, and author Joanna Walsh. Additional guest appearances by designers Adam Tihany and Clodagh engrossed the packed-out room across two days. For ‘Virtual Reality in Design’, conference curator and host Guy Dittrich, Sleeper’s Editor-at-large, was joined by Martin McDonnell, Chairman of Soluis Group, Ben Webb, Director at Superfutures, Ken MacKay, founder of MacKay & Partners, and Gino Castano, Principal of Paletteur, to discuss the increasing presence of virtual reality software in the design process, passing an oculus rift headset around the room to demonstrate the growing clarity of both hardware and software. “It really is a valuable tool. We think it’s the future,” explained Webb, whilst guiding a volunteer around a fully rendered virtual 3D room. Sleeper Editor Catherine Martin sat down with Adam Tihany and Rick Meadows, President, Cunard North America and Seabourn, to discuss the crossover between hotel and cruise ship design. Meadows explained: “In today’s world, travel much less about things than it is about experiences.”

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Pasricha’s keynote speech explored in detail his role as CEO of Ennismore, his approach to reimagining the iconic Gleneagles hotel for a new generation, and his thoughts on the merging influence of values and culture in hospitality design. “Luxury is a state of mind,” he began. “Now, hotels are about more than selling sleep; it’s so more than just a bed.” Citing the growing freelance sector of the American workforce, Pasricha explained that a possible catalyst for projects in the vein of Amsterdam’s Zoku was designers seeking to cater to a more transient and fluid business guest through an unconventional approach to functional and aesthetic design. In ‘Hotel Development: The Science of Attraction’ boutique hotelier Robert Nadler, alongside Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, International Hospitality Development Kerten Capital, and David Keen, CEO of QUO, explored ways to maintain momentum once a hotel has opened. Further Keen explained the success of his recent Deutsche Hospitality revamp, citing a combination of innovation, ideas drawn from the local community and seeking to attract not only one type of guest but a “multi-generational, multi-demographic” range of clientele. Elsewhere, in ‘The Future of Wellness’ acclaimed designer Clodagh enlightened the audience with her view that spaces which inspire ease and joy have a viral power to spread these feelings from one person to the next, meanwhile Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard

Rützou of Space Copenhagen sat down for an intimate conversation with Dittrich about their design philosophy and the studio’s approach to space in design. “When you work with minimalism for a while it bores you a bit, and it becomes inadequate for a lot of occasions,” Rützou explained. “The labelling of styles and trying to fit into a category wasn’t really becoming of us.” Finally, in ‘Fear and Love in Hotel Design’ Erin Hoover, Vice President of Design,Westin, Sheraton & Le Meridien, Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Sarah Miller, CEO, Sarah Miller & Partners; Vince Stroop, Principal, Stonehill & Taylor; and Nick van Marken Global Head – Hospitality, Deloitte, discussed the challenges facing the hotel industry in a year that saw a wealth of developments throughout the market. In answer to the question “how can a hotel can establish a point-of-view?” Stroop advised owners and developers to invest in properties rooted in the community and with a truly local design to ensure the experience can’t be replicated. Joel Butler, Event Manager for Sleep, concluded: “This year’s Sleep created the best visitor experience and most inspiring content yet. Once again, we celebrate record-breaking visitor numbers and exhibitors, which have already re-booked, and once again Sleep defines itself as the only show of its kind. The question now is, what will we do in 2017?” www.thesleepevent.com

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The Sleep Set

Above: Gensler scooped the best Sleep Set award for its interpretation of the Digital Avant-Garde tribe Opposite (clockwise from top left): Sleep Sets by Studio Proof, Aukett Swanke, Mitsui Designtec and Wow Architects

he Sleep Set competition returned with a new theme for 2016. Based on the Sinus Institute social model, five design studios were tasked with designing a guestroom for a specific ‘tribe’. Designing for the Digital Avant-Garde tribe, it was Gensler who scooped the award for the best Sleep Set. The space was conceived as part of a community-focused hotel located in an artistic urban neighbourhood, complete with a social core. Claire Richmond, Senior Interior Designer and Senior Associate at Gensler, commented: “We opened up this project to the whole office, from document controllers to accountants. Then we researched what these people are interested in and what links them all. It was interesting that everyone valued openness, breaking down barriers and flexibility. We identified core elements such as

creativity and sociability, then created the concept from there. “When we looked for collaborators, we wanted to work with local artists. Some of the collaborators joined us on the set for demonstrations, which was great for both the makers and guests. We also have an interactive map that is filled with tips from friends and family for the area local to the hypothetical hotel, based in south-east London.” Speaking of the importance of the competition, judge and former runner-up Andrew Linwood of Areen Hospitality said: “The theme of ‘Tribes’ effectively meant that each studio had a separate brief, so it was difficult to compare responses. However, the principals remained the same for each team: to reflect characteristics, tastes and expectations of their tribe. “In our assessment, two just edged ahead of

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the rest, with Gensler taking the lead due to their boundary-stretching approach and unusual ideas, while Mitsui deserved a special commendation due to the extraordinary quality of their room. All of the designs were excellent in different ways.” Mitsui Designtec received a special commendation for its interpretation of the Established tribe social model. Replete with blurred spatial boundaries and luxurious materials, the guestroom engaged the senses for an all-encompassing guest experience. Runners up included Studio Proof with the Performers tribe, WOW Architects with the Intellectuals tribe and Aukett Swanke with the Sensation Oriented. Suppliers such as Moooi, Newmor, Hypnos, Laufen and Havwoods collaborated with the design studios, enabling the designers to use their imagination without limit.

Â© Diem Photography

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The Sleeper Bar by Superfutures

Above: This year’s bar was designed by the creative minds of Superfutures in collaboration with a variety of specialists including Studio Appetit, Kvadrat and Ege

esigned as a musing on the event’s Sleep Set offerings, this year’s bar was designed by the creative minds of Superfutures in collaboration with specialists such as artist Tupac Martir and food conceptualist Studio Appetit. Not a typical watering hole, the design aimed to challenge the brief, as Ben Webb explained: “We brainstormed how to improve The Sleeper Bar experience, and how to create a space that was more than just a bar.” Following the ‘Science of Tribes’ theme, the concept was hinged on a simple starting point of ‘tribe’. Webb continued: “We looked closely at the Sinus-Meta-Milieus. We had flexibility over the concept and design but naturally, when starting with a subject as open as this, our thinking went in many directions. This gave us the freedom needed to explore a number of ideas.”

As a concept design studio, Superfutures is well versed in searching for the essence of a topic. After exploring how a modern day tribe is formed, the team found themselves drawn to trendsetters and

“It was about creating an experience that asked questions about society.” Ben Webb, Superfutures individuals that did not follow the crowd. “With this in mind, we created four environments that were based on senses, allowing the individual to define their own experience through taste, sight, sound, smell and touch,” Webb stated.

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With its location at the head of the gallery space, the bar acted as a central meeting point for attendees, allowing them to connect and share experiences. “Tribes gathered within this energetic atmosphere to a soundtrack orchestrated by Music Concierge,” he illustrated, speaking of the all-encompassing experience. According to Webb, the success of the project can be measured in the engagement of guests during the event. He concluded: “For us, it was about creating an experience that not only asked questions about today’s society, but did it in a playful and insightful manner.” Superfutures collaborated with manufacturers such as Ayala, Bowden Tollit, Ege, Newmor, Kvadrat, Bang & Olufsen and Satore Studio, John Anthony Signs, and Chillblast to complete the design.

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Kohler Design Forum Designing the Connected City 29 NOVEMBER 2016

Asia’s design industry gather in Hong Kong to examine the use of technology in architecture, interior design and product application, in a bid to build a smarter world. Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: © Chung Tang

ontinuing a series of events in city hubs around the world, the Kohler Design Forum landed in Hong Kong in November, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas. Held in association with Sleeper, the event took place at the Asia Society in Hong Kong Central, attracting an audience of masterplanners, architects and interior designers from the city’s leading practices, as well as executives from global and regional hotel groups. A welcome from Larry Yuen, the new Group President for Kohler’s Kitchen & Bath division, highlighted the work of the brand in hospitality projects worldwide, before host Guy Dittrich, Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large, took to the stage to introduce the event’s theme. As with October’s design forum held in Dubai, this latest installment addressed the topic of ‘Designing the Connected City: Global Nomads in the Age of Urban Innovation’. To put this into context, Dittrich presented some key statistics that demonstrate a changing world. “By 2050, two thirds of the world’s population is expected to live in cities, that’s 6 billion people,” he explained. “We have to be very smart in how we use our cities as many of them are finite space, Hong Kong being a prime example.” Dittrich went on to explain that, by 2030, the world will be home to 41 megacities, each with a population of over 10 million people, indicating the need for smart solutions in planning, architecture and design. Four specialists spearheading change in these sectors were each invited to the stage to present their ideas, before coming together for a panel discussion to discuss how their respective industries could work hand-in-hand. First up, Bruce Chong, Associate, Arup, tackled issues surrounding

masterplanning and infrastructure, based on his experience in the built environment. Arup is a global planning and engineering consultant, currently leading a project in Masdar City in the Middle East. Aspiring to be one of the most sustainable cities in the world, the 6km2 site will integrate a full range of renewable energy and sustainability technologies, across a living and working community. Chong began by sharing data on the high number of mobile and internet users worldwide, and asked: “How can we make use of this – the internet and connectivity – to improve quality of life?” He went on to explain how smart solutions could be incorporated into infrastructure, facilities and surfaces, in ways that would benefit the city’s eco-credentials and the end user. Using excrement from public toilets to generate electricity, or pressure pads under the pavement to illuminate streetlights were just two examples presented by Chong. He also suggested converting street furniture such as bus stops, subway stations, lampposts and telephone booths, to new multifunctional facilities that double as information kiosks, advertising boards, or WiFi hotspots for example. Chong closed with a look at Kowloon East, a new scheme that aims to turn the district into a smart city. He explained that a routing map navigating through Hong Kong’s outdoor and indoor spaces, such as shopping malls and underground walkways, would greatly improve the ability to walk from A to B. Next to the stage and looking at the role of new buildings in an increasingly urban landscape, was Silas Chiow, Director, SOM China. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience as an architect, urban planner, and project manager, Chiow stated: “China has one of the

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Shamon looked at CAD design and energy modeling, the efficiency of fastest urbanisation rates in the world. In 1990, only 26% of the HVAC equipment, improved building management systems, and water population lived in cities; by 2015, that number rose to 56%.” conservation, concluding that, only by taking a multidisciplinary He went on to explain that, in a bid to accommodate this growing approach – from planning and construction, through to interior number of urbanites, governments and planners are actively seeking design and operations – could hotels achieve results in terms of to develop tall buildings. Using Shanghai as an example, Chiow overall energy efficiency and sustainability. showed time-lapse images of how the former farmland of Pudong The final presentation of the afternoon came from Mark has emerged as a global city. Bickerstaffe, Director of New Product Development at Kohler’s “Rapid urbanisation also brings major challenges for planning Kitchen & Bath division. Recapping the themes outlined by the and design,” he continued. “With more people migrating to cities, previous speakers, Bickerstaffe clarified Kohler’s way of thinking. more housing is needed. More people means more traffic. More “We’re a product business so where do we fit?” he asked. “Actually people requires more energy to run the city and more traffic brings we don’t really see ourselves as a product business. We’re here to be more pollution. However if planners, architects, engineers, interior your partners in building more beautiful and better infrastructure, designers and product designers collaborate and innovate, we can act architecture, interiors and ultimately to solve these urban challenges. We can kitchens and bathrooms.” make cities liveable and improve quality Exploring the integration of technology of life.” into Kohler’s portfolio, Bickerstaffe The spirit of innovation and noted that success was in delivering new collaboration continued into the products that are intelligent, intuitive, following presentation, led by John and enhance the experience, rather Shamon, Senior Vice President, Design than gadgetry. His research has led to & Project Services, Rosewood Hotel the development of Kohler Konnect, Group. Focusing on hospitality, Shamon which was on display for attendees to addressed two topics: the impact of experiment with. “It’s not just a product, technology on guestroom design, and Mark Bickerstaffe, Kohler it’s an approach, a philosophy to how energy and sustainability. “As property

“We’re here to be your partners in building more beautiful and better infrastructure, architecture, interiors and ultimately kitchens and bathrooms.”

we think about the connectivity of our products,” he explained. “It’s an app that allows you to control your products, but it also allows products to talk to one another, and to the built environment around them. That’s where the real value is.” Bickerstaffe went on to talk about the ways in which Kohler Konnect can be used in the bathroom. “The shower is an area where technology can really deliver a meaninful experience, connecting not only the water, but the lights, the sound and the ambient temperature.” As the afternoon drew to a close, Dittrich invited the four speakers to the stage to further discuss a variety of topics, from technology for the older generation to functionality in the guestroom. It was evident that, to design for the connected city, all parties – from masterplanners, architects and interior designers, to hotel operators and product manufacturers – must work together. In closing, Bickerstaffe concluded: “The only way for us to understand the future is for us to learn by doing, learn by working with you, learn by integrating our products.”

construction costs increase, can new technology help make guestroom spaces more efficient?” he asked. “My assertion is yes. And can technology aid in reducing energy use? Of course. “I believe that the 50-60m2 guestroom of today is going to die very fast,” he continued. “I don’t believe that developers and operators can afford to build hotels of this size in urban settings any more.” According to Shamon, this is being driven by a number of factors: the trend for casual public spaces that accommodate the younger generation and their mobile work habits, and the development of compact, wireless devices. “Traditional guestroom items are being made obsolete, which has an impact on the layout, design and space required,” he explained, referring to the large desks, multiple telephones and bulky TVs of days gone-by. “At Rosewood, we’re replacing the desk with a more functional station where you can eat, read, work,” he continued, also believing that, in the future, apps will replace the guestroom telephone. Turning attention to technology’s impact on energy conservation,

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Danish Design SIMPLICITY MEETS FUNCTIONALITY

Whether it be lighting, textiles or floorcoverings, high-end design remains a prominent part of Danish culture, influencing trends around the world. Words: Molly Dolan

anish design is synonymous with quality, minimalism and functionality. Influenced by the Bauhaus movement, the country’s contributions to the design industry began in the late 1800s, with a surge in prominence following the Second World War. In the 1940s, Denmark experienced a late industrialisation, with focus on furniture, quality craftsmanship and individual expression. Late last year, Sleeper visited Denmark for an exploration of the country’s homegrown design talent. During the trip, leading brands such as Frandsen Project, Ege Carpets and Kvadrat hosted a number of design industry names, presenting their individual ethos, recent hospitality projects and plans for the future. One of the recent trends to come out of the Scandinavian country has been the concept of hygge: a lifestyle that centres on wellbeing. With no literal translation or guidelines, the concept can be applied

to design via the inclusion of textures, scents and pared-back simplicity. A subjective notion, hygge often requires customisation to fit individual projects. Appreciating this, and a need to cater to the wider market, customisation now plays a large role in many Danish design companies. “We prefer to get in early and work with designers on the development of a product,” states Thomas Hansen, Director, Frandsen Project. “We know that designers will want to change a piece anyway, so we sell a service rather than a product. We also play a role in the creative development as this is what we’re good at. Lighting design is in our DNA.” “We’re not a typical lighting company because we’re very involved in the whole design process,” Hansen explains. “We have input from a designer, which is anything from a sketch to a complete drawing.” The

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Opposite (Top): Kvadrat has recently launched Pilotis, a curtain collection designed by duo Doshi Levien (Bottom): Frandsen Project has recently contributed to a number of hotel projects, including The Hoxton Amsterdam and Zoku Amsterdam

she’d be interested in having her designs become part of the brand.” team at Frandsen then process the blueprint in terms of optimisation, Tsoutsikou, of course, obliged. light sources, output, and value engineering to create a prototype. Another Danish brand placing importance on collaborations is Since the company’s founding in 1969, the Aarhus-based familyKvadrat, a textile company based on Denmark’s east coast. Founded owned business has grown to more than 80 employees across all in 1968 by Poul Byriel and Erling Rasmussen, the company channels disciplines: design, development, engineering and production. Most the essence of the sixties. “We came out of this time,” states Dorte of the production is in Denmark, with local sub-suppliers used where Pletner Bagge, Head of Hospitality at Kvadrat. “At our core, we possible. This is crucial for the flexibility required, allowing increased believe in modern, contemporary design.” speed on project turnaround and assured quality. A family company, Kvadrat sees itself as a publishing house, Working on both independent and branded projects, one of the working with a variety of talents in company’s most recent is the newly the design industry, from beginners opened Zoku in Amsterdam. “Our way in to a project is almost always to established names such as Ronan through a designer,” continues and Erwan Bouroullec, Neri & Hu Hansen, speaking of Frandsen and Patricia Urquiola “We work Project’s ongoing partnership with with the very best, as well as new Concrete. “The spider chandeliers designers to create a good mix,” in the hotel were designed through explains Bagge. “Creative culture is a collaboration with Concrete extremely important to us.” and feature in many variations When crafting new collections, Thomas Hansen, Frandsen Project throughout the hotel.” Kvadrat creates a moodboard Also in Amsterdam, Frandsen series, offering inspiration and Project contributed to Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The allowing the development of ideas. Although the aim is to create hotel’s atrium lobby features a 300-piece chandelier, designed by a different colour atmosphere for each collection, the selections HBA London. The glass comes from the brand’s retail assortment, are understandably personal. To minimise subjectivity and ensure with alterations made to produce the amber and grey finish. “This precision, the process typically spans two years. This allows both is a good example of when we can use components from our retail the in-house design team and external designers to find solutions to assortment to do something extraordinary in the contract market,” complexities, such as securing the right construction when going from observes Hansen. handwoven samples to production. Further, the project birthed a collaboration between the brand and One of the company’s partners is Åsa Pärson, who started her work the project’s lead designer Constantina Tsoutsikou of HBA. Hansen with Kvadrat in 2004. Pärsons’ Rime collection took five years to explains: “When we launched our Rewired brand, we had designs by complete as the team meticulously fought to “keep the magic” when Constantina that we wanted to include. We approached her to ask if going from sample to production. It is imperative to understand that

“This is a good example of when we can use components from our retail assortment to do something extraordinary in the contract market.”

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Above: Frandsen Project delivered bedside lamps for Haymarket by Scandic, combining Art Deco design with an unexpected modern twist

“Creative culture is extremely important to us.”

the fabric is a living material, and including recycling materials, cleaner must be treated as such. manufacturing processes and utilising Moving forward, Kvadrat is alternative sources of energy. set to continue with its design-led Another nod to Ege’s sustainable Dorte Pletner Bagge, Kvadrat collections, including the recent measures is its Cradle to Cradle Pilotis launch with Doshi Levien. certificate, a credit awarded to a Playing with light, shape and layering, the curtain collection takes handful of carpet manufacturers. The acknowledgment states that the its cue from architectural textures, pointillism and Le Corbusier products are manufactured in a way that allows materials to remain tapestries. Comprising four textiles, the designs have a gentle in a regenerative cycle, generating minimal pollution and waste. futuristic twist. One of Ege’s recent projects is the Garden State Hotel in Melbourne. Meanwhile, championing sustainability is Ege Carpets. Founded in With design by Techné Architecture + Interior Design, the 2,000m2 1938 by Mads Eg Damgaard, the brand is now one of Europe’s largest project preserves much of the original building’s Victorian-era charm. carpet manufacturers. Ege’s current success is undoubtedly due to the Taking designs from the company’s Nature / Super Nature collection, visionary nature of its founder. With an uncompromising philosophy, the concept creates a flow between spaces that are diverse in function. Eg Damgaard strived to be at the cutting edge of technology within The outcome is a distinctive, vibrant yet cosy atmosphere. the carpet production industry. The Nature / Super Nature collection combines organic and The ethos of the brand is manifold, with importance placed upon photographic carpet designs, inspired by nature in both colour and pioneering vision, trendsetting, love of design and sustainability. pattern. With an aim to bring wildlife closer to the modern world, According to Ege, sustainability is about assuming responsibility and myriad designs are presented under 12 evocative themes. giving respect, as demonstrated through its endorsement of the UN’s With a focus on quality and authenticity, Danish design continues to Global Compact guidelines. In addition to adhering to principles on grow in strength internationally. The ability to offer both knowledge human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, the company and flexibility is in demand, making the likes of Frandsen Project, aims to find new ways of making production more sustainable, Kvadrat and Ege well placed to excel in the future.

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Floorcoverings E C O - F R I E N D LY M I N D F U L D E S I G N

Sustainability remains a key interest for floorcovering production, while design takes a mindful approach for an all-encompassing guest experience.

design,” states Leeming. “There is a focus on using products with a high level of recycled or biobased content.” The company has recently launched an innovative Poly-vinyl-butyral (PVB) precoat made from recycled car glass. It is used to fix the yarn to the backing compound of the brand’s latest microtuft modular flooring collections.” Leeming continues: “Interface has also developed the first ever biobased backing for carpet tiles to reduce the use of virgin raw materials. This is part of the company’s journey towards closed loop manufacturing.” Meanwhile, Ege’s patented Ecotrust backing is made using discarded water bottles. Jensen elaborates: “Sustainability in both products and processes is a huge trend. With Ecotrust, an innovative technique turns the bottles into a high quality felt material with superior acoustics and wearability.” Looking at stylistic trends, colours are set to darken, with emphasis on grey, green and blue. “Dark colours express exclusivity and richness in thread, while trend materials are velour and marble,” states Jensen. Ege’s recently launched Rawline Scala reflects this with a luxe, textured feel. The collection favours mixing-and-matching within the same colour tones while using patterns in different scales. Meanwhile, Interface predicts a continuation of mindfulness in design, with emphasis placed on being present in the moment. Leeming explains: “People are adopting the idea of mindfulness in their personal lives, and this will be incredibly relevant in the hospitality sector in 2017. Often people visit hospitality environments to escape the routine of daily life, and therefore hotels can build on the mindfulness movement.” She concludes: “One way to bring mindfulness to life in hospitality spaces is through using sensory textural contrasts within a space. Imagine the feeling of moving from plush carpeted floor to cool textural riven stone tiles, or stepping out of a hot shower and drying off with a soft cotton towel. These sensory changes focus the mind, helping us feel more relaxed and in turn, more mindful.”

loorcoverings have a multitude of functions, from acoustic insulation to creating atmosphere to demarcating public spaces.As the popularity of multi-use lobbies shows no sign of slowing, hotels must ensure that demarcation is clear without being restrictive. Enter functional floorcovering design. “We are experiencing an increasing interest in our tile collections,” states Helle Lykke Jensen, designer at Ege. “The tiles can divide large areas into more intimate zones, signalling that the space is for eating, working or relaxing.” In addition to demarcation and acoustic advantages, floorcovering can be used to offer subtle wayfinding guidance for guests. Jensen continues: “The tiles can take many different expressions depending on shape, material and design. The same goes for the broadloom carpets that offer big patterns and interesting design effects.” According to Interface, pattern can be used alongside colour, shape and texture to identify areas. Mandy Leeming, Design & Development Manager at Interface Hospitality explains: “Blocks of colour can be used to define spaces and pathways. Bright, vibrant colours can energise spaces for meetings and socialising, whereas combining complementary colours, such as several shades of green, can create a more calming environment. This is ideal for quiet areas for individual work or relaxation.” Further, sustainability efforts remain at the forefront for the likes of Ege and Interface. The latter’s Net Effect is a carpet tile collection that references the ocean in both its aesthetic and production. Using a project named Net-Works, the range provides a source of income for small fishing villages in the Philippines, while cleaning up the beaches of discarded fishing nets. The nets are collected, then sold to a trusted yarn supplier and partner, Aquafil. The nylon waste is then repurposed in the ReEntry programme, resulting in recycled content nylon Interface carpet tiles. “Sustainability is becoming more and more a priority in building

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GAN Waan Rather than fabric, Waan rugs look more like a series of knots framed in a subtle square. Two contrasting threads intertwine to create stronger, thicker yarns that result in a markedly graphic, individual character. Designed by Dienke Dekker, Waan combines a measured sense of sobriety with a simple magic. www.gandiablasco.com

ALTERNATIVE COMMERCIAL Strawberry Meadow Alternative Flooring has launched a dedicated commercial division: Alternative Commercial. Aimed at hotels and retail spaces, the new arm offers a comprehensive collection of stocked natural fibre and wool flooring, as well as offering bespoke design options. One of the highlights includes the Strawberry Meadow design, a collaboration with Liberty Fabrics. This marks the first time that Liberty Fabrics has used its iconic patterns on a carpet. www.alternativeflooring.com

SHAW HOSPITALITY Ethereal Beauty Atmospheric landscapes, misty mountains, botanical specimens and natural phenomena combine to form the designs of Ethereal Beauty. Created in collaboration with Rockwell Group, the collection experiments with light, scale, defined and blurred lines. Patterns draw inspiration from impressionist paintings and photographs, while the colour palette spans 280 solution-dyed nylon yarns. www.shawhospitality.com

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HAKWOOD Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro Architects of Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro restaurant Tano Cucina Italiana – Studio Arthur Casas – has specified Hakwood lacquered flooring. In combination with the restaurant’s Italian influence, the design scheme has been carefully curated to provide a sense of locale. The flooring throughout is bespoke in a plank formation, with Rustic grade used to offer a natural character that resonates with the overall design. www.hakwood.com

NANIMARQUINA Jie Designed by Neri & Hu, Jie is inspired by the tile patterns of Shanghai streets. Meanwhile the collection’s name corresponds to the Chinese character that embodies the essence of a city with constant movement and dynamism. The result is an eclectic hand-tufted rug with different pile heights and finishes, made from 100% wool and using ceramic colours, a further nod to the Jie character. www.nanimarquina.com

MALCUSA Fique & Flower

BRINTONS Skulduggery Skulduggery takes inspiration from the symbols and motifs of fashion and music’s edgiest icons. The range features vibrant, graphic styles made possible through the company’s state of the art High Definition Weave process, allowing up to 32 colours to be woven at once. Skulduggery features a mix of broadloom designs and larger one-off concepts which can be scaled to suit individual projects. www.brintons.net

Created by A rmando Bruno for Malcusa, Fique & Flower takes inspiration from nature. Bruno has been fascinated by the complex and beautiful natural structures and textures found in leaves, trees and flowers. The result is an artistic blend of abstract botanical arrangements in bright, sophisticated colours. The handtufted rug is thick and luxurious, with a dense pile made using 100% bamboo silk. Strong tones of ruby red, jade green and sapphire blue pair with subdued off-white, sage green and grey. www.malcusa.it

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TAI PING Blur Launching in March 2017, Blur by Tai Ping presents meticulously hand-knotted rugs. The collection is available in eight primary colours and four variations, which explore alternative colours, fibres and textures, for a total of 12 options. The colour palette is similarly inspired by the sepia and monotones of early photography, with evocative shades punctuated by more vivid tones. Each Blur rug is handmade to order and may be sized or colour-matched to meet individual requirements. www.houseoftaiping.com

DEIRDRE DYSON Vista Stimulated by nature’s ephemeral splendour, Deirdre Dyson’s nine new carpet designs showcase the brand’s signature style. The Vista collection is inspired by walks in the countryside and utilises colour grading techniques to create strong and subtle tonal contrasts. The result is optical illusions that reflect the dramatic and transient beauty of nature. www.deirdredyson.com

MANDARIN STONE Colour Block Mandarin Stone’s collection of porcelains ranges from those that cleverly mimic materials such as wood, concrete and marble, to glazed and patterned tiles. The recently introduced Colour Block collection presents a combination of soft coloured mortar shades and natural wood effects. Offering versatility through multiple layering options, Colour Block can be used to create various geometric patterns for both floors and walls. www.mandarinstone.com

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At times playful and mischievous, at others dark and rocky. Brintons Skulduggery is a melting pot of urban graphical styles, each telling its own story. Add a new level of colouration and design to your hotel projects using Brintonsยน patented High Definition 32-colour Weave technology.

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NEMO TILE Via Emilia New York-based Nemo Tile has launched a new porcelain series entitled Via Emilia. The collection creates the illusion of painted and weathered timber through the use of graphic imprints and deep surface veins. Each of the four colour options – white, dark, grey and natural – has at least 80 imprints with variations in shade and texture, resulting in a realistic finish with the organic lines of real wood. www.nemotile.com

CARUS Urban & Lodge The leading designer brand under Beaulieu International Group – Carus – has undergone an overhaul. With a new creative concept, the brand presents Urban & Lounge, complete with designs influenced by city life. Adapted for modern living, the floorcoverings come in a variety of vibrant colours including orange, plum and teal. www.beaulieuflooringsolutions.com

PORCELANOSA Parker

EGE Rawline Scala Rawline Scala is an innovation combining woven carpet construction with patterns dyed on to the textile. The collection mixes the minimalism of flat woven designs with the acoustic and practical advantages of carpet. The range features three design themes: Minimal, Reflex and Heritage and is available as both broadloom and tiles. www.egecarpets.com

Applicable to both floors and walls, the Oxford Antracita tile is part of Porcelanosa’s Parker collection. Designed to resemble wood, the tile performs with the benefits of wood making it ideal for application over hydronic heating or wet areas. The natural properties of this essentially ceramic material result in a floorcovering that is highly resistant to wear, unaffected by sunlight as well as low porosity. www.porcelanosa.com

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Allura W60353 Classic Autumn Oak and W60354 Classic Autumn Oak Hungarian Point

www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allura Sample orders: 0800 731 2369

ICE INTERNATIONAL The Langham Ice International has collaborated with Richmond International to produce hand-tufted area rugs for The Langham, London. Owing to sophisticated design and a refined combination of colours, the floorcovering has an elegant, Victorian feel that is still modern. www.rugs.nl

AXMINSTER CARPETS Myth & Moor Characterised by Axminster Carpetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; renowned quality, British design and manufacture, the Myth & Moor collection comprises contemporary wool-rich plaids and checks. Woven in Axminster, Devon, using the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique blend of 80:20 wool and high specification Axminster weave, the range is a perfect match of luxury and durability. Colours span a palette of green, blue and heather. www.axminster-carpets.co.uk

ULSTER Fusion

Designed to complement the most luxurious interiors, Hampton takes inspiration from the timeless architecture and design found in palaces around Great Britain. Each piece features an oversized geometric pattern formed with Fine Chinese Silk. In order to accentuate the reflective properties of the material, the motif is created using a blend of colours in a constant flow of graduated tones, while a solid matte background of Himalayan Wool anchors the silk shapes.

As the name suggests, the inspiration for this collection is a fusion of rediscovered classic designs that have resonance in contemporary interior design. The designs maintain their familiarity but have been revisited to create a modern feel and colour palette to match. Blues, greys and neutrals combine with bold designs that are tempered by the use of texture to accentuate the axminster pile.

www.bazaarvelvet.com

www.ulstercarpets.com

BAZAAR VELVET Hampton

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FORBO Allura Reflecting the latest trends for larger planks and Scandinavian design, Forboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Allura LVT collection provides designers with increased choice for contemporary flooring. Catering to this demand, Allura sees the introduction of large scale 180x32cm and 1x1m tiles. The new Hungarian Point plank allows designers to create realistic herringbone designs with ease. Further, detailed designs and embossing emulates the grains and natural colour variation found within wood and stone elements, replicating the natural aesthetic of Scandi style. www.forbo-flooring.co.uk

FAMEED KHALIQUE Almalux Using aluminium, Fameed Khalique has created an ultrachic floorcovering in a wide range of colours. From aluminium parquet to swimming pool floors, the versatile material is both recycled and recyclable. Almalux is available in a range of colours with either gloss or matte finishes. www.fameedkhalique.com

JOHNSON TILES Refine and Minerals Johnson Tiles has reinforced its Absolute collection with the addition of Refine and Minerals. Created for the architecture and design community, the designs find inspiration in the subtle qualities of natural stone and aim to offer a fresh approach to minimal schemes. Minerals takes inspiration from the textural effects of limestone, with detailing captured and replicated using the latest manufacturing technology. The range is available in five colours: chalk, dolomite, limestone, flint and slate. Meanwhile, Refine explores an industrial feel by featuring elements of polished concrete among natural stonework. www.johnson-tiles.com

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HANDCAST BRONZE |

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CARRSON | Sun Valley Bronze

PHILIP WATTS DESIGN | Javelin

Carrson Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sun Valley Bronze collection is an original line of hand-crafted bronze hardware, combining precision machining and practical engineering, created in silicon or white metal. The oxidation process that Sun Valley Bronze uses to create its patinas is an accelerated version of natural exposure to time, touch, and environment, giving the impression of repeated handling and lending a sense of antiquity, history and character to a variety of unique surface finishes. The range is designed for longevity,

Javelin is a distinctive 2m-tall handmade door

and incorporates only the finest grade bronze for its

handle featuring intricate crushed hand detailing

castings and stainless steel for internal mechanisms. All

in anodised cast aluminium. It is available in

machining is performed with state-of-the-art equipment,

either a contemporary bright polish or an elegant

producing collection-wide high quality and lifelong

satin brushed finish, and provides durability,

performance across all components.

personality and a touch of the unusual.

www.carrsonint.com

www.philipwattsdesign.com

At your door DOOR FURNISHINGS

JOSEPH GILES | Knurled Montgomery

NORTH 4 DESIGN | Uno North 4 Designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Uno range comprises single glazed vision panels designed to provide a high-quality and cost-effective viewing solution. Bringing additional light and visibility to doors and interiors, the range is supplied in standard in stainless steel but is also available in a variety of distinctive finishes including polished brass, bronze and copper variations. Offering a streamlined contemporary aesthetic, Uno is suitable for use in hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, lobbies and

The intricately textured Knurled Montgomery

guestrooms where additional light is required, and helps

Lever Handle from Joseph Giles is classically

buildings comply with building regulations. In addition

elegant with a detailed twist. Available in brushed

to the Uno circular viewing solution, North 4 Deisgn has

chrome, polished nickel, polished chrome and

also launched the Duo Twin range of glazed door vision

waxed dark bronze finishes, the collection is

panels, providing further light and visibility through a

both adaptable and timeless.

dual installation.

www.josephgiles.com

www.north4.com

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OLIVARI | Marilyn

TURNSTYLE DESIGNS | Hammered The Hammered range of lever handles from Turnstyle Designs features a textured surface achieved through the use of planishing hammers. The pattern is idividually hand-beat into the distinctive brass surface, bringing out different indentations in each lever. This ensures that every product is unique and offers a different series of indentations to any other handle in the range. Evolving from a custom commission, the collection offers high-quality craftsmanship through design-led

The Marilyn handle is designed by Chinese

hardware, combining traditional and contemporary

architect Ma Yansong and boasts an understated

practices and processes for a durable, stylish and classic

aesthetic. Incorporating a finely tuned balance

door furnishing. The versatile collection is available

between positive and negative space, Marilyn

in burnished brass or nickel finishes, and can be

fuses architectural and industrial design through

adapted to suit a variety of projects, design schemes

smooth curves and an ergonomic handle.

and environments.

www.olivari.com

www.turnstyledesigns.com

Attention to detail matters, with every touchpoint contributing to a memorable guest experience. Whether it’s door handles or escutcheon plates, these products combine functionality and aesthetics for an effective introduction.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HARDWARE | Trousdale

HOUSE OF EROJU | Dropp Lever

Created in collaboration with Kravitz Design, Trousdale is a hand-cast bronze door handle that features a distinctive mid-century design combined with modern touches inspired by the architecture of California’s Trousdale Estates neighbourhood. Marking the first step into the hardware category for Kravitz Design – the firm headed up by actor, musician and designer Lenny Kravitz – Trousdale brings a bold new perspective to the Rocky Mountain Hardware portfolio, offering sleek architectural elements with angular profiles and

House of Eroju’s Dropp Lever collection brings

striking textural effects. Each offering is available in ten

together individualised craftsmanship and

finishes, as well as a range of customisation options to

precision engineering for a bronzed handle with

suit individual tastes and a spectrum of design schemes.

leather insets in the rose. Available in a variety

The collection features seven lever, grip and knob designs

of steel finishes and leather colour combinations,

with complementary escutcheons for door applications.

the Dropp collection is stylish and ergonomic.

www.rockymountainhardware.com

www.houseoferoju.com

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Specifier P R O D U C T S & S E R V I C E S F O R H O S P I TA L I T Y D E S I G N

RH CONTRACT Restaurant Collection The Restaurant Collection is RH Contractâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier assortment of contract-grade tabletops, bases and seating, and its first venture into dining room furniture. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the products are available in a range of sizes, silhouettes and finishes, and can be customised to suit the needs of individual projects. www.rh.com/contract

167

CIELO Le Pietre Inspired by the colour, texture and durability of stone, Cielo’s Le Pietre offers a fresh interpretation of natural materials for a distinctive and high quality range of washbasins. Le Pietre is available in five finishes including Carrara Statuario, which features a crystalline grain and hints of ivory; Breccia Arabescata, defined by its juxtaposition of black and white; and Breccia Paradiso which marries dark brown and hazelnut tones with grey and cream. www.ceramicacielo.com

DORNBRACHT Touchfree Dornbracht’s Touchfree is a new contact-free control system based on high-frequency sensor technology. The sensor can be attuned to different ranges and automatically switches the flow on and off, eschewing visible machinery. It can be combined with the entire Dornbracht series and provides a hygienic, reliable and durable solution for semi-public washroom facilities, while allowing for freedom of planning and design with its adaptable, minimalist design. www.dornbracht.com

TALA Voronoi Guided by a sustainable ethos, Tala’s new Voronoi collection draws inspiration from nature and features a bulb with a distinctive glass form. Derived from the voronoi fracture pattern found in the forest canopy, the curved shape of the filament represents the Fibonacci formations observed in pine cones and ferns, with the glass gradually eroded to create a subtle organic globe. The bulb is constructed from mouth-blown glass and the light boasts a 3W, 120 lumens output. www.talaled.com

168

PEDRALI Social Plus Designed by Patrick Jouin, Pedraliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Plus is a modular system of linear and corner seating solutions. The elegant design is made light by the positioning of the die-cast aluminium legs, and a steel frame ensures long lasting durability. Featuring a three-seat system injected with foam and kept in place with elastic belts, the sofa offers space and comfort and can be upholstered in either fabric or leather. www.pedrali.it

MINOTTI Creed Lounge Sofa Minottiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Creed Lounge Sofa features generously inviting shapes, expertly crafted tailoring and sophisticated details. Designed by Rodolfo Dordoni Design, the back of the sofa rests on elegant curved metal supports with glossy light bronze painted finishes, whilst the front sits on legs made of solid Sucupira wood and features an elegant stained mink colour finish. www.minotti.com

AXOR Montreaux Designed by Axor and Phoenix Design Studio, Montreux is a bath and kitchen collection inspired by the very first industrially manufactured fittings. The range is defined by industrial elements such as authentic forms and early 20th century design details and nods to including elements including pipes and valves, combined with contemporary lever handles and classic cross handle and ceramic inlay detailing. www.hansgrohe.co.uk / www.axor-design.com

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LINCRUSTA Aphrodite Lincrusta’s Aphrodite wallpaper features a medium scale floral trail supplied as a putty colour and ready for painting. Deeply textured, flat backed and durable, Aphrodite can be customised and adapted to suit a variety of colour schemes and design ideas, adding a touch of glamour and luxury to a range of environments. Now 140 years into production, Lincrusta’s designs remain inviting and interesting. www.lincrusta.com

ABALON STAR 21 Edge

HECTOR FINCH Table Lamps

MORGAN Valencia

21 Edge is the newest collection of candles from Abalon Star. Handmade by artist Ana Bridgewater, the range combines a distinctive inverted shade design with carefully created scents. 21 Edge is available with copper, gold and platinum finishing options.

Hector Finch’s latest range of table lamps channels a less-is-more aesthetic through a shell and vellum casing produced exclusively for the brand by Simon Orrell Designs. The launch also marks a series of new colour and customisation options for the range.

Designed by Morgan Studio, Valencia combines a sharp profile with plush upholstery and presents an alternative to the conventional modular sofa system. The collection offers three modular units, allowing designers to create multi-directional seating grids in a variety of styles.

www.abalonstar.com

www.hectorfinch.com

www.morganfurniture.co.uk

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ASIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING INTERNATIONAL DESIGN EVENT CONTEMPORARY | CLASSIC & LUXURY | COLLECTABLES | KITCHEN & BATHROOM | WORKPLACE

8-11 MARCH 2017 | SHANGHAI EXHIBITION CENTRE www.designshanghai.cn

Book your tickets now to enjoy the special early-bird price SINGLE-DAY TICKET 175 RMB* FOUR-DAY TICKET 425 RMB* INCLUDING SHOWGUIDE *On the door price: Single-day ticket RMB 270. Four-day ticket RMB 710.

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CORIAN DeepColour Developed by DuPont Corian’s Research & Development team, Corian DeepColour enables for the creation of richer, deeper and higher performance Corian colour cladding. Offering designers, architects and furnishing companies an expanded range of colour options, Corian can be shaped into imaginative forms and is suitable for use in a variety of environments. The DeepColour range is available in four tones of black, six tones of brown and two tones of grey. www.corian.uk

VIGHT The Windsor Collection

JO LITTLEFAIR LONDON Saffron Wing Back Armchair

SPRADLING Chronos

The Windsor collection from Vight is a modern reinterpretation of classic crystal lighting. The stylish range of lamps offer a hint of luxury, yet sit comfortably as part of a contemporary setting. Featuring thick cut crystal that transforms and refracts light around the room, the collection is currently available in two versions: polished brass and polished nickel.

Featuring elegant curves, a clean silhouette and antiqued brass stud detailing, Jo Littlefair London’s Saffron Wing Back Armchair creates a sense of allure while combining comfort and style. The chair incorporates a textured pattern and contrast piping to offset its sleek lines, and has evolved from the design of the original Saffron chair.

Spradling’s Chronos range brings together a selection of subtle and durable textures suitable for high-traffic areas. Easy to maintain and clean, the range has been formulated to comply with the most stringent fire-resistance measures and to offer abrasion resistance, a phthalate-free formulation, and improved protection against fats, oils and perspiration.

www.vight.com

www.jolittlefairlondon.com

www.spradlingvinyl.com

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CASE STUDY

Lasvit

Astro

Mandarin Oriental Jakarta

St. Pauls House Hotel

Three Lasvit sculptures designed by Michaela Mertlova have been installed at Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, a luxury property overlooking the city’s iconic Welcome Monument. The first, a 10-metre-long glass installation titled Across the Sea, is located in the hotel’s new Li Feng restaurant and is inspired by the merchant voyages of the historical spice trades between China and Jakarta. The piece features amber coloured glass elements reminiscent of ancient junk sails, while handmade turquoise glass components represent waves. In the adjoining private dining areas, two more installations adorn the walls. Beacon is set above a dining table and composed of oversized cut-crystal rods, with a pattern emphasising the prismatic effect of the brand’s high quality crystal. Meanwhile a series of opal and amber Chinese lanterns reference the simple shape of classic paper lanterns with an intriguing vertical cut. In regards to the creation of these pieces, Mertlova explains: “As with many artworks, there were several inspirations blending a final result. I thought of the sunlight and moonlight that accompanied sailors across the seas, as well as the symbol of a crown and idea of a lighthouse – a beacon of refracted light that guides sailors home.”

British lighting specialist Astro has provided St. Pauls House Hotel in Birmingham with a number of its elegant lighting designs. Conceived with the casual yet contemporary buzz of Shoreditch in mind, the hotel features components of Astro’s Joel lighting range, resulting in an stylishly modern interior underscored with touches of minimalism. The LED-compatible Joel range features table lamps, wall lights, floor lamps and pendants, as well as larger versions in the Joel Grande range. Finish options for the shade include polished chrome, black, cream and matte gold. The Joel Wall and Table lights in cream were chosen for the 34 guestrooms due to their their classic designs, which incorporate subtle contemporary twists in their forms as well as a high quality finish and lasting durability. “The inspiration for Joel came from a light I designed for Astro when the company launched 20 years ago,” comments Astro’s Design Director and co-founder, James Bassant. “At the time it was unashamedly retro, but the current collection has subtle details in form and finish which bring it right up to date, while retaining unmistakable references to the post-war classics which inspired it.”

www.lasvit.com

www.astrolighting.com

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The 20th International

Hotel Investment Forum 2017 6-8 March 2017 | InterContinental | Berlin, Germany

The Meeting of Global Collaboration

Celebrating 20 years of IHIF

Capital ideas Landmark achievements New opportunities The International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) is the most influential and globally diverse meeting place for the hotel industry. In 2017 we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of IHIF and invite you to join in the celebrations of this special anniversary, where we will look back over how the industry has changed over the past 20 years, and also look forward to what we can expect over the next 20 years. The three day event, attended by over 2,000 hospitality and tourism decisionmakers from over 80 countries is the place where deals are done and important industry decisions are made. IHIF attracts a very senior gathering and among them nearly every major hotel chain CEO, influential global tourism ministers and the largest group of investors and hotel owners. IHIF focusses on delivering opportunities to anyone who currently operates within the

hotel and tourism industry or who wants to do business in this sector, including: • Investors • Hotel Owners • Lenders • Hotel Chain CEOs and Executives • Financial Advisers • Real Estate Agents • Lawyers • Designers • Architects • Consultants • Timeshare Developers • Tourism and Government Officials Through three days of unrivalled networking opportunities, outstanding evening receptions, an exhibition and the very best educational programme, IHIF delivers important networking, information and contacts and our attendees and Sponsors, will agree that IHIF is an un-missable event in their diaries.

REGISTER NOW TO BENEFIT FROM OUR EARLY-BIRD RATE ATTENDING IHIF COULD BE YOUR MOST PROFITABLE THREE DAYS OF THE YEAR! I love coming to IHIF every year. Everybody that is important in the business is here and there is a great exchange of ideas and trends. It helps me have a better understanding of what is going on in the industry and what is ahead for the year to come. CHRISTOPHER J. NASSETTA, PRESIDENT & CEO, HILTON WORLDWIDE

HOSTED BY

HELPING YOU EXPAND ACROSS THE GLOBE… JOIN US AT OUR OTHER EVENTS RHIC

CATHIC TURKEY & NEIGHBOURS HOTEL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE

RUSSIA & CIS HOTEL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE

Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference (APHIC) May 2017

Turkey & Neighbours Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC) June 2017

The Annual Hotel Conference (AHC) Manchester, UK 11-12 October 2017

Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference (RHIC) Moscow, Russia October 2017

ihif.questexevents.net

cathic.com

theahc.co.uk

russia-cisconference.com

Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum (MR&H) November 2017 mrandh.com

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Advertising Index

Agua Fabrics

131

Kohler 035

Albrecht Jung

113

Lefroy Brooks

039

Alger International

017

Ligne Roset

012

Aliseo 031

Lincrusta

043

Arte 036

Maison & Objet

139

002

Marta 177

BECK 065

Matki 074

Brintons 157

Minotti

Astro Lighting

008 & 009

Carrson International

166

Nanimarquina 033

Chelsom Lighting

025

Newmor Wallcoverings

125

North 4 Design

177

Corian 179 Curtis Furniture

096

Point 063

Deloitte 173 Design Shanghai

Porcelanosa 029

171

Radical Innovation Award

146

Duravit 129

EE Smith Contracts

143

Roca 058

Ege

057

Rocky Mountain Hardware

163

EPR Architects

102

Romo Group

069

Forbo 159

S & T

080

Gandia Blasco

Shaw Hospitality

079

Hakwood 073

Spradling International

109

HI Design

Surface Design Show

152

Symo Parasols

180

Tribu

023

ICE International

027

144 & 145 085

IHIF 175

Tuuci Europe

117

Joli 055

Ulster Carpets

161

Kalisher 101

Vincent Sheppard

127

Janus et Cie

Kettal Group

006 & 007

004 & 005

015

Waterbury 177

176

create a feelgood environment

indoor • outdoor | residential • hospitality • commercial chairs • stools • lounges • tables info@martaonline.eu • +31 6 430 30 426 • www.feelgooddesigns.eu

Your stay, your way ISOL ATED DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE

Whether it’s searching for a destination untouched by human hands or finding a hotel where every detail is personalised, the seasoned traveller is always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind experiences. In reality, few encounters are truly unique, but a new service launched by Black Tomato – a company that delivers imaginative travel experiences around the world – is now offering the ultimate in personalisation. From safari-style tents overlooking the Mekong to lunar-like bubbles on the Bolivian salt flats, Blink allows guests to design their own luxury accommodation in locations that are so pristine that no one else will have stayed there before, or will do

again in the same way. The temporary structures are built to a guest’s own specification and removed after their departure, leaving no trace on the surrounding environment. “As people constantly search for or seek to redefine what the definition of true luxury is, Blink, in our eyes, represents what it should be,” explains co-founder Tom Marchant. “An experience, truly personal, never enjoyed by anyone before nor anyone after in the same way, with no trace left behind. In our increasingly commoditised, fast-paced world of uniform experiences, this provides the perfect antidote to this for clients seeking the unique.”

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The Endless Evolution of Excellence

Beautiful, durable, versatile, reliable. Creative. Successfully used around the world in the most diverse environments, residential and commercial, indoor and outdoor. Product range, colours and applications continuously innovated. A great surfacing material, a world-class solution for interior design and architecture. DuPont™ Corian®: The Endless Evolution of Excellence.

To know more about DuPont™ Corian®: 0800 962 116 (UK), 1800 553 252 (Ireland), sales@corian.co.uk, corian.co.uk, endlessevolution.corian.com Project and photo credits: Corian® for the exterior cladding of the Motel One building in London by Mackay + Partners (www.mackayandpartners.co.uk); photo by Nick Kane, courtesy of Mackay + Partners. The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont™, Corian® and the Endless Evolution logo are registered trademarks or trademarks or copyrighted material of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. Only DuPont produces Corian®. Copyright E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.

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Sunbelievable Design Parasols

Tahiti parasol by Mark Gabbertas for Sywawa

www.sywawa.com Symo Parasols Industriepark Z3 Waggelwater, Dirk Martensstraat 13 B-8200 Brugge, Belgium T +32(0)50 32 07 95 E info@symoparasols.com