Sleeper 42 - May/June 2012

HOTEL DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT & ARCHITECTURE

www.sleepermagazine.com

ISSUE 42 MAY / JUNE 2012

MAY / JUNE 2012 BELGRAVES / BILL BENSLEY / PAPAYA PLAYA

BELGRAVES

THOMPSON HOTELS MAKE THEIR LONDON DEBUT 42

BILL BENSLEY

THE BANGKOK-BASED DESIGNER ON THE SIAM

PAPAYA PLAYA

DESIGN HOTELS’ TULUM POP-UP PROJECT

THE SAGUARO • RADISSON BLU CHICAGO • SCANDIC GRAND STOCKHOLM • BANGKOK LOCATION REPORT

Brand new lighting collection, Edition 23, launched in May 2012 - request a brochure at sales@chelsom.co.uk

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Contents Features

Guestbook

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Bill Bensley

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Bangkok Location Report

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Belgraves – London

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Papaya Playa – Tulum

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Radisson Blu Aqua – Chicago

104

The Saguaro – Scottsdale

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Scandic Grand – Stockholm

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Apex Temple Court – London

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Grace – Beijing

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Sleepover Berlin

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From Lounge to Lobby

STAMBERG AFERIAT ARCHITECTS Stamberg Aferiat Architects were tasked with the reinvigoration of a tired Scottsdale hotel by developers the Sydell Group. The Saguaro takes its inspiration from the flora and fauna of the surrounding Arizona desert as well as the brightly coloured artworks of pop artists such as Victor Vasarely and Yaacov Agam.

086 CLAUS SENDLINGER

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Lighting

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Frandsen

Design Hotels™ founder Claus Sendlinger has recently relocated his family from Berlin to Tulum on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, where he and his team have collaborated with Berlin-based creatives Kater Holzig and mamapapacola to create Papaya Playa – the world’s first pop-up resort project.

202 TILT French graffiti artist Tilt is one of several artists invited to design a room at Au Vieux Panier hotel in Marseilles.

Half of the room is painted a pristine white, whilst the other half has been vibrantly decorated in Tilt’s signature style – a colourful riot of tags, drips, ‘throwups’ and ‘bubble’ style lettering.

Departments 017 018 020 135

Welcome Check-In Drawing Board Event Diary

146 176 180 202

Head Office Technology The Specifier Check Out

032 BILL BENSLEY Bangkok-based Bensley Design Studios is currently collaborating with Krissada Sukosol Clapp, a ThaiAmerican pop star and film actor, on The Siam – the Thai capital’s newest luxury boutique hotel. Neena Dhillon caught up with founder Bill Bensley for a unique insight into this prestigious project.

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Welcome A highlight of this year’s IHIF in Berlin was the panel on ‘Redefining the Art of Hotelkeeping’ – subtitled ‘new thinking from those who have broken the mould.’

COVER STORY: The lobby at Belgraves, Thompson Hotels’ new London property designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners, features Kilin chairs by Sergio Rodrigues and ‘Parquetry’ lights by Lee Broom, alongside exposed brickwork, patterned footstools, cowprint rugs, and a triptych of ‘semi-nudes’ by artist Natasha Law.

The panel gave a rare and welcome opportunity to hear hotelier Andre Balazs’ thoughts on the sector, ahead of his imminent arrival in London with a hotel on the site of Marylebone Fire Station. Balazs was flanked by the founder of Wallpaper and Monocle magazines Tyler Brûlé on one side, and on the other, John Hitchcox, founder of lifestyle property developer Yoo, itself looking at a move into hotels from its core residential business. This disparate trio of entreprenuers offered a welcome alternative to the platitudes offered up by the heavily media-trained executives from major hotel groups who usually take centre stage on the investment conference circuit. Balazs in particular had pointed comments for some of his more mainstream competitors. He identified the disconnect between ownership and operation of hotels as the root of the problem: “The nature of the business keeps innovation relatively low. The bifurcated structure of development companies and international hotel management companies means you get a banal box – the developer is building a building based on cost efficiencies and the least expensive cost per square foot. The economics of it mean there is not enough incentive for management companies to take a point of view.” It was interesting that Balazs’ comments come at a time when several hotel operators are beginning to return to investing in new hotel projects – in the ‘bricks’ of property development as well as the ‘brains’ of branding, operation and management. A prime example is Marriott’s recent investment in new properties to overcome the false start it experienced in creating its Edition brand with Ian Schrager. But the hotel groups who turned their backs on ownership are returning to it simply to maintain pipeline growth in the absence of other forms of funding, rather than as a fundamental return to owner / operator status. The thinking behind these investments remains short-term, a means to an end. As Balazs says: “There are very few hoteliers who build their own hotel with an intent and capability of running it every day.” All the more reason to look forward to his London debut.

Front Desk Editor Matt Turner m.turner@mondiale.co.uk Assistant Editor Catherine Martin c.martin@mondiale.co.uk International Advertising Sales Stephen Quiligotti s.quiligotti@mondiale.co.uk Advertising Sales Becky Thomas r.thomas@mondiale.co.uk Rob Hart r.hart@mondiale.co.uk Design Dave Bell d.bell@mondiale.co.uk Advertising Production Dan Seaton d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk Finance Director Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk Accounts Donna Barlow d.barlow@mondiale.co.uk Faye Riley f.riley@mondiale.co.uk Marketing & Subscriptions Laura McLaughlin l.mclaughlin@mondiale.co.uk Chairman Damian Walsh d.walsh@mondiale.co.uk Publishers Sleeper Magazine Ltd Waterloo Place, Watson Square Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8390 Fax: +44 (0)161 429 7214 www.sleepermagazine.com Retail Cover Price (where sold): £7.95 Annual Subscription Rates: (6 issues) UK: £63.00 Europe: £78.80 RoW: £105 [$168] Two year rates available on request Back Issues: (subject to availability) UK: £10.00 Europe: £12.50 RoW: £17.00 To subscribe visit: www.sleepermagazine.com or call +44 (0)161 476 8395 Sleeper (ISSN 1476 4075) is published bi-monthly

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Angela Dingle established Hughan Design in 2011 having worked with high proďŹ le corporate and private clients in the UK, US and Middle East.

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Name: Angela Dingle Position: Creative Director Company: Hughan Design Notable projects: Missoni Hotel, Palm Island, Dubai, Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai, Obergine French Brasserie, Terminal 3, Dubai Airport

Check-In Where are we?

We are on a beautiful remote island just off the coast of Thailand. The sun is shining and the beach is calling.

How did you get here?

I was picked up at home and driven in a vintage Mercedes 500SL right onto the tarmac to the plane door. We then boarded Singapore Airways and flew First Class with our own personal chef and masseur on hand the whole trip. After a relaxing flight, we then transferred to the hotel in a fleet of open top MG midgets.

Who are you sharing your room with?

My husband - Ed, and our two young boys, Hugo and Rohan. My everyday life is hectic so the thought of us all chilling out together is just bliss.

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room on arrival?

Actor Simon Baker who would be there ready and waiting with a glass of Dom Perignon and a smile!

Who’s at the concierge desk?

No question, Ben Elliot - the Co-founder of Quintessentially. With his extensive knowledge and contacts, my holiday would want for nothing. The list of my dream restaurants would have been drawn up weeks before.

And the owner / manager?

I’ve always been a massive fan of 60 Thompson Hotel so its creators Jason, Lawrence and Michael Pomeranc would be in charge. These three brothers have the hotel industry sussed and their attention to detail is an inspiration! They can manage a hotel with their eyes shut so my stay would be seamless, discreet and flawless.

Describe the hotel building, your room and the view...

The hotel is set high on a cliffside and is at one with the natural environment. It has panoramic views over the ocean from every room. Our room is a duplex penthouse suite with three bedrooms, a plunge pool and huge daybeds on the multi-levelled terraces. The master bedroom is dark and the ensuite has a sunken tub with a white marble surround and a huge rain shower over the top. The large lounge is full of separate seating areas and has a massive retractable wall of windows that are open day and night. Downstairs is our own private champagne bar and a dining room where our personal chef would serve us fresh seafood and fusion cuisine. The hotel also has a Yoga and Wellness Spa and its team gives us daily treatments; either in our suite or on our private beach which is dotted with palm trees on an expanse of white sand with turquoise blue water lapping the shore.

Who designed it?

The chief architect was Cesar Manrique and the property features his sculptural signature style throughout. It also strikes that tricky balance between style, the environment and nature. The interior was designed by Danish fashion designer Camilla Staerk and the hotel’s artwork would be by Marcus James.

What’s the restaurant / bar like?

It’s luxurious but relaxed with a huge oversized fish tank as the central focal point.

Seafood is its speciality and Pol Roger Champagne is on tap.

Who are you dining with this evening?

1. James Lohan of Mr and Mrs Smith 2. Jason Pomeranc of Thompson Hotels 3. James Caan 4. Madonna 5. Simon Cowell

Who’s manning the stoves?

Thomas Keller And what’s on the menu?

Starter: Ham hock croquettes, apple dressing and frisee salad Main: Roast fillet of black bream, crushed new potatoes and honeyed carrot salad Dessert: Lemon thyme panna cotta with raspberry granita Aperitif: Ice cold Limoncello Would you like something to drink with that?

A glass of Chateau de Ligny Chablis, please.

What music is on the iPod on your inroom docking station?

1. David Guetta 2. Chris Brown 3. Andrea Bocelli 4. Red Hot Chili Peppers 5. Phil Stack What’s on the movie channel?

1. The Shawshank Redemption 2. The Village 3. The Last of the Mohicans 4. Moulin Rouge 5. The Painted Veil And a book at bedtime?

Nicholas Evan’s – The Loop What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?

Hennessy on the rocks.

Would you like a newspaper or magazine in the morning?

The Independent on Sunday What toiletries would you like to freshen up with?

The entire ESPA range, please.

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THE DRAWING BOARD

THE DRAWING BOARD RAS AL-KHAIMAH // LONDON // MOSCOW // AMSTERDAM // PARIS

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REAL MADRID RESORT ISLAND RAS AL-KHAIMAH, UAE With the FIFA World Cup coming to Qatar in 2022, and Abu Dhabi’s takeover of Manchester City FC, the sovereign wealth funds of the Middle East are taking an increased interest in the world of football.

Now, the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah has announced the creation of Real Madrid Resort Island – a $1 billion theme park, featuring an oceanside stadium, hi-tech club museum and a five-star hotel.

A hologram show will recreate Real Madrid goals, whilst a 10,000-seat football stadium

will open on one side to a view of the sea.

Sports facilities will include training pitches and swimming pools plus a yachting marina.

The investment group behind the resort, the RAK Marjan Island Football Investment Fund, are hoping its location, 45 minutes from Dubai Airport, will enable it to tap into an estimated 150 million Real Madrid fans in Asia.

“The Emirates and Ras Al Khaimah is really the gateway to the Middle East and to Asia and that’s really our target,” says Louis Armand de Rouge, a French executive on the project. “Asia is the world’s fastest growing sports market.”

Real Madrid ranked top this year in the Money League of richest football clubs published by consultancy Deloitte, with revenues of €480 million in the 2010-2011 season.

The Real Madrid Resort Island, located on Al Marjan artificial Island in Ras-al-Khaimah, EAU, has been developed as a sports devoted island, based on the legendary story and image of the European club. Architects for the project are Paris-based J+H Boiffils. Their masterplan designs are inspired by coral forms whilst the hexagonal structure of a soccer ball has shaped the roof, according to architect Basile Boiffils.

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THE DRAWING BOARD

CAFE ROYAL LONDON Oscar Wilde hallucinated on absinthe in its Grill Room. Generations of royalty, from King Edward VIII to Princess Diana dined in its restaurants. During its 150 year history London’s Cafe Royal has seen notable figures from Cary Grant to David Bowie walk through its doors.

Now the building is to enter a new era following its June 2012 relaunch as a luxury hotel.

Over the last three years, the Cafe Royal has undergone its third architectural reincarnation at the hands of David Chipperfield Architects and Donald Insall Associates.

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The comprehensive works have sensitively restored the listed interiors dating from the 1860s and 1930s, at the same time as creating a 159-room luxury hotel and spa. Located at 68 Regent Street, the Cafe Royal has, since its opening in 1865, been geographically, socially and intellectually pivotal to London life.

In keeping with this role, the newly refurbished Cafe Royal will offer a diverse selection of restaurants, cafés and bars, from the exquisitely restored Grill Room to the buzzing Domino Room.

The 159 new rooms and suites promise exceptional natural materials and obsessive attention to detail creating a timeless sense

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of mid-century glamour. There are five vast suites of historical significance, restored with the help of Donald Insall Associates, to provide a window onto the Cafe Royal’s past whilst also offering state of the art amenities.

The Akasha holistic wellness centre with swimming pool will also feature.

The hotel will join The Set, a new collection of luxury hotels from property group Alrov’s owners Alfred and Georgi Akirov. The collection also includes the recently opened Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam, and the Hotel Lutetia Paris, scheduled to re-open following a comprehensive refurbishment programme.

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THE DRAWING BOARD

HYATT REGENCY MOSCOW Hyatt Hotels Corporation and VTB Arena Park has announced a management agreement for Hyatt Regency Moscow.

The new property, expected to open in 2015, will be part of the Arena Park redevelopment, including Moscow’s notable Dynamo football stadium.

Hyatt Regency Moscow will feature 297 guestrooms, including 40 suites, and 56 fullyfurnished luxury apartments. The property will also include meeting and ballroom space, four food and beverage outlets, and a fitness centre and spa. In addition to the hotel, the Arena Park project will offer guests access to a new football stadium, ice hockey/basketball

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arena, retail and entertainment zones, offices and residences.

The hotel anticipates guests from government and corporate sectors, including banks, consulting companies, and pharmaceutical and IT companies, which conduct business in Russia’s capital.

Moscow’s prevalence as the key contributor to the national economy, make it a prime location for corporate and government travellers.

“Russia, and Moscow in particular, have a strong appeal to global business and leisure travellers, and the country’s influence is only continuing to grow,” comments Peter Norman, Senior Vice President – Acquisitions

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and Development for Hyatt International – Europe, Africa, and Middle East.

The hotel’s affiliation with Dynamo Stadium, as well as its close proximity to public transportation, will also make it an ideal choice during sporting and entertainment events. The hotel will be located just five kilometres from the Kremlin, near key business and shopping districts in Moscow, and will be highly accessible from major roads in the city.

Hyatt Regency Moscow will join three other Hyatt and Hyatt Regency hotels in development across Russia, including Hyatt Regency Sochi; Hyatt Regency Vladivostok, Golden Horn; and Hyatt Vladivostok, Burny.

5-star in-room entertainment.

For hotel guests who expect perfection.

What makes entertainment in today’s hotels unique?

Perfect hotel integration – with tailored solutions for in-room entertainment.

Exclusive design – beautifully timeless and multiaward winning.

Individual creative freedom – for perfect integration in any interior.

Optimum features – impressive sound and system solutions that leave no wish to be desired.

Loewe hotel service – straight through to the manufacturer with personal contact.

There are TV systems which bring everything together: Loewe.

Would you like to find out more? Hospitality@loewe.de Product design: Loewe Design, Phoenix Design, Design 3

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THE DRAWING BOARD

HILTON AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT Hilton Worldwide and Schiphol Real Estate, Schiphol Group’s real estate subsidiary, have signed an agreement to introduce a new 433 guestroom Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, to be designed by prominent Dutch architects, Mecanoo.

The new hotel will replace the current Hilton property and is expected to open in 2015, with construction scheduled to start later in 2012. Plans for the hotel, a development and investment by Schiphol Real Estate, were drawn up to meet increasing market demand and match the high quality standards of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Facilities at the hotel are set to include a ballroom and 23 meeting rooms, speciality restaurant and bar, executive lounge, spa and fitness centre, light-filled atrium lobby and 026

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underground parking offering 138 parking spaces. A new sheltered walkway will connect hotel guests directly to the airport terminal.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, comments: “Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will bring to the airport a completely new hotel experience, set to become a destination in its own right. Hilton Worldwide is experiencing strong growth in the Netherlands, having recently announced the introduction of three further brands to the country, and we are delighted to be further adding what will be a stunning property to our Dutch portfolio.”

The new Hilton hotel will be situated in a prominent location alongside the access roads to the international airport terminal, near the existing Hilton hotel, which will remain in operation until the opening of the

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new property and then be demolished. The new cube-shaped building, which will feature rounded edges and a diamond-shaped façade with diagonal lines, has been designed with a view becoming of an airport landmark.

A large atrium with a 35-metre high glass ceiling forms the heart of the hotel and meeting area. The light horizontal lines of the balustrades and white elements will reflect daylight deep into the building, providing an air of grandeur, while frames and lining will create a natural, elegant appearance, according to its architects.

The interior design, being overseen by Merkx+Girod of The Netherlands and Hirsch Bedner Associates of the United Kingdom, evokes a touch of contemporary, innovative and fresh Dutch design with strong, original forms and a natural, harmonious colour scheme.

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THE DRAWING BOARD

THE AMPERSAND LONDON Built in 1888, The Ampersand Hotel is one of London’s original Victorian boutique hotels and is now due to reopen its doors in time for the London 2012 Olympics.

Located next to South Kensington tube station, this new 111 bedroom hotel includes five balconied suites, an artisanal coffee lounge and patisserie as well as a destination cocktail bar and all-day-dining restaurant on the lower ground floor.

The Ampersand Hotel’s extensive redevelopment and renovation has been led by architects and interior designers Dexter Moren Associates. The design concept is inspired by the surrounding district of South 028

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Kensington, and the ampersand symbol, which illustrates the hotel’s role in connecting its guests to the best of the area. Botany, ornithology, astronomy, geology and music are incorporated into the bespoke guestrooms and public areas, offset with contemporary furnishings and artwork.

The Ampersand Hotel is an impressive Victorian building encompassing 5,665ft2 with 111 guestrooms set over seven floors to accommodate both the business and leisure traveller. Guestrooms include oversized bed heads, classic high Victorian ceilings and freestanding baths in some rooms where classic English heritage meets a contemporary interior.

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The hotel also includes five suites, all of which feature individual balconies with views of London’s iconic skyline.

Set on the ground floor of the hotel, The Drawing Rooms will serve as a patisserie, offering hotel guests and visitors artisanal coffee and sweet and savoury pastries, as well as offering a champagne menu come early evening. All-day-dining restaurant Apero sees modern Mediterranean served in the low-key but dramatic setting of the hotel’s vault.

Dexter Moren Associates have set up a blog following the transformation of the buildings at www.dextermoreninteriors.com.

THE DRAWING BOARD

MELIÁ DEFENSE PARIS A new Meliá hotel is set to open in Paris in 2014 as the result of an agreement signed with the German real estate investment manager, Union Investment.

The hotel will be developed by Vinci Immobilier and will be located in a 20-storey building in the La Défense area of the city, with views of the Arc de Triomphe.

The hotel strategy of Union Investment is focused on acquiring properties in leading destinations which are then operated by major international hotel companies. This is a perfect fit with the strategy of Meliá Hotels 030

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International, which is focused on superior quality properties and on growth through management and lease agreements rather than hotel ownership.

The French capital, where Meliá had previously operated a number of smaller boutique hotels, is a key city for the consolidation of the company’s hotel brands in the European market.

The new Meliá Defense will provide 369 rooms and all the attributes and services expected of Meliá Hotels & Resorts, and is expected to attract large numbers of both business and leisure travellers, thanks to its excellent location.

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The hotel company shares the enthusiasm for the project shown by Union Investment and its Vice Chairman and CEO, Gabriel Escarrer, said the agreement was an example of the growing symbiosis between property owners and real estate developers together with hotel management companies such as Meliá: “Thanks to the value we provide to owners or investors with our brands, sales leadership, loyalty programmes, management systems and business support processes, we can guarantee a solid return on their investment, and position ourselves increasingly as an important partner for them in the medium and long term.”

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MEETING…BILL BENSLEY

Bangkok Bill Words: Neena Dhillon Portrait Photograph: Jirachai Rengthong Hotel Photography: © Igor Prahin

Sleeper is taking in views of Chao Phraya River from the prime three-acre site of Bangkok’s newest luxury boutique hotel ahead of its anticipated June opening.

Scores of workers are busy bringing The Siam’s landscape to life yet there is still an air of mellow tranquillity about this waterfront location tucked away in the Dusit district, home to royal palaces, museums and universities. Siam Hotels & Resorts, an independent Thai company owned by the Sukosol family, has invested nearly one billion Baht, excluding antiques, into this all-suite city retreat.

For Creative Director, Krissada Sukosol Clapp, former lead vocalist of an MTV-award-winning band and noted film actor, this plot of land has special meaning. “Bangkok used to be known as the Venice of the East and I think this historic part of town has the power to transport people back to an era when travel equated to time slowing down,” he says. “The property has been in my family since the early Sixties so when my mother [hospitality veteran Kamala Sukosol] suggested we run our own business here, I realised this was our chance to evoke the character and cultural heritage of Thailand.”

Clapp (or Noi as he is better known) has conceived the project as a live showcase for his family’s extensive collection of art and antiques, pieces that range in value from 100 to a million baht. While the intention is to offer an intimate lifestyle experience to travellers, Clapp also hopes to authentically convey the story of Thai life through

the ages with hundreds of pieces of poignant memorabilia.

As such he needed an architect and designer with a fundamental understanding of Thai culture and somebody who would share his vision for the new-build project.

Naturally he turned to the competition.

Cue Bill Bensley, the award-winning designer whose name has become a byword for masterly resorts, spas and gardens harmoniously integrated into exotic Asian settings and beyond. As an avid collector of antiques himself and a self-confessed shopaholic, Bensley has often found himself bidding for the same items as Clapp. “Two weeks ago, Noi called me up because he had really hoped to acquire the piece of English furniture I had just bought from auction,” he recalls. “So we agreed he should drop by and take it back home.”

Bensley Design Studios, a multidisciplinary firm with offices in Bangkok and Bali employs 160 staff – a melting pot of architects, interior designers, landscape architects, horticulturists and fine artists. Private residences, including for the King of Malaysia, form some of the workload but hospitality is favoured since hoteliers invest regularly to upkeep their properties. “I have worked on private homes and gardens only to find they can be trashed the day after the owner moves in,” Bensley observes. While the studio WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM

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MEETING…BILL BENSLEY

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Main Residence at The Siam Hotel is a majestic conservatory space of living palms in a water feature of polished black granite ABOVE: Bill Bensley’s designs for the hotel aim to evoke the culture and heritage of Thailand through the ages, using authentic antiques, sculptures, and curios. A muted monochromatic colour scheme creates an Art Deco-style backdrop

has come to specialise in turnkey resort projects over the past ten years – counting Anantara, Four Seasons, InterContinental, Mandarin Oriental and Oberoi among its clients – Bensley first came to prominence in the region as a landscape architect, a profession underpinned by his deep-rooted passion for natural environments.

Hailing originally from California, where his earliest memories are of raking up fallen rubber plant leaves, the 53-year-old designer has his father to thank for his love of gardening. Indeed so good-looking was the front yard he tended daily at his suburban home that passers-by would stop to take photographs. A chance encounter with a landscape architect for a careers class at school cemented his interest and he pursued this vocation through college, winning a scholarship to Harvard University. Bensley successfully graduated with a Masters in urban design and landscape architecture although the esoteric teaching occasionally left him out of his depth. It was a fellow classmate and mentor, Lek Bunnag from Thailand, who explained the building blocks of architecture in common sense terms. Not surprisingly an invitation from Bunnag, who was starting to

teach at the National University of Singapore, to join him and his wife proved irresistible and the young Bensley found himself in Asia in desperate need of funds, having journeyed to his destination via months of hitchhiking across Europe. He immediately landed a job at Belt Collins in 1984, designing gardens for five-star resorts and immersing himself in the culture of his favourite Asian destination at the time, Bali.

The call to set up his own practice came in 1989 at a time when Thailand was emerging economically. Becoming fluent in Thai and again absorbing the culture, Bensley set up shop in a Bangkok garage, sharing the cramped facility with Bunnag and a small staff. The pair worked collaboratively before establishing a joint studio that they eventually outgrew.

In 2003 Bensley and his company director Brian Sherman took the final step to independence, moving their team to the former premises of the Iraqi Embassy, a complex that affords plenty of space, tropical gardens, a gym and swimming pool. It is here that designers of different disciplines work alongside each other in a creative environment that encourages the cross-pollination of ideas.

Bensley is not an advocate of pigeonholing talent: “Many people have been with me for over 15 years now so we function as a family. A designer, from whichever discipline, is eventually going to be inquisitive about another area of expertise, so we nurture that curiosity. You don’t become a good interior designer simply because you have the requisite knowledge – you have to be creative first and that comes from being happy in what you do.”

It was his desire to expand into other disciplines that prompted Bensley to hire an interior designer, a move that has resulted in the studio evolving from landscape specialism to a full-service atelier. Of course, developers have also had to show willing to facilitate Bensley’s leap into interiors; Bill Heinecke offered the first opportunity at Anantara Hua Hin Resort although it was at the Four Seasons Langkawi, opened in early 2005, that Bensley proved what was he was fully capable of when let loose inside. Since then, five-star properties wholly conceived by the studio, such as Hôtel de la Paix in Siem Reap and Indigo Pearl in Phuket, have garnered industry awards. Set to be unveiled this month, the “no-expense-spared” InterContinental Danang Resort in Vietnam debuts with

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ABOVE LEFT AND OPPOSITE PAGE: The Ma Nam Suites feature purple day beds, inset panelling and Art Deco wall sconces ABOVE RIGHT: The hotel’s ten pool villas follow one of three themes: China, Colonial or Deco, and have beautiful inner courtyards

Bensley’s touch in the finest details including music and staff uniforms.

Much energy is invested in the early conceptual stages of projects. Bensley explains it is not unusual for designers to stay on premises for three days to meet deadlines, although either he or Sherman attends client meetings, staying in touch with “every nuance and corner” of their designs. Clients are often bowled over by the firm’s handcrafted threedimensional drawings, and these have proven to be a useful tool in overcoming the common challenge of persuading hoteliers to try something new. Bensley laughingly compares the complex drawings to a David Hockney exhibition.

While every resort is developed around a story inspired by “anything from local artwork to an architectural form”, Bensley is happy for his designs to be recognised for their consistency of detailing. He is wary of trendiness, believing instead that hotel exteriors and interiors should stand the test of time. Books and artefacts represent catalysts for the germination of ideas but the designer is still dedicated to travel as a source 036

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of inspiration. The next big trip will be to Antarctica because “on my gravestone, I want it to say, been there, done that, twice.”

At The Siam, Bensley was drawn to the prospect of stepping back in time, with “Noi’s love of quirky antiques” the raison d’être of the design concept: “For guests, it will be like visiting their very own gorgeous, private museum.” Bensley and his team set about researching a style of architecture that would support the display of furniture, sculpture, pottery, porcelain, books, photographs and curios. They took their lead from local turnof-the-century houses once owned by Siamese aristocrats. “The late 19th and early 20th centuries under King Rama V represented an exciting period when Thailand was embracing modernity, opening up to European influence and standing on its own two feet,” notes Bensley. But rather than produce a Rama V-era replica, principal architect Khemvadee Paopanlerd has taken that spirit of modernity and blending of influences onboard, turning to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris as a starting point. As such, The Siam’s form and lines are simplified and streamlined yet formal,

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incorporating treated black steel, glass, white wood and terrazzo stone. Roof inclines mirror traditional Siamese houses subtly. A muted, monochromatic colour scheme allows antiques to take pride of place and beckons in a secondary Art Deco-styled aesthetic.

For Bensley’s team it has been imperative to draw the outside in as a way of providing natural ventilation and softening the formal architecture. So the lobby building revolves around a spacious courtyard from where guests begin their journey around walkways, corners and arcades. And as head horticulturist Jirachai Rengthong points out, vines hang from rooftops, tropical planting is integrated into building niches, paths are bordered by frangipani and topiary informs the external spaces. Signature Bensley additions include a sculpture garden, a black stone and grass chequerboard plot, and oversized suspended day beds. Connecting the lobby to the main residence, is a bridge on which entrance display cabinets from a salvaged 1890s Siamese shophouse, chosen

by Clapp to recall the reign of King Rama V, reveal a pair of welcoming Buddhas.

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MEETING…BILL BENSLEY

LEFT: The Deco Bar & Bistro continues the Art Deco styling of the urban resort. Design features will include a 1902 menu from The Lotos Club in New York City, signed by the then Crown Prince of Siam

At the heart of the urban resort is the main residence, a majestic conservatory space of living palms lining a seamless water feature made of polished black granite. Guests access their suites from here, as well as the extensive range of facilities provided for the 39-room boutique hotel. These include a period library with hardwood cabinetry and antique leather and rosewood seating, a screening room, a retro gym with a custom-made Thai boxing ring surrounded by photos of Thai boxers from the 1900s, and the Opium Spa, which salutes the Orient with its black laser-cut screens, draped fabric and flowing water wall.

Clapp has sourced antique Burmese teak doors for each of the five treatment rooms while colonial barber chairs are positioned in the salon.

The spacious suites are a study in serene sophistication, boasting mirror-panelled foyers, integrated hardwood showcase units and freestanding, custom-made beds.

Dove grey furniture and suspended silkstrung lamps of frosted glass and steel adorn the Siam Suites while the Mae Nam Suites are enlivened with purple day beds, 038

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inset panelling and Art Deco wall sconces.

Bathrooms decked out in ceramic tiling, greyveined marble and black glass mosaics remain constant to the monochromatic palette. Each of the suites has an exclusive antique theme; one is home to military history, another focuses on family, a third depicts river life and a fourth displays contemporary art in the form of 1960s charcoals and inks by esteemed Thai artist Wasan Harimao.

The Siam also features 10 pool villas each with beautiful inner courtyards – and all following one of three themes: China, Colonial or Deco. One of the Chinese villas, for example, is distinguished by soft furnishings finished with a delicate bow detail, embroidered wall panels, intricate lanterns, bedside tables made from an old Chinese paving stone and a drinks mixing table bought in Beijing. An oversized terrazzo bath has been installed onsite with iridescent marble and white tiling reflecting the high ceilings of the bathroom. As a final accommodation option, Connie’s Cottage comprises a traditional Thai teakwood house on stilts taken from a series built by silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson

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around 1960 for his friend Connie Mangskau, a socialite who entertained the likes of Jackie Kennedy in the charming structures. The Sukosol family has acquired four of these teak houses so the other three have been integrated to form the onsite Thai restaurant and cooking school. International comfort food, meanwhile, is the order of the day at the jazzstyle Deco Bar & Bistro, which will display a 1902 menu from The Lotos Club in New York signed by the then Crown Prince of Siam. For Clapp, this Art Nouveau menu acquired from a dealer in Texas signifies both the romance of travel and the outward-looking nature of the Thai Royal family. Located at the rear of the resort, a riverside infinity pool and private pier complete the facilities.

“The Siam is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance for us to preserve some of our heritage,” explains Clapp in summing up the project. In response, Bensley Design Studios has delivered a bespoke boutique that conjures up nostalgic qualities of travel while artistically exhibiting an array of historic treasures.

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LOCATION REPORT

BANGKOK REBOUNDS Differentiation is paramount for new hotels seeking to make their mark in ďŹ ercely competitive Bangkok, discovers Neena Dhillon.

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B

omb blasts. Flooding. Riots.

Thailand’s tourism industry has faced more than its fair share of adversity yet it demonstrates a spirit of collective resilience that is to be admired. Speaking from the Thai capital, hotelier William Heinecke, CEO & Chairman of Minor International, says: “Bangkok keeps bouncing back from political instability and natural disasters, so much so that even with these challenges, it continues to be voted one of the world’s ‘must visit’ cities – a result of its strong visitor offering. We at Minor Hotel Group, and I’m sure I speak for everyone in the tourism and hospitality industry here, hope for the same thing – simply a ‘normal’ year of operation in 2012.”

Under the full glare of the media spotlight, the kingdom’s capital has been disrupted by

a series of political and natural upheavals, from anti-government protests in 2010, which resulted in a national state of emergency, to a botched bomb attack earlier this year.

Flooding from Chao Phraya River in late 2011, meanwhile, submerged industrial districts to the north of Bangkok although many of the city’s major tourism zones remained dry. Despite the crippling impact of these events on a crucial industry, the latest figures released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand show cause for optimism. In 2011 Thailand welcomed 19.09m international arrivals, representing growth of 19.8% on 2010. This was propelled in part by a 26.5% increase in visitors from East Asian countries. Estimates for 2012 predict 20.5m international arrivals, with generated revenue forecast at approximately THB766 billion.

View over Lumpini Park from So Sofitel Bangkok courtesy of Sofitel Hotels & Resorts

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BANGKOK REBOUNDS

For Thailand’s largest and most populous city, the challenge is to convert visitor numbers into hotel stays. STR Global estimates there are 242 hotels in Bangkok offering a total of 60,465 rooms. This is set to increase by 15.7% in the next three-to-five years as 45 properties in the pipeline add another 9,520 rooms.

Year-to-date RevPAR, in the meantime, stood at a relatively low THB2,324 in February.

“The RevPAR figures do indicate 6.7% annual growth, with the bulk of this occupancy driven, proving that demand is recovering,” says STR Global’s Area Director – Asia Jonas Ogren. “Having said that, market-wide occupancy is still in the low 70s, somewhat limiting the ability of hotels to raise rates.”

Since the Thai Hotels Association suggests even lower average occupancy – just above 60% – it is clear Bangkok has an issue with supply and demand. Ogren adds: “Roughly half of the pipeline is scheduled to open in the next 12-to-14 months so operators are likely to have a tough time driving performance in the short to medium term despite continuing demand.”

Thai hospitality veterans have voiced their concerned about a pipeline deemed to be on steroids, particularly at the luxury end.

Construction of ‘prestige-driven’ four- and five-star properties continues unabated with this sector already under extreme rate pressure because of the imbalance between supply and demand. A significant rise in visitors from East Asian nations, who now account for 54% of international visitors, suggests that budget and mid-scale accommodation would be better placed to cater for the shifting tourist profile. Indeed Bangkok-based developer Erawan Group has diversified into economy hotels in response to tourist traffic from BRIC economies Russia, India and China.

Embedded into the Thai hospitality 042

landscape, international chains are active across sectors. Accor, for example, which has 21 hotels in Bangkok, will elevate this total to 23 with the opening of an Ibis and Mercure by year-end. Other launches, though, fall firmly into the mid-scale and luxury categories.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts will be represented by all its major brands when the W is unveiled in December under an agreement with Golden Land and Istithmar World. Architecture for the 407-room W Bangkok is by P&T Group (formerly Palmer + Turner) with interiors by SODA Thailand and AvroKO. Park Hyatt, Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria and Edition are also expected to debut by 2015.

Leading Thai group Centara Hotels & Resorts, meanwhile, is due to open a second Bangkok property under its four-star value brand, Centra, this summer while the Okura Prestige Bangkok introduces Japan-based Okura Hotels & Resorts to Thailand. On a smaller scale, Taiwan-born Eugene Yeh debuts an eight-suite boutique hotel called Cabochon, a project he both owns and has designed in colonial style.

Regarded as the forerunner of ‘quintessential’ Thai resorts, Anantara has strengthened its Bangkok presence after the rebranding of a riverside property at the end of 2011. Previously run as a Marriott under a franchise agreement for several years, the 407-room waterfront retreat has been transferred to the Anantara portfolio, which as the in-house brand of owning company Minor International, expects to encompass 50 properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean and Middle East within four years. Set among an extensive network of tropical gardens situated in the midst of the city, Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa is the subject of a fullscale renovation due for completion in 2013.

“Opportunity in Bangkok arises if you are

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able to make your hotel stand out from the others, either by offering something different or by being the best at what you do,” Heinecke comments. Structural improvements, FF&E upgrades and the refurbishment of all rooms in the South Wing have been led by Samantha Lightbody, Director of Abacus Design, who follows in the footsteps of father John Lightbody, the original designer of the resort.

Incorporating touches of Thai culture into her contemporary scheme, Lightbody has conceived spacious rooms featuring Thai silk furnishings, teak furniture with ancient script etched on backlit mirror panels and black and white prints of the river to evoke a feel of ‘Old Siam’.

Anantara’s General Manager Francis Zimmerman acknowledges there is a tough road ahead for hoteliers in the next few years if the pace of development does not slow, but he also believes in the country’s fundamental pulling power. “Brand Thailand is exceptionally strong and will remain one of the most popular destinations in Asia, especially as regional travel increases,” he says.

“Bangkok will need to look at rejuvenating its appeal, however, by introducing something new to the tourism infrastructure, for example, a major expo or event.” Contributing a viewpoint from a related industry, Thai Airways General Manager for the UK and Ireland, Wit Kitchathorn, adds: “Passenger movement in and out of Thailand at the end of the last fiscal year showed positive growth despite challenges presented by the worldwide economy and risk management of natural disaster. Geographically Bangkok is suitable for transferring to neighbouring countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, but there is still plenty of room to expand its status as one of the most important Asian holiday hubs.”

HOTEL REVIEW

St Regis Bangkok Words: Neena Dhillon Photography: © Ralf Tooten

Seductive Asian detailing, craftsmanship and the finest finishes characterise the debut of St Regis Hotels & Resorts in Thailand.

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“F

lashy designs that once would have flattered the ego of owners are no longer appropriate in a residential area such as Rajadamri,” observes architect Yann Leroy. “Facing the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, the subdued façade of the St Regis is an acknowledgement of how the city has grown up.”

Rising 47 stories from an exclusive address, the streamlined silhouette of the five-billionBaht development, home to both private residences and a five-star hotel, has been conceived under the St Regis brand’s ‘Glass House’ narrative, indicating an expression of contemporary luxury. “Design is an essential distinction when it comes to Bangkok’s fivestar market because there is an imbalance of supply and demand,” says the hotel’s General Manager Krister Svensson. “We have 29 properties worldwide but the impact of the brand means there will be significant growth in Asia.”

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St Regis Bangkok is based on a textured marriage of stainless steel, black granite and glass with the clean exterior belying the complexity of functions inside. It is not surprising to learn, then, that the architect had car detailing in mind when he developed the aesthetic approach. “We designed the building as an abstract monolith, taking our inspiration from mysterious, highly prized standing stones, including Taihu from China,” Leroy explains. “We spent many hours distilling the concept down to its purest expression so the simple shapes would contrast with the exuberance of surrounding structures.” A former partner at BBG-BBGM Architects in New York, Leroy has since moved on to the position of director at Studioaria, as have Kate and Paul Greenwood who were also partners at BBG-BBGM. To ensure the consistency of St Regis Bangkok’s interior design, the Greenwoods transitioned the project from BBG-BBGM to Studioaria during the final construction phase.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The clean exterior of stainless steel, black granite and glass takes its inspiration from standing stones such as those at Taihu in China THIS PAGE: The entrance lounge residential seating upholstered in local silks and Sahco Hesslein fabrics alongside lacquered wood window screen treatments

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HOTEL REVIEW

THIS PAGE: A bedroom in the Royal Suite.

Guestroom deisgns combine teak flooring, mother-of-pearl inlaid tables, and wall sconces incorporating glass spheres

“Although developer Bill Heinecke wanted the number-one property in Thailand, he also wanted to avoid a traditional look represented by too much gold, bling or sparkle,” says Kate Greenwood. “The prestige of St Regis needed to be reconciled with a sense of place and we were asked to source materials from Thailand wherever possible.” Researching patterns and textures associated with Thai and other Asian cultures, including weaving traditions, fashion and objets d’art, the designers set about subtly referencing their destination in the bespoke scheme. “Quintessential Thai elements are juxtaposed with contemporary pieces to form an idea of essential luxury,” comments Paul Greenwood. “Raw silk, leather, stone and timber from Thailand are layered with understatement across generous spatial arrangements.”

Grand ceilings set the scene in the entrance 046

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lobby that invites visitors to recline in clusters of residential seating upholstered in local silk and Sahco Hesslein fabrics.

Teak lamps mimic branches while oversized deconstructed bronze pots are playful in nature. Two recurring motifs make an early appearance here – firstly, decorative lacquered wood window screen treatments bearing a traditional Thai pattern, and secondly a naturalistic design incorporated into area rugs and silk-lined columns finished with timber corners. Running through the public spaces, local cream marble chosen for its limestone feel and stained hardwood ground the scheme with regal purple accents lifting the palette.

Tactile features include abstract scenes of nature caught in bas-relief plasterwork and carved stone, textured walls akin to basket weave, ornamental bronze-effect door handles, etched glasswork, handtufted carpeting from

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Royal Thai and Tai Ping and exotic stingray skin arranged in graphic mode to border reception.

On the 12th floor, The Drawing Room exudes an aura of old-world glamour sprinkled with modern touches. Charcoal suede wall panels, for instance, are illustrated with suspended steel-effect lighting drops and contemporary wall sconces finished in black lacquer, the latter tonally complementing nero marquina marble columns. Moving past an eclectic mix of furniture, notable for Asian shapes and lines in a symphony of bronze, cream and black, guests arrive at the St Regis Bar with its panoramic views. Consultant Art Resources was brought onboard to curate work by local artists and skilled craftsmen, and one such example can be seen behind the bar where a screen-printed frieze depicts Thai dancers. Embossed leather bar stools

HOTEL REVIEW

line the black granite and leather-clad bar, framed by oriental wooden screens and lowhanging Shanghai-style lamps. Designed as a series of dining rooms that transform over the course of a day, meanwhile, Viu international grill restaurant encourages interaction in its open-plan kitchen. Red pops of colour come in the form of fabric-enclosed ceiling panels and floating pendant lighting made of nickel champagne, bronze metalwork and silk.

Decanter, on the other hand, has a sensuous flavour suited to tastings and wine dinners.

“Modelled on a gentlemen’s club – albeit with attractive, feminine flourishes – we looked at French fin-de-siècle elements,” reveals Greenwood. Backlit displays of wine bottles framed by padded fabric walls are matched with antique mirrors and delicate crystal and wrought iron chandeliers.

Other epicurean experiences can be enjoyed at entrance level where Zuma serves its signature Japanese cuisine and JoJo presents Italian fare in an atmospheric setting developed by Orbit Design Studio. Geometric forms, warm materials, travertine layers and metalwork pay homage to the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa with custom lighting again referencing Italian roots but given a very modern twist.

Representing signature St Regis design, a dramatically glamorous staircase connects reception to the Astor-level meeting and

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HOTEL REVIEW

ABOVE: A relaxation area by the pool is amongst the outdoor areas landscaped by architect Bill Bensley

EXPRESS CHECKOUT

events spaces, spiralling around a laser-cut metal and aubergine glass lighting feature in the figure of a lotus flower. The detail does not diminish on the events floor, however, with sophisticated homey niches contrasting against the ballroom’s theatre of clear-cut crystal chandeliers, screen-printed fabrics and boldly patterned carpets.

The flagship Elemis Spa on floor 15, meanwhile, is minimalist and refreshing in hues of cream and white enlivened with wood, window screen treatments and unique hanging seating pods made from woven rattan.

Landscaping of the impressive swimming pool and terrace comes courtesy of the imagination of Bill Bensley.

Offering butler service across the board, rooms and suites are graceful, combining 050

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teak flooring, customised fabric panelling, mother of pearl-inlaid tables, area rugs in dusky colours and wall sconces incorporating threaded glass spheres. As one concession to classic Thai culture, an intricate gold box showing a reverential scene is integrated into the teak wardrobes. Corner suites benefit from commanding views and an additional layering of naturalistic motifs as well as mauve accents.

Reaping the rewards of consistently high quality control throughout its interiors, St Regis Bangkok is a worthy example of how Asia is redefining the upmarket hospitality landscape. “Attention to detail, luxury finishing, expert workmanship and generosity of spaces are the hallmarks of this meticulous design,” concludes Greenwood.

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St Regis Bangkok 159 Rajadamri Road Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel: +66 2207 7777 www.stregis.com

„ 176 rooms and 51 suites ‰ Viu, The Drawing Room, JoJo, Zuma  Decanter, St Regis Bar [ Elemis Spa + 1,515m2 of meeting space including Astor Ballroom Owner: Minor International Operator: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Architecture: BBG-BBGM Architects Interior Design: BBG-BBGM with Kate Greenwood, Design Partner Interior Design (JoJo restaurant): Orbit Design Studio Interior Design (Zuma restaurant): Studio Glitt Landscape Design: Bill Bensley

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HOTEL REVIEW

Sofitel So Bangkok Words: Neena Dhillon Photography: Courtesy of Sofitel Hotels & Resorts

Five Thai designers, an awardwinning architect and a couturier have been recruited to create the interior design of the first urban Sofitel So. 052

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I

t is a busy time for Sofitel in Bangkok.

The brand is debuting a five-star flagship on Sukhumvit Road, with its existing hotel in Silom rebranded as a Pullman. Launched under the So label – a new collection of contemporary properties that aim to match high design credentials with a happening address and a commitment to expressing the essence of their destinations – Sofitel So Bangkok opened its doors in February at a cost of approximately 1.8 billion Baht. Following in the footsteps of So Mauritius, which incorporated designs

by Kenzo Takada, the Bangkok hotel is the second So worldwide and the first of its kind in Asia, with two forthcoming locations now confirmed in Mumbai and Singapore.

Overlooking Lumpini Park – Bangkok’s major green lung – the 30-storey development personifies the city through the collaboration of five local interior designers,

each of whom has been invited to imagine a concept around the five elements of water, earth, wood, metal and fire. Owner Verawat Ongvasith comments: “We have captured the sense of time and spirit of Bangkok.

From high rises in commercial environments and exotic street scenes to the tranquility of Lumpini Park, all has been converged into the design with a touch of eclectic modernity.”

Representing a link back to Sofitel’s French roots, fashion designer Mr Christian Lacroix has taken on the role of hotel stylist, creating the ‘Tree of Life’ emblem that encapsulates the five elements, shaping the look of the 25th-floor executive lounge called Club Signature, and designing streetlevel decorative mobiles as well as staff uniforms. Smith Obayawat, Principal of The Office of Bangkok Architects, meanwhile, was commissioned to lead on the

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Office of Bangkok Architects has designed the building in the form of “a hardback book with two covers slightly open to the public” ABOVE: Guestroom floors are themed according to the elements of metal, earth, wood and water. Pictured is a ‘Metal’ themed room

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HOTEL REVIEW

LEFT: The Park Lobby BELOW LEFT: The Red Oven restaurant has been conceptualised by consultancy Gorgeous Group. Live cooking stations serve up various street-style cuisines. The central show kitchen features a large vermillion-hued Molteni cooking station

architecture. “As the site is situated on two major downtown streets, we have developed our aluminium and glass-clad tower as a hardback book with two covers slightly open to the public,” he explains.

“The curvilinear façade is intended to cast varying reflections in response to the light.

We have installed a glass, concrete and rosso zinc podium to provide contrast to the tower above while the aluminium-enclosed parking ramps below have a powder coating for a metallic appearance.” Internally Obayawat takes inspiration from a sunken water court, weaving public facilities through a 15-metre open well that has facilitated the insertion of an atrium and elevated walkways.

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Borrowing from Bangkok’s heritage as the Venice of the East, the street lobby welcomes visitors with water features, text-inscribed lava stone walls and Lacroix’s ‘oneiric’ mobiles. Responsible for all the public spaces, PIA Interior’s founder Rujiraporn Wanglee notes: “To journey through the hotel is to experience Bangkok’s diversity and its changes through time. For example, the Thai alphabet at entry level represents the history of Krungthep or the city of angels, as Bangkok was originally known. This area is monotone, but as one heads into the heart of the building, colours become more vibrant and design more complex.”

Before guests ascend to the main lobby on

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the ninth floor, there is a chance to dip into Chocolab, a boutique with show kitchen and fibreglass-painted ceiling depicting melting chocolate drops. UK-based consultancy, Gorgeous Group, has conceptualised the hotel’s series of wining and dining venues.

For Wanglee, fire is the perfect element to represent the dynamic communal areas: “Fire’s main characteristic is forever changing energy so the design aesthetic is vibrantly diverse, with a mix of materials and forms combined randomly but consistently.”

On the ninth floor, with its floor-to-ceiling views out to the park, MIXO lounge and the lobby are spacious and sculptural in quality thanks to perforated wood-

HOTEL REVIEW

effect aluminium composite imprinted with motifs from traditional shadow plays, textural bamboo lighting mobiles, and gently angled armchairs. Sourced from China, dark emperador stone flecked with both gold and white marbling paves the central staircases and corridors and when backlit takes on the look of a catwalk. Down to the eighth floor and the ballroom dazzles with contemporary black crystal drop chandeliers and a modern evocation of wood panelling.

Expected to be popular with locals, the Red Oven world food market on the seventh floor comprises live cooking stations serving up various street-style cuisines from the largest vermilion-hued Molteni 056

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stove in southeast Asia. Attractive eastern walnut arranged in linear and block form contrasts with black emperador in this chic urban space where cargo boxes forming a wall display are wittily stamped with the hotel’s name and sheet metalwork shaped into a contemporary version of the rose window at Notre Dame in Paris catches the eye. Switching ambience once more, Park Society on the 29th floor steps up the glamour, offering chef ’s table-concept dining in an elevated setting consisting of indoor and alfresco seating. Backlit, etched, gold mirror-coated wall panels showing a motif loosely representing the building’s urban façade are juxtaposed with white marble

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TOP AND ABOVE RIGHT: Guestroom designs from the ‘earth’, themed floors feature cobalt blues with white and black accents by Vitoon Kunalungkarn of I A W Company ABOVE CENTRE: A ‘wood’ themed room by Nithi Sthapitanonda of IA49 ABOVE LEFT: A water element room by Pongthep Sagulku of August Design

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HOTEL REVIEW

LEFT: The ‘Chocolab’ boutique features a show kitchen and fibreglass painted ceiling of melting chocolate drops ABOVE: The Park Society offers a chef’s table concept with alfresco dining areas

table tops. For those who want to maximise the unrestricted views, the rooftop HI-So cabanas deliver fine fare via a butler.

Wellbeing is catered for at So Spa, a surprisingly atmospheric facility designed to evoke an ancient mythical forest. “Drawn from the Ramayana text of Hindu mythology, which is regularly studied in Thailand, our Himmapan Forest story is captured by local artists on the entrance walls using a technique of paint-enhanced layered lines and shapes,” Wanglee explains. Wood carved as tree trunks and laser-cut screens in the treatment rooms continue the theme, with light filtering through perforations as though in a shaded wood.

It is across four room categories of metal, earth, wood and water that other local design firms showcase their work, with each room type benefiting from an individually designed lobby. Somchai Jongsaeng of Deca Atelier invites guests to pause and reflect on Bangkok’s addictive momentum in his bright white rooms imagined as “metaphorical filters”. Contemporary wrap-around fixtures and translucent screens maintain clean lines, enhanced by sleek metal detailing including a sculptural cloud floating above leather headboards. For the wood rooms, Nithi Sthapitanonda of IA49 looks to heritage homes of northern Thailand, reinterpreting teak shutters for an interplay of light and 058

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shadow and displaying his renowned artistic skills in detailed handsketched murals printed onto fabric. Cobalt blue with white and black accents underpin the earth theme that has been developed by Vitoon Kunalungkarn of I A W. Here the designer turned to primeval cave paintings found in northeast Thailand, recreating some of the indigenous images onto screens, walls and curtains, an enriching addition that lends character. Water, finally, is reserved for the highest accommodation with Pongthep Sagulku of August Design portraying the movement of ripples subtly and with variety on cooling dark tiling and flooring as well as semi-transparent screens. Guests can connect to the park and cityscape in customised jacuzzi tubs and rain showers positioned next to floor-to-ceiling windows. Glowing light punctuates the flowing open-plan layouts.

For the hotel’s General Manager Gilles Cretallaz, the ‘five elements’ theme provides a key point of difference. “Relating back to feng shui, a daily part of Asian culture, we believe the way the elements have been incorporated into varying touch points will create interest for both regional and international visitors,” he comments. “The surprising but warm and tactile design should help us achieve our goal of becoming a destination in our own right.”

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Sofitel So Bangkok 2 North Sathorn Road Bangrak Bangkok 10500, Thailand Tel: +66 2624 0000 www.sofitel.com

„ 238 rooms and suites ‰ Park Society, Red Oven, Chocolab  Mixo, The Water Club [ So Spa + Club Signature, Ballroom, Social Club, Social Rooms, The Box Owner: Verawat Ongvasith Operator: Accor Architecture: The Office of Bangkok Architects Interior Design (public spaces): PIA Interior Interior Design (rooms): August Design, Deca Atelier, IA49, I A W Company F&B Consultants: Gorgeous Group

HOTEL REVIEW

Hansar Bangkok Words: Neena Dhillon Photography: © Thomas Pickard

WOHA has distilled Thai materials, textures and colours into a harmoniously contemporary aesthetic ideally suited to a luxurious downtown boutique.

“T

here is an abundance of hotels in Bangkok offering some of the greatest service in the world but we didn’t set out to compete with the five-star chains,” says Suzanne Vetillart Chayavichitsilp, Associate Creative Director of Hansar Bangkok. “Rather we wanted to fill a niche in the market by catering to seasoned travellers looking for an alternative in luxury hospitality.”

In a period of less than two years, Hansar Hotels & Resorts has made its mark on the destinations of Koh Samui and Bangkok, picking up industry awards for its designled boutique hotels. The young brand is the brainchild of Thai entrepreneur Somboon Chayavichitsilp, who launched a 74-room beachfront property on Koh Samui six months before debuting a 94-suite hotel in the Thai capital.

Set along smart Rajdamri Road, a busy location surrounded by upscale shopping and

corporations, the five-star Hansar Bangkok is part of a 43-storey hospitality and residential tower that includes four food and beverage venues, a sizeable spa, flexible meeting spaces, rooftop events terrace, infinity-edge swimming pool and a club floor. Spanning 19 storeys, the boutique hotel aims to offer a generous number of facilities in relation to its 94 keys while delivering amenities such as airport transfers, wireless internet access, mini-bar and business services as an inclusive part of its rates and packages.

Design is an integral element of the high-end concept, with the Chayavichitsilps seeking to represent Asia in a forward-looking way without resorting to clichés. Daughter Suzanne studied architecture at Columbia University before returning to Thailand to assist her father in finding a design firm for their property. “Although we considered practices in New York and Japan, we settled on Singapore-based WOHA because they are leaders in contemporary, tropical urban

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THIS PAGE: A living area in one of the hotel’s loft suites

architecture,” comments Chayavichitsilp.

In a city not commonly associated with innovative hotel exteriors, the eye-catching Hansar tower bucks the trend. Wong Mun Summ, Founding Director of WOHA, shares his inspiration for the compact site: “We wanted a refined structure, not something brash and loud. Referencing the early iconic towers of New York, such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler, we took our cue from a tapered treatment with an architectural statement at the top.” Since the desire for an elegant external quality has been matched by a strong interest in green credentials, WOHA has installed a double-layered-skin façade to the development, with the outer surface comprising aluminium-expanded mesh for sun-shading vertical surfaces. A six-storey strip of planting has also been wrapped around the car-parking portion while all corridors are open-air, allowing for natural ventilation.

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both visitors and the local community, there are external sky gardens and landscaping throughout, including frangipani trees that appear to float mid-air. To contextualise the tower to Bangkok, a subdued golden hue has been selected for the exterior.

Avoiding kitsch or obvious interpretations of Thai design, the internal public spaces are grounded in sleek local materials, stones and fabrics, namely teak, black granite and Jim Thompson silk. Textures and patterns are abstract renderings of traditional Asian timber framing and latticework.

Visitors enter the hotel through a doubleheight lobby containing an unmissable handstitched textile montage by Beyond Living and a grand staircase embellished with silk and mirrored panels, through which it is possible to glimpse Vue, a communal spot set around a reflective black glass and Makha wood bar framed by opposing oversized mirrors. The teak staircase leads

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to a semi-private mezzanine floor, a club lounge and reception area for hotel guests filled with leather and silk armchairs in silver, grey and olive tones and backlit shelves for books and photographs. The Chayavichitsilps had originally intended to work with an art consultant but opted instead to collaborate directly with upcoming Thai artists, offering the hotel’s public spaces as an ‘informal gallery’ for their pieces.

Promma Inyasri’s mythical dragon prints adorn reception, for instance, while on the ground floor photography by Tanapol Kaewpring and Komkrit Jianpinidnan adds visual interest. Vases, ceramics, statues and busts, meanwhile, are sourced from the family’s collection accumulated during travels in Chiang Rai, Mae Sai and Chiang Mai. Asian furniture designers are also showcased, with contemporary bar stools from Yothaka and rattan chairs and loveseats by Kenneth Cobonpue positioned around the eighth

HOTEL REVIEW

ABOVE: Guestrooms are spacious suites boasting a variety of bespoke design features including handwoven carpets

by SinoSiam Carpet, teak cabinetry and bed panels by Thai weaving artist Kachama

floor pool deck, a relaxing outdoor terrace constructed from durable South American greenheart wood.

Measuring between 59 and 125m2, the spacious suites boast a variety of bespoke design features, including handwoven carpets manufactured by SinoSiam Carpet Company, olive-hued silk panelled walls, Corian-topped tables and desks, teak cabinetry and bed panels made by Thai weaving artist Kachama, all seamlessly integrated by WOHA for a residential effect. Urban Suites have a unique interior garden planted with tropical greenery, Edge Suites maximise their cantilevered corners with inset day beds, and Vertigo Suites offer cantilevered bedrooms complete with Japanese-style mattresses. Glass panelled doors allow for the open-plan spaces to be divided when privacy is required, such as in the luxurious bathrooms equipped with customised wet rooms, bathtubs and sinks made of new age terrazzo by Apaiser.

As Eve restaurant and Café Boca are intended to have distinct identities, two additional designers have developed interiors 064

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for these venues. Serving cuisine with a French and Mediterranean influence, Eve takes its lead from feminine accessories, according to Etienne Vetillart. Padded fabric walls mimic handbags, screen dividers constructed of solid teak and powder-coated steel suggest mannequins or jewellery links and steel mesh screenwork around the open kitchen is inspired by fishnet stockings. He has also selected sculptural high-back seating in plum and bespoke lighting fixtures made of cascading brass panels for the restaurant, which shares an attractive outdoor terrace with Vue. Café Boca, in contrast, has a cosier, neighbourhood feel, with Suchate Ingsudhum using treated light teak wood and pearl-toned stone tiles as a setting for easy-to-eat Thai cuisine and patisserie.

Simple yet sophisticated, Hansar Bangkok’s understated style is rooted in Thailand through the choice of materials, artwork and furnishings – but the result is never overdone.

As Chayavichitsilp concludes: “When there are so many great local resources to draw on, there is no need to look any further.”

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Hansar Bangkok 3 Rajdamri Road, Bangkok 10330 Thailand Tel: +66 2209 1234 www.hansarbangkok.com

„ 94 suites ‰ Eve, Café Boca  Vue, Zest pool bar [ Luxsa Spa + Executive/Club Floor, 3 Function Rooms, Sky Terrace Owner/Operator: Somhansar Company Architecture/Interior Design: WOHA (public spaces, guestrooms) Interior Design: Etienne Vetillart and Suchate Ingsudhum (Eve) Interior Design: Suchate Ingsudhum (Café Boca and Luxsa Spa)

NH_sleeper_final2_Layout 1 4/25/12 10:33 AM Page 1

Taking Outdoor Luxury to Sculptural Levels.

T 305.438.2842 | F 305.760.6887 design@NeotericLuxury.com | NeotericLuxury.com

HOTEL REVIEW

Hotel Muse Bangkok Words: Neena Dhillon Photography: Manoo Manookulkit

Opulent interiors by PIA marry the sophistication of fin-de-siècle Europe with Asian motifs faithful to Thailand’s Rama V-period.

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W

hen property developer Krit Srichawla decided he wanted to introduce a product far removed from the cookie-cutter hotel, he turned to the classic European boutique concept for inspiration. Investing over one billion Baht into a 25-storey development situated on the wellto-do residential Langsuan Road in downtown Bangkok, the CEO of Fico Corporation eschewed the temptations of a contemporary glass box by rooting the story for his new hotel in the pioneering age of Rama V, the ‘Great Beloved King’ who steered Thailand down the road to modernisation from the late 19th to early 20th century.

“By looking to this era, in which Thailand reached out and engaged with Europe, our owner felt we could create a blend of East and West, old and new, to distinguish the design of Hotel Muse,” says General Manager Bodo Klingenberg. “It was then a natural choice for Accor’s

MGallery to assume management because the brand is a vehicle for personalitydriven hotels.” The addition of Hotel Muse strengthens the relationship between the Thai developer and Europe’s largest hospitality group, with four of Fico Corporation’s Bangkok properties managed by Accor.

Designed by Palmer & Turner, Hotel Muse’s exterior fits into the surrounding high-rise landscape, with distinctive features reserved for both the base and crown of the building, in the respective forms of a polished stone porte cochère contrasted with carved wooden doors and an unexpected collection of five cupolas. The real drama, however, is to be found inside. Here PIA Interior has drawn on architectural movements associated with the belle époque, combining these with Thai artistic elements that would have been in vogue during the equivalent historical period in Siam. “We have layered different French and Siamese styles from the late 19th century but treated them in a contemporary way,” explains Associate Pruitsatorn Sakulthai.

“There are three common features of the design language: coffered timber ceilings, wall panelling, and parquet oak flooring with exposed grain and an antique finish.”

Illuminated by carefully positioned pockets of mood lighting, the hotel’s entrance and lobby immediately set the tone, with vaulted ceilings meeting recessed walls that are artfully covered by wrought-iron screens and gates. The metalwork’s flowing forms and swirling curves have their origins in Art Nouveau in places but other ornate patterns are borrowed directly from Thai palaces. A monochromatic mosaic carpet and traditional Asian rugs bring warmth to the lobby and reception, where staff working from individual antique desks assist guests. Historical French and English paintings set in antique frames are sourced from the owner’s collection as well as local markets while other objets d’art are from Thailand. Restored plates from the Rama V-period, for example, are displayed outside the elevators, which are themselves heavy in WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM MAY / JUNE 2012

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BELOW: Public areas feature elegant classical forms BOTTOM: The Su Tha Ros Thai restaurant has a refined ambience derived from antique mirrored columns, diamond patterned marble flooring and ‘galaxy’ granite topped tables

detail, incorporating panelling, mosaics and more wrought iron, complete with bronzeeffect Muse logos framing entrances. The result is a modern take on the traditional cage elevator.

The hotel’s restaurants and bars have been created with a local audience as well as guests in mind, so the spacious venues double as events spaces for the creative industries and social gatherings. All-day Le Salon serves food, afternoon tea and drinks from an informal lobby-level room filled with classic deep-buttoned sofas set under brass reproduction candelabra draped with a net-like polyester and silk mix fabric. An antique-style clock and nautical map of Siam hang from walls dressed in flock wallpaper, while vintage trunks are stacked to recall the golden age of travel. Found in a cavernous underground basement at the bottom of a staircase lined with balustrades, meanwhile, Medici Kitchen & Bar adopts a neo-industrial aesthetic developed by PIA to reflect the fresh and authentic Tuscan cuisine presented by chef Francesco Lenzi. Sakulthai explains that a wine cellar-cum-bodega is the starting point for the design, which “intentionally exposes structural elements” such as arching girders, brickwork and columns that double as wine display units. Neon lighting lends pops of colour to the button-tufted black leather chairs, curved banquettes and a display of deconstructed casks.

Higher up on the 19th floor, Thai restaurant Su Tha Ros has an altogether more refined ambience derived from antique mirrored columns, diamond-patterned marble flooring and galaxy granite-topped tables. Black cashmere and camel-hued linen seating from Eichholtz adds elegance, as does a small selection of wooden armoires. Accessed 068

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HOTEL REVIEW

ABOVE: The Speakeasy rooftop bar is a two-storey series of external and internal spaces. The elevated outdoor lounge overlooks the gleaming domes of the building as well as offering impressive views over the city

through a corridor decorated with a mini gallery of paintings and frames, the adjacent terrace and compact swimming pool is a welcome spot for those seeking to escape the heat.

As the rooftop bar, The Speakeasy is a twofloored series of external and internal spaces.

“The name reflects the idea of an illegal happening so we wanted to insert forbidden rooms and secret corners,” outlines Sakulthai.

An inset domed ceiling soars above visitors upon arrival to the heavily wood-panelled entrance, leading to a long bar inside as well as an open-air bar constructed with granite and film-printed amber material showing a fossil motif. Above, on the 25th floor, a fake grass lawn and gleaming dome are playful aspects of the elevated outdoor lounge, which affords impressive views of the city. Intricate carved Asian walls form the backbone of Blind Pig cigar lounge, conveying the atmosphere of an illicit, private club.

Rooms dial down the drama somewhat but 070

are consistent in their wood panelling and cream coffered ceilings, enhanced by Damask wallpaper, Art Deco cabinets, day beds and tan trunks fashioned into a chest of drawers.

A local textile designer has collaborated with PIA to create a French-style composition depicting a palatial Thai scene on fabric sections behind beds. Plush monochromatic marble bathrooms feature mirror engravings developed with art students from Silpakorn University, handpainted basins and roll-top Cristina bathtubs with claw feet. The hotel’s six room categories culminating in the 216m2 Paranim Penthouse are imaginatively named according to layers of Buddhist cosmology.

Bold and theatrical, Hotel Muse draws freely from historic eastern and western themes to create an uncompromising mélange that is likely to elicit strong reaction. The individuality of the design vision, though, is guaranteed to ensure that MGallery’s second hotel in Bangkok stands out from the crowd.

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Hotel Muse Bangkok 55/555 Langsuan Road Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand Tel: +66 2630 4000 www.hotelmusebangkok.com

„ 174 guestrooms and suites  Le Salon, The Speakeasy, Blind Pig ‰ Le Salon, Medici Kitchen & Bar, Su Tha Ros + Boardroom, Private Dining Rooms Owner: Fico Corporation Operator: Accor (MGallery brand) Architecture: Palmer & Turner Interior Design: PIA Interior

HOTEL REVIEW

Aloft Bangkok Words: Neena Dhillon Photography: Courtesy of Aloft Bangkok

T

he advance of Aloft into southeast Asia called for an upgrade. As Starwood’s fastest-growing brand landed in Thailand – Kuala Lumpur and Phuket are to follow regionally by 2014 – it quickly became clear that the standard design template from the US had been adapted to cater to the local market.

“Expectations are high in Asia where hotel guests want more bang for their buck,” points out General Manager Brendan Daly. “This is especially true in competitive Bangkok, which is why Hassell was brought onboard to revise, not change, the original concept.”

Set in the entertainment district, Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 introduces a techsavvy, value-driven, urban proposition to the city’s midscale hospitality sector, with a clear intention to target the young at heart, in particular Gen Y travellers. As such, the 32-

storey building has been constructed to make a statement through a modern treatment of interlocking curved lines applied to the front of the façade. Alternatively backlit or rendered as coloured aluminium-composite panels, the lines provide textural relief to the visible exterior, completed with a typical Aloft curved roof structure. Internally the ‘no-walls, no-limits’ philosophy has been translated into a double-height, loft-style entry lobby with a sizeable mezzanine floor to create connectivity between the public areas. This open-plan void maximises space in the narrow site.

As well as contributing façade concept work, interdisciplinary practice Hassell (Bangkok) has sought to maintain an Aloft identity within the interiors while redefining the product to suit Asia. “The brand standard is extremely strong but it became apparent early on that the American model was unlikely

Interdisciplinary practice Hassell has adapted the template of Starwood’s Aloft brand for the Asian market.

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HOTEL REVIEW

ABOVE: The mezzanine level w xyz bar features a floor of multi-coloured lighting panels with a backlit acrylic glass bar front

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to succeed here,” explains Senior Associate Supakanya Lindsay. “Hassell took the essence of the image and redesigned the casegoods and furniture as well as upgraded the finishes, fabrics and fittings to develop what is likely to be an Aloft standard model for this region.”

Aloft’s rainbow motif, given a bold spin

by Hassell in places, underpins the design as a unifying visual element, threading its way from arrival into the lobby lounge and on to the guestroom corridors. Timber veneer reception and concierge desks, for example, incorporate neon lines though a system of inkjet print on film while room corridors play with perspective, juxtaposing a lightly textured wallcovering with rainbow-striped light box panels, enhanced by stripe-edged wool carpeting. Large picture widows at the end of corridors open up the accommodation floors, providing views out to the city.

Exposed pipework and ceiling supports, chain metal curtains, polished concrete WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM

flooring and a feature wall of interweaved white polyurethane bring an industrial aesthetic to the ground and mezzanine floors, home to re:fuel, a pit-stop eatery, and re: mix lounge, with its signature pool table surrounded by vibrantly coloured bean bags and lounge chairs. Locally manufactured seating clusters arranged through these two levels are vibrant and organic in form. Scatter cushions show a neon-hued snowflake print, Eero Aarnio bubble chairs are suspended from the ceiling and Vespa bikes double as art installations – resulting in a retro vibe.

At w xyz on the mezzanine, the disco floor has been reimagined with multi-coloured lighting illuminating frosted glass panels in the evening. In combination with the backlit acrylic and glass bar, this feature reflects the renowned nightlife back on the street.

At Crave restaurant, with its fresh orange and white palette, Aloft Bangkok aims to tempt locals and hotel guests alike with an

HOTEL REVIEW

LEFT: The re-mix lounge has brightly coloured bean bags and lounge chairs around the signature pool table ABOVE: Aloft’s rainbow motif features as a unifying design element throughout the property

international menu and broad selection of wines sold at wholesale prices. Choices from the 250-label selection can be made via an iPad with guests also able to order one of 3,000 bottles direct to their rooms. Fittingly, a walnut veneer wine display takes pride of place while clouds are the inspiration behind a ceiling installation floating above diners. More liquid refreshment is on offer at splash pool and terrace, which has its own brightly lit glass and stone bar as well as LED glowing from within furniture and planters.

In addition to a spacious restaurant, Aloft Bangkok caters for meetings at Tactic, an area comprising three private rooms and a lounge notable for its bespoke honeycomb ceiling, dark graphic carpets, laser-cut wood seating and the ubiquitous Aloft lines.

Guestrooms are functional with bonus furniture items, select fittings, soft furnishings and bespoke carpeting constituting a higher specification for this Asian model. Headboards are decorated with the only obvious Thaiflavoured design feature – a trio of backlit 076

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interchangeable fabric panels presenting a simple Thai motif. “As a contemporary international hotel, Aloft is not designed to be overly reliant on the culture of the location,” points out Lindsay. “Abstract art pieces and select fabrics add a touch of Thai to the experience.” Forming part of its commitment to push the technology envelope, the hotel has introduced ‘touch’ rooms that are controlled by a smartphone powered by Fingi. The Android device, issued at check-in, works both on- and crucially off-site, allowing guests to manage technology in their rooms, take advantage of wireless hot spots and access cheap local phone rates. An application that will allow these functions to be downloaded to guests’ own mobile devices is in development.

The move by Starwood in partnership with owner Parvinder Khanijaon to raise specifications for the premier Aloft in southeast Asia is a canny one. Retaining the DNA of the Aloft brand yet sensitively enhancing the design template, Hassell has succeeded in achieving a tricky balancing act.

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey-nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 2207 7000 www.alofthotels.com

„ 296 rooms ‰ Crave, re:fuel Âre:mix, w xyz, [ splash pool, re:charge gym + tactic – 240m2 meeting space

Owner: Khamin Developments Operator: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Architecture: Inter Akitek, Hassell Interior Design (original concept): Rockwell Group Interior Design (Bangkok): Hassell

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HOTEL REVIEW

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Belgraves London 078

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NewYork-based Thompson Hotels have arrived in London with a new hotel designed

by Tara Bernerd & Partners, working with EPR Architects.

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HOTEL REVIEW

A

merica’s leading boutique hoteliers are coming to London in increasing numbers. Morgans Hotel Group have recently unveiled plans for a Mondrian hotel at Sea Containers House, designed by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio. Ian Schrager is not only launching a long awaited Edition in collaboration with Marriott on the site of the former Berners Hotel, but is also understood to have acquired the Crowne Plaza in Shoreditch for conversion to his new hotel brand, Public. And André Balazs’ transformation of Marylebone Fire Station is due for completion later this year (expected to be a standalone, rather than a Standard property).

Racing slightly ahead of this pack are

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Thompson Hotels, who have already arrived in London with the launch of Belgraves, a new hotel on the site of the former Sheraton Belgravia. The group, who debuted with 60 Thompson, one of NYC’s original boutique hotels, have since expanded in Manhattan – where they now operate five hotels – and beyond – with properties in Toronto, Chicago, Miami and LA. Belgravia is a surprising choice of location for hip hoteliers you might have expected to head for an edgier neighbourhood such as Shoreditch or Soho. But the opportunity of a joint venture with The Harilela Group – a private, family-owned hotel owner with properties in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore – gave Thompson a fast track into the London market and the chance to open

MAY / JUNE 2012 WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM

ABOVE: Guestrooms feature bespoke joinery

by Tara Bernerd & Partners and floors by Silvan Flooring in smoked grey oak timber. A muted colour palette creates a sophisticated, understated sense of luxury

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HOTEL REVIEW

ABOVE: The lobby features an eclectic library and cosy, intimate seating areas. Patterned rugs are by Spanish manufacturer Alarwool.

The ‘Box’ sofa is by Istanbul-based Autoban. Other pieces are a mixture of one-off vintage pieces and reproductions

ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

Located at 20 Chesham Place, Belgraves is nestled amongst the embassy buildings and expensive boutiques of Belgravia. The German diplomatic mission is just across the square. Couture designers such as Anja Hindmarch, Christian Loubutin and Herve Leger have stores nearby. Nonetheless it is a relatively quiet location for an operator more used to the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan.

Jason Pomeranc, co-owner of Thompson Hotels, characterises the hotel’s feel as “a little New York attitude coupled with traditional British hospitality... Belgraves is a truly creative collaboration which will have a huge impact on Londoners and international travellers alike,” he says.

Participants in this collaboration have included interior design practice Tara Bernerd & Partners, EPR Architects, and chef Mark Hix, whose Hix Belgravia was revealed as the hotel restaurant just before opening.

The New York attitude is evident from 082

the attire of the doormen, clad in sharply tailored jeans and plaid shirts rather than top hat and tails. The hefty entrance door – a 3m high piece of timber and bronze protruding through the frameless glass frontage – gives a clear sense of arrival and distracts attention from the Seventies vernacular of the façade, which planners insisted be retained. The New York loft feel continues inside, where sandblasted brick walls, contemporary artworks and vintage mid-century furnishings combine with a colour scheme of warm greys and aubergine accents.

The building inherited by the project team was not ideal. Low ceilings, crumbling walls, a leaking roof and dilapidated windows all had to be addressed. “The primary challenge was the development of the two main frontages along Chesham Place and Pont Street,” explain EPR Architects. “Our proposal was to remove the existing two- and three-storey brown glass extension and replace it with a clear double height frameless glass façade providing light and transparency as an

MAY / JUNE 2012 WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM

essential element of the design. The detailing of the glass frontage was critical to the success of the interiors and the styling of the hotel as a whole. The structural glazing needed to be domestic in scale without creating a ‘goldfish bowl shop front’ or becoming too commercial.

A combination of stainless steel columns, glass fins and point fixings were used.”

Inside, Tara Bernerd & Partners and EPR Architects, working with contractor Overbury, project managers Jones Lang LaSalle and lighting consultants Isometrix, have created what is to all intents and purposes a new hotel within the existing structure.

“Working with the forward-thinking and design-savvy Thompson Hotels, has magnified the appeal of the project and allowed us all as a team to create a very seductive hotel,” says Tara Bernerd, describing the project as “a rich, eclectic and tactile design that combines traditional elegance with a modern architectural language. It’s not trying to be overly grand or overly luxury, it’s got cocoons of space.”

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HOTEL REVIEW

Bernerd’s knowledge of the area (her firm is based in Belgravia and formerly occupied an office opposite the hotel) has also played an important part in the design.

“Londoners will see it as a local destination and almost use it as their own club,” she says.

The previously cramped lobby area was broken out to create a double height entrance, with a staircase in Tuscany honed marble and bronze, and leather topped glass handrail leading up past a neon sign by artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster pointing the way to ‘Mark’s Bar’.

“The biggest challenge was the ceiling heights,” explains Tommy Gymnander of Tara Bernerd & Partners “We had to play a few tricks to make building feel more spacious.

The concrete soffits and long sightlines give a loft-like feel.”

In the lobby, patterned rugs by Spanish firm Alarwool rub up against furniture which includes designer pieces from the likes of Autoban, B&B Italia and Classicon alongside one-off vintage pieces and reproductions. The reception desk is a bespoke design consisting of bronze and fluted glass and marble.

Lighting includes contemporary designs by Lee Broom and Santa & Cole, as well as old fashioned filament light bulbs.

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sees Mark Hix offering a a more eclectic menu than that offered at his restaurants in Soho or Clerkenwell, inspired by his travels around the world. Semi circular booths have been cleverly incorporated into the protruding glass façade.

A lighter menu is available in the mezzanine level Mark’s Bar, designed in tones of bronze, copper, brass, zinc and tombac, beyond which is an all year round roof-top terrace designed to provide the necessary open space under UK smoking regulations. The design for this semi-enclosed space incorporates a bi-parting retractable roof light and fixed frameless glass roof over the double height extension linking this outside space to the main building.

The hotel’s 85 guestrooms feature silver grey timber floors throughout, a design feature which carries through to the bespoke cabinetry adding warmth to each considered space. All rooms are handsomely decorated with palettes of neutral tones and natural textures. Accents of aubergine, caramel or vermillion on signature walls create a stylish yet warm atmosphere. Marble bathrooms are finished with smoked glass and brass beaded curtains, preserving the modesty of guests who would otherwise be visible through the glazed wall between bathing and sleeping area.

Other facilities include private dining or meeting space for up to 22 guests, and gym.

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ABOVE LEFT: Room designs feature purple velvet seating built into the oriel window nooks ABOVE RIGHT: The entrance staircase is a mixture of Tuscany honed marble and bronze with a leather topped glass handrail and carpeted treads on the stairs

EXPRESS CHECKOUT Belgraves London 20 Chesham Place, London, UK SW1X 8HQ Tel: +44 (0)20 7858 0100 www.thompsonhotels.com

„ 85 guestrooms and suites ‰ Hix Belgravia  Mark’s Bar [ Fitness Centre + Two meeting rooms, outdoor terrace Owner: Harilela Hotels Operator: Thompson Hotels Interior Design: Tara Bernerd & Partners Architects: EPR Architects Project Management: Jones Lang LaSalle Lighting Design: Isometrix Quantity Surveyor: Gleeds Consulting Engineers: Norman Disney Young, Pell Frishmann Contractor: Overbury

Papaya Playa Project Tulum, Mexico Words: Eileen Keribar Photography: Kaspar Lerch

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Berlin-based Design Hotels has created a pop-up paradise – a communal playground for a creative community on the Riviera Maya.

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hile the here-today, gonetomorrow concept of pop-ups has been de rigueur in the dining and retail industries for some time, Papaya Playa, a Design Hotels™ Project, has taken a bold step in extending the exhilaration of participating in a fleeting experience into the world of hospitality.

Tucked into a leafy strip of jungle on a stunning stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Papaya Playa Project is a ‘raw-luxe camp with an urban spirit’, a temporary retreat constituted by a serene and simple set of bungalows. Created with the European creative art set in mind, Papaya Playa offers a uniquely tribal experience – communal, participatory and by definition transitory – for the intrepid traveller seeking an unfettered experience that allows them to connect with nature and a like-minded community of thinkers. The result is a platform for guests to connect and to be inspired.

The 1.5 hour drive along the Mexican Riviera from Cancun to Tulum is littered with grandiose and overbuilt resorts which highlight how this stretch of coastline is under threat of losing its natural beauty. Upon arrival at Tulum’s shady beachfront strip, a mere two kilometres off the main road, one is instantly transport to a tranquil world where sun-kissed families flip-flop to beach and back, and couples on bicycles slowly pedal their way home after a trip to the market.

Among the first destinations along this strip of low-built hotels, eco-resorts and yoga retreats is Papaya Playa, wholly representative of Tulum’s status as an antidote to Cancun’s package holiday destinations.

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THIS PAGE: The resort’s 85 cabanas are simply furnished with mosquito nets, Mexican ‘sarape’ pattern rugs, and rustic furniture OPPOSITE: Brightly coloured pinatas are suspended above the reception area

Together with Emilio Heredia, owner of the existing Papaya Playa resort, Design Hotels™ pulled together an international team to bring their individual creative energies and vision to bear on Heredia’s property. With an eye towards reshaping and redefining travel in the 21st century, collaborators were selected based on a cultural alignment and shared vision of a collective community.

“More important than the physical attributes of any given place is the element of collaboration, connecting with people who are on the same wavelength and creating a framework for experiences that really stay with you,” states Design Hotels™ founder and CEO Claus Sendlinger. Indeed, the resort has a distinctive village feel, with some guests staying one or two months on arts sabbaticals, others bringing their own personal decor items, and many bartering services and skills – a house music mix for a haircut, a yoga session for a guitar lesson, and so forth.

The reception area, set back from the road under a typical thatched Mexican palapa roof, features playful and colourful piñatas dancing overhead in the breeze. Guests quietly mingle amidst simple, natural furniture punctuated by the occasional sombrero or brightly painted chair while they replenish their mobile battery at the charging station or sip a fresh smoothie in the shade whilst accessing the public WiFi. Flanking the reception is the 42°RAW restaurant, run by the Copenhagen group of the same name. An up-and-coming food movement, raw food focuses on preserving the natural vitamins and minerals of foods by not heating them above 42 degrees Celsius – an innovative and also healthy approach that perfectly suits the lifestyle of the Tulum crowd.

Along winding paths that lead from the 088

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reception area through largely undisturbed flora and fauna are 85 rustic cabañas, many perched on a rocky ledge that is home to a colony of iguanas. The original cabañas were repainted and resurrected into charming, whitewashed dwellings with thatched roofs, unfussily appointed with brightly coloured Mexican sarape-patterned rugs, mosquito nets and a single overhead light, effortlessly celebrating the luxury of simplicity. Ranging from four ocean-side casitas with private bathrooms and outdoor living rooms, to shared jungle cabañas with bunk beds and picturesque communal outdoor bathroom facilities, the accommodations fit a variety of desires and budgets.

The beachfront restaurant and club are run by Berlin’s KaterHolzig (a successor to Berlin’s legendary Bar 25). A quirky, multitiered outdoor space that spills down to the beach, the restaurant’s rustic and natural 090

atmosphere features Berlin flea-market finds such as vintage lampshades and a kitschy upright piano, round sunken booths for large groups, communal tables and a treehouse-like private dining area on an elevated platform.

“Katerholzig was a natural choice for us given that they are the masters of semipermanent experiences in our hometown of Berlin,” states Sendlinger, “The city still has prime lots and old buildings for which innovators come in for a temporary period with different concepts, and KaterHolzig has had great success with its mixed clubrestaurant approach.”

Tapping into Design Hotels’ large network of DJs and musicians, music is a key component to the experience with live scheduled performances and impromptu sessions alike bringing together the Tulum community. An amphitheatre on the beach serves as a venue for full moon

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THIS PAGE: Much of the resort is open to the elements.

Traditional construction techniques such as thatched straw roofing give a raw, natural feel

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BELOW: Cabanas vary in size and facilities from oceanside casitas with private bathrooms and outdoor living rooms, to shared jungle cabanas with bunk beds and communal outdoor bathrooms

ceremonies, yoga classes, performances and lectures, all encouraging Papaya Playa’s participatory spirit and showcasing its ethos of creative collaboration.

Rounding out the resort is the So Happy Spa, a beachside, shabby-chic sanctuary with four outdoor treatment areas, two treatment cabañas and a juice bar where guests can idly swing in hammock chairs while contemplating the waves. The hotel has an on-site shaman named Carlos who has created unique, locally-based spa treatments aimed at nurturing the mind and body with spiritual and ritualistic components.

Unique offerings such as these are evidence that Sendlinger is very focused both on what constitutes luxury in today’s economic climate and what the impact of global trends on the perception of luxury will be on the hospitality sector in the future.

“Today’s travel landscape is increasingly based on the experiential, spiritual and local,” asserts Sendlinger, “Tulum embodies the fusion of nature, leisure and spirituality... We chose this pristine destination because we wanted to be in a beautiful place that is full of nature and respect and upholds these values.”

Sendlinger, who moved with his family to Tulum last year, has a personal interest in the future of the resort destination as well and has been active in the community’s planning efforts: “We envision Tulum as a sustainable destination with responsible tourists and tourism providers, where business owners play an active role in urban planning and cultural conservation.”

While not initially envisioned as a pilot project, the success of Papaya Playa Project and the inspiring feedback it received has encouraged Design Hotels™ to expand the 092

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THIS PAGE: The resort is located directly on the beachfront amidst indigenous flora and fauna

initiative and to continue its investigation into new creative and off-radar luxury forms.

Sendlinger explains: “At the heart of Design Hotels’ Projects are the compelling destinations and rich array of experiences that resonate with a diverse crowd of cultural travellers. Designed to be shifting hubs, they provide an open platform for the creative collective to gather, celebrate and shape meaningful moments.”

This time for the summer season, Design Hotels™ will bring the adventure to the Mediterranean. Long-time friends of Design Hotels™, proprietors Thomas Heyne and Mario Hertel together with Markos Daktilidis, owner of Paradise Beach, one of Mykonos’ and Europe’s top-rated house music clubs, approached the brand to design a new hospitality experience at the existing 34-room San Giorgio hotel.

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Mykonos, A Design Hotels™ Project takes the next step from pop-up to temporal hospitality experiences. Melding the carefree finesse of a Sixties bohemian lifestyle with a down-to-earth “gypset” approach, former Creative Director of Design Hotels™ and now design entrepreneur Michael Schickinger, together with interior designer and stylist Annabell Kutucu have created an airy and light Mediterranean-styled destination with an emphasis on origin and craftsmanship.

Part of the Paradise Beach family, DJs like Armin Van Buuren, Moby and David Guetta will be involved. Impromptu chilled-house sets will be an exclusive highlight for the temporary community. These monthly events will take place in the hotel’s open-air lounge, perfectly placed to soak up the last rays of sun settling into the Aegean Sea – and just like the sunset, you’ll have to time yourself perfectly to catch it.

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Papaya Playa – A Design Hotels Project Km 4.5 Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum Quintana Roo, 77780, Mexico Tel: +52 (1) 984 116 3774 www.papayaplayaproject.com

„ 85 cabanas  The Beach Shack by Kater Holzig ‰ Raw food bar by 42° RAW, Kater Holzig Restaurant & Bar

[ So Happy Spa

+ MiniSuper mercado, Sian Kite watersports Developer / Operator: Design Hotels™ / Emilio Heredia Creative Direction: mamapapacola Design: Design Hotels™ Creative Team Restaurant & Bar Consultants: Kater Holzig, 42° Raw

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Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Courtesy of Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Graven Images has incorporated subtle references to Chicago’s cityscape in its design of North America’s first Radisson Blu, a 334-room hotel in Jeanne Gang’s Aqua Tower.

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s Sleeper took to the skies bound for Chicago, final preparations for Radisson Blu Aqua’s grand opening party were under way.

The official unveiling would see executives from The Rezidor Hotel Group and Carlson come together to celebrate the launch of the US flagship, while it also marked the beginning of a new transatlantic partnership.

Days earlier, it was announced that Brusselsbased Rezidor and Minneapolis-based Carlson had established the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, formed to ‘pursue the global alignment and management of its brands, the ambitious development of its revenue generation engines, global purchasing opportunities, and people development’. Hubert Joly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Carlson, said of the venture: “Carlson and Rezidor have a long, common history and have grown together over the past 098

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17 years. Going to market as one is a next and natural step. We are leveraging the strengths of two great companies to create value for all our stakeholders.”

The portfolio of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group includes more than 1,300 hotels, has a global footprint spanning 80 countries, and a strong set of brands including the re-named Radisson Blu. Since Arne Jacobson’s Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (as it is now known) opened as the world’s first design hotel, the brand has built a reputation for creating hotels that stand as individual design statements. In Zurich, ‘wine angels’ scale a floor-to-ceiling wine tower to retrieve orders, while Berlin holds the record for the world’s largest cylindrical aquarium.

In Chicago, it is the iconic architecture of the Aqua Tower that first impresses.

Designed by Jeanne Gang, Principal and founder of Studio Gang Architects, it is one

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of the tallest buildings in the world (262m) to have a woman as lead architect. Irregularly shaped floor slabs extend from the core of the building to create undulating wave-like structures that come to form balconies. The tower’s name is also influenced by its proximity to Lake Michigan and fits the nautical theme of the Lakeshore East development.

Located on the first 18 floors of the 81storey mixed-use tower, Radisson Blu is complete with 334 guestrooms, the group’s own-brand Filini Bar and Restaurant, 8,000ft2 of fitness space, 70,000ft2 landscaped gardens with running track, lap pool, hot tub, sundeck, fire pits, and cabanas, and over 28,000ft2 of event space.

Glasgow-based Graven Images was assigned to design the interiors, having worked with Rezidor in Europe for over a decade. “Our key criteria was to make a mark,” explains

OPPOSITE: In the lobby lounge, a 50ft linear fireplace is set into a wall-to-wall screen of interconnected Egyptian brass medallions, produced by Randa Fahmy. A bespoke rug designed by Hamilton and manufactured by Gravity Flooring features an abstract aerial depiction of Chicago ABOVE: Filini Bar offers a clubby ambiance with black and white handpieced mosaic floor, aluminium dining chairs by Emeco, and flickering LED candle lights RIGHT: On the mezzanine level, the restaurant features silver leather banquettes and a glass wine wall. Pre-cast polished concrete flooring in the public spaces is supplied by Bovis, and hardwood flooring by Surface Plus

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ABOVE: Graven Images also designed the meeting and events spaces specifying carpets from Brintons and Series 7 stacking chairs from Republic of Fritz Hansen

Creative Director Jim Hamilton. “We had a DNA to work from but wanted to make sure what we did in Chicago was different to the Radisson Blus in Europe.”

Hamilton’s approach to the project was from the perspective of the customer and their journey through the public spaces, what he calls “socially interactive orientation”. An awkward footprint took some careful planning with Loewenberg Architects to make it easy for guests to navigate their way around, but the resulting layout is a refreshing change. Checkin is located to the left of the main entrance, with a lounge area, Martini Bar, and the Filini Bar leading off from a central “internal street”. This ensures that the all-important first impression, and lasting impression is of the interiors.

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uncover “indigenous qualities” that could be incorporated without being too literal.

“Chicago has a heavy design influence but we steered away from the obvious and looked at the things that are under people’s feet,” he enthuses. For example, a pattern used in the cast iron floor tiles seen in the lobby’s internal street came from Hamilton’s observations throughout the city during the course of the two-year project. “The grates we had seen protecting the trees serve a fairly functional purpose but are actually really beautiful,” he explains. “Another of the things I took lots of photos of was the shadows created by cars passing over the steel bridges. This became the backbone for the carpets,” he adds. “What really resonated was the fact that Chicago has a lot of heavy engineering.”

As such, pre-cast polished concrete has been used extensively on the floor; a reclaimed

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brick wall with skyscraper-shaped openings has been built to break down the volume; and the use of steel recalls the city’s reputation as the birthplace of the modern skyscraper. “If you throw those materials together without seeing the place you think it’s going to be a concrete jungle,” Hamilton exclaims, “but I think the warmth we’ve managed to achieve is unexpected.”

Much of this warmth comes from a rich palette of materials. A wall-to-wall screen of interconnected Egyptian brass medallions, produced by Randa Fahmy, hangs in front of a mirror to dramatic effect. Set within is a 50ft linear fireplace, thought to be the longest in America. Underfoot, an oversized handmade rug features an abstract aerial depiction of Chicago, as imagined and drawn by Hamilton, while brick lights within the wall are based on the city’s lights seen from the air.

HOTEL REVIEW

ABOVE: Guestrooms are designed by Christian Lundwall of LLdP, and come in two styles selected from Carlson’s pre-approved concept rooms. ‘NY Mansion House’ is defined by deep rich timber finishes, flashes of chrome, and enlivening turquoise

Bookending the Martini Bar, a cantilevered staircase weighing 20 tonnes bridges the ground level to an art gallery at one end – featuring works relevant to Chicago and serving as a breakout space between the public areas and meetings and events offering – and Filini Bar and Restaurant at the other end. Structurally significant is the supporting I-beam that runs the length of the mezzanine level and serves as a perch for overhanging restaurant boxes.

A glass wine wall greets guests ascending to Filini, where a variety of seating options include silver leather banquettes and polished aluminium dining chairs. White ceramic geometric tiles serve as a backdrop for the exhibition kitchen and continue to the bar beneath. Here, a low ceiling and black and white hand-pieced mosaic floor create a clubby ambiance come nightfall, with lighting provided by the flickering LED candle lights 102

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set within the angular countertops.

Guestrooms are designed by Christian Lundwall of LLdP, and come in two styles selected from Carlson’s pre-approved concept rooms. The firm – a joint venture between Scandinavian companies LWA and Sifab – has worked closely with Carlson to develop five turnkey solutions as a part of the upgrading of the Radisson brand. ‘Naturally Cool’ features a neutral palette with polished wood flooring and oak casegoods, while ‘NY Mansion House’ is defined by deep rich timber finishes, flashes of chrome, and enlivening turquoise.

Under its new moniker, Carlson Rezidor is concentrating on establishing flagship hotels in key US cities, investing up to US$1.5 billion. The second Radisson Blu, designed by Gettys in collaboration with Graven Images, is currently under construction at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, and is slated to open in 2013.

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel 221 North Columbus Drive Chicago, IL 60601 USA Tel: +1 312 565 5258 www.radissonbluchicago.com

„ 334 guestrooms ‰ Filini Restaurant  Filini Bar [ 8,000ft2 fitness space including gym, swimming pool and outdoor running track + 28,000ft2 meeting and events space including ballroom Developer / Owner: Carlson and Magellan Development Group (JV) Operator: Carlson Architects: Studio Gang Architects (Aqua Tower), Loewenberg Architects (hotel) Designers: Graven Images (public areas), LLdP (guestrooms)

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The Saguaro Scottsdale Words: Jacyln Sienna India Photography: Courtesy of The Saguaro

Sydell Group has reinvigorated a neglected Arizona hotel with a vivid injection of colour inspired by “the desert in bloom” from architects Stamberg Aferiat.

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ABOVE: As well as the indigenous flowers of the Sonoma desert, Stamberg Aferiat’s colour palette has taken its lead from the work of artists Victor Vasarely and Yaacov Agam

T

here is a special cactus found only in the Sonoran Desert – slow growing, majestic, it lives to 150 years. Its most exceptional feature however, is when its flowers blossom – happening fifty years into its existence with such fleeting occurrence. It’s appropriate then that this cactus, the Saguaro (pronounced suh-wah-ro), has lent its name to a new hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona.

It was in February of 2011 that Sydell Group acquired what was previously the dark and neglected Hotel Theodore and began to reshape it. Andrew Zobler, the Founder and CEO of Sydell Group was former Senior Vice President of Acquisitions for North America for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Principal of Lazard Freres Real Estate Funds,

and Chief Investment Officer at André Balazs Properties. Prior to launching The Saguaro, the developer had already enjoyed success with Ace Hotels in New York and Palm Springs, California. As Zobler explains: “Our sweet spot is usually finding an existing property that needs to be refixed, retooled.”

The Theodore building, which already had “great bones and a good location,” gave the perfect chance for Zobler to work with longtime friends, architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat.

The existing structure was previously renovated by architect Deborah Burke, giving the new architects a clean and elegant canvas to work with. “We saw a beautiful property that just needed to be revealed,” they explained. All they had to do was “inject WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM MAY / JUNE 2012

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new life, spirit and warmth” to it, and they thought, what better way to do that than with colour?

The building code specified that properties in Scottsdale must follow the neutral aesthetic of the surrounding environment. However, the designers saw this project as a chance to breathe life into the area by taking the hues of 12 indigenous flowers, painting and highlighting walls and halls with splashes of colour, and creating a playful atmosphere that is very much needed in the mute desert. Even the Planning Commission couldn’t say no to this proposal, which would bring a dash of freshness to the area.

Upon walking through the property, there is a strong sense of its cultural influences from the Southwest and Mexico. Leather and wooden Equipale furniture, historically used by those in Aztec high society long before there were borders in America, are scattered throughout the hotel’s lobby, lounge 106

areas, and public spaces. In each of the 195 guestrooms, there are balconies that draw in great views, hand-crafted patterned blankets, monochromatic vintage photos, and details like pig-skin desks for a touch of interest. The designers worked a lot with Knoll textiles and local designers in creating unique pieces such as banquettes, rugs, and loungers, to make this place comfortable and warm for guests.

The outside is just as captivating. It is here that one can see just how well the hotel fuses so organically with the desert backdrop as the property inherited great landscaping. Just to spruce things up, landscape architect Chris Winters has incorporated indigenous plants to the property with a focus on sustainable succulents and the flowers which inspired the colours used elsewhere by the architects.

Within the perimeter of Mexican Fan Palms, there are two heated pools surrounded by bright cabanas as well as an outdoor fireplace, perfect for lounging al fresco.

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ABOVE: Public areas feature leather and wooden Equipale furniture like that seen in Aztec high society. The vivid colour palette is inspired by the indigenous plants and flowers used by landscape architect Chris Winters

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There is also a bar, reminiscent of old Western saloons but sculpted in a modern way with a sitting area panelled with weathered barn siding and sculpted niches. Andrew Zobler adds, “There are so many things we are proud of in this hotel. Of course, the hotel’s design is an outstanding feature, especially for the area. But we are also proud to have Chef Jose Garcas on board.” The chef is lauded for his Pan-Latin cuisine, which he brings to the hotel’s eateries.

Currently, the hotel is managed by hospitality group Joie de Vivre, making sure that all visitors, those that come for business and pleasure alike, are well taken care of.

“When you come here, it’s hard not to feel good with all the hotel’s playful vibe and dynamic colours,” Zobler adds. Sydell Group wanted to create a property whose design was out of the box and Stamberg and Aferiat 108

delivered. The Saguaro “is the desert in bloom,” say the architects.

Sydell Group have ambitions well beyond the Arizona desert. Soon after the successful launch of The Saguaro Scottsdale, Sydell assembled the same team of creative partners to help re-launch a former Holiday Inn in Palm Springs as another Saguaro hotel. The group has just launched The NoMad Hotel in New York with Will Guidara and MichelinStar chef Daniel Humm, the creative team behind the award-winning Eleven Madison Park restaurant in New York. Future projects include the transformation of the recently acquired 388-room Wilshire Hotel in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles into “the first lifestyle hotel in the United States with a strong connection to Korean culture.”

Additional projects are in the works in New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco.

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT The Saguaro 4000 N Drinkwater Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Tel: +1 480 308 1100 www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/saguaro

„ 195 guestrooms ‰ Old Town Whiskey, Distrito  El Zocalo Bar [ 2 pools, Fitness Centre, Saguaro Spa + Extensive meeting and event space Owner / Developer: Sydell Group Operator: Joie de Vivre Interior Design & Architecture: Stamberg Aferiat Architects

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HOTEL REVIEW

Stockholm-based design studio Koncept have taken the refurbishment of one of their home city’s grande dame hotels, infusing it with references to the ‘urban theatre’ of its surroundings.

Scandic Grand Stockholm Words: Guy Dittrich Photography: Courtesy of Scandic Grand Stockholm

“T

he Scandic Grand Central is a love affair between Stockholm’s street life and culture and the grand old lady,” explains Ann Marie Ekroth, of interior designers Koncept Stockholm, referring to the 1880’s building recently converted from offices into a 391room hotel.

The imposing building was constructed in an majestic Viennese style of high, arched windows deeply set within thick, stone-clad lower walls and towers at each corner.

Located in central Stockholm, not far from the main train station, the hotel is in something of an entertainment quarter with a theatre opposite and another adjacent to the hotel, awaiting development. The rearmost area of the hotel’s generous lobby was originally the latter theatre’s bar and is now the hotel’s Teaterbrassereit restaurant with hand-painted vaulted ceilings.

The neighbourhood’s sense of urban theatre has been brought into the hotel. “We have arranged the plan so that all public areas interact with the street,” explains Ekroth.

“The bars and show kitchen face the big arched windows.”

And it works with only a few tables free in the middle of a midweek afternoon but both floors of the Acoustic Bar packed later that evening.

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THIS PAGE: The Acoustic Bar features handpainted vaulted ceilings, patterned floor tiles by Marrakesh Design, classic Tolix bar stools in black gloss finish and lighting by Diesel / Foscarini

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The theatrical references come thick and fast. Spotlights are suspended on gantries both horizontally and vertically, in the case of a stairwell. Vinyl record players sit on top of metal-edged ‘roadie’ cases in guestrooms.

Exposed light bulbs accentuate the graceful arches of the Teaterbrassereit and also frame antique mirrors in the toilets where paparazzilike crowd scenes decorate the walls. Wellknown song lyrics, old and new, are painted directly on corridor walls (versions on hard backed boards decorate guestrooms).

Further local references are seen in the vintage video footage looping behind the reception desk and guestroom numbers made from original print blocks: there used to be a printers on the site. Further imagery sees photos of local artists and, covering one wall of each lift, a map of the local area.

Tempestuous, like all love affairs, the interiors are also a collision between the traditional elements of the building – marble 112

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flagstones, detailed cornicing and pillars – and those inspired by Stockholm’s streets – metal (copper piping used decoratively, brass sheeting, industrial-styled stairs and balustrades in the Acoustic Bar, metal grids) and a strong graphics concept that sees local manhole covers and grates depicted in corridor carpets.

This highly developed story telling is to be expected from a design company that won awards at the European Hotel Design Awards 2009 including one with the appropriately named Story Hotel, Stockholm. “The creative story needs to be relevant to create a flow in the design process, to reinforce the hotel’s USP and make it easier to market the hotel,” explains Ekroth, “for everyone to tell the same story to the customer is a big strength.”

Certain other challenges had to be addressed in the course of the project. An extension into the U-shaped courtyard provides suites with windows on three

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ABOVE: The lobby features Vitra ‘Organic’ chairs, designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen, and Moooi ‘Rabbit’ lamps.

Elsewhere in the lobby hurricance lamps by Skogsberg & Smart feature, as well as lighting by Artemide and Diesel for Foscarini

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HOTEL REVIEW

ABOVE AND LEFT: Guestrooms feature a variety of colour schemes, and lighting fixtures from the likes of Karman, Foscarini and Moooi.

Furniture suppliers include Republic of Fritz Hansen, Living Divani, Tom Dixon and Vitra

sides, all overlooked. Precise positioning of curtains and LED lighting creates privacy; the leaf decals on the windows don’t. The insertion of a mezzanine in the Acoustic bar left a very low top floor ceiling, 2.2m at its lowest. This incorporates only the sprinkler system with all other services, including the air conditioning, hidden in the bar counter and under banquettes.

Other neat touches? Five bright colours are used throughout the guestrooms, with two being used per floor so that guests don’t have to look into identical rooms on the way to their own. Wooden wall panelling doesn’t extend to every corner making it unnecessary to custom fit; the edges of the horizontal elements are sloped to prevent the build up of dust. Bathrooms also see operational ease with both the WC and bin wall-hung. Highlights 114

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of quality include Eames Plastic Chairs by Vitra, stools and lamps from Tom Dixon, and beautifully patterned cement floor tiles from Marrakech Design.

The redevelopment of the building into a hotel was decided in a competition between operators, with Scandic beating local rivals Elite and Nobis. Koncept got the job by pitching to the winners, who in the Scandic Grand Central demonstrate the marketability of creative design concepts with a local touch at a large scale.

For Koncept the opportunity to work at an even larger scale also comes with Scandic. A joint investment between Scandic and owning company Pandox of SEK1.6 billion will see the redevelopment of 40 hotels and 4,000 rooms of which half are motels and the main area of Koncept’s interest.

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Scandic Grand Central Kungsgatan 70, SE-103 68, Stockholm, Sweden Tel: +46 8 512 520 00 www.scandichotels.com

„ 391 guestrooms ‰ Teaterbrasseriet restaurant  Acoustic Bar + 9 meeting rooms Owner: KLP Fastigheter Operator: Scandic Hotels Architect: +ROLF Design & Arkitektur AB Interior Design: Koncept Stockholm Main contractor: Arcona

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HOTEL REVIEW

Ian Springford Architects has completed designs for London’s third Apex Hotel, a 184-key property in the conservation area of the Inner Temple.

Apex Temple Court London Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Paul Riddle Photographer (unless otherwise stated)

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estled in a courtyard off Fleet Street, Apex Temple Court is not the easiest to find.

Protected by Grade-I listed status, the NeoGeorgian façade is free from telltale flags and prominent signage, meaning the only hint of the hotel’s presence at street level is a kilted doorman – a nod to the group’s Scottish heritage – directing arriving guests towards the centuries old Serjeants’ Inn. Previously owned by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, an ancient law society dating back to the 12th century, the historic site housed an order of barristers known as the Serjeants-at-Law. Today, the Temple is an active Inn of Court, often used to film period dramas as well as the 2006 box office hit The Da Vinci Code.

Apex Hotels acquired the property in 2010, investing in excess of £60m to convert it into 184 guestrooms, complete with restaurant, bar and gym. This is the eighth opening for the group, adding to a portfolio of contemporary hotels in Edinburgh, Dundee and London.

Founder and Chairman Norman Springford has once again kept it in the family, employing the talents of his sons to bring the project to life. Ian Springford’s

multidisciplinary firm took on the role of architect and interior designer, while David Springford has created a new brand identity for the group that has been rolled out nationwide.

Having worked with Apex Hotels since the outset, Ian Springford Architects (ISA) is more than familiar with the brand and its aspirations: Ian’s designs have been paramount in upgrading the group’s three-star offerings to their current design led, four-star position. Given a relatively free reign, each project has been an evolution of its predecessor.

At Apex Temple Court, significant architectural alterations were made to increase room count and resolve operational, servicing and leveling issues. ISA opted to partially demolish and extend the central wing, in close collaboration with relevant the planning and conservation departments. As the building falls within the Inner Temple conservation area, extreme care had to be taken to match the brickwork to the existing building. Specialists in stonework and restoration, Szerelmey were called upon to supply and install the Portland Stone cladding to the central wing, as well as clean and repair the existing brickwork WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM

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and archways. So harmonised are the new and existing brickwork, the untrained eye would be hard-pushed to notice a difference.

The tranquil courtyard is a world away from the bustle of Fleet Street, and this serenity continues inside the hotel. “We took the building as a starting point,” explains ISA founder Ian Springford. “It is a very bright space so we wanted to create something that was a little lighter, more conservative, and in keeping with the Inner Temple.”

The lobby is a largely neutral space defined by three circular chandeliers in polished stainless steel designed by Tom Kirk Lighting.

An amber backdrop subtly showcasing the new brand identity frames white Corian check-in desks, and is the only source of colour against marble flooring and Mother of Pearl mosaic feature walls.

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To the left of the lobby, the Chambers Bar and Lounge is flooded with natural daylight through oak-framed windows. Oak also features underfoot and is prevalent throughout the hotel. Chevy Chairs and Hampton Sofas

by Morgan Furniture make for comfortable seating in the lounge, while leather wingback chairs by Naughtone grace the bar. The bar is an altogether moodier affair with dark metallic coverings, slate brick chimneypiece, and heavily grained black and gold marble bar.

On the opposite side of the lobby, Chambers Restaurant is again naturally lit with extensive use of warming oak. A brasserie-style space is used for breakfast and lunch, while a more intimate dining room lined with vertical wooden slats inset with bespoke candle lamps provides the setting for evening service. A private Club Lounge is also open to guests

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ABOVE: Chambers Restaurant is an intimate dining room lined with vertical wooden slats inset with bespoke candle lamps designed by Mike Stoane Lighting. Nord chairs are supplied by PS Interiors

Sleeper Asta Advert_Layout 1 23/04/2012 10:21 Page 1

a s ta C o l l e C t i o n · D e s i G n e D i & pa u lo C i a n i ( i ta ly )

L I V E O U T S I D E T H E B OX s u p e r B ly C r a F t e D t e a k , w o v e n , a l u m i n i u m a n D s ta i n l e s s s t e e l o u t D o o r F u r n i t u r e

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HOTEL REVIEW

© David Springford

TOP LEFT: Guestrooms feature ISA-designed casegoods manufactured by ODonnell Furniture LEFT: Morgan Furniture has supplied sofas, armchairs and tables to Chambers Lounge ABOVE: The private Club Lounge, with ‘Skirt’ shades by Axolight

staying in higher category rooms.

The 184 guestrooms and suites are centred around the courtyard, with many offering skyline views of the city. Ranging from 2549m2 in size, their design will be familiar to regular Apex guests with a similar layout and ISA-designed casegoods manufactured by ODonnell Furniture. “Each Apex Hotel we do we try to make individual, bespoke to the building and its location,” explains Springford.

“But we do try to create a family similarity between them. The bedrooms are very much an evolution of the last hotel while the bathrooms are very similar because they have been successful in previous projects. The base ingredients of the room are essentially the same but we’ve moved the fabrics, colour schemes and finishes on.”

He continues: “We’ve moved from American 120

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black walnut and darker finishes to oak and lighter finishes. We’ve put a lot more pattern and colour into the carpets and fabrics so it’s less monochrome and corporate than the previous hotel. We wanted to achieve an altogether warmer look.”

All guestrooms feature ISA’s trademark desk with flip top that doubles as a vanity table, while Junior and Master Suites have a separate living area with dining table. A 40-inch LED TV, Bose SoundDock, and complimentary Wi-Fi all come as standard. Sleeper’s room, a Deluxe, benefited from a balcony overlooking the internal courtyard.

So while it may be hidden gem, Apex Temple Court is certainly worth the find.

Meanwhile, the Apex story continues with a second extension at Apex City of London, bringing its room count to 199.

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Apex Temple Court 1-2 Serjeants’ Inn, Fleet Street London, EC4Y 1LL, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 3004 4141 www.apexhotels.co.uk

„ 184 guestrooms ‰ Chambers Restaurant  Chambers Bar & Lounge [ Gym Owner / Operator: Apex Hotels Ltd Architect / Designer: Ian Springford Architects Graphic Design & Signage: Atom Design Main Contractor: Tolent Construction Structural Engineer: Alan Baxter & Associates

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HOTEL REVIEW

Grace Beijing Words: Rebecca Lo Photography: Courtesy GHC Communications

Grace Hotels Group makes its entry into the Asian market with a boutique hotel in the heart of Beijing’s 798 Art District.

O

ver the past couple of decades, mainland Chinese art has exploded onto the international scene, fast becoming a collector’s item. Many of the artists got their start in Beijing’s 798 Art District, a sprawling industrial district in the northeast part of the city. And while cafés and shops are ubiquitous here, hotels are few and far between.

“Art hotels are becoming more popular in China but boutique properties are still in their infancy,” explains Yves Godard, General Manager at Grace Beijing. “We are a frontrunner. Grace Hotels are all boutique properties based on elegance and simplicity. When we took over this property, we brought in our service experience and a bespoke element for personalised stays.”

Originally opened as the independent Yi House Hotel, the property was acquired in 2011 by global conglomerate Libra Group, owner of Greek hospitality group Grace Hotels, and WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM

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ABOVE: The Ming Dynasty served as inspiration for the lacquered wardrobes, cabinets and console tables, yet they are finished in bold colours such as lime green with antique brass trim

relaunched as the first Grace Hotel in a planned expansion into the Asian market.

Libra has stated that more hotels in the Asia Pacific region will follow over the coming years and has appointed renowned hotelier Roberto Pelliccia to oversee operations on the continent. The group currently operates four properties including two in Greece on Mykonos and Santorini, and Vanderbilt Grace on Rhode Island in the United States.

Additional hotels and resorts in Panama, Argentina, and the United States are all in the pipeline, opened or slated to open later this year.

Grace Beijing is on the site of a former crystal manufacturing plant, on Jiuxianquiao Lu towards the western part of 798. Its red brick façade is typical of the area’s Neofascist architecture, and interiors include generous, column-free spaces with lofty ceilings. In the same way that East London 124

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became synonymous with raw, streetinspired art and design decades ago, 798’s hundreds of galleries and museums boast concrete floors and exposed ducts as part of their charm. Grace is an extension of those galleries, featuring ever-changing exhibitions, collaborations with up-and-coming artists, and a monthly concert night with performances ranging from chamber music to experimental concerts.

“We have a lively and dynamic art programme,” acknowledges Godard. “Our guests are mainly artists, gallery owners or collectors – people who have a connection to the art and event world. And we also host a lot of events here. Lenovo held its 100-year celebration at Grace and we have previously hosted Hermes and Piaget.”

Shauna Liu, one of the original co-owners, was responsible for its interior design and much of her work remains aside from a

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HOTEL REVIEW

THIS PAGE: Grace Beijing is an extension of galleries in the 798 Art District, featuring ever-changing exhibitions and collaborations with up-and-coming artists

few cosmetic alternations. While the lobby contains contemporary furnishings against a neutral palette, the thirty guestrooms and suites each offer a unique experience.

The Ming Dynasty served as inspiration for the lacquered wardrobes, cabinets and console tables, yet they are finished in bold colours such as lime green with antique brass trim. Bathrooms are equipped with separate bathtubs and showers, along with a long vanity counter ideal for spreading out toiletries – something that is often neglected in space-conscious boutique hotel rooms.

Every room also includes a distinctive series of paintings or photographs, showcasing the work of local and international talent. A small gym rounds out the spaces on the guestroom floors.

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Grace’s signature restaurant, Yi House, honours the hotel’s origins and has a reputation for organic ingredients and inventive dishes courtesy of chef Christian Hoffman. Drenched with sunlight during the day, it offers a private dining room separated by wood and glass screens, weathered armoires and a homely atmosphere. Adjacent to the restaurant is Bar 798, a funky lounge split across a main corridor with a bar on one side and a lounge on the other. Plush red sofas and grey armchairs are popular with solo guests enjoying a morning cup of coffee or groups for evening cocktails. The lounge opens out to a green terrace for al fresco drinks when the Beijing weather cooperates.

There are plans for a rooftop event and lounge space in the near future.

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EXPRESS CHECKOUT Grace Beijing Jiuxianqiao Lu, 2 Hao Yuan 798 Yishu Qu, 706 Hou Jie I Hao Beijing 100015 People’s Republic of China Tel: +86 10 6436 1818 www.gracebeijing.com

„ 30 guestrooms ‰ Yi House  Bar 798 [ Gym Owner: Libra Group Operator: Grace Hotels Group Designer: Shauna Liu

SLEEPOVER BERLIN

Words: Guy Dittrich Photography: Dan Zoubek

Sleepover Berlin: 4-5 March 2012 100 hotel innovators gathered in Berlin for 24 hours of adventure, hosted by Sleeper Magazine and sponsors Dexter Moren Associates, Soho Myriad,Willmott Dixon, Grohe, Lutron, Luxury Hotel Cosmetics, Moroso, Panaz, and Porcelanosa.

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leepover Berlin, billed as an “inventive event for hotel innovators”, took place on the Sunday and Monday immediately before three heavyweight events of the spring conference season: IHIF, ITB and MIPIM in Cannes. The laidback, but action packed agenda proved an invigorating antidote to days of endless conference sessions and long walks around exhibition halls. “The format is based around informal networking rather than a traditional conference programme,” explains Sleeper Magazine Editor Matt Turner, “with plenty to inspire and inform our guests.” One hundred guests attended the event, with the attendee list carefully curated to ensure a balance of architects and designers; owners, operators and developers plus suppliers of

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professional services and products to the hotel industry.

The Berlin event was a development of the concept inaugurated with the first Sleepover held in Belfast in 2005. The event was marketed with collateral built around the Cold War history of Berlin and a ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ theme. Invitees received an unmarked brown envelope containing grainy black and white images offering a teasing glimpse of the venues lined up. Typewritten copies of the agenda had details and locations redacted with a marker pen, marked as “highly confidential” or “need to know basis only’.

Having refuelled on ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ at host venue the Michelberger hotel, attendees had the chance to take part in ‘Follow That Car’ – a ‘Trabi Safari’ with fellow attendees

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in a convoy of the iconic Trabant cars of the former East Germany. The tour of Berlin’s landmarks was a great icebreaker, as was an informal pre-dinner ping pong tournament.

Other networking opportunities included a ‘Sunset Over Berlin’ drinks reception at the top floor Sky Bar at the Andel’s Hotel, followed by a traditional German dinner “just like Grandma used to make” served at the communal tables of the Michelberger restaurant. Owners Tom Michelberger and Nadine May gave an impromptu welcome that showed their passion for their hotel – a rougharound-the-edges hotbed of creativity which offered a unique setting to inspire, challenge and provoke reaction from attendees.

“The key to the Sleepover concept is to give attendees an insider’s insight into the host city – taking in new hotels, and hopefully having a lot of fun, along the way,” explains Turner. Inthe-know Berliners from the city’s hospitality industry were invited to attend the dinner and share their local knowledge. Similarly, a group led by Lindy Veitenheimer, VP International Business Development, Soho Myriad, one 130

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of the three founding sponsors along with Dexter Moren Associates and Willmott Dixon, had a tour of the studio-home of Tina Winkhaus, a Berlin artist. “This was a unique and memorable experience,” explained Veitenheimer, “and a refreshing insider look at art beyond the commercial world.”

Hotel visits included three very different offers in Mitte – The Weinmeister, Lux11 and Casa Camper. These were followed by an exclusive hardhat tour, giving attendees a sneak preview of the latest addition to the Design Hotels portfolio in Berlin, Das Stue.

Led by the property’s Managing Director, Sven Brunssen, attendees were given a glimpse of an outstanding hotel in the making.

Das Stue is a small part of the resurgence of the Charlottenburg neighbourhood, or City West to give it its new name, that has rather stood in the shadow of Mitte and the east since reunification.

The importance of community was one part of the inspiring ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ address delivered by Claus Sendlinger, founder and CEO of Design Hotels at a ‘secret location’,

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Attendees took part in a ‘Trabi-Safari of Berlin; Creative Director Azar Kazimir gave an insight into the creation of the Michelberger; Nadine May, Tom Michelberger and Sleeper Editor Matt Turner welcomed guests to an informal dinner in the hotel dining room; a pre-dinner ping pong tournament also took place; the following day attendees had an exclusive pre-opening tour of forthcoming Berlin hotel Das Stue; Design Hotels™ Founder and CEO Claus Sendlinger gave an ‘Auf Weidesehen Address’ at secret location the Pan Am Lounge; guests also had the opportunity to visit other Berlin hotels including Lux 11 and The Weinmeister

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revealed upon arrival as the Pan Am Lounge, the former transit accommodation for flight crews of the now defunct airline. The largely untouched Seventies interiors are a look in the rear-view mirror when set against the redevelopment of the Tiergarten area of Charlottenburg / City West viewed from the lounge’s terrace.

Derived from Richard Florida’s idea that “cities are the new countries” as proposed in his book ‘The Rise of the Creative Class’, Sendlinger sees that “neighbourhoods are the new cities”. Travellers now pick a place to stay based on the neighbourhood. Consequently successful hotels need to be “embedded in the local community” and designed to be accessible to their neighbourhood. Looking to the future, Sendlinger, a renowned trend identifier, believes that “the travel landscape today is all about the experiential, the spiritual and the local. These interests define the places we visit and the ways in which we get there.

They are shaping the meaning of the travel industry in the 21st century.”

Sleepover’s informal programme did not mean a lack of content, especially given the variety of opportunities to gain an insight into the vibrant German capital, and its dynamic hotel scene. “The event was a resounding success, we have had incredible feedback and a lot of interest in future events, so we are already in the planning stages for our next Sleepover adventure,” concludes Turner. www.sleepoverberlin.com Full photography of the event can be viewed at www.danzoubek.de/JOBS/ sleepover/ 132

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EVENT DIARY

Event Diary 2012 MAY

MAY cont.

SEPTEMBER cont.

OCTOBER

CHRIS – Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit

The Hotel Show

Hot.E

Hong Kong

Dubai

London

10-12 October 2012

15-17 May 2012

20-21 September 2012

www.hicapconference.com

Miami

www.thehotelshow.com

www.europehotelconference.com

Boutique Hotel Summit

100% Design

London

London

RHIC – Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference

21-22 May 2012

20-23 September 2012

Moscow

www.boutiquehotelsummit.com

www.100percentdesign.co.uk

15-17 October 2012

Miami

Clerkenwell Design Week

Decorex

8-10 May 2012

London

London

www.holaconference.com

22-24 May 2012

23-26 September 2012

www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com

www.decorex.com

7-8 May 2012 www.chrisconference.com

HOLA – Hotel Opportunities Latin America

HI Design EMEA Split, Croatia 10-12 May 2012 www.hidesign-emea.com

HD Expo Las Vegas

www.russia-cisconference.com

SEPTEMBER

Maison & Objet Paris 7-11 September 2012 www.maison-objet.com

15-17 May 2012 www.hdexpo.com

NOVEMBER

HI Design Asia Bali

Index

7-9 November 2012

Dubai

www.hidesign-asia.com

24-27 September 2012 www.indexexhibition.com

HICAP – Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific

BDNY – Boutique Design New York New York 11-12 November 2012 www.boutiquedesignnewyork.com

Event Focus: Clerkenwell Design Week What?

Taking place from 22-24 May, Clerkenwell Design Week features pop-ups, exhibitions, installations, open studios, workshops, and debates.

Showrooms?

Clerkenwell is home to over 60 design showrooms – including Cappellini, Cassina, Toto, Vitra, Desso, Moroso, and Poltrona Frau – that will open to visitors.

Special features?

• Historic Venues – The Farmiloe

Building (a former lead and glass merchants warehouse), The House of Detention (a subterranean Victorian prison), and the Order of St John’s Priory (featuring a 12th century crypt) will open as exhibition space for Ligne Roset, Anglepoise, Morgan Furniture, Dare Studio, Vescom, and many more.

• Design Beacon – The Solar Tree lighting concept, designed

by Ross Lovegrove and manufactured by Artemide, will be installed in St John’s Square.

• Installations – Another star component of CDW is its many cultural offerings where modern creativity and historic interest intertwine.

Hotels to check out?

Clerkenwell favourite The Zetter with its new Townhouse extension is worth a look.

Elsewhere, ME London, Café Royal, and Bulgari Hotel are soon to open.

More info? www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com

ABOVE: The Solar Tree in St John’s Square

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Are you up to the challenge of delivering a new luxury guestroom design concept for the Sleep Hotel?

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orming part of Sleep 2012, Sleep Hotel is a new hotel design project aimed at showcasing the latest ideas from the hospitality design community. It is an opportunity for leading design practices, fit-out companies, and suppliers to collaborate on the delivery of realisable full-scale, hotel guestrooms within Europe’s only event to focus entirely on hotel design excellence.

The event is set to take place in London on 2122 November 2012, attracting a targeted industry audience which in 2011 reached over 3,200. Totally finished, totally inspiring, the guestrooms at the Sleep Hotel will be witness to the creativity of hotel interior design making them essential viewing.

New for the Sleep Hotel 2012 is a design brief that will provide both a level playing field and a coherent design focus for all entrants. The aim of the brief is to make this ‘catwalk’ of creativity more lucid under an overarching design theme: one within which the individual results for each room will demonstrate the unrestricted imagination and vision of participants and yet be clearly understandable as a working whole. For visitors, the Sleep Hotel is a step change beyond the traditional exhibition stand with the combined talents of designers, suppliers, and contractors resulting in an operationally realistic hotel guestroom. Each of the individually designed guestrooms will be reached via a lobby and corridor that ultimately lead to the hotel’s fully functioning bar.

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Also new this year, a corollary to the brief, will be an award for the best-designed guestroom. The brief was put together by three leading figures from the designside of the industry, who are also the judges: Khirstie Gunn-Myles, who has many years of hotel design experience with both Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels Group and is now a partner at KGM, her own consultancy; Conrad Smith, Managing Director of ReardonSmith Architects, one of the world’s leading hotel-focused architectural practices; and Javier Hortal, Project Leader EMEA at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “I am delighted to be part of this new initiative,” comments Hortal, “and look forward to judging what I expect will be some very exciting and innovative solutions for the Sleep Hotel.”

The brief outlines the hotel’s notional ‘location’ describing it as “a mid-sized European coastal city with a mountainous backdrop”. Rooms will have picture windows with views of the ocean or mountains – could that be Barcelona? Other background to the envisaged 150-room hotel includes its category and average room size. Respectively these are ‘five-star’ and ‘small’ and it is this paradox that is the challenge set by the judges.

“We know it can be done,” explains Smith, “we’ve seen several great examples recently where the challenge has become the opportunity, stimulating designers’ imaginations and helping them to create an exceptional hotel guestroom.”

The brief further defines the volume of the predetermined shell state rooms, and the minimum

facilities and amenities expected within them.

This ranges from a king-sized bed and plush bedding, to appropriate toiletries and blackout ability on the windows. “We have deliberately opted not to prescribe finishes within the room as this is part of the exciting design creativity process,” enthuses Gunn-Myles.

“Similarly by not precisely specifying the composition of the three-piece bathroom we have allowed entrants to show us what they can do.”

In addition to the chance to win the award, entrants of the Sleep Hotel will have access to the event’s audience and the chance to display their skills to the investor and developer community.

“The Sleep Hotel is a key draw and a source of inspiration for all attendees of Sleep,” explains Gemma Butler, Brand Director at event owners UBM. “As such all successful applicants will be included in the extensive marketing campaign we have set up around the event including targeted mailings, a significant online presence together with social media exposure, catalogue entry and onsite branding.”

Entrants need to get moving however as the deadline for their design concept – to include an informal floor plan, 3D visuals and concise

description – is 29 June 2012. The judges will then review the submissions before a final selection is made on 13 July giving a full three and a half months to prepare for the event.

The Sleep Hotel has attracted a high calibre of participants in the past. These include award-winning design practices such as Blacksheep and Rare Architecture, furniture suppliers Ligne Roset and Zeitraum, and sanitaryware suppliers Kohler and Villeroy & Boch. “We found participating in the Sleep Hotel with our holistic ‘Organic Trace’ guestroom design concept to be a successful experience and look forward to seeing the imaginative design solutions created using this year’s new format,” comment Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk and Peter Joehnk, coManaging Directors of Hamburg-based hospitality design firm JOI-Design.

Within the larger ongoing development of a strategic vision for Sleep, the more focused direction for the Sleep Hotel serves to make the whole event more relevant and more engaging. As UBM look to develop Sleep as a global brand, building on the success of their first event in India in 2011 with a move into new global markets, the Sleep Hotel concept will continue to evolve.

THE BRIEF...

Where is the Sleep Hotel?

A mid-sized European coastal city with a mountainous backdrop, the destination is both inspirational and aspirational with a great quality of life that attracts a mix of business and leisure travellers.

What is the Sleep Hotel?

• A five-star hotel located in the centre of the city where land prices dictate a small room size (approximately 23m2).

• The hotel has 150 guestrooms with an ADR of €200. The city already has a good number of hotels in this price bracket, many with guestrooms that significantly exceed 23m2. The expected average length of stay is 1.4 nights.

• The eight guestroom designs will be presented at Sleep in a gallery area accessed via a lobby and corridor, which in turn leads to an adjacent bar.

The deadline for submissions is 29 June 2012, the full application process can be found at www.thesleepevent.com 13/04/2012 15:53

Sleep 2012 Ad 275x236mm.indd 1

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EVENT

International Furniture Fair 9-12 March 2012 – Singapore Expo, Singapore Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Courtesy of IFFS/AFS

The International Furniture Fair Singapore strengthens its offering with a hospitality-focused conference and city-wide design week.

“A

s we raise the curtains on IFFS/AFS, Deco Asia and The Hospitality Show, we do so with great excitement and anticipation,” announced James Goh, President of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council and Director of IFFS Pte Ltd at the official opening ceremony of the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2012. In the presence of guest of honour Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry, he added: “The trilogy of events had its humble beginnings in 1981, and has grown from strength to strength to where it is today.

Similar to past editions, new elements have been introduced this year, and they promise to make the event a renewed experience for all.”

True to his word, the new elements attracted a larger following and reinforced the event’s status as Asia’s premier, design-led furniture sourcing platform.

Goh continued: “512 companies from 26 countries are exhibiting this year, including some of the world’s top international furniture brands and firms. A breakdown of the exhibitor figures is indicative of Asia as the main driver of the economy, with over 80% of exhibitors from ASEAN region and Asian countries. This strong global support is a true affirmation of the show as a key destination in

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the Asian furniture trade circuit with a unique identity – a design-led exhibition where the best furniture and furnishings from the region and the world can be found, all under one roof.”

The Minister also showed his support telling exhibitors: “To capitalise on the growth opportunities, especially those in Asia and emerging markets, we need to stay at the forefront of competition. To do this, we will continue to help our furniture companies move up the value chain, venture into promising markets and enhance your design capabilities. With quality products and good design capabilities, I am confident that more of our local furniture companies will be able to transform themselves into global brands capable of competing at the international stage.”

Taking place at Singapore Expo, the fourday International Furniture Fair Singapore 2012, held in conjunction with the 29th ASEAN Furniture Show, Deco Asia and The Hospitality Show, attracted Asianbased exhibitors alongside international manufacturers from Canada, USA, France, Germany and Spain. The likes of Maspar (India), Indigo Living (Hong Kong), Maxim (Singapore), Hafele (Singapore), Odelic (Japan), and Kawashi (Singapore) showcased

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their latest collections of wall and floor coverings, fabrics, lighting, fixtures and fittings, sanitaryware, and furniture, and despite an expected slowdown in growth in the coming years, the mood on the exhibition floor was buoyant, particularly amongst those working in the hospitality industry.

Organisers too have spotted the potential of Asia’s burgeoning hospitality market and as such have introduced a number of design-based initiatives. The inaugural Hospitality.Design.Furniture CONVERGE Asia Conference was established as a knowledge-based platform for the show, aimed at harnessing synergies between the hospitality, design and furniture industries.

200 delegates heard from close to thirty heavyweights speaking about a range of topics including ‘Potentials and Opportunities in the Phenomenal Growth of Asia’, emerging markets, hotel branding through design, and the ‘Lifestyle Hospitality Experience’.

Keynote speaker James Dilley, Associate Director, Jestico + Whiles, travelled from the UK to address the audience on ‘Imagining the Convergence of Hospitality Design and Furniture’, while Karsten Vollmer, Partner, Foster + Partners, spoke about the role of furniture and interior design in optimising value. A rountable session offered an insight

into where developers and hoteliers are investing, and Dr. Benny Chow, Director of Sustainability, Aedas, presented on how the industry is taking to ‘green’ initiatives and LEED certification.

Sustainability was a key focus elsewhere with the new Green Pavilion, a space dedicated to pioneering SFIC (Singapore Furniture Industries Council) members leading the way in sustainable practices.

Curated by British material extraordinaire Chris Lefteri, the Green Pavilion presented regional materials such as rubber tree wood and coconut fibres, exploring their possible application in furniture design and manufacture.

Another new addition to the programme was SingaPlural, the inaugural Singapore Furniture Design Week running alongside the trade show. With multiple segments under its wing, SingaPlural took the exhibition out into the heart of the city, bringing together talents from various disciplines including furniture, architecture, interior, graphic and fashion design. All in, the event featured 120 exhibitors’ designs at five locations across Singapore and the Expo. Highlights included

D’Space, a display of cutting-edge furniture designs, and Platform, where promising furniture designers launched their prototypes into the international marketplace.

As IFFS drew to a close, organisers hailed the event a great success, with exhibitors and visitors impressed by the buzz of activity both inside Singapore Expo and the city beyond.

Post show data confirmed a record 23,552 trade visitors, while spot orders to the value of US$303 million were transacted at the fair.

Organisers also took the opportunity to announce a strategic partnership with Asian Business Exhibition and Conferences (ABEC) for the second India International Furniture Fair (IIFF) following its successful launch in 2011. The event will relocate to New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan exhibition centre from 6-9 December 2012 to take place alongside ABEC’s The Economic Times ACETECH Fair. The new partnership is expected to boost the profile of IIFF by leveraging on the strengths of the ACETECH trade show, which caters to the sourcing needs of top decisionmakers in the Indian furniture industry including architects, interior designers, and hospitality purchasing professionals.

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CONFERENCE REPORT

International Hotel Investment Forum 8-10 March 2012 – InterContinental Hotel, Berlin Report by Guy Dittrich

T

he International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin in early March had a cautiously optimistic atmosphere. As always there were ample opportunities to meet and ‘press the flesh’ as suppliers of professional services to the hotel industry sought out owners, developers and investors to convince them of the benefits of their particular offer.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2012, IHIF began in 1998 with 250 delegates. This year’s 1,700 delegates were slightly more than last year but not back to the peak of 2,000 delegates in 2008. “Like the industry, we are showing gradual improvement with the number of attendees,” commented Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events, one of the founders of the event. A total of 57 countries were represented with 70% of delegates coming from the UK, Germany, USA, France and Switzerland. “Recent growth markets include Turkey, the UAE and Russia with increasing interest from Africa. Delegates from emerging economies are wanting to meet the global players and IHIF is the perfect venue,” explained Worsley.

In line with previous years, operators represented the largest segment at 24% with builders and lawyers at 10% each.

Investors and bankers made up a further 9% and 4% respectively.

The event included well144

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attended plenary sessions interspersed with a large number of smaller ‘break out’ sessions covering a wide variety of topics.

Contextualising the industry’s place in the world economy David Scowsill, President and CEO of World Travel and Tourism Council, noted that it represents 9% of world GDP and is worth an expected US$6 trillion in 2012. Scowsill predicted that 2012 would end up similar to pre-crisis levels.

Whilst the recessionary clouds may have been clearing for some, economist Daniel Thornily stated that the industry’s “biggest challenge was to increase prices to fragile consumers” in what was generally a more pessimistic assessment. The ability to raise prices was less the case in Asia but Thornily warned that if the predicted slowdown in Chinese economy were too sharp or deep this would be “catastrophic”.

Meanwhile Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development at Oxford University cautioned the difficulties of prediction, nevertheless going on to introduce our times of “turbocharged innovation” leading to more rapid change. The major risk foreseen is that of growing inequality because it has become systematic in that individual countries may be performing well but as a group, such as the Eurozone, are a disaster. At the hotel investment level this translates to the need for a global

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strategy to deal with such risk.

Goldin also predicted that the fundamentals of future hotel investment were good, a sentiment supported by comments from a panel of CEOs from operators Accor (Denis Hennequin), Carlson Rezidor (Hubert Joly), Choice Hotels (Steve Joyce), IHG (Richard Solomons) and Starwood (Frits van Paasschen) all talking optimistically about the future. The impression was that as soon as van Paasschen spoke of “business being surprisingly good (albeit) with challenges in Europe” the other CEOs followed suit. Low growth in supply was helping demand; strong demand from emerging economies; the on-going importance of faceto-face business; conversion opportunities in Europe – were all cited as factors leading van Paasschen to conclude that we are “on the cusp of a golden age as an industry”.

The topic of ‘Smart Design’ was covered in a breakout session, and defined succinctly

by Koen Van Malder, Projects Director – Design, Construction and Engineering EAME, Starwood Hotels & Resorts as the ability to “design to an ambition and negotiate to a budget”. Acknowledging that measurability was an issue speakers Chris Boulton, Chief Executive of design and marketing studio, Yoo, and Rob Steul, Principal of architects

Woods Bagot Europe, agreed that design must deliver ROI and that all aspects need to work together to bring value to a project.

A final day plenary panel entitled ‘Redefining the Art of Hotel Keeping’ was interesting in that it featured only one hotelier, André Balazs, who was nevertheless great value with penetrating insights into the business based on his practical experience as an owner and operator of eight hotels including The Mercer and Standard Hotels. “The nature of hotel investment with separate ownership from operations makes it difficult to be innovative... and is not good for the guest,” Balazs explained adding that it results in a “banal box” derived from the least expensive build cost per square foot.

Residential developer, John Hiscox, Chairman, Yoo, talked of enhancing the value of a project through design warning however that it is “difficult to apply the creative process at mass scale.”

His lesson from the residential property world was to build “better quality to last longer.”

At a more humane level Tyler Brûlé, Editor in Chief, Monocle and Founder and Chairman of Winkreative, saw that “there are not enough GMs to go around.

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Hotel Analyst

Sector players becoming flexible friends Operators are becoming less rigid in their relationships with owners and banks, as the economic climate puts increasing pressure on pipelines.

The need to be more lenient over terms of agreements, with possible renegotiations on both sides is becoming more pressing, as the previous dominance of owners over operators in the boom years fades.

Clive Hillier, CEO of Vision Hospitality Management, told delegates at this year’s International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin: “In general, the operators are responsive. Their pipelines are decreasing, they need to put flags on maps. It’s not palatable to renegotiate their fees.

We say: ‘Do you want to talk to the owner you know, the bank you don’t know, or the receiver you don’t want to know?’”

The conference’s panel on preventing and managing default focused on the dissolution of the Von Essen portfolio, seen by some as a cautionary tale of investors’ naivety.

David Duggins, director, Von Essen Hotels, said: “Fraud happens and it happens in every single industry. You have to be on your guard.

“You need an appropriate level of scepticism when looking at business plans. If you’re relying on the asset being sold to repay the loan, remember you’ve got to know that loan will survive 146

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whatever is likely to come up. If you’re planning to lend with the expectation you’ll get repaid by refinancing, that’s not banking, that’s gambling.”

Tom Page, UK head of hotels and leisure group at CMS Cameron McKenna, added: “When there’s been a lack of trust in the operator, that’s when the banks take action - if there’s any suspicion about how truthful the borrower is being.”

Hillier said: “Von Essen’s an interesting study, but for every Von Essen there are 99 distressed situations that are caused by economic events, not fraudulent ones.”

With much of the Von Essen portfolio having been sold at the time of going to press, talk turned to the end of the era of ‘pretend and extend’ and the options to lenders when it came to selling properties in the current climate.

Page said: “The banks need to factor in how much the actual value of the building is. They need to assess the business plan and then look at a turnaround plan, or maybe it’s best just sell to the asset immediately.You also need to look at the future funding obligations - banks are unwilling to put good money after bad if capex can’t be funded.”

Duggins commented: “Things get blurred when you have an ‘extend and pretend’ approach.

Covenants are waived, payments are waived. These situations are hard to explain, either to staff or creditors. When you see a default coming, you need a plan.”

After the rapid expansion at the top of the market, one of the issues facing owners was identified as lack of interest from brands, with Page commenting: “A lot of deals done at the peak are based on forecasts of keenly rising profits.

The operators are not getting any

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incentive fees. From that point on, the operator has no alignment with you in the business.”

Page suggested that it may be worth changing the terms of the deal and returning an incentive element to the relationship.

Elsewhere at the conference, the CEOs panel saw some caution expressed over the ongoing straightened debt markets.

Richard Solomons, CEO, InterContinental Hotels Group, said: “As brands we’re seeing a very good picture, for some owners it’s less good. Banks talk about lenders and finance, but debt’s the issue. We need our class of asset to be something which banks will invest in again.”

He added: “You’ve got to be concerned about the level of personal debt and government debt in Europe and the US. At some point this will have to be addressed.”

The issue of pipeline maintenance was raised, with an increasing reliance among the operators on conversion, in particular in the European market.

Steve Joyce, president and CEO, Choice Hotels International, thanked Solomons for IHG’s decision to remove hotels from its Holiday Inn brand as part of the flag’s relaunch, commenting: “We love his owners, we give them a home”, suggesting that the sector was not so much expanding as exchanging the signs over the doors. Long term, however, there was greater optimism for real growth.

Frits van Paasschen, president and CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, said: “It’s hard to paint a picture that we’ll get out of this unscathed as a region, but as an industry we could be on the cusp of a golden age. There will never be another Paris, Rome or London and as wealth accumulates, people

will want to visit.

“What we’re seeing now is one of the great transformations of humanity. There are five or six billion cell phones out there and in three to four years they will all be smartphones. The next 20 years will see three billion people join the middle classes.”

The hopeful sentiment was carried over into the rest of the sector, with Duggins concluding: “The Von Essen portfolio has some properties that have never made a profit and yet we’ve still sold them.There’s always someone who thinks they can make money from hotels.”

HA Perspective: There is clear evidence that brand owning hotel operators are using their balance sheets to promote growth. But this should not be taken as a reversal of the asset light strategy.

Where the balance sheet is deployed, operators are looking for a clear exit in a comparatively short time frame (usually at most it is five or six years).

Speaking in a separate interview with Robert Shepherd, svp development for IHG in Europe, there are a number of approaches being deployed or about to be unveiled.

IHG has four key markets in Europe – the UK and Ireland; Germany; Russia and CIS; and Turkey. For Germany in particular some novel approaches are being wielded to enter what is a lease dominated market.

According to Shepherd there is a clear gap for development finance (something of an understatement in reality) and IHG is stepping in to help.

For leases, IHG is prepared to offer guarantees to banks on behalf of developers when a multi-site franchise deal is signed.

Once the developer reaches five or

six operating units, this guarantee can be transferred across to the developer / operator.

More ways of “filling the gaps in the value chain” are under discussion but Shepherd is still seeking approval which he hopes to get by May. “This is a multi-faceted strategy, not a simple franchise play.

We hope to create a scale-able management model,” he said.

The target in Germany is to have 200 properties by 2020, although it was stressed that quality would win out over quantity. The ultimate aim is to unseat Accor as the largest operator in the country although this was a big challenge, it was admitted.

NH back in the black NH Hoteles is back in the black after a year of modestly improved operational fortunes and cost cutting. But the company doesn’t expect business in its core southern European markets to start lifting until the second quarter of this year.

The company declared a net profit of EUR6.2m for 2011, compared to a EUR43.2m loss in the previous year.

The figures were helped by several hotel sales, and a USD15m compensation payment from Chinese investor HNA, who pulled out of a proposed deal to buy a stake in NH during 2011. Revenues were up 7% to EUR1.43bn in 2011, while the final quarter saw revenues 5% ahead of the final quarter in 2010.

The company is pinning its hopes on an improvement

in fortunes from the second quarter of 2012, in order to lift performance from a portfolio dragged down by its dominant Spanish weighting.

“We also expect year-on-year growth starting in the second quarter of the year,” said the NH statement accompanying 2011 results. “The start of the financial year has borne out this trend, with a particularly good performance in Central Europe and the Americas.

Income increase (from 3% to 5%) and double-digit EBITDA improvements for the year are also expected.”

One important constituent in the company’s performance was an aggressive programme of cost cutting and efficiency improvements, which helped substantially improve the results.

Gross operating profit was helped by a 6.6% reduction in overheads, headed by cost reductions of 14.4% in Spain and 15% in Italy.

In 2011, like for like revpar grew by 4.9% overall, combining a 3.1% increase in occupancy with a 1.8% increase in average prices.

NH’s Americas region was the lead performer in the portfolio, with a 7.5% advance like for like through the year. Benelux delivered a 6.2% increase. Italy and central Europe performed well, too, with 5.3% and 5% uplifts respectively. But it was in the home Spanish market that performance was weakest, and a fourth quarter decline of 3.7% in revpar brought the 2011 average down to a 2.7% rise overall. The last quarter saw positive revpar growth in all markets except Italy and Spain.

Looking ahead, NH doesn’t expect to see an uplift until the second quarter of 2012.

Management are bracing themselves for a poor first quarter,

although believe it will not be as bad as in the last quarter of 2011.

But year on year growth will return in the second quarter, with an overall 3-5% revenue increase predicted for 2012.

“The last quarter of the year was characterised by a worse performance with respect to 2010,” said the company. This was not unexpected, as NH’s seasonality usually delivers poor performance in December. “In addition to this, the growing uncertainty in European markets due to the sovereign debt crisis has had a negative impact on the hotel sector.”

One major distraction during 2011 was the tabling of a bid from Chinese travel conglomerate HNA, which in May signed an initial intent to purchase a 20% in NH, a deal that would have injected EUR431.6m into the company. The cash would have been most welcome, while the transaction also promised to take NH into the management of Chinese hotels within HNA’s portfolio.

And, as HNA also owns an airline, the deal held out the possibility of building a pipeline of Chinese visitors to NH’s key European markets. The deal fell apart in December, as the Chinese appeared spooked by eurozone problems. “I think the Chinese looked at the situation in Europe with the financial turbulence and Spain’s debt crisis and things probably seemed horrible,” NH president Mariano Pérez Claver said recently in an interview.

The other issue exercising management currently is the scale of NH’s debt.The company realised EUR16.97m from property sales during 2011, including four hotels and nine plots of land, sales that helped towards reducing net debt, which fell to EUR962.8m,

from EUR1.06bn at the end of 2010. But talks are ongoing with funders, as February was the deadline for a EUR195m payment of due on a syndicated loan, part of a EUR650m package taken out by the company in 2007.

During the year there were five new hotels added, totalling 540 rooms, all under management contracts. Two of these were in Spain, a hotel in Bratislava that will open this year, and projects in Turin and Mexico scheduled for 2013 openings.

Ten hotels totalling 1,416 rooms were added, while eight hotels, totalling 1,051 rooms and all based in Europe, left the portfolio.

Following some pruning, the NH pipeline now consists of 21 projects and 2,620 rooms. All but one in Panama are leased or managed, while there are eight hotels for Spanish locations, six in Italy, five in eastern Europe and three additions in South America.

HA Perspective: NH’s forecast for revenue growth of 3% to 5% coupled with EBITDA growth in the double digits looks ambitious.

Given that the company has been walking wounded for several years now, it seems extraordinary that extra profits can be squeezed out of more restructuring. It calls into question what the previous management team were doing.

Since arriving a year ago as chairman and ceo, Mariano Perez Claver has dramatically cut costs and brought in a new team, last year hiring Mikael Anderson as chief commercial officer and more recently Rafael Ros as the new head of sales.

Customer service 2.0 has been the big management brainstorm with a particular emphasis on exploiting online distribution channels. Quite how effective this

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can be in the cash-constrained environment remains to be seen.

While the ongoing economic woes of Spain are a huge problem, more than 75% of NH’s EBITDA are generated outside of the country. And it is now benefiting from its German exposure which until recently had been a source of woe.

Not surprisingly given its debt burden, expansion has been modest. The collapse of the deal with HNA further dented whatever hopes of growing out of the problem remained.

Now the focus is back again on Latin America with the first Columbian hotel opening in the past year. NH said it was in talks to enter the Brazilian market and is looking at other countries.

All-in-all it looks like a good effort in very difficult circumstances. Whether it adds up to something that will transform the company’s prospects is much less certain.

Meliá’s crumbling property assets At the end of March, Spanish hotel group Melia announced the latest valuation of its hotel assets, revealing an apparently modest fall in values of 14% compared with its 2007 valuation.

The exercise, undertaken by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, suggests Melia’s estate is today worth EUR3,314m. Of that figure, EUR3,162m relates directly to hotel real estate.

Today, the company owns 148

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90 hotels, while the valuation included a further 13 assets, and this is against a total portfolio under management of 323 hotels.

However, while the headline 14% like for like decrease in value may not sound too bad, the overall valuation is not exactly comparing like for like – the devil is in the detail.

Melia’s press announcement noted that “the 2007 figures also included the valuation of the hotel brands and the contracts for hotels operated lease, management and franchise agreements”. Melia insists the 14% reduction “is in line with the discounts observed in recent asset rotation activity”.

One relief for the banks, currently holding around EUR1bn of the company’s debt, is that Melia’s accounting policy has been conservative, in that it did not update its asset book values to reflect the rather more positive valuations evident in the 2007 valuation.

As a result, the historical values within the balance sheet mean that even today’s downgraded values are showing a 61% premium to historical book value. Melia notes that the declines in Spain are partly offset by improvements on assets elsewhere in Europe, and in Latin America.

For the future, Melia is pursuing an asset light business model, as illustrated by its announcement earlier this month of a project in La Defense, Paris. There, it will open a 369 room hotel in late 2014, having tied up construction of the project, and a German landlord, Union Investment, to finance the completed development.

Melia’s most recent results demonstrated an increase in revpar of 9% during 2011, with performance improved by a switch to developing a presence in expanding markets in south

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America, notably Brazil, and in Asia-Pacific.

During the year, the company added 20 hotels with 5,056 rooms, all following the asset-light model, being one of management, lease or franchise. Expansion is focused on upscale and luxury hotels, which account for 84% of the pipeline. And it has promised an increasing focus on expansion in Brazil, Russia, Eastern Europe and China.

And the company is no slouch when it comes to social networking, it claims to be behind only Hilton and Starwood in its use of social media, with 500,000 Facebook fans, while its loyalty programme already generates 22% of room night bookings.

HA Perspective: Leaving aside whether having lots of Facebook fans is a benefit (it is bookings that count, as readers of our sister title Hotel Analyst Distribution & Technology will well know), Melia International is presenting the best face it can on what is an ugly situation.

The latest valuation of Spanish hotel assets shows a 17% decline from the 2007 peak, on a comparable basis (that is excluding the value of brands and so forth that were lumped in last time).

Given that Ireland has seen a 50% plus crash in its real estate values and the Spanish economy is in a similar fix, the decline looks surprisingly modest. The depth of the problem was highlighted in late March with the acquisition of savings bank Civica by rival Caixabank at a third of book value. The deal saw a EUR3.4bn write-down of troubled real estate assets out of the total of around EUR10.5bn held by Civica.

The problem for Melia is that it is incredibly close to its debt

covenants. These are set such that EBITDA must be 4.5 times net interest expense. In 2011, it was 4.52, a comfort margin of just 0.02. Any EBITDA slippage is going to see it breach covenants.

Spain is now increasingly seen as the next crisis for the Eurozone. And this is going to impact its international tourism business. Greece estimates that bookings from German tourists are down 20% to 30% for 2012.

It has seen double digit declines from Britain, the US and Italy as well, according to the Reuters report from earlier in March that was based on an interview with Andreas Andreadis, the head of Greece’s main tourism association Greek Tourism Enterprises.

Rioting and continued bad headlines about the economy have thus clearly impacted Greek tourism and it will do so in Spain.

The net impact of this is surely to make the likely decline in Spanish hotel property prices more pronounced than those of other commercial property sectors.

Melia claims that the 17% drop in prices in Spain is in line with its “recent asset rotation activity”. But the reality is that very little is actually being sold and so it almost impossible to use a market comparison method for valuation.

The projections used for the discounted cash flow analysis method are unlikely to have factored in a major decline in tourism revenue nor the massive economic contraction that is going to occur following the latest round of austerity measures that is taking EUR27bn out of the economy with 17% cuts to government spending.

Without radical action, it looks a certainty that Melia will join NH Hoteles in busting through its debt covenants.

IHG makes majestic move in China InterContinental Hotels Group has launched its second flag in less than a month with Hualuxe Hotels & Resorts, an upscale brand developed in China.

The company hopes to open first hotel under the Hualuxe name by early 2014 and said that it was in contract negotiations on over 20 projects. The brand is expected to eventually expand outside China.

Hualuxe translates from Hua, which means majestic China and luxe, representing luxury.

Hualuxe will follow IHG’s managed operating model, similar to its other IHG brands currently operating in China and the group said that, although it did not anticipate investing its own capital to build hotels, the brand would be supported with development and marketing funds in the first few years, although no figures were given.

The group is thought to be looking at revpar for the brand between that of Crowne Plaza and InterContinental, with more that 50% of revenue coming from food and beverage.

The company said that the brand would launch initially in primary, secondary and tertiary cities and resort locations, with, it said, the opportunity for the brand to be in over 100 cities in China in the next 15 to 20 years.

Hualuxe was created by the company’s local team in China and is intended to appeal to domestic travellers, who, the group anticipates, will travel increasingly outside the country.

With IHG forecasting outbound trips from China growing from 10 million to more than 100 million in the next 10 to 15 years, it is expected that the brand will also be launched outside China after gaining sufficient recognition with travellers, although Richard Solomons, IHG’s CEO, did not give a timeline for overseas growth.

Keith Barr, IHG’s CEO, Greater China, told China Daily: “We’ve already talked to international companies in major markets such as the Maldives and we were impressed with their interest. Who are the biggest inbound tourists to the Maldives? The Chinese.

We’re looking at spots with lots of travellers from China such as Bangkok and Tokyo.”

IHG currently has more than 160 hotels across 60 cities in China, with the group planning to have as many hotels in China by 2025 as it does in the US. IHG earned USD1.9bn in hotel revenue from China last year, up from USD1bn in 2009. said: “It’s an Solomons incremental piece to our existing business. We’ve got five brands in China that are growing very fast and they appeal to a certain group of customers, but there’s another group that are looking for something different.”

He added: “The Chinese traveller wants the status of a world-class luxury hotel group combined with a feeling of pride in China and respect for Chinese tradition. We are filling the gap and providing them with an environment to conduct business and socialise in a way that is tailored specifically for them.”

The primary distinction between the new brand and the group’s existing hotels will be the lack of a hotel bar. Solomons said: “You can still get alcohol,

but that’s not how the Chinese do business - there will be tea houses.”

The hotels will feature additional food and beverage, including a late-night noodle bar.

Guests will also benefit from what the company describes as a “VIP arrival, a unique Club Lounge experience and specialty food and beverage ‘hosts’ throughout the hotel serve to underpin the importance of our guests and ensure the hospitality they receive and in return give to their business partners is flawless”, underlining IHG’s intention to focus on the business market.

When asked if China was at risk of over-supply of hotel rooms, Solomons said: “You’ve got a fastgrowing market.

The hotel market, historically, grows in line with GDP. If you feel long term that there’s going to be GDP growth, as there has been in the past, this market will need hotel rooms.”

HA Perspective: This new brand looks a compelling proposition.

While the devil is in executing on the detail, IHG has laid solid foundations. And its track record with previous brand launches, such as Indigo, should give owners a great deal of reassurance.

There are at least a couple of nagging issues, however. First is the question of whether we do need a hotel brand that is so clearly identified with a nationality. While most Western hotel brands are essentially American they have worked hard to shed their US bias in favour of a more international flavour.

As part of this process, brands are tweaked in respective markets to accommodate local domestic requirements.

Examples might be the provision of bidets in southern Europe or

offering hot evening meals even at limited service hotels in countries like Spain.

It clearly makes sense to offer tea rooms in China if that is needed but could not the InterContinental brand do that?

And how compelling is such a clearly Chinese brand outside of China?

A cynical commentator might suggest that IHG has created this brand to fill slots in cities where the InterContinental brand is already present. In fact, IHG has alluded to such motivation itself.

Secondly, there is the issue of whether the addition of yet more brands undermines the arguments deployed by the global majors that scale is all. While of course the new brand has all of the muscle of IHG’s reservation and loyalty systems behind it, true brands are about building an identity and connection with consumers. Scale and reach makes this possible while building an ever expanding roster of brands dilutes the impact.

Hotel Analyst Having read these four pages of Hotel Analyst we hope you want to find out more.

To sample visit: www.hotelanalyst.co.uk/sample For more details visit: www.hotelanalyst.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 8870 6388

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“The social lobby is a key industry trend today. Ever since Starbucks came into being people are used to taking their computer out and getting work done in more public settings,” Janis Milham – Courtyard by Marriott 150

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ocial lobbies’ are big news.

Hotel brands across the globe are reimaging their lobbies as social spaces, designing new food and beverage concepts, lounges, media hubs and reducing the size of the front desk to increase guest interaction.

Groups such as Starwood, Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott have begun to redesign the ground floors across their properties to be more friendly and social. Clearly this is no longer a differentiator, it is a hotel requirement. “Offering a sophisticated approach to lobby concepts is essential today,” says Dave Horton, Global Head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “Global travellers are now seeking more social lobby spaces.”

Janis Milham, VP and Global Brand Manager for Courtyard by Marriott, agrees.

“I really do think the social lobby is a key industry trend today,” she says. “Ever since Starbucks came into play people are used to taking their computer out and getting work done in more public settings and having that ability to be public and private at the same time. Why shouldn’t hotel guests be able to socialise?”

Hotels are going that step further offering a space that not only allows socialising but one that is also multifunctional and flexible.

“We found out that our guests are looking for an excuse to come out of their rooms,” says Milham. “Our lobby offers the opportunity to get work done and socialise, and it’s doing it in a way that’s more kicked-back and relaxed; you can have a glass of wine while you’re checking your emails. It really is about allowing for that multitasking.”

Horton explains that Hilton’s new lobby design caters to all of its customers. “Our

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new lobby approach fulfills the diverse needs of a wide range of guests, whether they choose to enjoy a cocktail and small bite at the bar or catch up on work at our signature Hilton Connectivity Station,” he says. “Our hotels enjoy a mix of business and leisure travellers so it’s important to offer a space that is multifunctional. The new lobbies offer a flexible layout with a living room feel that encourages a social atmosphere where guests can interact, work, and collaborate.”

Verchele Wiggins, VP, Global Brand Management at Holiday Inn says that the space “must meet certain activity modes for the guests”. She adds: “When we think about our concept, the one aspect that differentiates our space to others is that we have this enhanced bar experience, a fun element, which we know is important to our guests. We really do accommodate the different types of travellers that come to Holiday Inn.” Wiggins explains that Holiday Inn is not solely looking at the lobby from a productivity angle. “Productivity is important, don’t get me wrong, but we don’t believe that this is the only thing our guests want,” she says.

“Our customers know they have to send that email, do that work, but they want to do it an environment they can relax and recharge in.”

InterContinental Hotels Group opened its first social lobby, which they are calling the “Social Hub’, at the Holiday Inn Gwinnett Centre in Duluth, Georgia, in June 2011. It combines the front desk, a 24-hour market, bar and business centre and even has a gaming area with a Wii station. The brand is now looking to expand the concept across the globe.

Courtyard by Marriott has an initiative underway called Courtyard’s Refreshing

THIS PAGE: Last year Hilton premiered its new lobby design at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner just outside Washington DC

From lobby to lounge Major hotel brands are reimagining their lobby spaces as social hubs serving a multitude of purposes, ďŹ nds Rhian Owen.

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THIS PAGE: Marriott has introduced a nw lobby concpet for its Courtyard brand in the US, with features including a bistro area with communal tables and media pods (LEFT), and the Go Board interactive concierge screen (RIGHT)

Business lobby and so far the brand has renovated 427 of its lobbies in the US, half of the brand portfolio in the country. It is designed to give travellers the flexibility to work and socialise however they choose. “The experience starts as soon as you step into the lobby,” explains Milham. “Now, instead of that traditional desk, which frankly creates a barrier between the guest and associate, we have created welcome pedestals for a more personal check-in. Beyond that we have our GoBoard, an interactive virtual concierge allowing guests to access such things as the weather forecasts, airport delays and local restaurants. Then we have the bistro area and there are different spaces within that – communal tables, media pods, and lot of areas for plug and play.”

Hilton first introduced its new design last year at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner just outside of Washington DC, in the US. “The new design conveys a better sense of place by removing the previous architecture to create a more open space,” says Horton. “The 18hour bar completely transformed the lobby and brings human scale to the interiors with an architectural component that acts as a 152

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stopping point in the large atrium ceiling.

This is the focal point within the lobby space and lures the eye down from eight stories to four. In addition, the furniture was scaled properly for the space and organised in a way that offers multifunctional areas that are comfortable for business and leisure travellers, whether a large or small group.”

Similarly to Courtyard by Marriot, Hilton has transformed its check-in experience with the introduction of pod-style front desks with multiple check-in positions. Horton says it is less formal and provides heightened personal interaction. Other changes include a ‘grab ‘n go’ F&B concept and the Technology Lounge, which integrates the business centre environment and doubles as a social gathering space with bar service.

The design narrative of Hilton McLean Tysons Corner is shaping the evolution of the operator’s lobbies at more than 540 hotels in 78 countries. “Our owners around the world can choose from a host of contemporary, relevant and memorable design elements to create a hotel lobby with an elevated style and experience,” says Horton.

Hyatt is another example of hotels

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“In the home there is usually a central space where everything takes place: mum cooking, dad on the computer, kids playing.

We want to offer guests what they need in an environment they are relaxed in.”

Verchele Wiggins – Holiday Inn

LOBBY LOUNGE

LEFT: Holiday Inn’s new lobby design includes a ‘social hub’ combining front desk, 24-hour market, bar and business centre. The first opened at the Holiday Inn Gwinnett Centre in Duluth Georgia last year

trending to more modern public spaces that are flexible and encourage meetings and mingling. Last year the brand revealed its extended-stay Hyatt House design; the concept features a more ‘neighbourhood-like’ environment creating a home-away-fromhome. The key feature Hyatt’s team focused on was building more engaging social spaces in the interior including its Great Lounge with signature chairs, an oversized social section, a glass-enclosed games room and a transitional breakfast bar and evening bar area. The exterior includes a garden concept with an integrated grill on the patio.

Why are hotels reimagining their hotel lobbies and what’s driving the demand?

Wiggins says there is a new breed of traveller looking for social spaces that serves multiple purposes. “I think the space is a reflection of how people live their lives,” she says. “In the home there is usually this central space where everything takes place; mum could be cooking, dad could be on the computer, kids could be playing, but things usually take place in one place. We want to offer guests what they need and in an environment they are relaxed in. Obviously, home is the most relevant. We’re not trying to be a home away from home, we’re very clear about that, but we want to reflect trends that make people feel comfortable.”

While Milham agrees it’s the guest driving the demand, she says that the evolution of 154

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technology is playing a large part. “If we think about the business traveller 30 years ago, they didn’t have all the technology that they do today,” she notes. “Usually, they would check in to the hotel, go straight to their room and get the work done. Now, people are getting work done in the taxi, on the way to the hotel, and this is all on their laptops or iPads. People are looking for permission to come out of their rooms because they’re no longer tied to it – we have wireless and so many other options for people to get their work done.”

Milham believes that in this rapidly shifting sector where customers, technology and markets are always changing, hotel lobbies are only going to become more widespread.

“I think that hotels are spending more energy and attention on the lobby,” she notes. “I think it’s interesting, because in Europe it hasn’t been as big as a trend but it’s really evolving. The social lobby is becoming a global trend and I think it’s going to translate differently in different geographies.”

Horton agrees, and adds that it is vital that the customers remain the real focus. “We believe that the hotel lobby will continue to develop in the future as a way to serve the needs of travellers,” he says. “It is important to uphold a consistent level of style and sophistication while reflecting regional cultures and tastes so guests get a distinct sense of place, whether they are in a lobby in Los Angeles or London.”

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“The hotel lobby will continue to develop – it’s important to uphold a consistent level of style and sophistication while reflecting regional cultures and tastes,” Dave Horton – Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, bathtubs, shower trays, wellness products and accessories: Duravit has everything you need to make life in the bathroom a little more beautiful. More info at Duravit UK, Milton Keynes, Phone 0845 500 7787, Fax 0845 500 7786, info@uk.duravit.com, www.duravit.co.uk

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PRODUCT PROFILE

Setting the scene A good lighting control system plays an integral role in setting the ambiance of a hotel, but its benefits go far beyond aesthetics, as six leading suppliers explain.

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s energy prices continue to soar, the hospitality industry is looking for ways in which to reduce its consumption and cut costs, without jeopardising the guest experience. The use of LEDs, even in decorative lighting has gained momentum, and so too has the installation of a lighting control system.

“A successful lighting control system is one that is commercially viable, simple to install and end-user friendly,” explains Allen Hartley, Brand Manager at Taptile. “Guests don’t want to be confronted by endless techie controls when all they want to do is switch the light on, and maintenance teams certainly don’t need the hassle of anything that requires constant re-setting,” he continues. “Put simply, the best control systems should be as straightforward as light switches themselves – on, off and something in

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between.” Hartley’s thoughts are demonstrated in Taptile’s touch sensitive lighting control system for use in wet areas, featuring recognisable icon controls.

Lee Bensley, Director at Philips UK – creators of the Dynalite system – adds: “Great lighting can create an ambiance or set a mood, providing a hotel with a unique identity and really enhancing a guest’s experience. Controls are a key part in delivering this, providing versatility and allowing a guest to personalise their stay by changing the lighting in their room. As guests want to take control of all aspects of their stay with the touch of a button, it is essential that any control system is easy to use and entirely reliable.”

At Lutron, Carine Lebrun – Strategic Account Manager for Hospitality EMEA – believes that lighting control is equally as important as the lamps

themselves: “Lighting control will not only enhance the architectural design but will also beautify the colour, textures and materials.”

Lebrun also explains that only with lighting can the same space be transformed to match its functionality: “In essence, lighting control will not only enhance the space but will also contribute to increased revenue and overall saleability of the hotel facilities.”

According to Mark Tallent, Lighting Control Specialist at Crestron, mood lighting and scene setting have become key factors in interior design. “Lighting controls are a simple and quick way to set the right tone.

An effective control system uses design presets so at the touch-of-a-button lights are dimmed, colours altered and the space is changed to suit the activity taking place.” He adds: “The possibilities now open to lighting designers, have taken light and turned it into a feature, not simply a functional necessity.

With the right lighting design and controls in place, architectural features can be highlighted and really showcase a building’s strong points.”

In the guestroom, a successful lighting control system enhances the guest’s stay and can even increase the chance of repeat business. Explains Bensley: “Guests want rooms that reflect their individual needs and control systems provide the ability to personalise spaces, allowing guests to adjust the environment to suit their mood or activities, creating a unique experience at the touch of a button.”

However, it is imperative that lighting control solutions are intuitive and easy to use. The Philips Control System features customisable control panels along with the

crucial ‘all-off ’ button, while Crestron’s turnkey solutions allow the integration and full control of lighting, in addition to elements such as HVAC and drapery.

Tallent explains: “It is important to allow the guest to have a dedicated in-room control interface which is easy to use and simple to understand. Guests may only be there for one night so the simple control of lights, temperature, TV channel selection and ordering room service should be intuitive rather than a multitude of different interfaces.”

ERCO’s intelligent Light System DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), enables the right light scene for a given situation to be recalled at any time. Head of PR Martin Krautter says: “Choosing different lighting scenes for different situations with one touch of a button can be easier than searching for light switches everywhere in the room. Smooth operation and well-setup lighting scenes add to luxury and comfort, but ease of operation is paramount.”

There are clear economic benefits of a lighting control system for the operator too, explains Bensley: “Lighting is a large contributor to a hotel’s electricity costs and control systems can significantly reduce this, by ensuring lights are only used when needed, at a level that minimises energy consumption... For example in corridors, occupancy control is really important, and movement detectors, which switch lights off when no one is around, are a great way to save up to 30% in energy use without compromising the comfort of guests during their stay.”

Zumtobel, makers of the ZBOX lighting management system for guestrooms, features three pre-programmed scenes in which none of the luminaires exceed a 70% limit.

Christian Pfeiler, Product Management Systems at Zumtobel explains: “With dimming alone, energy consumption can be cut by 25% compared with a non-dimmable lighting solution. Building wide lighting management can lead to energy savings up to 70%.”

Crestron has reported an increased interest in energy saving solutions from its clients too: “The technology is now there to realise both energy and financial savings across the life of a property,” explains Tallent. “For example, sensors can be added to harvest daylight and reduce the amount of artificial light required.

This is an automatic feature to reduce energy emissions and save on energy spend. These features are popular with clients and we are using them more and more for lighting projects as clients are realising the selling point of energy efficiency in lighting.”

Finally, Lutron announced that it is partnering with Orion by VingCard-Elsafe Energy Mangement System to provide lighting and shade control integrated with intelligent temperature control through advance occupancy-sensing technology.

“With this comprehensive solution hotels can expect to experience a 30-40% reduction in energy expenditures through the combined savings produced by light and temperature controls in unoccupied rooms,” concludes Lebrun.

Turn the page for the latest product launches from a range of lighting manufacturers...

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PRODUCT PROFILE

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CHAPLINS / FLOS D’E-LIGHT Designed by Philippe Starck, D’E-light has a radical, extremely functional design, with a USB socket above the light diffuser for an iPod, iPhone or iPad so that it can double up as a dock. D’E-light offers the advantage of recharging devices without cluttering the desk, and by adding a wireless keyboard it can be converted into a compact working space. Chaplins is a contemporary showroom distributing lighting and furniture from a range of brands including Flos, Artemide, Dedon, and Cassina.

Tel: +44 (0)20 8421 1779 www.chaplins.co.uk

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MARSET LED TUBE R A new surface-mounted version of Marset’s Ledtube retains the LED technology of its predecessor now in a round casing. The orientable wall lamp is easy to use as the light comes on automatically when the Ledtube is opened out, and goes off when it is closed. The 360-degree rotation makes it ideal for installing on any bed head.

Tel: +34 93 4602067 www.marset.com PHILIPS MASTER LEDBULB DIMTONE The Philips MASTER LEDbulb DimTone delivers a warm, defined beam and a shift to warmer colour during dimming that is provided by halogen and GLS, while offering the energy savings, minimised maintenance costs, and extended lifetime of LED lamps.

Enabling maximum warmth and ambiance at lower dimming levels, it is ideal for hospitality applications requiring heightened customer comfort.

The DimTone bulbs are designed for retrofit replacement of dimmable incandescent bulbs. www.philips.com/masterledlamps 158

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OCCHIO IO 3D The new io 3d series from Occhio features a wide range of individual styling options, threedimensional movability, and the very latest LED technology. Its distinctive head – featuring interchangeable grip pads insulated against heat – seems invisibly joined to the gently angled, flat-profile arm, which serves as the basis for the flexibility of the lamp. The family includes ceiling, wall and floor lamps that can be individually configured and perfectly matched with any architectural and interior design scenario, while the high-performance LEDs ensure maximum energy efficiency.

Tel: +49 89 44 77 86 30 www.occhio.de

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PRODUCT PROFILE

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PRECIOSA IN SPIRAL Czech-based Preciosa has launched a new collection of fixtures characterised by ‘Lightness’. InSpiral is a scultural glass piece with entwining spirals and an endless lighting band can be set in optical motion by RGB LED light sources. Preciosa prides itself on preserving traditional glassmaking techniques, such as sandcasting brass parts and traditional handshaping and handcutting glass components.

Tel: + 420 488 115 555 www.preciosa.com

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MODULAR LIGHTING INSTRUMENTS FLAT MOON SQUARE Modular has added to its Flat Moon collection with new square and rectangular-shaped versions. The luminaire features rounded off corners and sides to soften the outline, and is available as a surface mounted lamp or suspension.

Tel: +32 51 26 56 56 www.supermodular.com

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ÖRSJÖ LEAN The upcoming Clerkenwell Design Week will see the UK launch of the new collection from Swedish lighting manufacturer Örsjö, distributed in the UK and Ireland by Relay Design Agency.

Highlights include a new addition to the ever-popular Lean family, in the form of a pendant designed by Jenny Back. In keeping with the retro lines of the wall, table and floor lamps, the double shade pendant features a familiar blend of materials (textile cable, brass, powdercoated steel) in a new form. www.relaydesignagency.co.uk www.orsjo.com 160

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HUMANSCALE HORIZONTM LED TASK LIGHT Featuring the first use of Thin Wave LED Technology in a task light, Horizon creates a wide, glare-free footprint of illumination that appears to float above the desktop. The visually-striking task light utilises a number of high-intensity LEDs surrounding several layers of polycarbonate and optical films, and boasts superior energy efficiency and ultra-long life, consuming less than 11 watts of power and offering a lifespan rated for 50,000 to 60,000 hours – 25 to 30 years of daily use in a 9-to-5 setting.

Tel: +1 (212) 353 1383 www.humanscale.com

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PRODUCT PROFILE

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VIBIA / LSE MATCH Transcending the basic principles of design, this innovative product created

by Jordi Vilardell & Meritxell Vidal stands as a new lighting concept based on co-creation and opportunities of world 2.0. Using the new configuration software CREA, interior designers and architects can compose different arrangements of Match, visualise lighting scenes, 2D and 3D simulations, create layouts, combinations, and online calculations, making this pendant lamp part of their own design concept to fit the space available. The result is infinite artistic configurations based on thin rods of aluminum and LED light terminals, forming a light sculpture that illuminates central themes of space and interior decoration. LSE Lighting is a UK agent for Vibia. www.lselighting.com www.vibialight.com

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CONTARDI AUDREY Designed by Massimiliano Raggi and inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s hat in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the Audrey table lamp features a cotton and velvet shade with silk trim. It is also available as a floor lamp, and suspension lamp.

Tel: +39 0362 301381 www.contardi-italia.com

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AQUA CREATIONS MIMOSA With the launch of the Mimosa collection, Aqua Creations has introduced new characteristics to its lighting range. Mimosa’s shades are made from a laser cut, galvanised metal structure sprayed with clear polymer, resulting in a white membrane that distributes the light from an energysaving CFL bulb. Designed by Ayala Serfaty with Sadeh Halbrecht, the shades are sculpted by hand allowing variation from shade to shade. Mimosa can be adapted to fit spaces of any size.

Tel: +972 3 5151 222 www.aquagallery.com

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ARTEMIDE NEW NATURE New Nature is a vertical column composed of polymer modules that intersect to create a complex structure that harnesses and projects light.

Designed by Ross Lovegrove, the freestanding luminaire casts decorative light and shadows onto surfaces in a three-dimensional way.

Tel: +39 02 93518 1 www.artemide.com

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Five star light control for the world’s hotels

Lutron® hospitality control solutions save energy, reduce costs, and save our world from unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, your guests will feel more welcome and your staff more productive.

These easy-to-use solutions combine precise control of electric light and, with our shades, natural light, too.

With Lutron you have the reassurance of dealing with premium products and services throughout the world.

Quantum® Green Glance®

To find out more, visit www.lutron.com or e-mail us at lutronlondon@lutron.com

From left to right: Entrance Lobby, The Royal Mirage Resort, Dubai, UAE; Conference Room, Dallas, Texas; Bedroom, Asia Park Hyatt, Seoul, Korea; Restaurant, Hotel Eurostars Madrid Tower, Madrid, Spain.

CLIENT:

Lutron

March

ISSUE:

PUBLICATION: COPY DATE:

22 February

International Press Production Ltd

Pico® wireless controller

European seeTouch®

Sivoia® QS shading

Q-Admin™ software

Sleeper Magazine SIZE:

Full page bleed

Tel: +44 (0) 1305 257 774

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ORIGINAL BTC STANLEY Launched in 2009, Original BTC’s Stanley pendants became instant classics thanks to their pleasing lines and glossy metallic finish. New for 2012, Stanley table lights feature hammered metal shades supported by curved rods on a mirror polished base. Made by hand from solid steel at Original BTC’s Birmingham (UK) metal works, the table light is available in nickel, copper, brass or weathered brass finish.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7351 2130 www.originalbtc.com

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ANGLEPOISE ANGLEPOISE DUO Marking its 80th anniversary, British manufacturer Anglepoise has launched a new collection comprising table, wall, floor, and pendant lamps. Anglepoise Duo is inspired by the original George Carwardine-designed Terry’s Anglepoise lamp, and has been developed for both private and contract use in a large number of interior environments.

Available in a range of styles, colours and finishes, some of the lamps use the original Anglepoise arm and spring mechanism, whilst others are fixed with adjustable shades.

Tel: +44 (0)2392 224 450 www.anglepoise.com

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DAVEY LIGHTING REFLECTOR PENDANTS New for 2012, Davey Lighting’s extra large factory-style reflector pendants are available in two finishes: interior and exterior-polished aluminium, or weathered copper with a polished copper interior. Shades are created by pressing sheet metal over a chuck, or mould, in order to create the desired shape. While the majority of today’s manufacturers use steel chucks for a perfectly smooth finish, Davey has re-introduced a mid-century wooden chuck to create a wood grain imprint to give each light an individual look.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7351 2130 www.davey-lighting.co.uk 164

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LIGNE ROSET PEYE Oversized in inspiration, the Peye floor lamp from Ligne Roset works on the principle of an oversized shade and illumination via strips of LEDs. Its shade, which rests on a solid wood stem, is in composite material, with white interior and anthracite exterior. The LEDs are arranged around the opening in the rear of the shade.

Tel:+44 (0)870 7777 202 www.ligne-roset.com

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ME, MYSELF AND I See what light can do for your hotel During the Light+Building fair in April in the Frankfurter Messe (Germany) Philips hosted the interactive Hospitality panel discussion ‘Me, myself and I’ with four panel members from different areas within the Hospitality business: a leading hotel chain, a lighting designer, an architect and Philips as a lighting solutions provider.

Guests are becoming more and more demanding. Travelers are looking for ‘real’ hospitality.

Hospitality that pleases the traveler and that is sustainable. For the traveler being different persons at the same time, the business

person, the tourist and the individual: ‘Me, myself and I’ Challenging statements were discussed to find out how we can translate the key trends we observe: Sustainability and Personalized experiences into opportunities for Hospitality end-users, lighting designers/architects and Philips as a lighting solutions provider.

Watch the full video of the exciting discussion on the Philips YouTube channel or visit the Philips LightCommunity and tell us how we as a lighting solutions provider, can help hoteliers to create the right customer experience for their guests.

The moderator Pierre van Lamsweerde General Manager Retail/Hospitality EMEA Philips Lighting

The panel members Nico Jonkers General Manager Category LED lamps Philips Lighting Christian Merieau Architect & Managing Director; Middle East, Africa & Asia Samuel Creations SA Edward Gray Director of Energy & Utilities Engineering Operations - for Hilton Hotels Europe Paula Rainha Lighting Designer

www.philips.com/lightcommunity

“I lived in hotels for three months while I was doing the light world tour. It just surprised me how lighting was so neglected in almost all of them. Most of the times the rooms were too dark to see myself on a mirror because either the lights were so glary that I had to switch them off or the light fittings were so dated that there was not enough light coming out of them. Even with the most comfy bed or nicest room, the only thing I could see was how unflattering and uncomfortable the light was.”

Paula Rainha

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MOOOI PAPER CHANDELIER XL Designed from paper, cardboard and papier-mâché, Paper Chandelier XL is an ode to classical style and material, say Moooi. The delicate piece was launched in Milan as an extension to the Paper collection, which includes a table lamp, floor lamp, cabinet, and wardrobe.

Tel: +31 (0)76 578 4444 www.moooi.com

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ALISEO T3 TECHNOLOGY The revolutionary Two-Tone-Touch lighting of Aliseo’s new cosmetic mirror bathes the skin in a shadow-free cool white or warm light. Illuminated touch sensor offers the user their choice of a cool bright daytime look or a warm night time reflection. The maintenancefree lighted mirror also features a reinforced ball joint to allow pivotal imaging from different angles.

Tel: +49 7834 83 430 www.aliseo.de

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AXO LIGHT EXPLO Unveiled at Frankfurt’s Light+Building exhibition, Axo Light’s Explo features hand-made Murano glass bars, available with red or white interior, grouped together to create a suspended ‘explosion’. Explo can be entirely customised – the number of crystals, the tilt angle and the height, as well as the distance between each individual crystal – according to the customer’s taste. Each lamp is fitted with a linear halogen eco light source that diffuses the light up and down.

Tel: +39 041 5845193 www.axolight.it

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DELTALIGHT SUPERNOVA SEMI Deltalight’s Supernova range has grown to become one of the lighting industry’s most comprehensive and versatile product families enabling general lighting, accent lighting, small to large scale, from recessed to surface mounted or suspended use. New to the range is Supernova Semi, with partly recessed installation.

Tel: +32 (0)56 435 735 www.deltalight.com

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PRODUCT PROFILE

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TOM DIXON FIN LIGHT Tom Dixon’s new Fin Light is an ode to engineering and an introduction to new and rapidly changing lighting technologies. Fin proudly exposes its inner workings, taking usually invisible electrical components and making them the hero of the design. The result is a self-contained piece featuring both shade and light in one. A heatsink, an extruded aluminium component used to cool electrical equipment, is given centre stage forming the body and structure of the fixture. The slatted aluminium cooling fins act as both the irregular body while their large surface area increases efficiency by cooling the LEDs within. Designed to give an intense brightness, the six high-powered LED diodes are magnified through a giant acrylic lens to give a broadened beam of light.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7400 0500 www.tomdixon.net

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ASTRO LIGHTING AREZZO Astro Lighting has unveiled a new collection of IP44-rated designs suitable for use in wet areas. Highlights include the circular Arezzo ceiling light, which features a layer of clear glass around an opaque centre, and a range of wall lights that can be fitted as both bedroom and IP44 bathroom lights, allowing for a perfectly co-ordinated interior.

Tel: +44 (0)1279 427 001 www.astrolighting.co.uk

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FLOS PIANI Available in four distinct colours, Piani is made up of a flat top that provides direct light, and a flat base designed as a tray or shelf, convenient for pens, coins, keys or jewellery. This hybrid lamp, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, is described as a perfect ‘valet tray’ for desks and entrance halls.

Tel: +39 030 2438 1 www.flos.com

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JONA HOAD DESIGN ILLUMINATED ROOM NUMBERS Jona Hoad Design create illuminated room numbers with status indicators that can be bespoke to meet specific requirements. The illuminated room number also acts as a secondary light source adding accent light to its surroundings.

Tel: +44 (0)1525 222 364 www.jonahoad.com

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PRODUCT PROFILE

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ALGER-TRITON HOTEL BEL-AIR Working alongside Alexandra Champalimaud and Rockwell Group, Alger-Triton has designed and installed a number of custom-designed light fixtures at the newly refurbished Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles. The work of Alger-Triton’s skilled craftsmen is most prominent in the 6,775ft2 Presidential Suite, where an explosive array of milky rock crystal framed by gilded window panes designed to honor the hotel’s glamorous bygone era, takes centre stage. Alger-Triton’s mission is to conceive and realise distinctive lighting creations for their clientele worldwide, utilising exceptional service, driven by design.

Tel: +1 310 229 9500 www.alger-triton.com

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BOCCI SERIES 28 Bocci’s new Series 28 chandelier is the result of four months experimentation

by Omer Arbel at the company’s inhouse glass atelier. The unique pendants are created by intermittently blowing air in and then out of an intermittently heated and then cooled glass matrix.

The glass reacts to the introduction of a vacuum, resulting in a distorted sphere shape, which has a collection of smaller glass spheres appearing to implode inwards towards its centre. One of these cavities is then fitted with hardware to accept a halogen or LED light, and the pieces are configured in hexagonal groupings to make chandeliers. The standard 28 collection offers flexibility in both design and measure, offering a range of canopy shapes starting from a single pendant through to a 37 pendant chandelier. Custom 28 series pendants are possible with infinite versatility in colour, composition, size and shape.

Tel: +49 151 2406 1212 www.bocci.ca 170

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LEDS-C4 BLOMMA Imagined by WIS Design, the Blomma collection comprises a table lamp, pendant and floor lamp, available in three finishes: black, grey and red. The luminaires in use energy-saving bulbs to guarantee lower energy consumption, yet still provide a light that is suitable for creating a warm atmosphere.

Tel: +34 973 468 134 www.leds-c4.com

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ORANGE LIGHTING GRACIE Designed by Kevin McCloud and distributed solely by Orange Lighting, Gracie emits a warm, honey glow from its handmade porcelain shades. The collection comprises a pendant, table lamp, chandelier, wall light, and now IP44-rated upgrade for bathroom istallation.

Tel: +44 (0)1279 812 350 www.houseoforange.co.uk

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CHELSOM EDITION 23 In an exclusive party held at London’s One Marylebone, Chelsom has launched its new Edition 23 collection. The 300-page catalogue was presented to representatives from Europe’s interior design industry, and will be unveiled to the US market at HD Expo.

Chelsom is currently progressing with an international expansion having appointed a network of 16 sales agents across the States. The Middle East is served through a full-time Chelsom consultant living in Dubai, while Chelsom Hong Kong Ltd allows for distribution in the Far East.

Tel: +44(0)1253 831 400 www.chelsom.co.uk

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DERNIER & HAMLYN 45 PARK LANE Dernier & Hamlyn was behind the 5m high, 1.5 ton lighting installation in the lobby of 45 Park Lane in Mayfair, London. Working with architects at Paul Davis and Partners, the team overcame significant challenges to turn Thierry W. Despont’s design concepts into reality. The light comprises around fifty opal acrylic sections of varying sizes with polished stainless steel rods and panels reflecting and complementing the diffused light emanating from the almost 30 cold cathode lamps within.

The finished design was adapted from the original requirement for glass panels which it was soon clear would not be malleable enough and also would make this weighty piece even heavier.

The piece was assembled and installed in situ over a period of two weeks by Dernier & Hamlyn.

Tel: +44 (0)20 8760 0900 www.dernier-hamlyn.com 172

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BARONCELLI FLEXUS Baroncelli’s Flexus Series is a collection of handmade wall lights, pendants and chandeliers featuring satin galvanised gold curves with cristallo rods crafted in Murano glass. Each design can be customised using the curve motif to modify the light as desired. For example, the Branco light’s seductive and sinuous lines echo the elegance of a traditional chandelier, while the simplicity of its shape and exposed wiring is boldly contemporary. The Rex light is made of two specially designed curves with a beam that unusually directs light back onto the wall.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7720 6556 www.baroncellidesign.com CHAD LIGHTING PASILLO Chad Lighting has launched a new wall light originally designed as a bespoke piece for a London hotel. Now forming part of the collection, it is available in two sizes, both featuring a generous slab of 6mm thick glass with arrissed edges that glow with the diffracted light. Light is washed up and down the wall from further diffusing panels above and below the body.

Tel: +44 121 707 7629 www.chadlighting.co.uk

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Subscribe to Sleeper online at www.sleepermagazine.com

Alternatively contact our subscription department on +44 (0)161 476 5580 or email: subscriptions@mondiale.co.uk

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COMPANY PROFILE

Bright Sparks While Frandsen Lighting continues to design and manufacture contemporary lamps for retail and contract, the group’s hospitality division is making sparks with its bespoke solutions.

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s Starwood Hotels & Resorts opened the doors to its fifth W hotel in Europe, Frandsen Project celebrated the successful installation of its most ambitious project to date. W Paris – Opéra was the culmination of three years of research, design and development for the team, working alongside Rockwell Group Europe to create ‘The Spark’, a concept around which the hotel’s entire design is based.

For Frandsen Project’s Director Thomas Hansen it was a dream project that began with a simple request for a customised reading lamp. The ensuing collaboration saw Frandsen create lighting solutions for the guestrooms, restaurant, bar, and living room that fuse the contemporary brand with the historical features of the property. The pièce de résistance is a 300m2 backlit digital wall that defines the central spaces of the building and weaves through both public and private areas.

Inspired by Paris’ status as the ‘city of light’,

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‘The Spark’ takes the form of a perforated black resin wall lit with RGB LEDs. The wall can be set at various tempos to create different moods to match the season, event, time of day and location within the hotel.

Frandsen Project also supplied the decorative lights, all of which were custommade, including sculptural gold pendant lights that incorporate drop down LED spots in the individually designed suites. Even the reading lamp was modified to include functional descriptions on each switch in order to adhere to W brand standards.

The project showcases the bespoke capabilities of Frandsen, a company perhaps better known for its contemporary range of pendants, table, wall and floor lamps.

Established in 1968, Frandsen Group is split into three distinct divisions: Frandsen Lighting, within which is the standard ‘Design

by Frandsen’ collection, as well as a private label for the likes of Ligne Roset and Bo Concept; Verpan, which holds the rights for

THIS PAGE: ‘The Spark’ at W Paris – Opéra takes the form of a perforated black resin wall lit with RGB LEDs OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): Sculpture Lamp, also created for W Paris – Opéra; Wok, designed in collaboration with Concrete for W London Leicester Square; Design Engineer Mads Rabjerg Pedersen and Director Thomas Hansen; The new Paris table lamp

Verner Panton’s iconic lights; and Frandsen Project, focusing on the design and supply of custom lighting solutions for international hotel projects.

While this specialised service isn’t a new venture for Frandsen Group, the high calibre of projects recently undertaken has facilitated Frandsen Project to be recognised as its own legal division, headed up by Thomas Hansen.

“I started at Frandsen eleven years ago when the project division was very young,” he explains. “At the beginning we were creating lighting for shops, this has evolved to more or less 99% of our projects being hospitality.

But we are in no way a standard hospitality supplier.” He continues: “We see ourselves as design engineers in the supplier link more than anything. Thus our clients involve us in everything from the very beginning of a project. This is where we stand out from our competitors. We don’t just supply lamps,

we design, develop, engineer, manufacture, project manage, and implement in all scale projects.”

Hansen, and Design Engineer Mads Rabjerg Pedersen, are the first to every project, working closely with the interior designer to create custom lighting solutions, developing the products from sketch through to installation. Global collaborators and an in-house technical team ensure costs are competitive and production prompt.

Another recent project for W hotels saw the team working with Amsterdam-based interior designers Concrete to develop the Wok pendant. Dozens of the powder coated aluminium shades were installed in the Spice Market restaurant at W London Leicester Square as part of the interior design scheme.

“We’re the link between the designers and the contractors,” explains Hansen. “Usually the interior designers are not so detailed on

the technical side so we take over very early in the design process to ensure the electrical components are correct... It’s a question of how to implement the design.”

The Wok pendant has recently been added to Frandsen Project’s contract collection to expand their offering. And while Hansen encourages clients to specify from lamps specifically designed for contract use, products from the retail division can be modified to ensure they are fit for purpose.

“In 2012 we’re launching more and more specific contract lights for hospitality,” concludes Hansen. “We don’t want to reinvent everything on every project so it would be good to have a standard in stock collection.”

The team is also working on custom solutions for CitizenM London, Hotusa Hotel Munich, two undisclosed properties for Starwood, and two resorts in Mexico for Fiesta Hotel Group.

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At Your Service...

Forward thinking hotels are putting information in the hands of the guest by providing concierge services through mobile channels.

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ith the predicted exponential growth of smartphones and an increasingly technology savvy guest, hotels are looking to differentiate through the services they provide, and more importantly, the way in which they provide them. A number of systems have been introduced that are designed to add value to the traditional concierge service, while providing the hotelier with a chance to open up further revenue opportunities with targeted promotions.

According to Roger Taylor, CEO, Quadriga: “Recent advances in technology, and the subsequent growth in popularity of mobile devices has meant that guests now bring their own content into the hotel, and hoteliers are taking steps to make provisions for them to use it within a hotel environment as they would at home.”

Quadriga has launched a new range of mobile-based communication platforms,

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QDelegate, QValet and QMenu, which harness the latest mobile technology to enable guests to access relevant information in a format familiar and easy to them, encouraging them to interact, purchase, and drive new revenue opportunities for the hotel.

QMenu, a tablet application that provides an easy-to-navigate interactive menu, works to enhance food and beverage selections enabling establishments to drive up average order value. “QMenu’s main benefit to the hotelier is that it provides a powerful visual experience in a familiar format, inviting customers to browse and spend more,” explains Taylor. “It is also possible to add in promotional apps to provide relevant content and drive additional revenue.”

Quadriga’s QDelegate is a mobile application designed for event management.

“QDelegate has the capacity to be beneficial to the hotel, the event organiser and the event delegate,” explains Taylor. “It allows

OPPOSITE PAGE : Monscierge Tablet is a portable platform that hotels can place in guestrooms to provide concierge services THIS PAGE (TOP): Just some of the 35 services offered by Intelity’s ICE system ABOVE: Crave GuestService+ is another tablet and smartphone-based solution for guest use RIGHT: Cardola’s Virtual Hotel system was developed by hoteliers, for hoteliers

hotels to manage and support multiple events concurrently in a flexible format that is easy to follow, with content able to be customised to each event. Organisers can interact with delegates throughout the event with instant notifications and live polls, enabling realtime changes to be made based on delegate feedback.” He adds: “The main benefit for the delegate is that all information can be found in one place.”

While Taylor reports increased demand for such systems, he also warns of the challenges faced: “As ‘early adopters’ embrace these developments, hoteliers face a massive challenge in keeping pace with tablet and mobile technology trends. Currently, hoteliers are struggling because the consumer technology buying cycle has significantly shortened. Tablet devices such as iPads and iPods have now become part of everyday life and work, so it’s now vital hotels catch up to excite guests again.” He concludes: “Demand

for the latest mobile technology is only going to increase and hotels need to keep up with trends to interact with guests in ways that they are accustomed to and expect.”

Monscierge is an international hotel touchscreen technology company specialising in products that give guests easy access to hotel events and amenities as well as local restaurants and attractions. Content is delivered in four ways: Monscierge Lobby runs on an interactive ‘Info Point’ designed as a centerpiece for high-traffic areas; Monscierge Tablet is a portable platform that hotels can place in guestrooms to provide their concierge services; Monscierge Mobile keeps hotels connected with guests on the move; and Monscierge Console is the content management system enabling hotels to update and customise every application.

The main point of difference for this system is that it provides local recommendations from trusted sources. “Our research team found

that across five different countries, the most frequent requests of a front desk staff member are those of a local recommendation from a guest seeking a memorable experience,” explains Liam Walsh, Managing Director EMEA. “We passionately create elegant guest experiences, link it to our curated Recommendation Network®, and then the hotel brand takes over and provides the concierge that today’s savvy traveller deems necessary.”

Cardola’s Virtual Hotel system meanwhile, was developed by hoteliers, for hoteliers.

According to Managing Director Tim Butterworth: “Virtual Hotel presents everything your hotel has to offer in a visually appealing and easily discoverable way, literally at the touch of a button.”

The service, delivered via Smartphone App or iPad in the guestroom, is available from the point of reservation meaning that guests can communicate with the hotel months

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THIS PAGE (LEFT): A new concept by Vitmen enables diners to view a menu on an Android-powered 10-inch touchscreen tablet MIDDLE: ICE is available through five guest-facing technologies RIGHT:Signbox launched its Enlighten smart poster system

in advance to book an airport pick up, or popular show, for example, through a prearrivals portal.

In a live demonstration of Virtual Hotel, Butterworth showed Sleeper the multitude of tools available, from ordering extra towels from housekeeping, to selecting when you would like room service delivered, and express check out. The opportunities are endless.

Cardola is currently installing in a number of luxury London hotels, but Butterworth points out the opportunity available at the budget end of the market too. “It could give a budget hotel a five-star concierge,” he explains.

Intelity has installed its ICE Technology in a number of high profile hotels including the refurbished Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, and 45 Park Lane in London. The Interactive Customer Experience (ICE) offers a wide range of services from airline check-in, limo service, weather reports, and direct messaging.

Intelity’s President and CEO, David Adelson, explains: “The real key to what Intelity does, is that it’s actually designed as a property automation solution. What that means is that our five guest-facing technologies really were designed as a hotel tool, so that every time a 178

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guest makes a request, it is fully integrated into the hotel’s systems – the point of sale system and their PMS system. Effectively what this does is it streamlines the operation for a hotel.”

Adelson also reports that feedback shows over 91% of all guests actively use the in-room touch technology.

Crave GuestService+ is another tablet and smartphone-based solution for guest use. The system is based on Crave Cloud, a software platform that allows the hotel to manage and control the services they provide, whether it be room service, news, entertainment, or hotel facilities.

Mobile devices are also making regular appearances in restaurants. A new concept

by Vitmen enables diners to view a menu on an Android-powered 10-inch touchscreen tablet, specifically designed for the hospitality sector. The Cloud-based system can store detailed food and beverage information – such as nutritional data, ingredients or wine pairings – that would not normally have place on a traditional printed menu. Content can be quickly and easily updated by an administrator, meaning that if a dish sells out

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mid-service, it can be removed from the menu immediately. In addition, a compact docking base can charge ten Vitmen tablets at time.

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is thought to be the next big thing in interactive communication. According to Signbox, who has launched two new initiatives, it has the power to change the way people navigate and interact with a brand or service. The entirely contactless technology uses radio waves over short distances to connect smart posters with smartphones and download information from a chip embedded within the poster. Packed inside the chip is anything from a website URL and contact details, to special offers and social media resources. At the end of last year, Signbox launched its Enlighten smart poster system, which has recently been enhanced by Smart Stickers. Approximately the size of a beer mat and manufactured from a durable polyester film onto which Signbox print any message, graphic or image, the stickers are preprogrammed with the relevant information so that anyone with an NFC-enabled smartphone can access it with a simple, fast, close proximity swipe.

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Amina are a supplier of choice for interior designers of 5* hotels all over the world when selecting high quality discrete sound systems.

The Amina Invisible Loudspeakers are the perfect solution for both hotels wishing to keep their interiors as minimalist as possible and for retaining the authenticity of historic properties. All the while having the ability to create a suitable ambience for guests and visitors.

t: +44 1480 354390 | e: inspired@amina.co.uk | w: www.amina.co.uk

SLEEPER SPECIFIER

BOLON BOLON BY MISSONI Swedish flooring company Bolon has joined with Italian fashion house Missoni to create its latest collection, a brilliantly coloured, uplifting and energising collection of woven floors that give new expression to Missoni’s characteristic attributes. Bolon by Missoni is based on Missoni’s classic patterns and colours, which Bolon has reproduced thanks to the latest weaving technology. The collection is available in three designs – Optical, Bayadere and Flame – with each offered in a variety of colours.

Tel: +46 (0)321 53 04 00 www.bolon.com

TREVIRA CS NEW DEVELOPMENTS The ongoing development of Trevira CS fabrics for the contract textiles market has illustrated the design opportunities open to customers to create their own tailored colour ranges. At present the Trevira CS yarn range of spun yarns offers 14 colours, either bright or semi-dull, along with textured yarns. However, the design possibilities are far from exhausted. Since some of the spun colours are cross-dyeable, interesting looks are also possible on the basis of piece-dyed articles. This applies both to flat woven fabrics and pile materials. Colours have to be selected carefully to ensure the optimal effect is achieved. To assist customers in their development projects, Trevira has produced colour variants for demonstration purposes.

Email: trevira.info@trevira.com www.trevira.com 180

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LG HAUSYS HI-MACS LG Hausys has announced the launch of the new 2012 HI-MACS® colours and new CAD compatible colours available for download that will make architects and designer’s work easier. Technicians have developed a new generation of Galaxy colours, including Andromeda, Carina, New Moon and Hercules, with an elegant and quartz-like appearance, while maintaining the universal advantages of HI-MACS® Solid Surface: easy to repair, invisible joints and thermoformability. www.himacs.eu

SCHULTE EVOLINE PORT CABLE GUIDE Schulte has introduced the EVOline® Port Cable Guide for managing above desk cabling and offering ‘pull-out’ media cables. The intelligent solution can hold all modern day multimedia cables typically required, allowing clients to pull up, plug-in and play to their hearts content. When finished, the cable guide ensures all cables are discreetly stowed away, avoiding an unsightly tangle. The EVOline® Port Cable Guide will also help futureproof any interior reliant on having the latest connectivity by allowing clients to swap new connections/cables as they come onto the market.

Tel: +44 (0)1225 330 242 www.schulte.com

45 Park Lane, London

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CHRISTOPHER GUY LONDON SHOWROOM OPENING Christopher Guy has opened a new showroom in Harrods, London, to coincide with the establishment of the new European headquarters led by Guy Newton.

The Knightsbridge store debut is part of the brand’s international expansion that includes showrooms in Beverly Hills, Chicago, Verona, Hangzhou, Hong Kong and Taipei, along with New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas by the year’s end. In addition a 20,000ft2 state-of-the-art combined headquarters and design studio in Singapore features the latest collections and serves as the global model for future Christopher Guy showrooms worldwide.

Tel: +44 (0)20 3397 2410 www.christopherguy.com

GO IN NEW CATALOGUE Hospitality furniture specialist GO IN’s new 2012 catalogue introduces around 100 new furniture products and 270 new cover fabrics to help designers create unique and individual interior solutions. The catalogue also provides a link between the printed page and GO IN’s website through the use of QR codes. The new products can be used with GO IN’s award-winning configurator tool used to build seating combinations and visualise room layouts.

Tel: +44 (0)845 021 4646 www.go-in.co.uk 182

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HAPPY SAUNA HOTEL LO ZODIACO Hotel Lo Zodiaco in Abano Terme, Italy, has opened its new spa designed by architect Alessio Cuzzolin of Studio A70, in collaboration with Wellness Today by Happy Sauna.

The spa pool takes centre stage amongst a sauna, steam bath, showers and relaxation areas. Happy Sauna provides bespoke solutions from spa consultancy through to planning and installation, taking into account technical systems and equipment, lighting, wall and floor coverings, accessories, climate control, audio-video systems, and control panels.

Tel:+39 0462 503023 www.happysauna.com

INDIGO LIVING TATTOO TEMPLE To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon, Indigo Living has commissioned world-renowned tattoo artist Joey Pang of Tattoo Temple Hong Kong, to create tattoo motifs for a series of furnishings and accessories including armchairs, cushions, trays and tableware. The highlight of the collection is two limited edition leather armchairs, each taking around 300 hours to finish by hand. The first design features a fiery dragon coiled and ready to strike, while the second illustrates a traditional pond scene with koi fish swimming amongst lotus blossoms.

Tel: +852 2552 3500 www.indigo-living.com

INSPIRATIONAL OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Balham 155-163 Balham Hill London SW12 9DJ Tel: 020 8675 4808 • Chelsea 90-100 Sydney Street London SW3 6NJ Tel: 020 7352 9902 • Selfridges 400 Oxford Street London W1A 1AB Tel: 020 7318 3791 • Hampstead 25-27 Market Place London NW11 6JY Tel: 020 8458 5252 • Chiswick 430 Chiswick High Road London W4 5TF Tel: 020 8994 5838

Please call 0800 111 4844 to request a brochure or order online www.indian-ocean.co.uk

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PORCELANOSA ONA Porcelanosa has introduced a new ceramic tile with the look and feel of natural stone. Ona is a threedimensional tile carved with a reef pattern available in four colours – White, Beige, Natural and Marron – and two finishes.

Tel: +34 964 507 140 www.porcelanosa.com

LUXURY HOTEL COSMETICS ZENOLOGY Luxury Hotel Cosmetics has added Zenology’s new Mandarin Green Tea products to its collection of guestroom amenities. The freshly steeped spiced green tea with mandarin zest fragrance is made from skin-friendly ingredients that are non-allergenic and not tested on animals. Packaging is also made from recyclable materials.

Tel: +31 (0) 252 235 536 www.luxuryhotelcosmetics.com

ESPA IN PROFILE Founded by Susan Harmsworth in 1993, ESPA has pioneered the spa and wellness industry with the design, build and operation of spas around the globe.

Every ESPA spa displays originality, innovation and is a seamless extension of the adjoining property and brand.

These factors, together with each client’s specific brief, mean no two ESPA spas are ever the same. Partnering with hoteliers, investors and owners, ESPA’s approach not only leads to the ultimate guest experience, but also generates solutions that drive commercial return.

In addition ESPA offers a comprehensive range of skin and body care products.

Tel: +44 1252 742 800 www.espaonline.com 184

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CASE STUDY: Swisscom provides Managed Network Services for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) has entrusted Swisscom Hospitality Services with the remote management of its IT infrastructure at five European locations. As the central network manager, Swisscom optimises the service availability for the core network components within each hotel, covering all central, floor and in-room switching, Wi-Fi infrastructure, and UPS power supply monitoring. Through its advanced network management tools and specialied resources, Swisscom guarantees some of the strictest service levels practiced in the industry today.

“Swisscom offers us a proactive approach to managing critical components, which results in greater service reliability for our guests and allows Operations to focus on running the hotel rather than on maintaining the technology,” says Paul Missen, Vice President Technology, EMEA. Over the past year, Swisscom has liaised with Mandarin Oriental’s system providers to define detailed incident recognition and escalation procedures that enable the pro-active monitoring of all active and passive network assets. Today, Swisscom’s Lisbon-based Network Operations Center monitors all systems 24/7. A dedicated helpline is available for MOHG at all times.

Swisscom is the only party offering enterprisegrade service management tool to the hospitality industry in EMEA today. “Our Managed Services are a breakthrough for hotel operators,” comments Leo Brand, CEO of Swisscom Hospitality Services. “For the first time in the history of the hospitality industry, an independent party can monitor and manage multiple systems one-stop and provide its partner hotels with real-time data about their vendors’ service level (SLA) performance.”

Swisscom Managed Services build on IBM’s Tivoli software, which Swisscom has adapted to serve the specific needs of the hospitality business.

Swisscom presently manages the IP networks of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in London, Paris, Geneva, Munich and Barcelona.

Furniture LU XU RY A LUMINIUM SEATING

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SLEEPER SPECIFIER

SKOPOS DESIGN ECUADOR June will see the launch of a new upholstery collection from the Accents range by Skopos. Following the vibrancy of the Calle velvets launched by Skopos in May, Ecuador is a collection of textured weaves, delivering natural simplicity with tonal interest. This collection offers an extensive palette of 29 colours echoing nature and the tropics. Both collections are inherently flame retardant to Crib 5, offering 45,000 Martindale rubs in line with the requirements of the contract hotel and leisure sector.

Tel: +44 (0)1924 465 191 www.skoposdesignltd.com

ULSTER CARPETS MAJOR INVESTMENT The board of Ulster Carpets has approved a £6 million investment in the second phase of the company’s £30 million redevelopment of its manufacturing base in Portadown, Northern Ireland, setting an industry standard for sustainable 21st century manufacturing. This latest stage involves the construction of a state-of-the-art Dyehouse and Energy Centre, a significant step forward in reaching Ulster Carpets’ goal of being carbon neutral by 2020.

Planning permission is now being sought and building work is expected to get underway next year. RMI has been appointed as architects for the project and will work alongside planning consultants Turley Associates.

Tel: +44 (0)28 3833 4433 www.ulstercarpets.com 190

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BRIDGMAN KINGSTON MODULAR FURNITURE Bridgman is one of the leading suppliers of quality outdoor furniture, supplying garden centres, hotels, conference centres, clubs, sporting organisation, both in the UK and abroad. The company prides itself on the standards of its 4 Seasons furniture, with design, style and comfort being the most important priorities.

Two projects completed in 2011 were the RAC Club in Surrey and the Al Shallal Theme Park in Jeddah. Both organisations have since placed further substantial orders. Joint MD Howard Barnett observes: “If customers feel comfortable and relaxed, they are far more likely to return to the venue and repeat business is fundamental to the success of any company.” Bridgman use only top quality Hularo® weave, extruded in its Indonesian factory. The furniture is hand-woven to a standard that can only be achieved with 20 years experience. Each of the five ranges has its own size and colour of weave and design, consisting of matching dining, lounging and sunbathing products. This affords the opportunity for many of the dining suites and lounging sets to also be used inside, enabling a synergy to be created for both indoors and outside areas. The Pure range is also available with fully waterproof cushions.

Tel: +44 (0)20 8804 7474 www.bridgman.co.uk

NEOTERIC LUXURY SPHERE SWING Neoteric Luxury’s award-winning Sphere Swing is a designed as a sculptural conversation piece as well as functional seating. The cocoon-like swing is hand-woven from environmentally friendly outdoor fibres and outfitted with reticulated foam and Greenguard® certified fabrics.

Tel: +1 305 438 2842 www.neotericluxury.com

Hotel Lighting Standard & Bespoke

Tel: 0121 707 7629 sales@chadlighting.co.uk www.chadlighting.co.uk

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SLEEPER SPECIFIER

Emma Segelov Head of Marketing MK Electric

MK ELECTRIC ECHO MK Electric has extended its Echo portfolio to offer even more functionality, following its early success. The innovative range of entirely wireless, batteryless and self-powered transmitters, controls and receivers enables the user to create a bespoke control system with a range of transmitters, temperature sensors and presence detectors, as well as receivers that can be programmed with multiple settings.

The latest extension brings more capability to the portfolio including light dimming, scene setting, presence sensing, temperature control, and dimming, as well as new aesthetic finishes for transmitters including glass and aluminum.

Tel: +44 (0)1268 563 000 www.mkelectric.co.uk

LAUFEN LAUFEN CLEAN COAT With cleanliness and hygiene being top priorities in the bathroom, Laufen has available an innovative dirt-repellent surface finish, Laufen Clean Coat (LCC). The silicate ceramic vitreous coating is baked on over the original glaze resulting in an immaculately smooth, pore-free surface where grime, limescale and bacteria simply don’t stand a chance as they can be effortlessly wiped away with running water.

Tel: +44 (0)1530 510 007 www.laufen.co.uk

HIB OPTICAL / FOCAL MIRRORS Launched by HiB at KBB Birmingham, the new Optical and Focal mirrors feature innovative height adjustable magnifying mirror, magnetically mounted with a delicate felt covered disc directly onto the main mirror surface. The high definition clarity of the movable magnifying element is ideal for close shaving, or meticulous make-up application.

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What is Echo and what are its benefits to the interior designer?

Echo is MK Electric’s range of completely wireless, batteryless and self-powered switches which has recently been extended (see left) thanks to favourable customer feedback, particularly from hotel managers. Being wireless, designers have total freedom to locate switches on glass doors or walls in modern buildings for example, or on stone pillars or exposed brickwork in ancient churches. You simply mount them directly onto the surface. This means you can place them anywhere you want and even re-locate them at a later date. Its invaluable when refurbishing, re-designing or re-arranging spaces such as hotel rooms, bathrooms and conference suites. The Echo collection also comes in a variety of aesthetic finishes and the MK Design Service offers bespoke options to match any interior, including glass and aluminium finishes.

Have you seen increased demand for wireless switches?

Wireless is clearly a rising trend but it’s the combination of Echo’s key features that have caught the attention and imagination of our customers. The new products, capabilities and aesthetic finishes we’ve recently brought to the range provide hotel owners will the ultimate flexibility – both in terms of function and design – and it’s this increased flexibility that is in demand. With interior fashions changing so quickly and consumers expecting more and more technology at their fingertips, those managing hotels understand that it isn’t just about focusing on the here and now; room lighting and automation systems need to be flexible to accommodate the demands of the future.

What does the future hold for technology such as this?

Wireless technology is now everywhere and shows little sign of retreating. EnOcean – which is used by Echo – is already being used in other products within hotels. Having this ‘common language’ enables designers to incorporate any enabled device into the system, regardless of the manufacturer. Today 200 companies are committed to the standard and offer over 700 interoperable products that are seeing wireless solutions not just match, but move beyond traditional options.

See left for a description of the Echo range, or visit www. mkelectric.co.uk

www.burgessfurniture.com Stacking Chairs | Tables | Accessories

Introducing the NEW

ORVIA

Tel: +44 (0)20 8894 9231 Fax: +44 (0)20 8894 2943 Email: sales@burgessfurniture.com

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LONGDEN DOORS ADD A TOUCH OF CLASS TO EVERY HOTEL Our doors have graced some of the UK’s finest hotels for well over a hundred years and are ideal for any exclusive hotel, whether city chic or comfortable country retreat.

Longden’s manufacturing excellence has been the choice of prestigious hotels such as Lime Wood in the New Forest, Coworth Park Country House Hotel in Sunningdale, Whitley Hall Hotel in Sheffield and London’s Connaught and Stafford Hotels.

To find out more about how Longden’s solid timber designer doors can transform the look of your hotel, please call or email us today.

Longden | 55 Parkwood Road | Sheffield | South Yorkshire | S3 8AH Tel: 0114 270 6330 | Email: enquiries@longdendoors.co.uk Web: www.longdendoors.co.uk/luxuryhotels

New From

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FRAMELESS GLASS SHOWERS DESIGNED FOR YOUR SPACE Glasstrends provides a customised design and fitting service for frameless glass showers, steam room and sauna doors. Surveyed and installed to your complete satisfaction.

Visit www.glasstrends.co.uk/trade for our Trade Loyalty Scheme.

CALL 020 7223 4017 to receive our brochure or visit www.glasstrends.co.uk/sleep (Please quote ‘SL27’ when calling)

CALLE Confident, daring, fun

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Custom etching/signage 30 min fire integrity option Bespoke design service available

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Web: www.north4.com E-mail: sales@north4.co.uk

e: glasgow@surfaceplus.co.uk t: +44 (0)141 3312791 www.surfaceplus.co.uk

A NEW CONCEPT IN HOSPITALITY

Vitmen – virtual menu A hand held electronic menu that will create that WOW factor your clients will remember.

Technology complementing tradition

www.vitmen.ie 00353 719640758 email: helen@vitmen.ie

Product Portfolio

Premier luxury outdoor living company Indian Ocean have launched the QT collection from designer Kris Van Puyvelde of Royal Botania. www.indian-ocean.co.uk

Newhey’s Linen Tones stock collection is the latest addition to the UK manufacturer’s extensive Graphics Tufted product range for the luxury hotel and leisure sector. www.newheycarpets.co.uk

Space-saving and energy-efficient, the Teledex E Series telephones have a compact footprint so that they occupy less room on the guestroom nightstand or desk. www.teledex.com

Concept Textiles has developed a range of comprehensive soft furnishing hotel packages built around a set budget to include blackout curtains, bed runners, cushions and tracks. A measure and installation service is also available. www.concepttextiles.com

The latest addition to Lutron’s range of silent electronic shades is available in a wide range of colours and fabric opacities, battery operated, and controlled by IR remotes.

This solution is ideal for retrofit or difficult locations. www.lutron.com

Cocoon Concept is a young and innovative manufacturer of high quality contemporary lighting. Marrying practicality with sleek designs, Cocoon Concept’s products reflect the surroundings for which they are created. www.cocoon-concept.com

The freestanding bath has become synonymous with luxury bathrooms. Starting with just one model, Albion’s range has expanded to 54 different styles and sizes, providing luxury for both big and small bathrooms. www.albionbathco.com

The new Alfie Armchair from Bampton Design features smart, simple lines making it ideal for use in a modern dining room or dramatically classic bedroom. www.bamptondesign.co.uk

The Lectern Company design and manufacture high quality professional lecterns for events, conferences, and seminars. Each of the seven designs has in-built audio and video technology as well as integrated audio cables. www.thelecterncompany.co.uk

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akula sleeper ad_Layout 1 14/02/2012 13:14 Page 2

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Coworth Park, Ascot

Hoteliers in the know choose Huet Doors Wool Classics specializes in providing bespoke axminster, wilton, hand tufted and hand knotted carpets and rugs in a diverse range of fibers to the world’s leading hotels.

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SLEEPER SHOWCASE

T I L LY S T: 0 2 3 9 2 2 5 2 5 2 5 E: sales@tillysinteriors.com W: www.tillysinteriors.com

Tillys P O Box 330 Waterlooville PO7 9BX

Eliminate steam from your mirrors forever.

Specified worldwide. Fits any mirror.

Internationally approved. The pads are low cost, simple to fit and maintenance free.

Various voltages. Can be custom made. www.demista.co.uk Email. rd@demista.co.uk Tel. +44 (0)1932 866600 Fax. +44 (0)1932 866688

Protect your furnishings with

Help increase the life of your luggage areas and furniture with our contemporary and versatile protector rods. Ideal for use on most surfaces.

Tel: +44 (0)20 8205 0050 Email: info@aguafabrics.com Web: www.aguafabrics.com

T: +44 (0) 191 259 0033 sales@unika.co.uk www.unika.co.uk

HIRE SALES DESIGN

Mattresses made by hand in Devon

hotel 99 Talbot Road, London, W11 2AT 020 7985 0474 info@naturalmat.co.uk www.naturalmathotel.co.uk

The Vitrifrigo A+++ energy efficiency luxury range of minibars from 25 to 55 Litres chosen by the world’s leading hotels.

www.a3solutions.co.uk Call: 020 7199 8210 info@a3solutions.co.uk Ref: 0512

T: 0845 459 2149 E: tlc@thelecterncompany.co.uk

Designers Directory Below you will find contact details for some of the interior designers of the hotels reviewed in this issue, as well as some of those whose work has appeared in Sleeper Magazine in the past.

We hope that you find this resource useful in allowing you to contact designers you may be interested in working with on your own projects in the future.

New York NY 10013 USA Tel: +1 212 888 7667 www.bbg-bbgm.com

SOFITEL SO BANGKOK PUBLIC AREAS PIA Interiors 193/120-123 29th Floor Lake Rajada Office Complex, Rachadapisek Road Klongtoey Bangkok 10110 Thailand www.piainterior.com GUESTROOMS August Design 2241/6 Ladprao Rd (Soi 67/1) Wangthonglang Bangok 10310 Thailand Tel: +66 2 933 1276 80 www.august.co.th Deca Aterlier Deca Atelier Co.,Ltd 159 Sermmit Tower, 17th Floor Soi Sukhumvit 21 (asoke) Sukhumvit road North Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 22608497 www.gabellinisheppard.com a49 81 Sukhumvit 26 Bangkok 10110

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JOJO RESTAURANT Orbit Bangkok Unit 2701A, 27th Floor, M. Thai Tower All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand Tel: +66 2654 3667 9 www.orbitdesignstudio.com BELGRAVES Tara Bernerd & Partners 1 Hans Street London SW1X OJD, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7245 1658 www.tarabernard.com

Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2259 3533 www.a49.com ST REGIS BANGKOK BBG-BBGM 161 Sixth Avenue Third Floor

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ZUMA RESTAURANT Studio Glitt 503 Yoyogi Cherry 1-40-12 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053 Japan Tel: +81 3 5358 6877 www.glitt.jp HOTEL MUSE PIA Interiors 193/120-123 29th Floor Lake Rajada Office Complex, Rachadapisek Road Klongtoey Bangkok 10110 Thailand www.piainterior.com

HANSAR BANGKOK Woha 29 Hongkong Street Singapore 059668 Tel: +65 6423 4555 www.woha-architects.com RADISSON BLU AQUA Graven Images Ltd 175 Albion Street Glasgow G1 1RU Scotland Tel: +44 (0)141 552 6626 www.graven.co.uk SCANDIC GRAND CENTRAL Koncept Stockholm AB Grev Turegatan 29 SE – 114 34 Stockholm Sweden Tel: +46 8 545 879 00 www.koncept.se APEX TEMPLE COURT Ian Springford Architects 2a King’s Stables Road Edinburgh EH1 2JY Scotland Tel: +44 (0)131 229 6444 www.isarchitects.co.uk

Advertising Index Alger International 004 & 005 Aliseo GmbH Germany 057 Amina technologies Ltd 179 Astro Lighting 194 Bette GmbH & Co. KG – UK 189 Bocci 161 Bossini SpA 039 Burgess Furniture Ltd 193 Cardola Limited 093 Cetis Inc. 055 Chad Lighting Ltd 187 Chaplins 171 Chelsea Habour 006 & 007 Chelsom Lighting Limited 002 Christian Fischbacher 134 Christopher Guy (Europe) Limited 204 Clipso Productions 186 Collingwood 159 Consentino 091 Contardi Lighting 127 Création Baumann AG 069 Dedon 031 Delta Faucet Company 043 Delta Light (UK) Ltd 101 Design LSM 196 Distinction Furniture and Beds 169 Duravit 155 EE Smith Contracts Ltd 181

Ehrlich-Leder GmbH 049 Excalibur Furniture 191 Fashionizer Couture Limited 060 Feuring Projekmanagent GmbH 203 Frandsen Lighting A/S 029 Glasstrends 195 Gloster Furniture Ltd 119 GO IN GmbH 081 Hansgrohe 153 Happy Sauna s.r.l 191 HI Design 141 & 143 HICAP 142 Hospitality Services Plus SA 075 Humanscale 047 Indian Ocean 183 Julian Chichester Designs Ltd 188 Kaldewei 103 Kettal 083 Kobefab International B.V. 051 Laufen Bathrooms AG 059 Leisure Plan 008 & 009 Leisure Plan 014 & 015 LG 109 Living Consulting Group AB 072 Loewe 025 Longden 194 LSE Lighting 115 Lutron 163

Marrakech Design 185 Mille Couleurs Ltd 113 Monscierge 187 Neoteric Luxury 065 North 4 Design Ltd 196 OW Hospitality 010 & 011 Philips Lighting 165 Procure It Direct 122 Protocol Ltd 071 Roset Hotels 016 Sanipex LLC 063 Schulte Elektrotechnik GmbH et Co.KG095 Skopos Design Ltd 195 Skyline Design UK 133 Sleep 140 & 145 Summit Furniture (Europe) Ltd 085 Surface Plus 196 The Albion Bath Co Ltd 125 Tribu Furniture 023 Unlimited Light (Light Kits Ltd) 193 Verotex AG 077 Vet.Rass (Emile Rassam) SARL 012 & 013 Vicaima 189 Vincent Sheppard NV 107 Vitmen 196 Vitra 121 Wired 167 Zoffany 027

The 2011 US annual subscription price is $168.00. Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent named Air Business Ltd, c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431. US Postmaster: Send address changes to SLEEPER, Air Business Ltd, c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA.

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CHECK-OUT

“I wanted to create something that would look more like an installation. I thought about it also as a huge canvas where I needed to think about the composition and play with the empty white part of the room to accentuate more the idea of chaos on the other part.” So says ‘graffiti fetishist’ Tilt of his work on this guestroom at Au Vieux Panier in Marseilles, where different artists, graphic designers, and painters have been invited to design the various rooms. “The idea,” explains Tilt, “was to exaggerate what you can see in some abandoned places. Too much tags, too much drips, too much sentences, too much throw ups.” Tilt developed his signature style on streets, trains and skateboard ramps in his native Toulouse in the late 1980s. He has since become a celebrated figure on the international urban art scene recognised for his “Bubble” style of curved shapes and vivid colours.

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Graffiti artist Tilt has decorated one half of a room at a new Marseilles hotel with his trademark tagging.

Feuring Projektmanagement is a Project Management and Development Company based in Germany and specialised in 4 and 5 star projects for the Hospitality Industry throughout Europe. Our mission is to ensure the completion of the highest standard on time and within the budget.

Our Projects Andaz Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands Concorde La Fayette, Paris, France Concorde St. Lazare, Paris, France Dolce La Hulpe, Brussels, Belgium Domhotel, Frankfurt, Germany Doubletree by Hilton, Košice, Slovakia Grand Hotel Kempinski, Hight Tatras, Slovakia Hilton Garden Inn, Davos, Switzerland Hyatt Regency, Düsseldorf, Germany InterCityHotel, Düsseldorf, Germany InterContinental, Davos, Switzerland InterContinental, Geneva, Switzerland Jumeirah Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany Jumeirah Hotel, Mallorca, Spain Kempinski Hotel River Park, Bratislava, Slovakia Le Méridien, Barcelona, Spain Le Méridien, Munich, Germany Le Méridien Etoile, Paris, France Le Méridien, Split, Croatia Le Méridien, Stuttgart, Germany Le Méridien, Vienna, Austria Le Royal Méridien, Hamburg, Germany Le Royal Méridien Bristol, Warsaw, Poland Lutetia, Paris, France Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, Switzerland Mandarin Oriental, Munich, Germany Mandarin Oriental, Paris, France Mandarin Oriental, Prague, Czech Republic Mövenpick Hotel & Casino, Geneva, Switzerland Mövenpick Hotel, Stuttgart Airport, Germany Mövenpick Hotel, Zurich airport, Switzerland Radisson SAS, Rostock, Germany Swissotel, Dresden, Germany The Cumberland, London, UK

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www.feuring.info info@feuring.info

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