HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN
EKIES – HALKIDIKI • ANOUSKA HEMPEL • WHITE ELEPHANT – PALM BEACH
Featured lights: Tacoma Single
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CONTENTS ISSUE 93 HOTEL REVIEWS
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© Twelve Photographic Services
New Suites at Ekies All Senses Resort
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The Maker
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The Modernist
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White Elephant
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Halkidiki
Hudson
Athens
Palm Beach
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The Langham Nymphenburg Residence 090 Munich
Zedwell 098 London © Stephan Julliard
Buxton Crescent Derbyshire
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Nhow 113 Amsterdam RAI
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Art House Basel
119
FEATURES Meeting... Anouska Hempel 044
Known for her wildly contrasting styles, actress-turned-designer Anouska Hempel – Sleeper’s first and only cover star – talks of her new Paris project and spreading magic wherever she goes.
Meeting... Keith Barr
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© Chi-Thien Nguyen
Speaking on the virtual stage at The AHC Reimagined, IHG CEO Keith Barr shares his thoughts on the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, and the group’s plan for the future.
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CONTENTS ISSUE 93 FEATURES
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The Hotel of Tomorrow
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The Gettys Group relaunches its global think-tank to develop concepts that respond to the industrywide challenges posed by Covid-19.
Rethinking R&R
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As the hospitality industry begins to bounce back after a devastating year, hotels are embracing health and wellness to drive recovery. © Nick Kontostavlakis / Globe & Trotter
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A Blueprint for Sustainable Design 138
In the final installment of our sustainability series, we take a look at how nature-based design and organic materials are creating healthier spaces.
AHEAD 153
From a playful Hertfordshire retreat to a floating spa complex in Sweden, this year’s AHEAD Europe shortlist demonstrates the best executed and most ambitious design schemes and experiences the continent has to offer.
REGULARS Check-In 026 © Francine Zaslow
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Drawing Board
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The Lobby
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Business Centre
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Fabrics, Wallcoverings & Surfaces 159 Beds, Bedding & Mattresses
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Specifier 177 Check-Out
© Will Scott
© John Athimaritis
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173 194
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D E C O R A T I O N
adv D+ / ph Massimo Spada
design Francescsa Zoboli
R H . CO M / CO NTRACT
H Pavilion & Dots Spotlight by Kettal Studio Molo Sofa & Chaise longue by Rodolfo Dordoni Band Chair & Candleholders by Patricia Urquiola Half Dome Lamp by Naoto Fukasawa Geometrics Rugs by Doshi Levien
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A NEW WAY OF THINKING FOR A NEW ERA OF DESIGN. ANTHONY MARCUCCI Foun der
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WE WILL MEET AGAIN
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WELCOME
ON THE COVER Ekies All Senses Resort, Halkidiki © Nick Kontostavlakis / Globe & Trotter
Good Times Ahead
T
here can’t be many people who won’t be glad to see the
year of the mask. But don’t fear, we’re not expecting you to
back of 2020. The global pandemic has affected every
ruin your outfit with an uninspiring surgical mask! Anything
aspect of daily life, from the way we socialise to the way
goes, from traditional Venetian masquerade facewear to that
we do business. The hospitality industry has been amongst
of your favourite superhero. We’re also asking that you get
the hardest hit, and just as hotels have begun to reopen their
together and host a table - virtually of course - and join
doors and get used to heightened health and safety protocols,
the conversation using the never-more-timely hashtag
England is set to join the likes of France, Germany and Belgium
#goodtimesahead.
in a second national lockdown.
While virtual events undoubtedly serve a purpose in
At Sleeper, we’ve faced the same challenges as most
the current climate, there’s a key element that just can’t
businesses and we’ve had to adapt. Our headline interviews are
be replicated in the same way online; the all-important
now carried out over Zoom rather than in person; the series of
networking. How many times have business opportunities
live talks we were planning in celebration of our 20th anniversary
arisen from a chance run-in, or at the bar in the early hours?
year became podcasts; and we asked our globetrotting team of
With this in mind, the team here have been hard at work
writers to look closer to home and tell us about the recently
to create a new style of event designed specifically for the
opened hotels within their own neighbourhoods. Thanks to the
new normal. Sleeper Sessions is a series of intimate events
efforts of the team here at Sleeper HQ, our network, and most
for specifiers and suppliers that will weave a formalised
importantly our community – the hoteliers, architects and
programme of activities with a flexible approach to creativity
designer that have kept us up-to-date on their projects, and
and connection. While we’re fully aware of the challenges
the suppliers and manufacturer that have continued to launch
involved in returning to live events, we have built a model
new product collections – we’ve been able to keep publishing.
that will address these difficulties, and having consulted with
We also took the decision to pivot AHEAD to digital. It’s
partners and the hospitality community, we firmly believe that
not usually how we like to do things – our Europe awards
there’s a desire to get back to face-to-face events. So in the
ceremony attracts 1,000 of the region’s key players – but the
words that have come to define the sentiment of every nation,
streamed events ensure that achievements of developers and
we will meet again.
designers are still recognised. Over the coming weeks we’ll be announcing the winners of our regional schemes; AHEAD MEA goes live on 9 November, followed by AHEAD Europe on 16 November. Anyone who has attended the event before will know that we like a theme, so I can reveal that this year’s AHEAD Europe theme is... Masked Ball! After all, 2020 is the
Catherine Martin • Managing Editor
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GRAND L I F E BY C HRI S TO P HE P I L L ET
Showroom L o n d o n , C h e ls e a H a r b o u r d e s i g n c e n t r e M i l a n / Pa r i s / R o m e / C a n n e s ethimo.com
GUEST BOOK
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© McLellan Photography
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090 Mang Mauritz
125 Ron Swidler
104 Marc Dorrian
“The overarching design concept involved not only the ubiquity of porcelain in ever new, artistic forms, but a colour scheme that takes account of the unique location of Nymphenburg,” say designers Thomas Mang and Stefan Mauritz on the inspiration behind The Langham Nymphenburg Residence in Munich. The luxury guesthouse occupies an 18th century cavalier’s lodge next to the city’s famous porcelain factory – one of the last in the world where every single part is made entirely by hand.
Since joining The Gettys Group in 1988, Ron Swidler has been at the forefront of pioneering innovative approaches to hospitality design. The interior designer, brand strategist and intrapreneur was key in establishing the Hotel of Tomorrow project – an industryleading think-tank that brought together more than 100 companies to envision the future of hospitality – back in 2003. He is currently leading a new phase of this initiative, aimed at addressing the challenges that have arisen as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
From The Address Boulevard in Dubai to Malmaison hotels up and down the UK, Scottish designer Marc Dorrian has worked on projects of all shapes and sizes over the past 25 years. His latest assignment as Design Director for London-based practice Curious was to oversee the reincarnation of two hotels in Buxton, carefully preserving the history of the buildings while reviving the wellness traditions of the former Roman settlement, where therapeutic mineral water still flows from the geothermal spring.
068 Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg Having founded Fresh, an allnatural cosmetics brand in 1991, husband-and-wife Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg swap the beauty industry for hospitality to launch their first hotel in upstate New York. The Maker – an 11-key property with restaurant and café in the small city of Hudson – features an eclectic mix of works from local craftspeople and global artisans alongside one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and an extensive art collection, all in celebration of the world of makers.
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FRONT DESK @SleeperMagazine
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CHECK-IN
Linda Boronkay Having recently founded Linda Boronkay Design Studio, the former Soho House designer takes a fantasy break in Manhattan, where she lets her hair down with a lively group of guests.
Where are you?
at Soho House. She has been working at the
What’s the restaurant and bar like?
Any other time I would have probably picked
company for 23 years and is a force of nature;
It’s dark and moody; so very New York. Stéphane
Italy or the south of France, but with Covid and
you know you are in the best hands when she
Pompougnac is playing and there’s the buzz of
returning lockdowns in the air I crave a high-
is taking care of you!
conversation and laughter in the air. We sit at
energy, pulsating, invigorating metropolis, so I’m in Manhattan, New York – sans Covid!
the bar while waiting for our table, so there’s Who are you sharing your room with?
time for a quick G&T.
Diana Vreeland – I imagine her being a very fun How did you get there?
roommate and a great conversationalist. Being
Who are you dining with this evening?
On the Orient Express – it’s a fantasy holiday
a local, she shows me some hidden treasures
It’s a party of 10 in the private dining room.
isn’t it? I had spa treatments on board before
in New York and introduces me to some of her
Along with myself and Diana, there’s Anthony
enjoying the beautiful landscape over dinner and
extraordinary friends.
Bourdain, David Bowie, Es Devlin, Christopher
a bottle of biodynamic red wine. I pass out in
Nolan, Oprah Winfrey, Gio Ponti, Peter Attia and
the grand suite, opulently decorated with glossy
Is there anything you would like waiting for
timber panelling, deep silky carpets, luxurious
you in your room?
wall lights and stunning, jewel-toned tactile
A bottle of champagne on ice, fresh oysters and
Who’s manning the stoves?
fabrics. I arrive at Grand Central Terminal the
a selection of Japanese sweets – just a few of
Virgilio Martínez Véliz is cooking up a storm;
next morning and from here, I’m taken to my
my favourite things.
a menu that is pleasing to all senses! His
hotel by a black Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I.
Michael Pollan.
restaurant was named best in Latin America Describe the hotel, your room and the view...
and tonight he’s using indigenous Peruvian
Who is there to greet you on arrival?
The hotel we are staying at is a historical building
ingredients to create dishes that are works of
Nick Jones and Ian Schrager with a Picante de la
dating back to the late 19th century with plenty
art – fitting for a very special evening like this.
Casa as a welcome drink – they’ve already had
of original features remaining intact. When
a few, so spirits are high.
I step inside, I’m instantly transported to a
And what’s on the menu?
different world. We are staying in the penthouse
I love to try new things, so bring it on, Virgilio.
And who’s at the concierge desk?
with a beautiful rooftop garden offering views
Vanessa Xuereb, Chief Membership Officer
of Central Park to one side and the buzzing city
Would you like something to drink with that?
to the other. The suite is spacious, layered and
Pisco pisco pisco!
very stylish, overall contemporary in its feel,
NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Soho House White City, London; Soho House Amsterdam; Little Beach House Barcelona; Soho House Mumbai www.lindaboronkay.com
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but has some collectible feature vintage pieces
What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?
and amazing art.
Italicus and prosecco, I have them mixed with a green olive.
Who designed it? The classical-meets-contemporary architecture
Early morning alarm call or late check out?
is by Herzog & de Meuron and the interiors by
After a night of indulgence, a late check-out
Roman & Williams.
please!
© Adam von Mack
DRAWING BOARD
DRAWING BOARD
Cocoon Hotel & Resort TULUM
Barcelona-based architecture firm DNA, led by CEO and Principal Architect Aryanour Djalali, has unveiled initial renderings of Cocoon Hotel & Resort – a mixed-use development in Tulum comprising three residential and two hotel buildings with a total of 204 apartments, 167 guestrooms and 16 private villas. Inspired by the region’s seas and forests, DNA set out to achieve a balance between mind, body and soul, conceiving a true escape from everyday life that allows for maximum disconnection and relaxation. As such, the resort’s carefully developed wellness areas, including saunas and swimming pools, are central to the concept, the idea being to create cenotes – natural freshwater ponds traditionally used by the ancient Maya civilisation for sacrificial offerings – where guests can relive the experience of a Mayan ritual. Across the 46,181m2 complex, guests are immersed in the surrounding landscape by way of biomimicry architecture and communal spaces integrated into nature, from jungle gardens and outdoor villa terraces to multipurpose pavilions, lounge areas and a restaurant, not to mention the Nest, which offers panoramic views of Tulum. DNA’s scheme places significant emphasis on sustainability too, respecting the region’s ecosystem and biodiversity by using natural materials that minimise the impact of building and reduce the generation of waste. A water collection concept will see rainwater recovered for sewage treatment, while solar panels will be installed to power the resort.
DRAWING BOARD
DRAWING BOARD
Middelkerke Hotel & Casino BELGIUM
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Ciril Architecture: Zwarts & Jansma Architects, Bureau Bouwtechniek Interior Design: OZ Landscaping: Delva Main Contractor: Furnibo, Democo
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The Nautilus consortium – a collaboration
as a sculpture with soft contours. Standing like
between developer Ciril, Zwarts & Jansma
a boulder on the Flemish landscape, it features
Architects (ZJA), landscape architects Delva,
a transparent façade wrapped in a hardwood
casino and hotel designers OZ, executive
lattice, anticipated to change over time with
architects Bureau Bouwtechniek and contractors
exposure to the weather.
Furnibo and Democo – has won a competition
The construction of the new building takes
to build a new multi-use development in
into account flood risk strategies and public
Middelkerke along Belgium’s western coast,
space quality, making the seawall car-free and
with a design that seamlessly connects the
connecting the famed Epernay Square to the
building to its surrounding landscape.
sea. It is also hoped the project will help revive
Due for completion in 2023, the complex
the region, transforming it into a destination
will house a casino, restaurant and terrace, a
for culture and entertainment. “With this
1,700-capacity events space, a games room, an
project, our coast will be enriched with a new
underground car park and a 60-key hotel.
architectural anchor, that accurately represents
Inspiration for the design, which champions
the character of Middelkerke,” says Mayor Jean-
sustainability and the use of resilient materials,
Marie Dedecker. “It transmits strength and
was taken from Middelkerke’s origin as a fishing
soberness as well as sophistication, with a lot of
village and references the shapes and colours of
love for the sea and the dunes. In addition, this
the former port.
project may mean the beginning of the renewal
The building has a strong visual presence yet a modest footprint, described by the architects
of Middelkerke’s town centre as an appealing place to live and visit.”
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DRAWING BOARD
Leonardo Royal Piccadilly East MANCHESTER
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Fattal Group Developer: Capital & Centric Operator: Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland Architecture: Stephenson Studio Interior Design and Branding: No Chintz Main Contractor: Bowner + Kirkland Project Manager: Arcadis www.leonardohotels.co.uk
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Interior design and branding studio No Chintz
exploring the juxtaposition between manmade
has revealed details of its scheme at Leonardo
and organic, rough and smooth, light and heavy.
Royal Piccadilly East, a £35.5 million project slated to open in Manchester in 2022.
Meanwhile the theory of Divine Proportion, or the golden ratio, will bring symmetry to
Situated on the corner of Adair Street and
the scheme, linking back to the building’s
Great Ancoats, the Jenga-style building has
architecture – a Jenga block is three times
been designed by Stephenson Studio and
longer than its width.
features distinctive cantilevered planters at the
“We wanted to extend the narrative of the
lower levels. The Capital & Centric project is
exterior with a holistic design focused around
being built by Bowner & Kirkland.
themes of positive and negative, relief and recess,
Inside, the 275-key hotel will comprise a
solid and void, with reference to punch cards,
ground-floor restaurant and café bar, with an
Josef and Anni Albers, and Jenga,” says Lucy
outdoor terrace spilling out onto a new public
Goddard, Creative Director at No Chintz. “As
square that forms part of a wider regeneration
such, the hotel celebrates differences and finds
scheme. There’s also a gym and wellness studio,
balance through these contrasts. The interior
which can be used for talks and workshops.
scheme weaves together contrasting tones and
Taking cues from the architectural design,
textures to create a holistic, approachable and
interiors draw on the idea of contrast, resulting
inspiring aesthetic with raw base materials and
in a balanced environment where textures play
soft, organic overlays, pairing the two cultures
off one another. Special attention to surfaces
– the city and the visitor – together through
sees tactile touchpoints stimulate the senses,
playful juxtapositions.”
DRAWING BOARD
Zulal Wellness Resort
Qatari developer Msheireb Properties has
the Arabian Peninsula in search of water, and
appointed spa retreat pioneer Chiva-Som to
encapsulates the history, culture and heritage of
QATAR
operate Zulal Wellness Resort, a new wellness
Qatar. As such, landscaping incorporates ponds
destination in the private coastal region of
and water features arranged around a series of
Khasooma, set for completion by Q2 2021.
shaded, walled gardens; a narrative that takes
Spanning over 280,000m2 with architecture echoing the local vernacular, the estate will
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Msheireb Properties Operator: Chiva-Som www.chivasom.com
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cues from memories of sea-bound travellers finding shelter in local villages.
comprise an adults-only retreat featuring 60
Staying true to the core values of Chiva-
suites and villas alongside a 120-key family
Som, the wellness destination will operate
resort – a new appendage for Chiva-Som that
sustainably and adhere to environmentally
underpins a belief that wellness is for everyone.
friendly practices, using locally sourced and
Both will offer a wide range of therapeutic
developed products where possible.
and lifestyle enhancing treatments based
“Our mission as a national real estate developer
on traditional Arabic and Islamic wellness
is to build communities and developments that
principles. The venture will also be home to the
enrich and enhance the way people live, work
world’s first Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine
and thrive while remaining true to our Qatari
(TAIM) – an all-encompassing approach to
and Arabic cultural heritage,” comments Ali
healing devised through the teachings of Islamic
Al Kuwari, acting CEO of Msheireb Properties.
medicinal historians and herbalists.
“This partnership with Chiva-Som enables us
Translating to ‘purified water’, Zulal takes its inspiration from ancient journeys across
to provide the best in ancient Arabic medicine, not just Qatar, but across the entire region.”
Four Seasons, Megève – Mood Clubchair by Studio Segers
Living the good life outside. Love it, live it, share it. www.tribu.com
DRAWING BOARD
Chateau Denmark
Set to open on London’s Denmark Street in the
where punk, rock and gothic meets grandeur
summer of 2021, Chateau Denmark is inspired
and psychedelia. Affectionately nicknamed
LONDON
by its location – a street often referred to as
‘session rooms’, many of the private quarters
the birthplace of the British music scene; it
have their own individual stories referencing
was here that The Rolling Stones recorded their
musical and other happenings that took place
first album, Jimi Hendrix often frequented, the
at the iconic location.
Sex Pistols once lived, and where many believe Ziggy Stardust was born.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: CAW Ventures Operator: Outernet Global Interior Design: Taylor Howes www.chateaudenmark.com
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Best described as a figurative journey through Denmark Street’s prolific days, the guestroom
A collaboration between media group
narratives include Vintage Gothic, which
Outernet Global and Carrie Wicks’ CAW
presents dramatic intrigue and charm; Timeless
Ventures, the 55-key aparthotel will balance
Grandeur, offering an opulent Victorian-era
architectural detail, rich cultural heritage and
aesthetic; Modern Psychedelia, which brings
modern craftsmanship, with rooms set across 16
sixties and seventies London to life through
characterful buildings in and around Denmark
texture, pattern and colour; and Punk Now,
Street – one of few thoroughfares in central
a modern interpretation of the raw, anti-
London to have retained its original 17th century
establishment movement.
façades on both sides. Many of the buildings’
“By the time we open next year, more than
original features have been restored to reflect
ever people will need to have it their way,
their original time and place.
connecting however they wish,” says Wicks. “In
Inside, a design narrative by London-based interior practice Taylor Howes invokes a time
2021, together we’ll present the next chapter of staying-up or waking-up in London.”
DRAWING BOARD
Aman Nai Lert
Aman has signed a long-term partnership with
an urban sanctuary of architectural distinction
Nai Lert Group to manage a hotel and branded
inspired by the park, which has been owned by
BANGKOK
residences in Thailand.
the Nai Lert family since 1915. Whilst every Aman
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Nai Lert Group Operator: Aman Interior Design: Denniston www.aman.com
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Slated for completion in 2023, Aman Nai Lert
destination draws inspiration from the culture
is nestled in the century-old tropical gardens of
and history of its location, Gathy sought to
Nai Lert Park, and seeks to offer a connection
remain true to Aman’s identity, simultaneously
to the rich heritage and history of Bangkok,
taking inspiration from a rich tapestry of
enhanced by the gracious traditions of Thailand.
influences to infuse an authentic sense of place.
The project occupies a 36-storey tower, with
Thai stone and ancestral details from Nai Lert
one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, most
Park Heritage Home are integrated into the
with private terraces offering uninterrupted
woodwork on the ceiling and parquet flooring,
views of the Bangkok skyline. The 52 hotel
while local materials respect the environment.
suites will be spread across floors nine to 19,
To create a harmonious balance between old
along with Arva, Aman’s Italian all-day dining
and new, the design will incorporate a mix of
concept; Nama, a Japanese restaurant; the Aman
contemporary pieces, custom-made products by
Cigar Club; and a 1,500m2 Holistic Wellness
local artisans and antiques.
Centre with a fully integrated medical clinic, lounge and spa house.
An essence of the surrounding nature will also be introduced, the central feature being
Renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy,
a 100-year-old Sompong tree, set within a
founder of Denniston and long-time collaborator
courtyard designed with an open ellipse void to
of Aman, is leading the design, seeking to create
allow natural daylight to filter through.
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DRAWING BOARD
Andaz Prague
Madrid-based partnership Brime Robbins
“We have created a very strong concept that
has revealed interior design details of the
is tied to Prague’s local legends that everyone
PRAGUE
forthcoming Andaz Prague.
enjoys when visiting the city,” comments Maria
Set to open in 2022, the hotel occupies the
Brime, Design Principal and owner at Brime
landmark Sugar Palace, an early 20th-century
Robbins. “You can see it running through the
building that was once the home of insurance
whole building. This has been a challenging yet
companies for the Czech Republic’s sugar
fun project to work on.”
refineries. The project is being delivered by
The resulting design combines the history of
Hyatt and UBM Development, with UBM
old Prague, with the city’s modern-day energy,
Architects taking the lead on the restoration of
seeking to create a reinvigorated local landmark
the Neoclassical building, and Brime Robbins
for visitors and locals alike.
heading up the interiors.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: UBM Development Operator: Hyatt Architecture: UBM Architects Interior Design: Brime Robbins www.hyatt.com
040
“UBM has recreated the authentic doors,
With a focus on linking the interiors to the
mouldings and windows from scratch, and
history and culture of the location, Brime
together we have protected as much as we
Robbins has been tasked with designing the
possibly could,” adds Garrett Robbins, Design
entire property, comprising 175 guestrooms,
Principal and owner at Brime Robbins.
a signature restaurant, public spaces, spa and
“Prague’s Heritage Department is scrutinising
conference facilities. In researching the project,
every decision even more so than usual, since
the team delved into the history of the building,
the Sugar Palace is the last major freestanding
the culture and context of the local area and
historic building in the city, so all eyes are on
myths and legends of the city.
our project!”
groklighting.com
by LEDS C4
Dew by Yonoh Creative Studio
DRAWING BOARD
Telegraph Hotel
Occupying the historic former premises of the
“Telegraph Hotel gives a stylish nod to the
Coventry Evening Telegraph, Telegraph Hotel
1950s and plays on some of the key features of
COVENTRY
will pay homage to its past life through an
the building and its newspaper heritage in a way
interior design scheme by Squid Inc.
that will really capture people’s imagination,”
Opening late 2020, the property will honour
says Robin Sheppard, founder and President of
the Mid-Century Modern design movement
Bespoke Hotels. “The project will give Coventry
across 88 guestrooms, the most luxurious of
some added swagger and I firmly believe that we
which is the Lord Iliffe Suite – named after the
will attract many new first-time visitors to the
family who started the newspaper – featuring
city and encourage guests to stay a bit longer.”
its own hot tub and terrace. A selection of rooms also have exclusive access to a winter garden.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Complex Development Projects Operator: Bespoke Hotels Architecture: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson Architects Interior Design: Squid Inc Main Contractor: Harrabin Construction www.telegraph-hotel.com
042
Amy Windsor, General Manager, adds: “The Telegraph Hotel has been five years in the
At the heart of the building, the aptly named
planning and it is great to see it coming together
Editors function space can accommodate up to
ready for opening. We have worked closely
160 guests across various layouts, whilst on the
with the developers and interior designers to
third floor, the original panelled Boardroom
produce a hotel that is genuinely different and
and Directors suites can each seat 12 people for
will stand out from the crowd. Coventry is world
intimate meetings.
renowned for its Mid-Century architecture and
There’s also an industrial-styled rooftop
design, and the Telegraph Hotel celebrates that
bar with views over the city’s Belgrade Square,
throughout as well as nodding to its history as
and Forme & Chase, a stylish bar, lounge and
a newspaper office. There is simply nothing like
restaurant housed in a glazed courtyard.
it in the Midlands.”
W W W.V I N C E N T S H E P PA R D.C O M
Meeting… Anouska Hempel Known for her wildly contrasting styles, actress-turned-designer Anouska Hempel – Sleeper’s first and only cover star – talks about her new project in Paris and spreading magic wherever she goes. Words: Guy Dittrich
W
hat’s this silver pot with the frothy
The Hempel, now closed, she hoped guests would be inspired
toothpaste in it?” asks Anouska Hempel,
by the extraordinary volume of the atrium, instead of things.
examining my WhatsApp profile picture
Both statements were well ahead of their time, illustrating
of a cappuccino. It is the strangest of
a clear understanding of the importance of experientialism
starts to our online interview – a
over materialism.
sign of our pandemic times – but the
She is engaging, talkative and sharp. In the podcast series
conversation flows and is full of the endearingly unexpected
recently launched as part of our celebration of 20 years of
as we flit from one topic to the next.
Sleeper, Hempel accelerates my questioning. Before I got
A designer of the ages, Hempel has delivered some of the
to ask for her vision of the future of hospitality design, she
world’s most groundbreaking hotels. Blakes – her first hotel
had already launched into ideas of a drone-led culture of
that opened in 1978 – and The Hempel – making its debut
travelling pods, in which guests could take their hotel with
in 1997 – are about as different from one other as can be,
them. In our subsequent interview, she revisits the pod idea
but both have gone on to become seminal in the lexicon of
to include a fantasy mothership with pod docking pad.
hospitality design.
Hempel’s ideas often have applaudable dream-like
Lady Weinberg, to use her official title, was born in New
qualities. It is exactly such fantasies that are the stuff of the
Zealand and raised in Australia before heading to the UK.
future. But there’s an intensity in everything she does too.
There, she created a special niche for herself and a reputation
When reminded that she talked on the podcast about being
that saw her interviewed in Sleeper in 2000, the first year
a thinker, and that if she can imagine something, it can be
of our existence. She featured with a portrait image on our
realised. “Yes, it will,” she firmly repeats.
front cover, the one and only time that this has happened.
A similarly unconventional response comes when I ask
In the feature, we said of Blakes that there’s ‘more soft
what inspires her: “A lot of things don’t inspire me and
furnishings than bricks and mortar’, while The Hempel
that inspires me to do better,” she explains. Another of her
was the ‘ultimate in minimalism’. Hempel was quoted as
comments – “I haven’t got anywhere yet; every day is the
saying that Blakes “represents things and artefacts; not
start,” – is typical of her positive energy.
money but an eclectic way of gathering up the world”. Of
Of her working style she describes it as “sporadic,
045
© Gaelle Le Boulicaut
000
MEETING…
Hempel’s interiors are either gorgeously saturated, like Blakes and Monsieur George, or serene idylls, such as some guestrooms at The Duxton in Singapore
“I like to make adjustments along the way and changes need to be made in real life, not on a computer.”
complicated, always inventive”. She has a
a deep colour palette and plush fabrics, while
strong desire to return to the usual working
The Hempel’s white volumes were so constant
practices after the isolation caused by the
that doors and cupboards were almost invisible.
current pandemic, and is a believer in doing
There are similarities however, such as the use
things in person rather than on screen. “I like
of symmetry and Asian influences, the latter
to make adjustments along the way and changes
ranging from detailed Chinoiserie to a Zen-like
need to be made in real life, not on a computer,”
calmness. Her interiors are either gorgeously
she elaborates of her hands-on approach. She
saturated or serene idylls – nothing in-between.
may have no training as a designer – “I have
When asked about the duality that criss-
no training in anything, but I do have trained
crosses her work, she replies: “You have to
eye,” she quips – yet has admirably high ideals,
be very detailed and conscientious about what
stating that “we need to look after beauty for
you set out to do.” When Hempel decides on
future generations.”
a concept, she unapologetically commits. She
And beauty is what she creates across a
elaborates to add that her designs are developed
broad spectrum. Her portfolio runs the full
around characters: “Each property has been
gamut of the luxury classes, including high-
built for a particular expected guest.” At Blakes
end residential and retail interiors, landscaping
London it was Marlene Dietrich; at The Franklin
projects, product design for brands such as
in Knightsbridge, it’s an unnamed Italian lady.
Louis Vuitton, haute couture worn by British
Hempel’s most recent project is Monsieur
royalty and even yacht interiors. Her Instagram
George in Paris. This hotel represents the latest
posts indicate a fondness for green spaces. “I
iteration of the Blakes style that has developed
like the rhythm in gardens,” she explains of
through The Franklin and The Duxton. The
the carefully composed images she posts of her
Duxton, with its white-on-white guestrooms
own garden, Cole Park in Wiltshire, the Princess
à la The Hempel and darker spaces reminiscent
Margaret Memorial Garden in Oxford and more.
of Blakes, is said by some to encapsulate all
Indeed, her work at The Hempel in London’s
her design ideas. Both are super sophisticated,
Bayswater included a small, carefully composed
decadent with detailing, largely monochromatic
formal garden. Together with Blakes she has
with accent colours and, of course, feature
several other projects in London, including
plenty of pillows – a trademark of Blakes.
The Franklin, Grosvenor House Suites and La
And almost everything you see in her hotels is
Suite West. Further afield are The Duxton in
available for purchase and can be made bespoke
Singapore and Blakes Amsterdam. Each in their
– “don’t forget we are couturiers,” she reminds.
own way express the duality of her work. The
In Paris, a city that has long-been been on
two Blakes properties are both sumptuous with
Hempel’s radar, she describes Monsieur George
047
MEETING…
© Gaelle Le Boulicaut
“Everywhere I go I try to leave a statement; a bit of magic and nonsense.”
as a “jolly old Frenchman with a cigar, wearing
urban cowboy personality riding into Santiago.
a Fedora hat and a pair of green velvet shoes”.
Another project, a retreat with a spiritual
He’s bit of a fusspot she explains, painting an
element to be built mostly underground on
elaborate image in her mind, and lives in this
Sardinia is in planning, a project Hempel drops
mélange of Marrakech and Paris. The interiors
in as recreation of Warapuru, a development in
come with their own contradictions; an oasis of
the Brazilian jungle, now sadly overgrown and
calm yet overlaid with pattern. Such duality is
that never opened.
evident in both paler and darker guestroom types
Towards the end of our conversation, Hempel
and Hempel gets to introduce a garden suite.
relates how lucky she has been on her travels.
Another leafy venue is home to Galanga, a bar
“I’ve seen the most wonderful houses and met
and restaurant inspired by Monsieur George’s
the most wonderful people; notice I put houses
travels to the Far East, giving Hempel her Asia
first,” she quips in a revealing moment that
fix. Here, deep green floor tiles feature along
got me thinking. If she was a building, she
with conical lampshades, couture detailing and
would be a folly; one of those with beautiful
dark metal framing.
contradictions that keeps every visitor guessing.
Several new ventures wait in the wings.
Hempel is an intriguing mix of ever-evolving
Upcoming is a hospitality project in East
ideas and vignettes, perfectly summed up in her
London that will include a restaurant shielded
comment: “Everywhere I go, I try to leave a
by 15m-high vertical blades, and another at the
statement; a bit of magic and nonsense.”
former Banco di Roma in the Italian capital for
Galanga is a bar and restaurant inspired by Monsieur George’s travels to the Far East
048
Starhotels, who clearly liked what she did for them at The Franklin. More repeat business for Satinder Garcha, owner of The Duxton, sees an
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MEETING…
Meeting… Keith Barr Speaking on the virtual stage at The AHC Reimagined, IHG CEO Keith Barr shares his thoughts on the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, and the group’s plan for the future.
© Marcus Lyon
Interview by Gavin Hewitt • Edits by Ben Thomas
PROFILE Keith Barr CEO IHG
What’s your diagnosis of the industry today?
When customers make a booking, is safety right
We’re on the path to recovery but it’s a long road
at the top of the things they ask about?
ahead. We’ve seen travel begin to come back and
Without question. We do customer surveys almost
expect that continue, and we’re seeing a recovery
every week now and safety was never on that list
Having begun his career at IHG in 2000, Keith Barr was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in 2013 before being promoted to CEO four years later.
of occupancy, but the industry has now plateaued.
until the pandemic, then all of a sudden it shot to
He is now responsible for the organisation’s global growth strategy, which is focused on strengthening a collection of diverse brands, building scale in key markets and delivering profitable revenues for owners, operators and shareholders.
constant this year. We thought it would be mostly
the top, with customers wanting to know how we Who is renting your rooms at the moment?
are cleaning rooms and what kind of chemicals we
Our business-leisure mix has remained reasonably
are using.
leisure, principally domestic because there was
Did IHG have a global pandemic plan before the
going to be less international travel, with more
crisis arrived?
drive-business versus fly-business. What’s struck
We had it listed on our risk register but never
me is that non-discretionary travel – people moving
thought that we’d be acting on it at a global level.
from city to city or spending a month on a project
Fortunately, we were able to learn from our team in
IHG’s portfolio of brands includes InterContinental, Regent Hotels, Kimpton, Hualuxe, Crowne Plaza, Voco, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Avid Hotels, Candlewood Suites, Even Hotels and and Staybridge Suites. Following the acquisition of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas in 2019, its pipeline has grown to over 450 projects worldwide.
– has continued too.
China, who were extraordinary in how they reacted.
Upcoming Projects: Hotel Indigo Auckland (2021); InterContinental Rome (2022); Six Senses London (2023)
Our hotels in Wuhan were on the front line, housing Have hotel groups cut back on their advertising
first responders and workers building temporary
budgets during the pandemic?
hospitals.
There’s not a lot of broad-based media campaigns across our industry today, it’s mainly digital and
How are your hotels in China faring in comparison
social. We’re spending our time educating customers
to the USA and Europe?
on how we’ve addressed safety concerns. Our
In China, our resorts are having record years in
‘we’re ready when you are’ approach focuses on
terms of occupancy. This shows that the demand
the health, hygiene and safety practices we’ve put
for travel is there when it is safe to do so, that’s
in place, whether that’s PPE, social distancing and
what the future holds for all of us. The US has come
hand sanitiser, or removing high-touch items from
off the lows – the highest occupancy we had this
public spaces and adapting our food and beverage
year was the Labor Day weekend, at around 69%.
operations.
It has recovered better than much of Asia and Europe because there are fewer restrictions. China is leading, US is second and then Europe is behind.
051
MEETING…
“We’ve got through this crisis by leveraging technology, but we should never underestimate the importance of human connection.”
Have you seen a consumer shift towards small
grow your business organically, and that’s what
Will technology be a big driver of change?
towns rather than major hubs?
we’ve been very focused on as a company. We’ve
Absolutely. We’ve all learned how to use
That’s where we saw the recovery begin and be
launched brands like Avid and Atwell Suites in
technology more, but how many times have
sustained; people feel safe going to suburban
the US, and we bought Six Senses. It’s how we
we become frustrated at saying ‘are you on
resorts, lakes and beaches. The city centre and
take those brands and scale them up, as well
mute?’ or been worried that the internet is
big-box convention hotels are the part of our
as who we partner with, because there’s a lot
going to cut-out. We’ve got through this crisis
industry that’s really going to be challenged until
of capital out there in private equity that may
by leveraging that technology, but we should
vaccines or therapeutics are out there.
potentially need to change hands.
never underestimate the importance of human
With the industry under such pressure, are you
What’s it been like as a CEO during this crisis?
business travel, but on the flip side people will
expecting to see more consolidation?
It’s not been the year I was expecting! The
use hotels as places to meet, because they’re
You normally see industries disrupted after
industry and we as a company had never seen
going to be working more remotely and offices
a crisis, so some of the small brands may be
anything like it, so we needed to take a step back
will get smaller. Bleisure is going to come into
acquired by one of the bigger companies. The
and think about our stakeholders: customers,
play too, as people will be on holiday and stay
power of scale means that major players have
colleagues, shareholders, governments and
an extra few days to work.
the power to invest in technology, loyalty
owners. We needed to put things in place so that
programmes and all of the things that support
when we’re through this pandemic, stakeholders
What’s your main concern as we approach the
owners, drive revenue and grab more customers.
say we did the right thing to the best of our
last quarter of 2020?
ability. That’s how I’ve been guiding the team
My concern is that governments don’t
to make decisions.
understand the importance of travel and hotels
connection. There may be some impact on
Does IHG have any expansion plans?
in terms of jobs. Governments have to support
We’re focusing on execution right now. We’ve launched and acquired a number of brands in
When do you see the hotel sector recovering?
this industry; if they don’t get behind us, we’ll
recent years, so we’re scaling those up and
There are ranges of bulls and bears right now;
see small businesses fall over and that’s not good
concentrating on operations. I’ve spoken to the
you have people saying that 2022 is going to
for society.
team almost daily about making sure we deliver
be fantastic, and others saying it’s going to be
from a health and safety perspective, not just for
another five years before things recover. We’re
What will the hotel industry look like five
IHG but for the industry. It’s critically important
somewhere in the middle overall. We’ve seen a
years from now?
that everyone in hospitality really gets behind
level of recovery, we know that customers want
It will be bigger than it is today; you’ll see
providing a safe place for customers, because
to travel, but it’s a question of when the free
continued growth and acceleration in China and
every time someone has a stay that’s not perfect,
movement of people is going to return.
an increased use of technology. I went to our
they may question making a second stay. Every Will it be a return to normal or does the
reduced the guestroom amenities – no service
not choose to stay in one of our properties again.
industry have to recreate itself?
directory but instead QR codes. Why do we need
If someone has a challenge at an airport or on a
It’s difficult when you’re in the middle of a
to put things in the rooms that cost and create
plane, they may not travel. So, we as an industry
crisis to project exactly what the future holds
waste when we can do it through technology?
have to work together to make customers feel
because you’re always going to have recency bias,
confident and safe to travel.
thinking that the way things are today is going to
Keith Barr was speaking to former BBC Chief
be how it is tomorrow. I really believe that 2022
Correspondent Gavin Hewitt as part of The AHC
If you were in the buying or merger market,
and 2023 will feel a lot more like 2019, but some
Reimagined, organised by Questex. Answers have
what would interest you at this time?
things will change.
been edited for clarity. To learn more about the
What’s interesting right now is where can you
052
InterContinental hotel in Marseille and they had
time they have a challenge in a hotel, they may
event, visit www.theahc.co.uk
WE’RE LOOKING AT THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY
+44 (0)20 8760 0900
info@dernier-hamlyn.com www.dernier-hamlyn.com
THE LOBBY
An Elevated Experience Off-grid adventures have become a popular escape in recent
choice of sleeping quarters; an enclosed space featuring king-
times, but never have they been so appealing than in the midst
sized bed and hot shower on the third floor, or an elevated
of a global pandemic. Catering to this growing demand is
veranda beneath a retractable awning on the rooftop.
&Beyond Ngala Treehouse, an overnight retreat deep in the
Joining two sister lodges at &Beyond Ngala Private Game
heart of the South African bush. Designed by Fox Browne
Reserve – which shares unfenced borders with Kruger National
Creative in partnership with architect Jack Alexander, the
Park – the structure is also self-sustainable thanks to its solar
treehouse comprises five vertically interconnected platforms
supply, greywater recycling and Biorock sanitation system.
wrapped in an Escher-like series of staircases.
Escapist travel is no doubt on the rise – the Lodges, Cabins
At less than 25m2, each platform – hung from a prefabricated
& Tented Camps category at this year’s AHEAD MEA awards, in
steel frame and clad in hardwood – offers a different
which this project is shortlisted, was even expanded thanks to
experience: there’s a bar and kitchenette on the ground floor;
a host of new openings across the continent – and that growth
a mezzanine boasting a loo-with-a-view; and an indoor-
looks set to continue post-Covid as nomads attempt to avoid
outdoor shower and vanity one level up. Guests also have a
the crowds. Where better to do so than here?
THE LOBBY
© Clemens Poloczek
Lights, Camera, Action Charlap Hyman & Herrero reference fictional greats from literature and film to design the loft at Vitra’s flagship store in Germany.
To mark the 10th anniversary of VitraHaus –
Poet have left behind props from their most iconic
Vitra’s flagship store and experimental laboratory
scenes, while the terrace’s hand-shaped pillows
in Weil am Rhein – Los Angeles- and New York-
and shell-trimmed topiary recall Dora Maar’s
based studio Charlap Hyman & Herrero (CHH)
photomontage of a hand crawling out of a shell.
has transformed the top floor of the campus into
Elsewhere, a writhing straw rug in the form of
a loft apartment.
a snake, Verner Panton’s Living Tower, a screen
Set atop the Herzog & de Meuron-designed
made of giant profiles and Isamu Noguchi’s
building comprising a series of stacked, pitched-
Freeform sofa add to the abstract aesthetic – like
roof boxes, the loft brings the outdoors in,
elements in a painting by American-French artist
playing on the tensions between interior and
Yves Tanguy – dotting a moss green carpet that
exterior, public and private, old and new, and
visually extends into the hills beyond.
modernity and adornment.
056
“The loft became a kind of vessel for the things
Within, the curated collection of furniture
that inspire us and make us come alive – it is in
and accessories is a personal homage to the
many ways a dream house that contains layer
various artworks, films, characters, books and
upon layer of the things we love,” says Adam
places that have captivated CHH over the last
Charlap Hyman, Principal at Charlap Hyman
decade, resulting in a surrealist space designed
& Herrero. “In our office, we are inspired by
to impress culture buffs.
characters in films and books, and love to
Fictional characters like Jean des Esseintes
imagine the imprint that they leave on the spaces
from Joris-Karl Huyman’s À Rebours, Lidia
we create. I would hope that anyone visiting the
Pontano from Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Eclisse
VitraHaus can imagine themselves as a resident
and the artist from Jean Cocteau’s The Blood of a
of the apartment, if just for a night.”
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THE LOBBY
Back to Business Radisson Hotel Group launches a new concept aimed at helping guests host hybrid events.
How many times have you had tech issues, or had
have the ability to fine-tune the extent to
to remind someone to unmute in recent months?
which their meeting is hybridised, meaning
With restrictions on meeting in person still in
they can converse with those in the room while
place across the globe, the need for practical and
broadcasting to remote attendees. The operator
reliable solutions – whether for virtual meetings
has also teamed up with Zoom to ensure a
or IRL – has increased ten-fold. As such, hotel
smooth experience across its virtual events, with
groups have been scrambling to develop concepts
specialist in-house teams on hand to resolve any
that not only serve corporate guests, but help
audio or visual glitches that may occur.
bolster their MICE business too.
Rooms fuses the comforts of a hotel suite with
Hotel Grand Place Brussels, Radisson Hotel
the facilities of a modern office, offering services
Group lifted the lid on its new Hybrid Solutions
such as connectivity, video-conferencing and
concept, which incoroporates Hybrid Rooms and
wireless keyboards and loudspeakers, as well as
Hybrid Meetings and sees various initiatives such
free printing, stationery and access to on-site
as the installation of more advanced technology,
wellness facilities.
and guestrooms kitted out with workspaces for use by business travellers and local day guests.
058
For those after a little more privacy, Hybrid
At the recent unveiling of Radisson Collection
“We need to reinvent ourselves and offer more personalisation,” says President and CEO
Combining aspects of face-to-face and virtual
Federico González of the concept, which is
gatherings, the Hybrid Meetings service offers
currently available at 50 hotels across EMEA and
a reliable image, sound and video conferencing
is set to be rolled out further. “There’s no one
system with dual screens, wireless presentation
solution fits all – different people want different
clickers and high-speed WiFi. Organisers will
things and we will have to be more flexible.”
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08.10.20 09:41
THE LOBBY
Checking-in First impressions count, so when Dormy House
selected ceramic vases separate the spaces,
was forced to rethink its check-in procedure as
while comfortable sofas – custom-made in the
a result of social distancing measures, it took
UK in shades of ink and olive – are paired with
the opportunity to completely reinvent the arrival
rattan armchairs and a selection of Cox & Cox
experience, moving away from the traditional
textiles including soft wool throws in dove grey,
desk-based set-up in favour of an altogether
blush and a herringbone stripe. Panelled mirrors,
more relaxed offer. As a result, the former
marble-top coffee tables and a combination of
reception area has now been transformed into
floor and table lamps to provide ambient lighting
a series of individual lounges, where guests can
complete the look.
check-in at leisure and crucially, remain a safe distance from others.
060
“As we rise to the new challenges posed to the industry in recent months, the team has
The rural retreat, located within the Farncombe
been busy innovating, creating and improving,”
Estate in the Cotswolds, partnered with interiors
comments Andrew Grahame, CEO of Farncombe
and homeware brand Cox & Cox to furnish the
Estate. “Our new check-in and partnership with
spaces, having previously specified pieces for
Cox & Cox is a brilliant example of the highly
other hotels in the group. The scheme was
creative, fun approach we are taking at Dormy
created in collaboration with Nette Reynolds,
House. We now have lots of new space right in the
Farncombe Estate’s Design Director and co-
heart of the hotel and Cox & Cox has transformed
owner, and sees a touch of Scandi styling combine
the area into a series of relaxing hideouts and the
with countryside chic. Open oak shelving dressed
ideal spots to wind down. We are thrilled with the
with books, potted plants and individually-
results and so are our guests.”
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23.09.20 09:28
A
s we look ahead to the early months of
has recently unveiled Hybrid Solutions, which
2021, group gatherings and large-scale
sees the addition of workstations in guestrooms
events are becoming less and less likely;
and more advanced technology in meeting
the exhibition industry has been stopped in its
rooms. A partnership with Zoom also enables
tracks and hotel ballrooms around the world
attendees to converse with those in the room
sit empty as a result of government legislation.
while simultaneously broadcasting to remote
By law, no more than 15 people can attend a
attendees and satellite locations.
wedding ceremony or civil partnership in the
Likewise, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has
UK, even where large numbers could be safely
announced the roll-out of a hybrid meeting
accommodated in a Covid-secure venue. This
concept at a selection of its Dolce properties
has thrown the highly lucrative wedding industry
across Europe, with live streaming to separate
into turmoil - not to mention the couples hoping
meeting rooms in the same location, large-scale
to share their special day with family and friends.
online conferences and on-site broadcast studios
Trade shows, conferences and consumer
all part of the offer. “This initiative enables
exhibitions are on hold too – almost all live
us to support businesses as they transition
events have been labelled as super-spreaders
through a new phase of remote working without
VR meets IRL With group gatherings and large-scale meet-ups off the cards, what does the future hold for the events industry?
– leaving operators to ponder the future of the
compromising on the professional experience and
hotel ballroom.
flexibility they require,” says Julie White, Vice
Events spaces in general have been evolving
President Commercial EMEA, Wyndham Hotels
in recent years, with corporate clients seeking
& Resorts. “Providing an innovative service that
packages that extend beyond the basic meeting
combines elements of a physical and virtual
room set-up. As a result, new hotels are
meeting can help encourage higher attendance
introducing more flexible spaces that include
when faced with the current restrictions on
lounges, dining rooms and fully-stocked
meeting sizes and travel.”
kitchens. And now that technology solutions have
Meanwhile in the UK, Royal Lancaster London
proved crucial to doing business in a pandemic,
has unveiled a new XR SmartStudio in partnership
operators are coming up with initiatives that
with Smart AV, which features a 20m2 Extended
enable guests to meet again, whether virtually,
Reality (XR) stage with LED backdrop and floor,
or in small groups in real life, driving the rise of
audio, broadcast cameras and TV-ready lighting.
hybrid events.
Situated in its Westbourne Suite, the equipment
According to services provider Freeman, hybrid events are live, face-to-face events that also
event with an audience or remote attendees.
offer virtual components, providing audiences
As an industry, we’ve long talked about
with the opportunity to participate, learn, and
integrating technology to better serve guests;
engage even if they can’t attend in person.
has the impact of Covid-19 been the push that
Hotel groups have been at the forefront of providing corporate guests with the tools they need to host such an event. Radisson Hotel Group
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allows clients to host a virtual, hybrid or live
was needed to bring virtual reality into real life?
THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2020
New Suites at Ekies All Senses Resort HALKIDIKI Hotelier Alexandra Efstathiadou enhances her Halkidiki resort with ten new suites that pay homage to the area’s rich spiritual history. Words: Eleanor Howard Photography: © Nick Kontostavlakis / Globe & Trotter
I
t’s not often the same project features on the pages of Sleeper more than once in its lifetime, but when a hotel prides itself on regular redesigns to enhance the guest
experience, it deserves a second look. Since opening Ekies All Senses Resort – a Design Hotels member on Halkidiki’s Vourvourou Bay – hotelier Alexandra Efstathiadou has made it her mission to showcase contemporary Greece through design, fabrics and colours, working with local architects and designers to bring her vision to life. In all, it took 11 years to create the hotel she dreamed of, but it didn’t stop there. In a bid to stay ahead of the game, Efstathiadou has continued to develop the property – regular updates are all part of the philosophy here. In 2015, the Evergreen and Pine Suites were added, with a design scheme inspired by the surrounding woodland, and in 2017, the Treehouse restaurant was built using sustainably sourced materials. The latest round of enhancements sees updates to five of the guestrooms, changes to the lobby, and the addition of ten new suites, which draw on the area’s rich spiritual history. “Seamlessly blending contemporary international design with Greek elements has always been part of our DNA,” explains Efstathiadou. “This time, our inspiration came from the nearby monasteries and the calmness they exude. It’s all about finding inner balance through connecting with nature in a more spiritual way.”
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Created in collaboration with Athens-based
handmade ceramics with patterns found in
Agarch+ Architects, the new look plays on the
nearby Orthodox churches, as well as mosaics
contrasts between excess and restraint. “We
that pay homage to traditional Greek houses of
wanted to rethink the less is more approach,
the sixties and seventies.
taking cues from the ascetic tranquility we
A sense of contrast is carried through to the
encountered upon visiting the stunning
lobby too, where contemporary chairs from
monasteries of Mount Athos,” reveal Giorgos
Vitra, Magis and Aper complement traditional
Anagnostellis and Angeliki Pappa, co-founders
wooden furniture. There’s also a new retail
of Agarch+ Architects.
offer, affording guests the opportunity to take
In homage to the nearby monasteries, suites
the Ekies aesthetic home with them, while the
are furnished with baptismal bowls that serve
revamped pool area brings a bohemian spirit to
as washbasins and draw on the power of water
the verdant landscaping.
to sanctify, while beds are stripped back to a
And there’s more to come. Plans are afoot
bare-boned aesthetic. Emphasis is placed on
for two new villas, one is close to completion
natural materials, with marble, bronze and
while the second will be ready in time for next
wood set against an earthy colour palette.
season. It’s this commitment to renovation and
Organic fabrics like the pure linen of the
resoration that keeps guests coming back for
curtains and bedding strike a balance with solid
more, and sees the resort garner praise from
wood furnishings and concrete ceilings, while
across the industry; in 2017, Ekies won the
walls come in authentic hues of olive green and
award for Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces at
burnt sienna by way of eco-friendly paint. Also
AHEAD Europe, while this year it has reached
of note are the floorcoverings, which combine
the shortlist stage in multiple categories.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Alexandra Efstathiadou Architecture and Interior Design: Agarch+ Architects Landscaping: Fytron Landscape Design www.ekies.gr
The Maker HUDSON Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg swap the beauty industry for hospitality, creating an eclectic hotel that celebrates the world of makers. Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Francine Zaslow
A
s soon as New York City went into lockdown earlier this year, city dwellers ran for the hills, quite literally – the quaint hills of the Hudson Valley that is. In the
small city of Hudson, known as ‘the Brooklyn of upstate’ for its demographic of hipsters and creatives, a first-time hotelier was putting the finishing touches to his new venture. Lev Glazman, founder of the now-LVMH-owned natural beauty brand Fresh, was in the final stages of transforming a series of buildings – one a Georgian mansion dating back to 1897, another its carriage house and Greek Revival annexe – into an 11-key hotel, adjusting dimmers and shades on light fixtures, levelling artwork and fluffing pillows. But Covid had other ideas, and subsequent lockdowns led to inevitable delays. Thankfully, Glazman persevered, and The Maker finally opened its doors in August in celebration of the world of makers. This isn’t the duo’s first foray into hospitality however; in
2016 they joined forces with Damien Janowicz to open Bartlett House, an all-day café, bakery and restaurant in nearby Ghent. For the hotel, they once again sought the expertise of Janowicz, whose focus is on the guest experience. And what an experience it is. It’s seldom that you find a hotel that is, in its entirety, designed by its wealthy benefactor. They’ll often stealthily hire an interior designer to do all the work and claim to know an anecdotal thing or two about a sofa or a piece of art. But not
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The Artist – one of four signature Maker Studios – features an eclectic collection of art with pieces by Francisco Zuniga and Kader Boly
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Glazman. He can tell you about the bed maker in
fusion of these periods that live together under
Portugal, how the side tables in the guestrooms
one space.”
are hewn of metal by a French maker, and how
But how do you put all these periods together
he spent hours agonising over the length of the
in a way that they work? Glazman starts our
fringe on the lamps over the bar in the carriage
tour in the café, buzzing with freelancers toting
house. Some of the artworks even come from
Macbooks, sipping on almond milk lattes and
Glazman’s own collection. So you can count
noshing on power balls made of turmeric and
yourself quite lucky when he gives you the
matcha. He describes this space as “Vienna-
grand tour of his prized new venture with Fresh
meets-Paris with a little Mid-Century”, and
co-founder and wife Alina Roytberg – who is
highlights how low ceilings were treated with
just as creative as her other half.
patterned burlap. Meanwhile the reception desk
“The Maker stands for celebrating all the
is enveloped by French doors that a vendor
makers of the world. I have always been
in a Paris market was about to throw away.
infatuated with all kinds of makers; how do they
“I enjoy the process of taking something old
even put such beautiful things together?” he
and bringing it back to life,” Glazman says,
says, hardly realising that he, himself is perhaps
progressing through the spaces. In the library,
one of the most successful makers of the beauty
a curated collection of books is flanked by
industry. In describing the wildly eclectic design
identical fireplace mantels – one an original,
of the hotel, he explains: “I personally love a
the other a replica, yet no-one can tell them
bohemian, eclectic style. One of the periods I
apart. Glazman commends one of his closest
have always loved is the Belle Epoque, it was
collaborators, master antiques restorer Gary
very refined. Art Deco and Mid-Century are
Keegan, for the magic. Adjoining this room
also two styles that I love. We are celebrating a
is a quaint conservatory that serves as the
A melangé of time periods, The Maker combines elements of Belle Epoque, Art Deco and Mid-Century for what Glazman describes as a bohemian, eclectic style
restaurant, where another key collaborator, set decorator Michael Allen, has painted a sweeping mural inspired by Dutch masters and the Hudson Valley. It’s here, amongst the layers of greenery and pattern, that Executive Chef Michael Poiarkoff serves seasonal plates with an emphasis on locality and community. Over in the soaring double-height carriage house, guests are treated to a sultry, candle-lit lounge that recalls the moody jazz bars of the Quartier Latin. Here a painstakingly handcarved wood fireplace – yet another example of Keegan’s mastery – found at an antiques dealer in New York, anchors the space. It is in this space that Roytberg, a Parsons fashion graduate, was able to flex her design muscle, creating a striking colour palette to complement the beadboard and leather walls. “The muted jewel tones are reminiscent of the stunning feathers of exotic birds; deep turquoise, French blue, deep emerald and forest green, rich ruby and paprika,” she says of the bolts and bolts of luscious velvets and silks that make up the sweeping drapery and cover the winged armchairs.
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For the hotel’s four signature suites, Glazman
building of 1908. Not to be outdone, the artist
conjured up the abodes of four archetypal
decks out their space with eclectic pieces such
makers; an architect, a writer, a gardener
as Francisco Zuniga’s montage of the women of
and an artist. The architect likes to surround
Central America, along with a striking black-
himself with structured, orthogonal pieces like
and-white of a meditating figure by Kader Boly.
an extensive Mid-Century bookcase and a rare
A Berber kilim from Morocco and Moorish tiles
1950s Edward Wormley sofa specially designed
as an accent in the bathroom hint to the artist’s
for Dunbar. Each morning, this architect
extensive travels.
soaks in his black marble Roman bath while
Back down past staircases with original
contemplating his latest designs as a skylight
sculpted banisters sits a space that holds special
lets in the morning sun. The well-travelled
meaning to Glazman. The fragrance library
writer meanwhile relishes his extensive book
features an array of scents that guests are free
collection and totems from around the world,
to explore and fall in love with, just as Glazman
all found in a restored carved oak bookcase that
did as a young fragrance designer. In fact, the
is original to the Georgian home. The gardener
olfactory experience is so important to Glazman
lives in the late 18th century and is obsessed
that he designed a signature scent for the
with forged and cast iron. His bed and the
property, aptly named Hudson. All proceeds from
extremely weighty chandelier above are hewn
fragrance sales benefit underprivileged youths
of the sinuous black spindles. In his bathroom,
of surrounding areas, a cause that Glazman is
the pièce de résistance is a metal screen rescued
particularly fond of: “They’re the future makers
from the basement of the Beaux Arts Singer
of the world,” he says with a smile.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Lev Glazman, Alina Roytberg and Damien Janowicz Interior Design: Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg www.themaker.com
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The Modernist ATHENS Kostis Karatzas looks to local partnerships and tailor-made touches to establish a community-focused hotel in an Athens neighbourhood. Words: Emma Love • Photography: © Ioanna Roufopoulou
W
hen Greek entrepreneur Kostis Karatzas was planning a second hotel as part of his hospitality brand The Modernist – the first opened in
Thessaloniki in 2018 – Athens, in particular the upscale Kolonaki neighbourhood, was the obvious choice. “Thessaloniki is my home city and where I’ve lived my whole life, but Athens is the natural next step,” he explains. “I knew that I wanted the hotel to be in this part of the Kolonaki neighbourhood. Plaka and Omonia are the other hotspots but they are both very crowded and busy. This is still central but quieter and we have a park in front of us, which is not easy to find in Athens.” It’s not only the location that Karatzas lucked out on, but the post-war 1950s corner building too. “It was the old Canadian Embassy and when I visited, everything was left exactly as it was, from the panic room to the secret doors and bulletproof guard booth at the entrance,” he recalls. The transformation into a hotel began in January, only to be put on hold two months later when the country went into Covid lockdown. “I had to make a decision whether to abort the project or keep going under this uncertainty, but I have a very strong belief in the brand and the way we’re expanding,” Karatzas continues. “The vision has always been to grow, not just in one direction but in different directions, introducing
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In the rooms, solid timber floors and white walls are combined with black furniture, tactile leather and brass details
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features such as our lobby shop, which adds to
In the rooms, solid timber floors and white
the experience. This is only the beginning for
walls are combined with black furniture and
our brand.”
ceilings, as well as tactile leather and brass
The hotel was completed mid-September
details. “We used black in Thessaloniki but
with 38 rooms across six floors, ranging from
decided that we wanted to enrich it even more
Small (20m2) to XL (30-34m2). Medium rooms
in Athens; for us, it helps to create contrast and
come with a writing desk and furnished balcony,
depth,” says Eleni Papaevangelou, co-founder
while the XL option features a large outdoor
of Form Related, also citing the lobby as a space
living space complete with hot tub.
where black has been used for atmosphere.
For the design, Karatzas turned to Form
This notion of contrast extends to the
Related, the Thessaloniki-based architecture
exterior, which has been painted two tones
and interiors studio who also worked on the
of very dark grey. “The building next door is
first hotel. This new project maintains the same
completely white, so we thought it would be
playful juxtaposition of Art Deco elements,
an interesting distinction if the hotel is the
mid-century detailing and Danish design found
opposite,” continues Papaevangelou. Together
in Thessaloniki. “The main idea was that we
with her partner Konstantinos Theodoridis,
wanted to keep certain elements of the design
she has designed the majority of the furniture
that are characteristic of the brand – the white
other than a handful of cherry-picked pieces by
tiles in the bathrooms, the open closets, the
Danish brands – such as the Palissade chairs by
shelving systems – but treat them differently,”
Hay on balconies and the decorative, wooden
says Karatzas of the brief. “We wanted it to be
Little Birds by Normann Copenhagen on the
minimalist but at the same time warm so it still
artfully arranged shelves in the rooms – which
feels cosy.”
fit seamlessly in with the sleek aesthetic. On
© Edmund Dabney
BERMONDS LOCKE, TOWER BRIDGE, LONDON
Bathrooms are designed in all blackand-white and feature amenities by third-generation Thessaloniki pharmacy, Physis Laboratory
the surface everything feels effortlessly simple yet layers of details are woven throughout, from the record players and drinks trolley in the three XL suites to the custom bathroom amenities by third-generation Thessaloniki pharmacy, Physis Laboratory. Even the small basement gym, so often an afterthought, is seriously smart with a wooden bike and treadmill by German manufacturer NOHrD. The ground-floor restaurant has marbletopped tables and brass ceiling lights where guests sit down for breakfast; later it becomes an all-day café serving delicious ‘bowls’ (smoked tuna with quinoa, avocado and olives, or shrimps saganaki with harissa sauce, feta cheese and spinach), followed by drinks in the evening. “It wouldn’t be smart to believe that we can have the best restaurant or the best bar in town but whatever we do, we try to be as good as we can to create a holistic stay. The food is simple and super high quality, and if guests would like to have a drink then we have one of the best menus in the city,” says Karatzas of the eight signature cocktails that are specially-designed by Nikos
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Bakoulis, co-founder of Athens’ most famous
the retro telephone to place an order. Also in
bar, The Clumsies (Clumsies Original Cocktails
the works are making use of the ground floor
are also in the minibar).
as a space for workshops and talks by guest
Partnerships like these are key to Karatzas,
artists; tailor-made touches that evolve each
who has also tasked Athens-based composer
time someone stays (such as a polaroid camera
and DJ Spilios Christopoulos, aka Palov,
appearing in the room for guests to use); and
with curating playlists for the social spaces;
a Modernist membership with benefits and
commissioned Open Studio Ceramics to make
discounts on rates.
black stoneware espresso and cappuccino cups
“It’s another way of building a community
that are also sold in the lobby shop alongside
and linking the two hotels,” Karatzas confirms.
the bathroom amenities; and chosen timeless
“Architecture and design has always been
all-black uniforms designed by cutting-edge
my passion – I studied and worked in civil
local fashion label 2WO+1NE=2 for the staff.
engineering – and the idea of creating a very
“Collaboration is important,” he explains.
unique experience inside a space for someone
“The idea is that each Modernist is connected
isn’t too far from designing a home. The
to its own city through working with interesting
difference is that in hospitality, someone is
creatives and bringing their work inside the
only going to stay for a day or two so all the
hotel. We want to do more of that.”
extra bits around the building are crucial.” And
Future plans include events on the rooftop
that’s precisely where Karatzas’ eye for design
terrace, reached via a marble staircase and with
and detail-driven approach comes into its own.
views of the Acropolis in the distance; it doubles as a cinema and is the best spot for cocktails – there’s no bar service, instead guests use
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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Kostis Karatzas Operator: The Modernist Architecture and Interior Design: Form Related Graphic Design: Post-Spectacular Office Art Consultant: PrintSin www.themodernisthotels.com
White Elephant PALM BEACH Nantucket’s White Elephant opens a sister property in Florida, where a museumworthy art collection takes centrestage. Words: Ayesha Khan Photography: © Chi-Thien Nguyen
I
t’s no secret that the slim island of Palm Beach
sculpture of an elephant from Santa Fe artist
off the coast of Florida is home to America’s
Fredrick Prescott stands at 7ft-tall and sets
wealthiest social set. When winter in their
the tone for the 120-piece art collection that
Northeast hometowns sets in, the well-to-do
awaits within. Inside, an immediate sense of
hop on their private jets and retreat to where the
calm is palpable through light, airy materials.
sun shines, the art is priceless and everyone is
“We wanted the lobby to be a non-transactional
smiling. This year, visitors are in for a treat in
space,” Lowrey explains. “Arches were brought
the form of the newly launched White Elephant,
in at the back wall to reflect the architecture
a 32-key hotel that boasts a museum-quality
outside, giving punctuation and dividing the
art collection and interiors designed by famed
space into chambers,” she adds, alluding to
Boston-based studio Elkus Manfredi Architects.
how the tranquil room is partitioned into three
Overlooking Bradley Park, the hotel was built
sections, much like a home would be. The
in 1923 in the then à la mode Mediterranean
reception area, which doubles up as a retail
Revival style. Today, the landmarked façade is
space, features mother of pearl and plants in
still intact and punctuated by black-and-white
its arch, while the parlour room has a built-in
striped awnings that peek out between the palm
banquette in its archway. Two seating groups
trees and lush vegetation. “For the exterior, it
are defined by earthy materials such as rattan
was about making the façade fresh and iconic,”
and rope – Jaime Hayon’s Frames armchairs for
says Elizabeth Lowrey, Principal and Director of
Expormim are a worthy addition – along with a
Interior Architecture at Elkus Manfredi. “It’s so
stone coffee table fashioned in the form of a teak
classic – beachy and bold; it’s never going to go
root. It is here that guests are first acquainted
out of style,” she adds.
with the hotel’s art collection. Two brilliantly
To the front of the hotel, a multi-dimensional
coloured Christopher LeBruns hold court in the
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Guestrooms feature an earthy palette of rattan, rope and blonde wood with coloured accents in the form of bespoke floral fabrics on headboards and chairbacks
parlour, while a specially commissioned piece entitled Lady of the House shows an archetypal patron of Palm Beach donning her sunglasses and silk headscarf. The library, which General Manager Bernhard Duerrmeier counts as his favourite space, features a large communal table fitted with charging stations beneath chandeliers from Palecek, hewn of thousands of tiny coco beads in a soft white finish. “It feels like I am welcoming guests to my own home,” he says, admitting that he can often be found catching up with guests over coffee in this space. Hanging on the wall, works by Dan Walsh feature strong graphic patterns that offset the sinuous forms of both the chandeliers above and a chevron-patterned rug underfoot. Each of the hotel’s three guest floors houses a veritable curated art gallery in its corridors. While one level features a series of aristocrats by Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, another features a playful montage of ice cream in various cones and cups by Donald Baechler. In a nod to the hotel’s exotic subject matter, elephant door knockers were specially commissioned from
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Matthews International. Each piece of furniture
Peter Granados. A generous outdoor terrace
in the hotel’s guestrooms was custom designed
features soft furnishings by Sunbrella and a
by Elkus Manfredi and made by Vaughan Benz,
gazebo that was original to the 1920s structure;
with thoughtful accents that Lowrey describes
not to mention sweeping views to the ocean.
as couture. Perhaps the most prevalent of
Although Lowrey and Duerrmeier count
these is the use of bespoke floral fabrics on
the White Elephant as one of the high points
headboards, chairbacks and as a smart contrast
of their respective careers, it wasn’t without
piping on pillows. Materials such as rattan, rope
its challenges. Working with the Landmark
and blonde wood ensure that the palette is kept
Preservation Society to strip a historic
clean and neutral so that the art can truly shine.
building down to the studs and reconfigure
Bathrooms recall Mediterranean Revival with
its guestrooms as well as creating the perfect
encaustic tiles and slick stone double vanities.
backdrop to the artwork were challenging. But
In almost every room, a balcony opens up into
when Florida and Boston went into lockdown
the hotel’s U-shaped interior courtyard, which
with just weeks to go until the hotel’s opening,
Duerrmeier refers to as its “beating heart”.
the entire White Elephant team had to so some
Guests are invited to be social down at the plunge
serious improvising. “Thank goodness for
pool and patio of Lola 41, the hotel’s restaurant,
FaceTime!” says Lowrey, recalling that once
where black-and-white striped umbrellas and
flights did re-open, she and her team spent
woven bistro chairs conjure Lowrey’s bold and
one week working day and night to install
beachy vibe. In the expansive three-bedroom
everything, from priceless art to furniture and
Park Suite, blonde oak wood floors and more
accessories on a condensed schedule. “It was
neutral hues provide the perfect foil to vibrant
some real team-building,” she quips, clearly
artwork from the likes of Sir Ian Davenport and
satisfied with the result.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: New England Development Operator: White Elephant Resorts Architecture and Interior Design: Elkus Manfredi Architects Art Consultant: Emily Fine Art Lighting Design: Lam Procurement: GS Associates Inc Landscaping: DS Boca Main Contractor: Fine Line Construction www.whiteelephantpalmbeach.com
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The Langham Nymphenburg Residence MUNICH German design duo Mang Mauritz breathe new life into an 18th century manor house in the heart of Bavaria. Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Stephan Julliard
I
t’s a guest house; a guest house belonging to
in private jets and charters where people are
the factory next door. But this is not just any
seeking more privacy and exclusivity,” explains
old guest house or, indeed, any old factory. The
CEO Stefan Leser of a desire to build the presence
guest house is an 18th century cavalier’s lodge,
of this luxury brand in Europe. The actual
one of ten Baroque mansions staged along the
delivery of hospitality services will be managed
vast sweep of the Schlossrondell, or grand circle,
by the team based at The Langham London,
that looks towards the majesty of Nymphenburg
with Managing Director Doris Greif responsible
Palace in the western suburbs of Munich. The
for guest experiences. These could include best-
palace was a favourite summer residence of
in-class chefs, butlers, concierge, housekeepers,
the rulers of Bavaria, and its Baroque façades
chauffeurs or spa therapists for private wellness
stretch some 700 metres – a stunning sight
treatments. A crafting of hospitality experiences
and together with its landscaped gardens make
that will fit hand-in-glove with the ethos of
it a popular attraction. The factory meanwhile
PMN. An ethos that is realised in the ancient but
is that of Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg
beautifully maintained ‘manufaktur’ buildings
(PMN), which was established by Elector Max
just across the lawn from the Residence.
III in 1747 and has been handmaking porcelain of the highest quality ever since.
If this sounds a bit industrial, fear not, because everything really is ‘manu factum’
Bringing things up-to-date, the owners of the
– or made-by-hand. The scale is small; no
porcelain business have transformed the 1760s
mass production here. All machinery functions
mansion from a series of event spaces into a
using belt-powered energy driven by water
private residence over the course of two years.
turbines spun by a fast-running canal leading
The Residence is being operated by Langham
from the water features of the palace gardens.
Hospitality in a long-term partnership with
Totally sustainable, no air or noise pollution.
PMN. “We see a growing interest in exclusive
Clay is carefully prepared, plates are spun and
private residences similar to more demand
figurines are handcrafted, painted and finished
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In the Ladies Room, all pink blush and sweeping curves, small bird figurines perch in birdcages sourced from Parisian markets
figurines are handcrafted, painted and finished
context,” says Thomas Mang. All the porcelain
with incredible attention to detail by master
objects on display are custom-made and as you
craftspeople working in bright ateliers. The
can imagine there is huge back-catalogue of
walk-in kiln is not vast, but its heavy-duty
tableware and figurines. The Rhinoceros Clara
nature is the nearest thing to what most of us
is a design from the 1770s and one of over 700
think of as manufacturing.
animal sculptures, many of which have a part to
Similarly, the guest house is unlikely to be
play in the Residence. In the ground floor Ladies
what most of us think of as a guest house.
Room, all pink blush and sweeping curves,
Instead it is an incredible 900m2 of unique and
small bird figurines perch in birdcages sourced
luxurious experiences created by Munich-based
from Parisian markets. The Gentleman’s Room
design duo, Thomas Mang and Stefan Mauritz
sees a focus on dogs – a number pose on brass
of Mang Mauritz. The ground floor sees mainly
shelving that chimes with the edge surrounds
shared spaces – lounges, a dining room, kitchen
of the Bell Tables from ClassiCon, and a drinks
plus a smaller child’s room. The middle floor
trolley stacked with Lobmeyr glassware. In
comprises a more private lounge and three
between these two spaces is the dining room,
bedrooms, whilst the top floor houses a cinema
home to Damien Hirst’s Myth and Legend horse
and a spa area either side of a very large office
sculptures in a collaboration that began in 2014.
with a boardroom-style table beneath the
There are numerous other modern pieces. Look
substantial beams of the eaves. This is a layout
out for locally-based Konstantin Grcic’s paper
of vast volumes – the ceiling height of the
bin, or the porcelain tea service made out of
middle floor lounge is around five metres.
what appears to be folded paper by Argentinian
“The
Residence
is
a
showroom
for
Nymphenburg Porcelain, yet in a modern
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designer Ruth Gurvich. All are created by skilled craftspeople and
bespoke switches www.hoadandmore.com +44 (0)1525 222 364 info@hoadandmore.com
Handcrafted beds by Vispring are made up with Frette linens, while furniture is the work of Donghia and local manufacturer ClassiCon
it was in commissioning and working closely
many fittings from Italian manufacturer
with them that Mang Mauritz really got to have
Viabizzuno. Two aspects are notable – the
fun. “We selected old and classic designs and
dropped ceilings that allow indirect lighting
transferred them into new items,” explains
and the clever treatment of the deep window
Mauritz. Bathrooms see a lot of such activity.
recesses that make a welcoming connection
In one, basins and wall tiles are decorated with
with the outside. Krewikel was building on his
colourful Koi carp images whilst in another,
existing relationship with PMN, for whom he
butterflies from the Papilio genus similarly
designed the Spilla wall sconce. The stairway
take centrestage. Here, a delightful moment
sees a series of these, a beautifully subtle
sees plates from the company’s tableware
geometric interpretation of blossoms, in biscuit
collections transformed into decorative pendant
porcelain so thin the light shines through and
lampshades illustrated with the butterfly’s wing
they become art.
pattern. In another bathroom – there are seven
Similarly delicate are light features made
in all, with four guestrooms – one of the large
from translucent matte white biscuit tiles
bowls from the white Tortoise vase series by
that intrigue with a subtle relief. Only when
American Ted Muehling has been produced as
the light behind is turned on do they spring
a basin, its faceted exterior cleverly uplit to
to life and become black and white images.
highlight its unusual form.
Such lithophanes are seen in the sauna of the
Wall tile reliefs are equally downlit to
master bedroom as a panorama of nearby Lake
illustrate their intricate detailing. The whole
Tegernsee, whilst flat, square pendant lamps
lighting package for the project was put
above Walter Knoll furniture in the boardroom
together by Jörg Krewinkel, owner and CEO of
become a montage of wispy summer clouds.
Zurich-based Lichtkompetenz, who specified
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This transformative idea is just one of several
Creative TUUCI for SLEEPER 2020 (CONTOUREN).indd 1
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themes of Mang Mauritz at the Residence. Others
complements Toto washlets. Wallpaper is from
include a connection to nature and texture; a
Cole & Son, textiles from Jim Thompson and
fabulously grand urban park is right outside the
Rubelli. Furniture from Donghia and local
door. The view from the main private living room
manufacturer ClassiCon. Sennheiser audio
is allowed to shine; the incredible precision of
equipment, Samsung Frame TVs and Gaggenau
the built-in wall unit opposite is impressive but
appliances head up the technology roster. All
subtly sits in the background. Additional to the
share a luxury ethos in keeping with PMN and
porcelain items, botanical references abound
the Residence.
– wallpaper patterns, curtains, shimmering
The Langham Nymphenburg Residence
cloudscapes in carpets. Straddling the nature
allows an elite coterie of guests; it is only
and texture themes are the various motifs of
available to booked out in its entirety, to live
the wall tile installations. Much of the marble
the totality of the Nymphenburg ideals. The
used has a leather effect finish just begging
greatest achievement of Mang Mauritz is to
to be stroked. More dramatic is the blackened
have harmoniously introduced a new modernity
basin surround by Stefan Knopp from Salzburg,
to an environment associated with tradition and
created using his own burning technique. On
history. Mang describes it as “a complete world
a softer side are the Maribou feather lamps in
of porcelain.” But it is much more than that.
one of the guestrooms, discovered at A Modern
Not overbearing, it is a totally liveable space
Grand Tour near Banbury, Oxfordshire.
of crafted luxury, comfort and true indulgence.
Another leitmotif of Mang Mauritz’s interiors is the sheer quality of everything specified. Beds, handcrafted by Vispring, are made up with Frette linens. Dornbracht brassware
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A great place from which Langham can build.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg Operator: Langham Hospitality Interior Design: Mang Mauritz Lighting Design: Lichtkompetenz www.langhamresidences.com
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Zedwell LONDON Criterion Capital enlists Neri & Hu to design the flagship for Zedwell, a new brand dedicated to sleep and wellbeing. Words: Catherine Martin
T
hough a hotel’s primary purpose is to
Café, Crystal Maze Live and Chinese hotpot
provide weary travellers with a place
restaurant Hai Di Lao, which left the vast core
to rest, very few actually delve into the
of the building largely unused. Plans for a hotel
science behind sleep. A comfortable bed is a
were first announced in 2009, but the complex
given, but what other factors contribute to a
floor plate and lack of natural daylight presented
restful night? That was the question Criterion
challenges, and prospective partners fell away.
Capital asked when it set about developing a
Criterion eventually decided to go it alone and
new brand dedicated to sleep and wellbeing.
develop their own hotel, with Aziz’s partner
The asset management company founded by Asif Aziz has been pumping money into
Shanghai-based studio Neri & Hu.
developments in and around Leicester Square
After much research involving consultation
and Piccadilly Circus for over a decade, seeking
with psychologists, scientists and sleep experts,
to improve the area for the benefit of both
Aziz discovered that a room without windows to
local residents and tourists. With a portfolio of
the outside world would remove the distractions
hotels, restaurants, bars, cinemas and retail,
that often disturb sleep, and so the concept was
Criterion is no stranger to hospitality, but this
born - ‘the hotel you check-in to tune out’.
is the first time it has developed a new brand with immediate plans for roll-out.
“As soon as they walk through the door, we want guests to feel a change in their state of
Zedwell Piccadilly opened in February in
mind,” Aziz explains. “The concept encourages
the Trocadero, a building that has long been
people to stop thinking and start feeling, so
earmarked for conversion to hotel use. When
we’ve taken into account all the senses.” The
Criterion acquired the landmark cluster of
hotel has its own scent for example, a calming
buildings in 2005, it was perhaps best known
blend of lavender, rosemary and bergamot,
as an amusement arcade. Over the years, the
while sound is taken care of via a specially
street-level outlets around the perimeter of the
curated playlist.
site have been let to tenants such as Rainforest
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Darija Zivni Aziz taking the lead, working with
The lobby is vast with a lengthy row of self
© Will Scott
099
Larger cocoons feature double bunks, with natural oak slats providing an element of privacy
check-in kiosks, crucial for a hotel of this size – Zedwell has a total of 738 rooms – with the necessary transaction requiring little brainpower. The space is defined by vertical timber slats that extend up the walls and overhead, reminiscent of Neri & Hu’s architectural interventions at Tsingpu Retreat in Yangzhou. The duo’s signature style also shows in the selection of materials – either natural or recycled – and the timber staircase that leads down to the basement public spaces, where a sensory lounge hosting wellbeing workshops, a yoga and meditation studio and a café serving healthy juices will soon open. “We introduced a calming palette with warm green and natural oak, and looked to nature for the furnishings,” says Aziz, adding that elements of the natural world are proven to relax the mind and body. Seating comes in the form of the organicallyshaped Pebble collection designed by Nigel Coates for Hitch Mylius – further pieces from Stellar Works will furnish the lounge – and there’s plenty of plantlife to oxygenate the air. Still to come are a green wall set to dominate © Will Scott
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the back of the lobby, and a digital installation projecting scenes of waterfalls or falling leaves dependent on the season.
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Upstairs, the 738 guestrooms – or cocoons as
way of furniture or furnishings. “We didn’t want to
they’re called here – range from the usual singles and
put anything in the guestroom that is not specifically
doubles to family rooms for four and double bunks
for sleep,” explains Aziz. “There’s no gadgets, there
for groups of up to eight, with timber slats offering
isn’t even a TV, because even when it’s turned off, it
an element of privacy. All rooms are designed to the
emits a buzzing energy that disturbs sleep.”
same guiding principles, with air quality, temperature,
Particular attention has been paid to the lighting, a
lighting and noise taken into consideration along with
scheme devised in collaboration with Elektra Lighting.
aesthetics. Neri & Hu’s interiors once again make use
Concealed LEDs around the bed frame create a halo
of the natural oak seen in the lobby, with a simple yet
effect, while a similar idea illuminates the bathroom
elegant scheme that maximises the compact square-
mirror, only here it can be altered. “The lighting
footage. The focal point – naturally for a hotel that
programme follows the circadian rhythm, so in the
focuses on sleep – is the bed, encased in an oak
morning it’s brighter, towards the white side of the
frame that extends overhead to create a sanctuary.
spectrum, then during the afternoon, it tones down
A quality mattress from Hypnos is topped with 100%
to yellow-orange hues,” Aziz notes, pointing out
cotton sheets, best for conducting heat away from
that with no windows, the colour of light is the only
the body, while filters purify the air and maintain
indicator as to the time of day, ideal for those seeking
a steady temperature. Bathrooms follow the same
uninterrupted sleep as well as guests who might prefer
idea of quality and simplicity; Axor’s easy-to-use
to snooze through daylight hours having partied the
ShowerSelect mixer, for example, is a simple push-
night away at a film premiere next door.
button control. In fact, all of the controls in the room
To devise a concept that works in a windowless
are intuitive, removing potential friction points that
building is no mean feat, and it’s a clever move from
could negatively affect state of mind.
Criterion, making use of the difficult core of a building
Other than the essentials, there’s very little in the
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that could otherwise have been left to languish.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Criterion Capital Architecture and Interior Design: Neri & Hu Lighting Design: Elektra Lighting www.zedwellhotels.com
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Buxton Crescent DERBYSHIRE Nestled in the Peak District National Park, the first UK property from Ensana Hotels champions the therapeutic mineral water for which its location is known. Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © John Athimaritis
A
s someone who grew up just a stone’s throw from the Peak District National Park, I’m well-acquainted with the beauty of Buxton, and understand why locals hold
the town in such high regard; its rural character and rolling valleys are a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre to the north-west. So when news broke that Buxton Crescent – the reincarnation of two hotels designed in the late-1700s by Yorkshire-born architect John Carr and modelled on Bath’s famous Royal Crescent – was finally set to open, it was music to everyone’s ears. Thirty-years in the making – yes, that’s thirty-years – there was concern that the Grade I-listed landmark would never again return to service, but thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a host of other investors, Buxton Crescent has reopened its doors. The multi-million-pound project is the first UK outpost for Ensana Hotels, one of Europe’s largest operators of health spas and a custodian of utilising natural healing resources. Its primary aim is to revive the wellness traditions of the picturesque market town, a former Roman settlement built around a spring, which to this day continues to send up million of litres of naturally heated water from the original
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Over the Thermal Pool, daylight filters through a new stained-glass canopy, designed in blue and green hues to harmonise with original cast iron beams and pillars
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source beneath the hotel. The destination was
In addition, eight treatment rooms – several of
renowned throughout Georgian times as a
which feature original stained-glass windows –
bathing place for spa seekers, who would travel
offer signature therapies such as a thermal mud
the length and breadth of the country to bask
pack using mud sourced from Heviz in Hungary,
in the thermal waters. Later in the 19th century,
and a CO2 infusion mineral bath.
the hotel became a fashionable retreat for high-
Tasked with reinstating the landmark
society visitors, who would take to the waters
building’s architecture and channelling a
amidst the grand architecture, originally built
Georgian spirit inside, was London-based firm
for the 5th Duke of Devonshire. This 20th century
Curious, whose design scheme marries opulent
reincarnation will see the hotel once again
chandeliers, painted ceilings and stained-glass
become a wellness destination.
windows with elegant furniture and modern
As with Ensana’s other properties across
comforts. Despite decades of neglect, there is
Europe, including resorts in Czech Republic,
still real character and charm at every turn, from
Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, the spa
the grandeur of the Assembly Hall – with its
is paramount to the guest experience and
original chandeliers and gilt-topped Corinthian
immerses patrons in the therapeutic qualities
columns – to the exposed queen post trusses in
of water. As such, the property is centred
the attic guestrooms, which provide an insight
around three pools: the Thermal Pool, a fully
into the hotel’s anatomy.
refurbished Victorian pool with mineral rich
“There’s staggering attention to detail
water – heated and left chemically untreated
throughout that acknowledges the history of the
– flowing into it; a relaxation pool with a
building and the town; every room has a story
black barrel ceiling pierced by celestial mood
to tell,” says Marc Dorrian, Design Director
lighting; and an indoor-outdoor rooftop pool.
at Curious. “Originally it was built as lodging
The Lounge blends original features with contemporary details, layering sumptuous leathers and rich fabrics
houses bookended by a hotel at either side, so
an intricate plastered ceiling, which cleverly
in some part there was a map to follow in terms
disguises a number of access hatches. Despite
of how the spaces would be utilised. Instead of
being located in the building’s new extension,
fighting against it, we embraced and retained
the space showcases the external crescent
the elegance while adding touches that today’s
sandstone wall as part of the scheme, immersing
guest is accustomed to.”
diners in history as they tuck into a British
In restoring the structure to its former
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menu of local, seasonal produce.
glory, locally quarried gritstone and timber
Across in The Lounge, an original stone
beams were painstakingly revived, but not
fireplace anchors the space and sets the tone
everything was salvageable, so Curious had
for the rich layers of leather and antique bronze,
to be sympathetic with its decorative choices.
which accompany striking wallcoverings that
A new stained-glass canopy has been erected
celebrate nature’s diversity – a nod to Charles
over the Thermal Pool for example, designed
Darwin’s grandfather, who once visited Buxton
in blue and green hues to harmonise with the
to bathe in its waters.
original cast iron beams and pillars. There was
Elsewhere, a spa café occupies a new floor
also the sourcing of tiles, stone and marble
above the original pools. With views over
in shades and finishes that complement the
Grade II-listed public park The Slopes, the airy
original features; the incorporating of carpets
space allows guests to recharge, refill and relax
by Ulster; and sourcing wallcoverings that allow
without getting out of their robe, marrying calm
the structure to breathe.
blue and cream fabrics with splashes of yellow
In the hotel’s main restaurant, The Dining
from a bespoke carpet. There’s also a terrace,
Room, the contemporary ambience is again
though guests may want to wait for the warmer
coupled with traditional elements, such as
months to arrive before daring to venture out.
ai16024795689_Touchless Solutions_Advert 242 x 281 Sleeper Lo-Res.pdf
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Upstairs, 81 guestrooms and suites – ranging
building. Our architect, John Ferguson, was
from cosy Attic rooms to the 52m2 Crescent
instrumental in solving most, if not all of
Suite – are steeped in more than two centuries
these issues on a daily basis. General space
of history, with several featuring four-poster
planning was a dizzyingly complex exercise too,
beds, freestanding bathtubs and views through
especially within the spa, with its multi levels
the sash windows over the surrounding slate
and crossover between new and old. On top of
roofs. Lighting by Chelsom softens the mood,
that, the modern requirements and expectations
while Addingham 1500 mattresses by Harrison
of en suite facilities meant that the guestrooms
Spinks – boasting a patented Revolution pocket
had to be altered to meet this need. In some
spring system and natural fillings for maximum
cases, we came up with a pod design that
comfort and body temperature management –
kept the integrity of the room intact without
await guests as they return from the spa.
diminishing any of its historic features.”
It’s an incredible feat and the momentous
There’s no doubt that the restoration of
project didn’t come easy, with a number of
Buxton Crescent will put its namesake firmly
complications along the way: “I have never
back on the spa trail in the UK, submerging
worked on a project quite as challenging as this,”
guests in the town’s heritage, architecture and
Dorrian confirms. “The amount of work behind
therapeutic waters. “At a time when physical
the scenes has been the biggest challenge. Once
and mental wellbeing are at the forefront of
construction started, it quickly became apparent
our society, the spa may be well positioned
that parts of the structural condition were far
post-pandemic, providing guests with a much-
worse than anticipated.”
needed tonic,” concludes Dorrian. I, for one,
He continues: “Over 200 years of Buxton’s extreme climate had taken its toll on the
110
will be amongst those checking-in for a relaxing staycation over the coming months.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council Developer: CP Holdings, Trevor Osborne Property Group Operator: Ensana Hotels Architecture and Interior Design: Curious Conservation Architect: CTD Architects Art Consultant: Inngear Procurement: PCP Consulting Main Contractor: Vinci Construction Project Manager: Andrew Ryan www.ensanahotels.com
Le Méridien Lav, Split, Croatia, furnished by SNS Group.
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Nhow AMSTERDAM RAI Nhow Hotels brings contemporary art, design, gastronomy and cultural expression to the Dutch capital’s Zuidas district. Words: Emma Love Photography: © Twelve Photographic Services
R
ight
Amsterdam
circular lobby bar and lounge – the ground floor
convention centre in the city’s southern
outside
the
RAI
has a line of curved, magenta check-in desks
Zuidas business district stands the ‘Het
reminiscent of old-school theatre ticket booths,
Signaal’ advertising column, arranged as a
as well as a 24-hour grab-and-go convenience
series of stacked triangles. Once a landmark
shop – they are greeted with a bold, bright mural
and the tallest structure in the area, it was
covering almost every surface. Colours and
the inspiration for Dutch architectural firm
motifs, from Indian mandalas to Mexican Day
OMA, who came up with the concept for the
of the Dead skulls, seamlessly alter according to
neighbouring 650-key Nhow Amsterdam RAI
the direction of the building.
hotel. The 91-metre, 24-floor building echoes
“We started to think about how to combine
the column in its design, with three triangular
many cultures,” says NH Hotel Group Project
glass volumes pointing in alternate directions,
Manager, Fernando Lecanda Ispizua. “Using
stacked on top of a two-storey concrete circular
only furniture and textiles wouldn’t have been
base. “For over 400 years Amsterdam was
easy, so we decided to work with patterns and
a trade city, a multi-cultural melting pot, so
images that everyone associates with different
the architecture reflects the six cardinal points
parts of the world. The street-art style fits very
that the various nationalities came from,”
well with the modern materials of the building.”
explains General Manager Hermann Spatt of
Spanish digital artist and designer David Zuker
the property, which took five years to build and
came up with the composition of the mural,
opened its doors in January.
while local specialist decorative painter Barre
This notion of bringing together cultures is the overriding theme inside too. As soon as guests step off the escalator onto the first floor
Verkerke was tasked with recreating it on site over the course of three weeks. It’s not just the artwork that alters as guests
113
Colours and motifs, from bold and bright Indian mandalas to murals of Mexican Day of the Dead skulls, seamlessly alter according to the direction of the building
walk around the lounge – the furniture and
and Edmund Bell; the latter providing blackouts
objects do too. For instance, silver Moroccan
in raspberry pink. “We made a study of the
lamps on one side contrast with Alvaro Catalan
traditional fabrics from different countries and
de Ocon’s recycled plastic PET lamps made in
cultures; it was a very pragmatic process through
South America on the other, while micro-spaces
which we worked out what kind of forms,
raised up on wooden platforms by the floor-
geometry and colours to use,” continues Lopez
to-ceiling windows nod to destinations such as
Gastaldo of the textiles, which were all specially
Japan, furnished with royal blue Sancal lounge
designed for the hotel. Key to the idea was a
chairs and white geometric tables by Vitra. “The
figure in traditional dress – including a kilted
lobby is a very public double-height space so
Scotsman in the Northwest room and a kimono-
the idea was to complement that by creating
wearing woman from the East – printed on a
more introspective, welcoming zones,” says
geometric fabric backdrop for the bed. “There
Marc Lopez Gastaldo, Associate Partner at
are many hotel projects all over the world that
MVSA Architects, which was responsible for
take inspiration from various cultures but this
the interiors.
approach, using a human figure, is one of the
The global influence is even more pronounced in the guestrooms, which range in size from 22-
114
pillars that makes Nhow something different, so it was a very useful tool for us.”
150m2, the largest being the penthouse. Divided
Even the smallest accessories tie in with the
geographically into six designs – South, East,
theme, from the cluster of paper lanterns by HK
North, Southwest, Southeast and Northwest –
Living in the East room, to the Zenza Home gold
each one has been assigned a set of colours and
palm tree floor light in the African room, which
patterns that are threaded through wallpaper,
represents the design for the South category. All
furniture and fabrics by the likes of Wall & Decò
rooms have retro telephones, specially designed
115
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rugs produced by Moooi, a Delft porcelain teapot
seating and chairs in a rainbow of colours; the
in the mini-bar and a pair of round, white glass-
dinner menu, which is based on comfort foods
topped bedside tables with a resin fish inside,
from around the world – masala curry, Bobotie
made by Spanish design duo Otto Canalda and
and beef bourguignon – is currently being
Ramón Úbeda. “I saw a side table with a fish in
served in the lounge bar.
furniture design company Viccarbe’s catalogue
“The most important aspect of the mural in
and thought it would be a fun detail,” explains
the restaurant is the flowers,” Lopez Gastaldo
Lecanda Ispizua of the 1,300 fish, which took
concludes, pointing out the brightly coloured
over a year to produce.
tulips and carnations that accompany visual
The building also houses three pocket-size
representations of various global cultures,
gyms (the main gym, which will take up the
making for a surreal composition. “Amsterdam
entire tenth floor, is slated to open by December)
is known for its flower market so if you look at
as well as individually designed meeting rooms
the back of each chair, it has a pattern based
named after the herbs and spices that were once
around blooms.”
traded in the city. Located on the 23rd floor, they
The 24th floor is still to be completed but will
come with knockout views, though it’s hard to
most likely become some kind of arts venue,
imagine anyone being able to concentrate on a
while on the ground floor, The Entourage
presentation when the alternative is gazing out
Group, which owns local restaurants Toni Loco
across the cityscape.
Pizza and The Butcher – known for its burgers
There’s several restaurants on site too. The
– is soon to take over a currently empty space.
main space on the 17th floor is a help-yourself
While both are bound to be crowd-pleasers, I
buffet at breakfast, decorated with a mural
suspect that for those staying, the real draw of
on one wall that arches over velvet banquette
checking-in is the originality of the design.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: AXA IM Developer: COD, Being Development Operator: NH Hotel Group Architecture: OMA Interior Design: MVSA Architects Art Consultant: Enrique Tellecha Main Contractor: Pleijsier Bouw Project Manager: Fernando Lecanda Ispizua www.nhow-hotels.com
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01/09/2020 12:59:29
Art House BASEL Longtime friends and travel partners Salomé Fäh and Andrea Caputo balance calming Japanese aesthetics with dramatic flourishes and urban street art at this central Basel design hotel. Words: Elly Earls Photography: Courtesy of Design Hotels
T
he first member of Design Hotels in
take shape, sharing their thoughts on the style,
Switzerland’s third city, Art House Basel
quality, service and atmosphere of the hotels
combines a calm, homely feel with
they stayed in across Asia and the US. “It was
dramatic notes – from the tiered terraces
a conversation that was kind of unconscious
and black metamorphic stone façade to the
over the years,” Caputo recalls. “In the end, it
cosmos-themed rugs in every room. Far from a
became this project we made together.”
cookie-cutter hotel, the property was designed
The idea was to create a shelter in the heart
specifically for its central Basel location,
of Basel, a place where you don’t just sleep but
the vibrant pedestrianised Steinenvorstadt
can also work and spend a large part of the day.
neighbourhood, into which its ground floor restaurant, bar and workspace spill out.
“We wanted guests to be able to switch off from the congestion and stress we live in today
In an about-face from the traditional
in urbanised areas, particularly in the rooms,”
development model, Art House Basel didn’t
says Caputo. “We wanted it to be really quiet
start with a hotel management company
and calm, in contrast with what’s happening
commissioning a designer to come up with a
outside on the busy street the hotel is located
vision for the property. The hotel was designer
on. We wanted guests to be able to decompress.”
Salomé Fäh’s baby. She and her husband Edwin
Soundproof windows ensure the hum of the
then put together a team to realise her vision,
city is shut out, while inside each of the 33
including Swiss architecture firm Diener &
guestrooms, every item of furniture, piece of
Diener and Fäh’s good friend, Italian designer
artwork and material has been painstakingly
Andrea Caputo.
chosen, sometimes after disagreements between
Fäh and Caputo had been travelling together
Fäh and Caputo – from the Hästens beds to the
for many years before Art House Basel started to
Marshall speakers to the bathrooms of Lasa
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There’s a distinctly Japanese feel to the guestrooms, which feature a generous use of oak along with paper curtains
marble – the same material that characterises much of the Neoclassical architecture of Vienna, Munich and Berlin. There’s a distinctly Japanese feel to the rooms too – the shape of the lamps, the generous use of oak, the paper curtains, the plants – which is offset by the dramatic landscapes on the walls and colourful constellation rugs produced in Iran. The slim rectangular profile of Laufen’s Living Square washbasins and ceramic shelves feed into this aesthetic too, providing an open space for guests to place their bathroom accessories. “We didn’t want to have a full Japanese style room; there’s a tension between the two but at the same time there’s a balance,” Caputo explains. From the third floor up, rooms also have spacious wooden terraces with comfortable loungers, framed by greenery, which is a recurring theme across the property. Basel is a hub for art and culture, with many people visiting the city for museums and art fairs or combining their business travel with trips to cultural institutions. With its rotating exhibitions curated by the nearby Colab Gallery, Art House Basel fits right in. “We wanted to have a space that respects art but isn’t pretending to be an art institution in its own right,” says Caputo. The first major pieces of art to be displayed in the hotel’s public areas include a 4x16ft painting by New York-based Logan Hicks and a cube sculpture by German artist Tobias Rehberger. The corridors are adorned with urban art pieces selected by Colab Gallery and Art House Basel is also working with urban art network Art-Stübli to obtain permission to paint a wall of the building opposite the hotel, which can only be seen from its rooftop bar. “We are always trying to start some different projects to get some stories to tell,” notes Managing Director Nicolas Burgener. The idea of storytelling is also central to Art House
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Basel’s main restaurant and bar, Souvenir on
trash’; Lauber wanted it to feel like urban Berlin
the ground floor. “Our guests can bring their
with its neon lights and cement bar cast on site.
own ‘souvenirs’ to our chef and he takes the
While guests can spend as much time in
recipes and puts them on our menu,” Burgener
Mirador as they like – from breakfast through
explains. “We’re interested in the history
to evening drinks – members only have access
behind these dishes.”
from Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm-til-late. On the
Souvenir is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with plentiful plug sockets making
is also planning a games room with karaoke.
it suitable for locals to settle in for a work
For Caputo, what really stood out about this
session. It also opens out onto the street, when
project was the close family feel. “It wasn’t
weather permits, where there’s an outdoor bar.
a case of the client asking and us doing,” he
Inside, the space – designed by Swiss hotelier
explains. “We discussed everything dozens of
Daniel Lauber – is furnished with simple oak
times – the references, the ideas and the goals
tables with dark green tops, high-backed sofas
we wanted to achieve together – and then
with colourful, patterned cushions, statement
designed together as one.
lighting and the ubiquitous greenery.
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same floor, there is a music room and Burgener
“From a designer’s point of view, this is
Lauber also designed the property’s private
the best you can get from a cooperation with
rooftop bar Mirador, which can be reached via
a client because it really elevates the project.
a statement staircase by Diener & Diener and
It’s friendship, it’s an exchange, and just like
offers an excellent view of the Elisabethenkirche
with families, you have the toughest discussions
and the Basel Minster, best paired with an
and you participate in the same struggles, but
elaborately-prepared cocktail and a charcuterie
you are always honest. That’s when you really
platter. The design theme is ‘modern design
achieve something.”
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Walter Bros Operator: Arthouse Basel Architecture: Diener & Diener Architekten Interior Design: Salomé Fäh, Andrea Caputo, Daniel F. Lauber (F&B), Gabriel Heusser (décoration) Brand Identity: Steiner Grafik Art Consultant: Colab Gallery Lighting Design Reflexion Landscaping: Dobler Gärtnerei Project Manager: Büro für Bauökonomie www.arthousebasel.ch
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The Hotel of Tomorrow The Gettys Group relaunches its global think-tank to develop concepts that respond to the industrywide challenges posed by Covid-19. Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Courtesy of The Gettys Group
Back in 2003, The Gettys Group looked at the hotel industry and
Chief Innovation Officer, Ron Swidler, observed the need to build
saw silos; hospitality brands, designers, manufacturers, owners
on the past while addressing the concerns of the here and now:
and operators that were connected on projects but lacking a way to
“We’re remaining focused on a lot of the topics we covered in our
exchange ideas – the kind of information, goals, tools, priorities and
original studies, like sustainability and technology, but are also
processes that could transform the sector. Individual companies were
looking beyond that at health and wellness in a much deeper way,
developing innovations, yet all too often, those innovations failed
from sanitisation and personal safety to fitness, food and beverage,
to reach a wider audience or benefit from the expertise of different
and sleep.
perspectives, meaning they didn’t reach their full potential.
“As a group we’re also trying to solve problems around business
In response, the Chicago-based design, development and consulting
models, like how meeting spaces are going to be used, where revenue
firm spearheaded the launch of a global think-tank that would pool
sources will come from when hotel restaurants are shut down, and
resources, channel brainpower and drive innovation. Collaborating
what new staffing models may look like, so there’s a hard look at
with incubators such as Phillips & Company, the erstwhile Starwood
every aspect of operation.”
Hotels, WATG and Joie de Vivre Hospitality, Gettys set up workshops that brought together over 300 executives to envision the future.
Since Swidler spoke, designers, manufacturers, owners and operators – including Four Seasons, Hilton, IHG and Marriott –
More than just a workshop, The Hotel of Tomorrow was billed as a
have gathered online to create and review new concepts. A total of
methodology – a fast-paced process of asking questions, compiling
79 proposals were submitted by 16 teams from around the world,
research and inspiration, and evaluating and elevating new ideas.
then shared with over 1,000 hospitality executives who selected the
Many of the concepts originated in these sessions – held between
concepts they believe have the greatest potential. The entries were
2004 and 2006 – have since come to the fore in the hotel landscape,
eventually whittled down to five cutting-edge ideas spanning food
from floor and wallcoverings with integrated fibre optics to new
and beverage, meetings, customer service and guest experience.
systems for green walls and Aloft’s famous robotic butler.
“The Covid crisis has created a need for answers to questions hotels
In a year when the industry needs this kind of innovation more
could not answer on their own,” Swidler concludes. “Innovation
than ever before, Gettys decided to launch a reframed version of its
comes through collaboration and helps us find solutions for moving
initiative – updated to meet the needs of today’s remote reality and
the industry forward.”
focused on the challenges that have arisen for hospitality in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking on the #Sleeper2020 podcast in June, The Gettys Group’s
The five concepts feature on the following pages. For more information visit www.hotel-of-tomorrow.com
000
Bed XYZ An optimised sleep platform devised to enhance the guestroom environment, Bed XYZ features engineered fabrics that control the temperature of the bed and act as a filter to improve air quality. An array of smartphone applications allow guests to control lighting and humidity too, plus there’s options to mediate background noise and regulate mattress firmness to monitor the quality of rest. Pre-sleep rituals such as low impact exercise and meditative programmes are also available to experiment with through an in-room audio-video display system.
Outside In, Inside Out Looking to re-envision public areas, this concept brings aspects of the outdoors into interior areas like lobbies, meeting spaces and ballrooms. Focusing on lighting, air quality, sound and scent, it aims to mitigate the sense of confinement that can occur – particularly for the business guest, who often remains on property for long periods of time. Installations of verdant plantlife, as well as nature-driven video imagery and other ambient features, are intended to create a calming environment – one that can induce creativity and enhance productivity.
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Hotel Rover Accommodating up to four people, Hotel Rover
safety, sanitation, technology, aesthetics and
is a self-driving adventure vehicle that provides
environmental concerns,” explains Swidler of
mobile hospitality on the road and at host hotels.
the inspiration behind this new iteration of The
Expanding the number of beds and services
Hotel of Tomorrow. “It has also revealed how
available to guests well beyond the limitations
much we need to embrace not only health and
of a single property, the autonomous, electric-
safety measures, but also technology.
powered concept offers on-the-go comfort and
“As such, Hotel Rover meets a number
is designed for work, sleep and socialising as
of emerging and tried-and-true consumer
well as transportation between partner hotels,
demands, including romanticised nostalgia,
where travellers can enjoy the full services and
untethered exploration, exclusivity and both
amenities of a brand’s physical outposts – from
autonomy and autonomous vehicles. It literally
simply recharging their batteries to making use
can break the hotel free from its foundations.”
of housekeeping, room service and the concierge.
Maxwell Luthy, Director of Trends & Insights
The integration of AI digital assistance also
at TrendWatching, adds: “This concept could
means that guidance and entertainment options
pave the way for AI-powered travel, where
are available via voice command, intuitive
guests choose from a set of preference-informed
touchscreen and an app, further extending the
locations like Spotify does for weekly playlists.”
services of a hotel brand into the vehicle. “We needed to think beyond room cleaning initiatives and air purifying systems and develop long lasting solutions that address health,
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Journey Pebble This digital, encrypted wearable has the ability to share guest preferences with a hotel, enabling them to offer a seamless and personalised stay. Utilising this data, hotel staff can not only meet customer expectations, but go one step further by suggesting additional services and programming that complement the wish list he or she has provided. A clone of the Journey Pebble would be held behind the front desk, along with those of other guests, communicating through an AI network to promote suitable virtual or face-to-face interactions in real-time.
Robot Alliance A deconstructed approach to the food and beverage experience, Robot Alliance deploys robots to enable guests to drink and dine beyond the confines of the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Equipped with warming and cooling units that double as dining surfaces, the robotic companions allow patrons to eat and socialise anywhere within a property. Larger versions feature audio-visual components for music, movies and gaming, while service drones communicate with a bartending robot – overseen by a skilled mixologist – to send out restocked robots as and when required.
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Rethinking R&R As the hospitality industry begins to bounce back after a devastating year, hotels are embracing health and wellness to drive recovery. Words: Lisa Kjellsson
T
he coronavirus pandemic has affected almost
has been prevalent in recent years. In 2017, the Global Wellness
every sector of the global economy, none more
Institute reported that the sector was valued at US$639.4bn,
so than travel and hospitality. With restrictions
having grown at more than twice the rate of tourism in general
on movement easing in some parts of the world,
in the preceding three years (6.5% versus 3.2%). The spa sector
hotels are gradually reopening, putting health and
specifically saw even greater growth, expanding 9.8% over the
safety at the forefront of their usual practices and
same period.
communications. There’s a more compelling by-product of the
So how can hoteliers tap into this opportunity? One of the
crisis emerging however, in that it has significantly bolstered
fastest growing trends is the merger of medical and wellness
interest in wellness tourism.
services within resorts. In the past, the two sectors have been
According to a newly published report from Horwath HTL,
quite separate; medical facilities lacked the design and guest
the current situation has fast-tracked interest in the already
experience elements of a typical resort, while spa properties
burgeoning subsector. Titled ‘Merging Medical and Wellness
offered few, if any, medically approved procedures. As a result,
Tourism in Integrative Wellness Destinations’, it states:
more and more hotels are offering a combination of the two.
“Stricken by the social and economic damage that the pandemic
“Wellness resorts, which are traditionally known for their
has caused, accompanied by increased awareness of personal
holistic programming, are increasingly incorporating diagnostics
health and wellbeing, both healthcare and preventative wellness
and advanced results-driven treatments, while medically
offerings have been pushed to the forefront of peoples’ minds.”
focused destinations are seeking to broaden their offering to
As a result, the global wellness tourism market is poised
include more wellness services,” Horwath HTL confirm, billing
to grow substantially. By exactly how much has been widely
such places as integrative wellness destinations. The report
speculated, but the upward trajectory confirms the trend that
sets out the differences between the two, stating that medical
© Alexander Haiden
© Alexander Haiden
Lanserhof – with properties in Austria, Germany and a small presence at The Arts Club in London – has built its brand around combining holistic medicine with regeneration and prevention
“Stricken by the social and economic damage that the pandemic has caused, accompanied by increased awareness of personal health and wellbeing, both healthcare and preventative wellness offerings have been pushed to the forefront of peoples’ minds.” HORWATH HTL
tourism is defined as travel to receive treatment
Another region where wellness tourism is
wellness tourists, incentivising them to extend
for a diagnosed ailment, while wellness tourism
tipped to help revive the hospitality sector
the length of stay. This would typically include
is driven by rising mental health concerns,
is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA),
beauty, cosmetic, weight loss, fitness, diet and
work-related stress, poor lifestyle choices and
where the introduction of health and wellness
nutrition treatments and rehabilitation services.
notably, an increased presence of diseases and
offerings are expected to drive both domestic
Keen to make their mark in a relatively
chronic conditions.
and international tourists to extend their stay
untapped territory, a number of new spa hotels
In Europe, Lanserhof – with properties in
from a few weeks to months, according to a
are launching in the Middle East in the next
Austria, Germany and a small presence at The
report released by Colliers International in April
couple of years. Zulal Wellness Resort, set to
Arts Club in London – is widely regarded as a
this year.
be the largest destination of its kind in Qatar,
market leader, having built its brand around
To achieve this, MENA governments,
will open in 2021 with the world’s first centre
combining holistic medicine with regeneration
private investors and operators will need to
for Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine. Qatari
and prevention. There are independent ventures
focus beyond traditional medical tourism and
developer Msheireb Properties has appointed
too, such as Euphoria Retreat in Mystras, Greece,
spas and offer a wide range of services that
Chiva-Som to operate and manage the
where an on-site medical team carry out blood
encompass healthcare and wellness services
resort, located in the private coastal region of
tests, body scans, nutritional analyses and
to achieve sustainable recovery and growth,
Khasooma, an hour’s drive from Doha, where it
biofeedback profiling to establish a personalised
attracting local, regional and international
will offer therapeutic and lifestyle enhancement
course of treatment for the mind, body and soul.
tourists, say Colliers. The report also advises
treatments based on traditional Arabic and
Such concepts – providing all-round services
that provision of tertiary healthcare facilities
Islamic principles. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO of
in a comfortable, non-medical environment
will further boost travellers’ confidence, and
Msheireb Properties, believes the development
– have given rise to a host of new project
recommends that hotel operators in cities such
will have a positive impact on the nation
announcements around the world. In Thailand,
as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah and Cairo
as a whole. “Our mission as a national real
Rakxa, a fully sustainable medical wellness
affiliate with local partners known to provide a
estate developer is to build communities and
retreat on the Chao Praya River, is set to launch
good quality of care.
developments that enrich and enhance the way
in December. A partnership between Minor
For hotels outside of the main cities, such
people live, work and thrive, while remaining
Hotels Group, M.K. Real Estate Development
as the coastal resorts in Egypt, Jordan, Oman,
true to our Qatari and Arabic cultural heritage,”
and Vital Life Scientific Wellness Centre,
the UAE and more recently in Saudi Arabia,
he notes. “This partnership with Chiva-Som
a subsidiary of Bumrungrad International
Colliers advises that operators may have to
enables us to provide the best in ancient Arabic
Hospital, the concept merges modern science
pool resources to provide such support facilities.
medicine, not just in Qatar, but across the entire
and tradition, aiming to deliver bespoke
Once established, to improve profitability, the
region. Zulal Wellness Resort will no doubt
healthcare in a relaxing environment. “At a time
facility could also serve the local community
contribute to the growth of wellness tourism
when customers are reprioritising their health,
alongside tourists. Another option for the
in the country.”
the hospitality industry’s pivot to wellness is
establishment of healthcare facilities could be
Further east in the Gulf, SHA will be opening
no longer a trend but a necessity,” comments
public-private partnership, where such facilities
its first Middle Eastern outpost in Abu Dhabi
William E. Heinecke, Chairman and founder of
are considered as public good and governments
in 2023. It will be the brand’s third property,
Minor International. “Sophisticated and well-
provide regulatory and financial incentives to
adding to the popular wellness clinic in Alicante
versed in holistic therapies, today’s luxury
attract investors and operators. To make the
and a second one set to launch in Mexico in
travellers expect their wellness programmes to
tertiary care hospitals more profitable and hence
2021. In addition to 120 suites, SHA Emirates at
address health issues spanning the entire life
attractive to investors and operators, other
AlJurf will include 293 private residences in an
cycle, rather than merely offer jetlag remedies.”
health and wellness packages may be offered to
ambitious move to target consumer demand for
135
“At a time when customers are reprioritising their health, the hospitality industry’s pivot to wellness is no longer a trend but a necessity.” WILLIAM E. HEINECKE – MINOR INTL
Zulal Wellness Resort will open in Qatar in 2021 with the world’s first centre for Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine
wellness. Having won almost 100 international
guest is assigned a full-time ‘immune host’
awards in the 11 years since its launch in Spain,
throughout their stay, who works with the
SHA Wellness Clinic has established itself as one
clinic’s team to create a bespoke programme
of the world’s leading luxury medi-spas, so its
including a special diet plan crafted by a
international expansion is a natural progression
nutritionist. Treatments include infusions of
for the brand.
vitamin C, zinc and homeopathic remedies,
While developers plan ever-more innovative
as well as ozone therapy, oxygen inhalation
wellness resorts to stay ahead of the curve, for
sessions and lymphatic massages, to be had
existing spa hotels it’s a case of ensuring their
alongside fitness activities including aqua-
expertise is packaged in a way that makes it as
gymnastics, yoga, qi gong, and hiking through
relevant as ever.
the surrounding Black Forest.
This year, many spa hotels have been quick
So does tapping into the wellness tourism trend
to position themselves as part of a preventative
mean a hotel must have a spa on the premises?
health approach for Covid-conscious wellness
Not at all, says Anne Dimon, President of the
seekers. A case in point is Villa Stéphanie, the
Wellness Tourism Association. “While an onsite
medi-spa in the historic German spa town
spa is certainly a welcome addition as a resort
of Baden Baden. The newest additions to its
amenity, it is not a prerequisite for becoming
wellness programmes, billed as ‘perfect for
a stakeholder in the wellness space,” as she
the world we are currently living in’, are the
explained in a blog for World Travel Market
Immune Boost and Immune Care programmes.
Global Hub earlier this year. “The big draw as the
Both are designed to stimulate and strengthen
industry begins to recover will be those slightly
the immune system and teach guests how to
more remote locations, away from congested
boost their health through food supplements,
areas, easily accessed by car or short non-stop
stress reduction and lifestyle changes. Each
flights and, ideally, surrounded by nature.”
© Alexander Haiden
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A Blueprint for Sustainable Design PART 3 Nature-based design and organic materials – from biophilic building patterns to biomimetic construction imitating biological systems – are helping create healthier spaces, says Juliet Kinsman.
I
138
t is humankind’s departure from natural
replicating the shapes and systems of living
systems and conversion from wilderness to
organisms. In his designs, such as the treetop
urban environments that many scientists and
dining pod at Soneva Kiri in Thailand, he was
sustainability experts lament as the cause of
inspired by the natural growth of saprophytic
much of the world’s ill health. We’re living in
fungi and the Seedpod tent. He believes the
an Anthropocene era – a term coined in 2000
rooms at Nay Palad Bird Nest Hotel in Kenya
by biologist Eugene Stormer and chemist Paul
to be one of the most elegant examples of
Crutzen to describe this time in which man is
biomimicry and biophilic design. It’s not just
the dominant influencer on the planet: Anthropo
the aesthetic act, Thompson recognises that for
being Greek for ‘man’ and cene meaning ‘new’.
constructions to really be tuned into nature,
Subscribe to this, and you may feel optimistic
the entire hotel development process needed
that as much as we cause the problems facing
to be reviewed, so that it not only looks more
our planet, we can innovate through technology
organic, but its way of being function channels
to solve them too. But surely we’re better to
biological processes, working efficiently in a
look to nature?
circular way, as nature does. “The earlier in
Biophilic design is that which is inspired
the design process that we consider passive
by natural surroundings and all living things,
design, orientation, insulation, airflow, material
channelling biological forms in architecture and
selection, natural light, renewable energy, water
interiors and replicating nature’s idiosyncratic
re-use strategies, regenerative landscaping and
patterns and systems. When it comes to building
engineering, the higher the chance of success in
exceptional hospitality establishments, it’s
achieving an integrated, holistic environment,”
about finding balance. We’re returning to age-
explains Thompson.
old traditions and organic materials as well as
Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat in New Zealand
implementing forward-thinking methods and
is an exemplar of the Living Building Challenge
application, incorporating what we love about
accreditation. “The processes they are adopting
the natural world along the way – daylight,
in terms of construction methodology are
fresh air through natural ventilation and
holistic – incorporating a sense of place, health
verdant greenery.
and happiness, equity, land regeneration and
Louis Thompson of Nomadic Resorts is an
beauty into the design process, as well as
award-winning biophilic designer credited with
addressing the traditional technical aspects of
Sustainability Speak BIOPHILIC DESIGN A connection with the natural environment through direct and an evoked contact with nature by way of architecture and interior design. CLOSED LOOP Circularity means trackable, simplified supply chains and a closed loop in terms of operations and zero waste, rather than a linear approach in which goods are used then sent to landfill. GREEN ROOFS, GREEN WALLS Gardens and ecological features enhance biodiversity and provide potential habitats for birds and insects. Plus, the right greenery oxygenates the air, sequesters carbon in cities and counters air pollution. green building such as thermal comfort, energy
are self-sufficient, zero waste and the solar
and water use,” Thompson notes. He makes the
photovoltaic system allows them to turn off the
distinction between green building certifications
generator bar a few hours a day. Their farm on
such as LEED and BREEAM being more relevant
the mainland also supplies fruit and vegetables,
to assessing the hardware of office blocks and
so they don’t have to cut down trees to clear
apartment buildings as opposed to biophilic
land for growing.
projects, which work on a more spiritual level
Biophilia is a buzzword in city styling too, but
in terms of genius loci. “We are working to
it’s important for concepts to stretch beyond a
combine traditional green building, biophilic
superficial façade. 1 Hotels swiftly established
design and large-scale rewilding, expecting
themselves as the first nature-inspired urban
remarkable results.”
retreats with all-singing all-photosynthesising
Judging by the hotel landscape, it appears
living walls and interiors crafted with tactile
easier for tropical locations to lick this formula,
upcycled woods and farm-to-fork menus jiving
free to plot up in the soil and start building up
on the organic theme. Meanwhile, houseplants
with materials such as bamboo, unfettered by
transformed three of Leman Locke’s suites
the constraints of urban contexts. Cempedak,
into pop-up jungles when biophilic designer
a private island resort in Indonesia and Bambu
and architect Oliver Heath brought in Boston
Indah in Bali are poster hotels for open-air
ferns, peace lilies and snake plants – which is
bamboo-architecture magnificence. “Islands by
sometimes the best urban escape. Thompson
their nature are their own ecosystems and there
agrees this is an efficient quick-win for city
is a whole subject around their biodiversity
hotels: “Good quality interior vegetation in
under the label Island Biogeography,” explains
public areas is the easiest solution – masses
Andrew Dixon, creator of Cempedak and sister
of beautiful terracotta pots exploding with
venture Nikoi. “The strongest learnings come
nephrolepis ferns can be as be as powerful as a
from permaculture theories and putting that
fancy living wall – and a lot easier to maintain.”
into practice. I have come to learn that it is so
Adapting to this socially-distanced world,
much more efficient to work with nature than
Locke Hotels use planters and terrariums
to try and fight it.” Dixon considers these two
in Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Dublin
islands their own ecosystems, the ultimate goal
and soon, Munich, also known to help soften
being to make them 100% self-sufficient. They
the effects of anxiety. “The industrial-style
NON-TOXIC The natural world is of course free from manmade chemicals, and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) spare us of the toxic chemicals in traditional emulsions. Herman K, in a converted transformer station in Copenhagen, is chemical-free thanks to surfaces treated with an invisible, scent-free, selfdisinfecting titanium dioxide ‘CleanCoat’ – meaning they only need to be wiped down with electrolysed water. PASSIVE DESIGN Coined in Germany as the Passivhaus system, these centuries-old buildingscience principles are also known as bioclimatic architecture – insulation throughout an airtight envelope, highperformance triple-glazed windows and doors where aspect optimises and minimises solar energy to ensure comfortable and consistent indoor temperatures during both the warmer and cooler seasons.
139
Sustainability Speak PERMACULTURE Designing an ecosystem so it mimics nature-based principles, from growing food to planning a garden that produces rich soil and naturally recycles.
spaces having elements of biophilia creates
environmentally honest. It cannot be part of
a nice tension – we’ve evolved to be urban
someone’s job. In the current situation, we
creatures but we’re yearning for proximity
need passionate, dedicated people managing a
to the natural world,” notes Matt Grzywinski
circular hotel business model.”
of Grzywinski+Pons, the designer behind a number of the Locke properties.
Sarah Jenkinson from Centre for Alternative Technology, an eco-centre in Wales dedicated
Designing great function is as critical as
to demonstrating and teaching sustainable
considering form – which is nature’s MO.
development, adds: “Architectural education
“Circularity is all about waste and a new hotel
that embraces the heartfelt needs of nature and
design should minimise the waste of water,
all that we love about the natural word – light,
energy and solid waste at the design stage,”
fresh air, birdsong, water – is the responsible
explains Asia-based Sustainability Coach, Piet
architecture of the future. At our Graduate
van Zyl. “The engineering designs should
School for the Environment in Mid Wales,
incorporate this as a principle – but engineers
trainee architects get hands-on experience
don’t like designing stuff they are not familiar
with sustainable and traditional building
with.” Every aspect of the design should look at
materials such as rammed earth, cob and
where materials come from and where they will
hemp, as well as lime, timber and straw bales.
go at the end of life and asking what the long-
Environmentally sustainable materials offer
term impact is on the environment regarding
creative opportunities to develop high quality,
waste and water and electricity?
healthy, effective and long-lasting products
The Datai in Langkawi was recently lauded for its relaunch after an extensive redesign –
ZERO WASTE In nature, there’s no such thing as waste: picture all organisms processing nutrients in a closed loop, where even their excretions become matter that is useful to another phase in the system. In the context of construction, it’s when a circular economy is observed and supply chains are resourceful, ethical and transparent, meaning any waste is repurposed rather than being sent to landfill.
that can enhance rather than damage natural ecosystems.”
which has permaculture at its heart. “Bring the
Let’s delight in a bandwagon now heaving as
organics and food waste back to feed the soil
the travel industry is appreciating that the way
to produce healthy food through composting
to wow tomorrow’s clients is through nature –
and worm farms,” van Zyl explains. “Treat
wherever they are. Hotels are also appreciating
wastewater naturally to promote nutritious
sustainability as more than a trend, and as a
irrigation water. Keep the solid waste from
new way of being. As Luxury Frontiers’ Graeme
polluting because otherwise it can wash out on
Labe puts it: “Humans spend 93% of their time
the beach and be seen next to the roads. The
indoors, but if nature can enhance even the
Datai takes a holistic, long-term view and they
most mundane activities, surely designers have
are transforming tomorrow, today.”
a responsibility to pull the natural world into
Van Zyl helped develop the waste-to-wealth
the built environment?” It’s not just the window
application at Soneva Fushi. “The hotels with
dressing you want to look green and natural, it
a positive impact on their environment have
should really function in this way too.
made a conscious decision to do so, and have committed to contribute resources to it, not just greenwashing with fluffy PR words,” he notes. “A hotel that says it is serious about sustainability has a sustainability department with dedicated personnel managing waste and gardens and bees, keeping the hotel
140
Juliet Kinsman is a sustainability editor and founder of Bouteco. Her new book, The Green Edit: Travel (Easy Tips for the Eco-Friendly Traveller), published by Ebury, is out now.
17434 Open Concept Sleeper Magazine Ad – OUTLINES FINAL.indd 1
22/10/2020 13:43
Hotel Construction Pipeline Europe While Europe’s hotels continue to face operational challenges in the wake of the global pandemic, interest in the sector remains robust, with owners and operators pushing ahead with new signings across the continent. When Tophotelprojects published its preCovid global construction report earlier this year, it counted a total of 1,625 projects, or 283,490 rooms, in Europe’s pipeline. While there’s undoubtedly been cancellations in recent months, the overall numbers have in fact risen, with the latest data showing 1,747 projects, or 302,036 rooms, in development. In London, Europe’s development hotspot – second only to Dubai on the global stage – the number of projects in the pipeline has risen from 99 to 106, while Dublin – ranked seventh in the global list – has seen ten new projects announced in recent months, bringing its total to 53. Taking a continent-wide view, the UK tops the list with 424 projects in the pipeline – up from 390 in May – with Liverpool, Glasgow and Manchester set to add to their inventory. Germany meanwhile has seen an incremental rise in its pipeline, led by new project announcements in the cities of Hamburg, Frankfurt and Berlin. Though delays are possible – whether Covid-related or otherwise – if all goes to plan, Europe can expect in excess of 90,000 new rooms in 2021.
Tophotelprojects is a data service to support the design, build, furnishing and operation of hotels worldwide. For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com
142
TOP CITIES LONDON Projects 106 Rooms 18,000
LIVERPOOL Projects 29 Rooms 4,175
DUBLIN Projects 53 Rooms 8,698
GLASGOW Projects 25 Rooms 4,609
MANCHESTER Projects 24 Rooms 4,865
FRANKFURT Projects 20 Rooms 5,960
PARIS Projects 32 Rooms 6,208
HAMBURG Projects 24 Rooms 5,780
VIENNA Projects 23 Rooms 4,077
BERLIN Projects 19 Rooms 4,185
TOP COUNTRIES
Projects Rooms
Projects Rooms
1
2
3
4
5
UK 424 61,702
GERMANY 359 56,287
FRANCE 100 16,854
SPAIN 78 15,537
IRELAND 77 12,102
6
7
8
9
10
ITALY 76 11,914
AUSTRIA 66 8,794
SWITZERLAND 66 8,516
POLAND 65 13,010
RUSSIA 63 12,990
BUSINESS CENTRE
CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 302,036 rooms in the pipeline across Europe, 39% (668 projects) are in planning and 37% (630 projects) are under construction. A total of 23,870 rooms are in the pre-opening phase and expected to debut in the coming months.
VISION
PRE-PLANNING
Projects 33 Rooms 4,198
PLANNING
Projects 266 Rooms 45,813
CONSTRUCTION
Projects 668 Rooms 117,136
PRE-OPENING
Projects 630 Rooms 111,019
Projects 150 Rooms 23,870
GROUPS AND BRANDS Hilton Worldwide has the most projects in the pipeline, with growth coming primarily from the Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn brands. Of the European-based groups, Accor is set to plant flags for Mercure while IHG is expanding with Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo.
145 93 84 71 63
Projects
Projects
Projects
Projects
Projects
BRAND
PROJECTS
ROOMS
Hampton by Hilton
55
8,844
Hilton Garden Inn
30
4,748
Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts
23
4,463
Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts
22
4,953
Courtyard by Marriott
22
4,000
Doubletree by Hilton
19
3,304
Scandic Hotels
17
5,308
Hotel Indigo
17
2,143
Mercure Hotels
17
2,116
Radisson Red
16
3,352
YEAR OF OPENING
2020 (15%)
2021 (30%)
2022 (16%)
2023 (9%)
2024+ (30%)
143
Photograph: Paul Woods, http://www.thega-group.com, The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin
FEURING Hotel Development Europa GmbH 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. SELECTION OF OUR PROJECTS: Ameron Hotel, Davos, Switzerland / Andaz Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands / Munich, Germany / Concorde La Fayette, Paris, France / Concorde St. Lazare, Paris, France / Dolce Hotel, Munich, Germany / Dolce La Hulpe, Brussels, Belgium / Doubletree by Hilton, Košice, Slovakia / Grand Hotel Kempinski, High Tatras, Slovakia / Hilton Garden Inn, Davos, Switzerland / Hyatt Place, Frankfurt, Germany / Zurich Airport, Switzerland / Hyatt Regency, Düsseldorf, Germany / Mainz, Germany / Zurich Airport, Switzerland / InterContinental, Davos, Switzerland / Geneva, Switzerland / Jaz, Stuttgart, Germany / Jumeirah Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany / Mallorca, Spain / Kameha Hotel, Zurich, Switzerland / Kempinski Hotel River Park, Bratislava, Slovakia / Le Méridien, Barcelona, Spain / Munich, Germany / Split, Croatia / Stuttgart, Germany / Vienna, Austria / Le Méridien Domhotel, Cologne, Germany / Le Méridien Etoile, Paris, France / Le Royal Méridien, Hamburg, Germany / Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain / Bodrum, Turkey / Geneva, Switzerland / Munich, Germany / Paris, France / Prague, Czech Republic / Mövenpick Hotel & Casino, Geneva, Switzerland / Mövenpick Hotel, Basel, Switzerland / Stuttgart Airport, Germany / Zurich Airport, Switzerland / Radisson SAS, Rostock, Germany / Rosewood Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands / SOHO, Amsterdam, Netherlands / Swissôtel Bremen, Germany / Dresden, Germany / Geneva, Switzerland / Sochi, Russia / The Ritz Carlton, Berlin, Germany / Budapest, Hungary ...
FEURING Hotel Development Europa GmbH / Heinkelstr. 19-21 / DE-73230 Kirchheim u. Teck / +49 (0) 7021 73 60-0 / www.feuring.info Contact us at info@feuring.info
BUSINESS CENTRE
The intelligence source for the hotel investment community
Hostels struggle
foresees two hostels, in London and Barcelona,
the launch of a 412-bed property in Budapest,
staying closed until 2021, with Q4 at 15%
Hungary. Further ventures in Heidelberg,
While serviced apartments have fared relatively
occupancy, and early 2021 rising to just 25%.
Florence and Barcelona are in the pipeline,
well during the Covid-19 crisis, another hotel
By mid-August, the company said hostels
though Winter said he expected to see delays
alternative, hostels, has struggled to cope with
open for more than five weeks saw an average
to the Barcelona timeline, due to permit issues.
lockdown, and with finding business thereafter.
39% occupancy in their fourth week. With most
During the lockdown of earlier in the year,
With a consumer base founded on the young,
bookings now last minute, it said there was
the group was obliged to close its Venice site,
footloose traveller, and an accommodation offer
little feel for forward business.
but said Winter, with payroll at around 10-15% of total costs, “we decided to keep every asset
based around shared space, operators in the
As it stands, Safestay expects to breach
niche have suffered from scarcity of guests, and
banking covenants with HSBC at the end of
from the challenge of meeting distancing rules.
2020, and is negotiating further lenience;
A&O implemented its ‘hygiene project’ with
At UK listed hostel operator Safestay,
there are also plans to sell and leaseback
a two-day seminar to teach general managers
Covid-19 has hit the group hard after a period
freehold properties in Glasgow, Pisa and York,
how to adopt a new role of hygiene officers.
when it grew strongly and was looking forward
if necessary.
“Now, the biggest challenge is to keep people
open – it was better to maintain visibility.”
to scale efficiency gains. Towards the end of
“This is a challenging period but I am
motivated,” said Winter, in a role where masks
August, in a trading update, the company
confident that in time we will get back to
and screens compromise interaction with guests,
declared: “The directors believe that Safestay
normal,” said chairman Larry Lipman. “We
but remain a necessary part of operations.
has the infrastructure in place to manage the
are working closely on a range of options
Winter said rates are down 30-40% on
re-opening of hostels and re-engagement with
to strengthen our financial position, which
the previous year, and occupancy has been
its customers and that ultimately, Safestay
may not be required but will be an additional
compromised by Covid-19 restrictions. In a
will find the route to returning its portfolio of
comfort to have. We know we have a good
typical A&O hostel, half the rooms are twins,
hostels to pre-Covid-19 occupancy levels.”
cash generative business and while the current
and half are configured for 4-6 beds. “All our
Safestay spent 2019 transforming its business
market is challenging we have a clear strategy
rooms are en suite – that’s a big benefit.”
with a raft of deals. In June, it spent EUR3.25m
for addressing it and as importantly for moving
Depending on local regulations, just two beds
buying a 161-bed hostel in Pisa, Italy. September
back to being fully operational.”
in each of the larger rooms can be sold, if the occupants are not from the same family.
saw the arrival of an addition in Glasgow, where
At privately held hostel group A&O, CEO
it bought a Best Western branded hotel for
Oliver Winter told Hotel Analyst that worries
But Winter said the big hit has been group
conversion. And a joint venture agreement with
over fresh lockdowns in central Europe were
business, which typically helps fill the group’s
EOS Sicav in Italy committed the pair to develop
overshadowing a summer where bookings, if
larger, shared rooms. “What we are totally
a 660-bed hostel near Mestre station in Venice.
not profits, had rebounded after the shock of
missing is school and sports groups.” He said
In October, the company bought an established
the second quarter. “We had a great recovery in
that after being missing all summer, September
hostel in Athens for rebranding, giving it a
July and August, especially in Germany where
saw a return of just 20% of normal levels of
presence in the Greek capital. In November, it
domestic business was good. Now, we are
that sector.
acquired a hotel in Berlin, for conversion to a
seeing new travel restrictions.”
150-bed hostel taking the portfolio to 18 sites.
The operator has been in business for 20 years
HA PERSPECTIVE
With unfortunate timing, Safestay spent
and has 41 hostels across Europe. It is backed
By Chris Bown: What unites hostels and big hotel
EUR2.7m in the first quarter acquiring hostels
by American investor TPG Real Estate, which
brands? A need to see the return of group business.
in Bratislava and Warsaw from Dreamgroup
bought the business in 2017.
While Marriott may be fretting about corporate
Management. With the August update, Safestay
Winter said openings had continued largely as
conventions, the demise of student, sporting and
presented a base case for the business that
planned, despite some Covid-related delays in
school group travel due to Covid-19 is equally hitting
envisages all the hostels reopened, with 30%
construction. “We opened our second asset in
the hostel business.
occupancy in the last quarter of 2020, rising to
Copenhagen last week,” one of three openings
Those operators with shared washrooms, or with
40% for the first two months of 2021. A low case
this year, and following hard on the heels of
a preponderance of larger shared rooms, will be
145
suffering greatly so long as Covid-driven occupancy restrictions are in place. Allowing just two people to
“The social impact of travel and tourism can transform lives of all of those who depend on
stay in an eight-bed room is going to hit revenues
Tourism bodies are pushing to get the global
this sector, alleviate poverty, reduce inequality,
substantially, as Safestay’s estimates note.
tourism industry restarted as soon as possible.
protect wildlife and preserve cultures and
And for groups that have been spending heavily
And leading the charge is the UNWTO, which
communities around the globe,” said WTTC
to expand, such as Safestay, the immediate future is
is working on a range of fronts to advance
president and CEO Gloria Guevara. “It plays
tough. It will need all Lipman’s undoubted financial
tourism more sustainably, and more globally, as
a vital part in achieving wider developmental
skills to retain the support of its backers, until the
the world recovers from the shock of Covid-19.
goals. We want to increase the awareness
a
amongst travellers of the incredible extra
revenues start to return to some sort of normal. Until
comprehensive tourism recovery tracker,
benefits of travel, so they are more conscious
then, the pips are squeaking.
aiming to share best practice and live data.
that their actions and spending go further than
The free to access dashboard draws together a
they think, as well as how positive an impact
HA PERSPECTIVE
range of information across regions, tracking
every trip can have.”
By Andrew Sangster: The fortunes of pure play hostels
tourism arrivals, air seat availability, hotel
WTTC also recently launched a report based
contrast strikingly with how well hybrid concepts
rates, occupancy levels and demand for short-
on research it commissioned, calling for a
are being perceived. While Safestay is seeking to
term rentals.
globally coordinated approach to recovery.
backpackers of Europe are out and about again and
The
organisation
has
launched
shore-up its financial position, CityHub has signed
The organisation is also looking to level the
It says an improvement of seamless travel,
financial deals to deliver 10 new locations during the
playing field, off the back of the pandemic,
and greater integration of technology should
next five years, the latest being in Copenhagen.
with initiatives to help strengthen business in
work alongside improved health and wellness
Investment bank NIBC and bank ABN AMRO have
younger markets, and make the most of smart
protocols, to improve traveller confidence and
provided financial backing for the roll out at CityHub.
technologies. A recent Acceleration Programme,
get the world moving once more. To Travel and
At first glance, it is hard to see how CityHub, which
held with Google, targeted support to South
Beyond also calls on public and private bodies
offers tightly packed rooms and shared communal
Africa, Kenya and Nigeria. “UNWTO is committed
to work together to build the sector’s resilience.
spaces, is well positioned during the current phase
to helping Africa grow back stronger,” said
The report identifies four key trends that will
of the pandemic. CityHub’s concept sees people sleep
Natalia Bayona, the organisation’s director
shape the recovery of travel: demand evolution,
in interlocking rooms where the bed space of the
of innovation, digital transformation and
health & hygiene, innovation & digitisation, and
adjacent hub is either under or over the other hub
investments. “With the right policies, training
sustainability.
– an L-shape interlocked with an upside L-shape.
and management in place, innovation and
Matthieu De Clercq, partner at Oliver Wyman,
But CityHub is touting itself as the next generation
technology have the potential to foster new
who undertook the research for WTTC, said:
of hybrid hotel-hostel concept, emphasising
and better jobs and business opportunities for
“It is imperative to move beyond the crisis
‘responsible’ tourism. According to founder Pieter
tourism in Africa while improving the overall
and continue to support systemic change
van Tilburg, it is focused on providing “curated
wellbeing and prosperity of the region.”
in the industry to enhance its resilience to
The organisation is also looking to double
future shocks and improve its positive socio-
In Copenhagen, NREP, a Scandinavian-focused
down on supporting rural communities, in
economic positive impact. Creating inclusive
real estate investor that touts its innovation
the wake of Covid-19, to exploit tourism as
opportunities for women, youth and minorities
credentials, was convinced enough to sign a lease
a way to improve their economies. An event
alike does not only make sense economically,
for the Cityhub property, which offers 216 hubs.
hosted by the Mercosur nations focused on
but is also what tourists of the future want,
For its part, NREP has raised EUR1.9bn to put
the potential for sustainable tourism to help
especially post-Covid.”
into “under-served real estate segments across the
improve economic recovery and development
Nordics” during the pandemic. Customer-centric
across South America.
experiences that benefit the cities we are in.”
146
Calls for sector to drive change
With consumers now more ready to embrace digital transformation than ever, the report
residential properties, care homes and modern
The World Travel & Tourism Council,
suggests changes including even a move to
logistics were stated as the main focus for the fund.
meanwhile, has launched a campaign to remind
digital passports, as a way to ease the transition
But hotels and flex office are on the list too.
consumers of the social benefits of travel
of travellers between countries. And it suggests
In reality, hostels are hardly a tired concept and
and tourism. Headed by a promotional video
that both domestic, and later global incentives
will again find their growth legs once the pandemic
shared across global social media platforms, the
to encourage tourism should be used, to build
subsides. In the meantime, expect a lot of talk about
campaign aims to remind travellers that their
back international travel.
pivoting towards a hybrid model.
trips have a social and economic benefit.
BUSINESS CENTRE
HA PERSPECTIVE
In addition, once there is a vaccine, it is unlikely
subscription offerings have been launched,
By Andrew Sangster: Building back better is a
to have complete efficacy. For example, flu vaccines
targeting both the dislodged corporate office
favoured three-word slogan right now. It is in the
typically protect between 15% and 50% of recipients.
worker, and those seeking corporate longer
same school of thought as not letting a good crisis
Even with a vaccine, there is unlikely to be any
stay lodgings.
go to waste.
immediate return to normality.
massive economic benefits travel and tourism brings. And it is a chance to help find solutions where the industry has proved a problem, such as Venice,
The coworking package combines access to CitizenM’s lounge workspace with three
The industry is absolutely right to point out the
Innovation for the win
nights overnight stay for a combined EUR550 per month. The package is being promoted to corporates as well as to those fed up with
Investors and operators are migrating
Covid-19 enforced working from home. “We
What is key is getting governments and other
towards longer stay formats, in a bid to win
do position this as something for those fed up
non-governmental actors to recognise the
back business. New investment in the long
with the barking dog,” said Lennert de Jong of
importance of our industry as a driver of economic
stay marketplace underlines the resilience
CitizenM. He said the group has been talking
growth. Historically, sectors like agriculture and
of the niche, while hotel group CitizenM is
to around 400 companies and travel managers,
manufacturing have garnered a far greater share
also targeting regulars, with an offering of
“and many are extremely interested”.
of attention. This is despite agriculture being ex-
subscription-based packages.
Amsterdam and Barcelona.
A second offering, named global passport, is
growth and manufacturing offering little chance
Investor APG has given its stamp of approval
being launched as a full stay package at USD/
of significant employment growth in developed
to the serviced apartment sector, announcing a
EUR/GBP1,500 per month. “It’s a long-stay
nations. With millions of unemployed, governments
major co-investment in Dutch aparthotel brand
solution, with flexibility on where you stay,”
are going to need to address what sort of economic
City ID. APG acquired a stake in the company last
said de Jong. “It really competes with rent in
policies are needed to get people back into jobs. And
year, and has now linked with fellow investor
New York.” The package requires a minimum
the answer here ought to be policies that support and
Aware Super, an Australian funder, with the
seven-night stay in one location, but ultimately
promote hospitality.
partners committed to creating a EUR500m
has the potential to substantially replace rent
European portfolio within the next four years.
for a digital nomad. De Jong noted that, in
In the UK, for example, hospitality creates more
Europe, it had the potential to offer a solution
than 40 jobs per GBP1m of output (according to
The financial firepower will take City ID from
Resolution Foundation and ONS data). The next
its current three Amsterdam properties to a
closest sector – admin and support activities –
chain with prime locations in major city centres
De Jong said the company had been looking
creates less than 30 jobs per GBP1m of output.
around Europe. The company has said it will
hard at the subscription model, and sees it as
Manufacturing is barely 10 jobs for each GBP1m of
look at newbuilds, conversions of all sorts and
a way to deepen relationships with customers
output. Scaling up hospitality is a jobs creator.
joint ventures. Soft branded, the properties are
over time. “We believe in subscriptions. We’re
individually decorated and have guest amenities
not for everyone, we want to gain a better
including fitness facilities.
connection with people.”
The latest numbers on youth unemployment, according to Eurostat, are terrifying. Youth (under
to dodging local Covid-19 lockdowns.
25) unemployment stands at more than 30% in the
Robert-Jan Foortse, head of European Property
CitizenM is already developing a hotel close
EU. In Spain and Italy, youth unemployment is more
Investments at APG, commented: “In our view
to Facebook’s global headquarters in Menlo
than 50%; in France it is above the EU average.
there is a significant market opportunity to
Park, USA, and sees the relationship with global
The hospitality industry is going to be a, perhaps
roll out a design aparthotel offering across
business travellers as a key differentiator for its
the, critical industry for getting young people back
the major European cities. We are delighted to
business in future.
in jobs. This gives the industry meaningful leverage
partner with Aware Super, who share our long-
both in keeping the industry in some form of shape
term strategic view for the sector. The City ID
HA PERSPECTIVE
during our own spell of long-Covid and when we
product has shown remarkable resilience during
By Chris Bown: CitizenM has long taken pride in
finally see a proper recovery.
the ongoing Covid situation and together with
doing things differently, from modular construction
Aware Super we look forward to supporting the
to its snug rooms combined with generous lounge
company in its growth phase.”
and common areas. Now, it’s decided that a series
On this latter point, it is worth reiterating that this is probably going to take longer than many are factoring in. Kate Bingham, the head of the UK’s
At hotel group CitizenM, the company is
of combo-style packages are worth testing in the
vaccine taskforce has been telling anyone who will
making a big play for subscription customers
market - ideal for the digital nomads it is targeting.
listen that there will be only a limited supply of
- a contrast to the loyalty programme schemes
The model is not unique - in the UK, Village Hotels
vaccines until midway through next year.
favoured by the big hotel brands. A pair of
already makes much of the subscription model with a
147
BUSINESS CENTRE
solid membership income from the health clubs in its
Analyst (still going after 17 years) there are many
hotels, as well as coworking spaces. But CitizenM’s
other examples, including the Substack platform,
linkage of work and stay is a great way to appeal to
which is enabling individual writers and thinkers to
another market niche.
launch viable email newsletter businesses.
HA PERSPECTIVE
with than hotel rooms (thankfully for me). There is
By Andrew Sangster: The distribution challenge for
almost zero marginal cost for media consumption
hotels has always been to avoid commoditisation.
(apart from a slight bump on server costs and a bit of
The industry has historically sold its rooms on the
admin). Rooms do have a significant marginal cost
basis of price. If you want an economy room it is
and have a narrow band of sales volume to make
x, if you want a midscale room it is y and if you
optimum pricing work.
Of course, media content is a lot easier to deal
want upscale or luxury it is z. There may be a slight
Hotels have, of course, always had subscribers,
supplement if it was a big brand or a trendy boutique,
regular users usually looked after by corporate
but essentially hotels commoditised themselves by
account managers. But these users are on a pay-
opting into one of the pricing bands for chain scale
as-you-go tariff. This leaves hotels open to being
segments.
commoditised via other channels.
The emergence of boutique brands a couple
If hoteliers can switch their biggest customers onto
of decades ago was so revolutionary because it
fixed tariffs (I know this is a tough call right now),
represented a break with being defined by physical
then the commoditising effects of other channels are
product and service offering. W Hotels, arguably
neutered. The problem is finding tariffs that work for
the big brand pioneer in the space, was able to
customers and at the same time hotels.
charge luxury rates on rooms that would normally
The CitizenM experiment is an interesting toe-in-
have been classed as midscale due to their size. Not
the-water. If executed right, it could be the ultimate
surprisingly, owners loved it.
loyalty scheme that delivers a compelling recurring
And it is here where CitizenM became the poster
revenue bundle.
child for a new generation of properties. Despite
Just as with something like Amazon Prime, there
small – some might say tiny – rooms, it is able to
may be bits you don’t like or didn’t even know about
charge upper midscale, even upscale prices. Its trick
or need. But overall, from a customer perspective,
was to be trendy and offer upscale common areas
the value offer is sufficient to make continued
alongside slick in-room amenities. It broke out of
subscription compelling.
the straight jacket of having a price imposed on it according to room size and service offering. But even CitizenM could not escape the tyranny of being ranked by price on metasearch and OTA websites. Something like a third of its rooms is sold via such intermediaries (at least pre-pandemic) and so it was still subject to these commoditising forces. The relatively small size of its network makes the creation of an effective loyalty scheme more challenging, a key route for the global brands to fight back against being commoditised. CitizenM has alighted upon another option. Room inventory has strong parallels with media content. Selling content on a piecemeal basis is tough, few publishers make money selling one-off stories. But getting people to subscribe to access can create a sustainable business model. Aside from Hotel
148
Hotel Analyst is the news analysis service for those involved with financing hotel property or hotel operating companies. For more information and to subscribe visit: www.hotelanalyst.co.uk
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21/10/2020 16:24
Performance Data September 2020 (year-over-year % changes and absolute values)
Covid-19 Update: Global Hotel Performance With the summer months in the past for most of the world, data shows continued variance in hotel performance recovery. At the time of writing for instance, hotel occupancy in Mainland China is trending near pre-pandemic levels, while Europe has begun to retreat amid new lockdowns in response to rising Covid-19 case counts. Infections in the US continue to increase too, but hotel occupancy remains flat from week to week, teetering at around 50%. This post-summer period would usually feature conferences, events and a great deal of corporate demand. With that demand lacking for most markets, performance levels remain well below pre-pandemic levels, as illustrated in the significant year-over-year declines outlined in the graphic. It is important to note that the metrics reflect STR standard methodology, which measures occupancy of all the open hotels in a market and tracks realised demand against realised supply. This methodology excludes temporarily closed rooms that can not be booked. The number of Covid-19 temporary closures has decreased to just over 4,500 around the globe. More than 23,000 properties reopened after closing due to lockdown or a lack of demand that prevented profitable operations.
USA
Each of the three key performance indicators came in lower than August, which was the country’s best performing month since April.
Occupancy 28.2% to 48.3% ADR 24.9% to US$99.12 RevPAR 46.1% to US$47.87
COLOMBIA
In Colombia, each of the three key performance metrics are the highest since March. Showing the magnitude of the pandemic impact, the country has reported five consecutive months of single-digit occupancy prior to September.
Occupancy 79.3% to 13.0% ADR 23.0% to COP202,815.26 RevPAR 84.0% to COP26,291.91 BRAZIL
Across the board, Brazil’s KPIs reached their highest absolute level since March. STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors. For more information and to subscribe visit: www.str.com
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Occupancy 57.5% to 26.1% ADR 17.1% to BRL243.11 RevPAR 64.7% to BRL63.34
BUSINESS CENTRE
IRELAND
Each of the three key performance metrics are down from August, but higher than most of the other pandemic-affected months.
Occupancy 58.4% to 37.0% ADR 29.5% to EUR102.59 RevPAR 70.7% to EUR 38.00
POLAND
Each of the three key performance metrics are down from August. ADR is the lowest in Poland since May.
Occupancy 52.4% to 37.7% ADR 22.2% to PLN257.34 RevPAR 63.0% to PLN97.02
CHINA
Performance levels are down slightly from the previous month, but occupancy and RevPAR is closer to a positive year-overyear comparison than any month in 2020.
Occupancy 1.3% to 62.0% ADR 14.7% to CNY406.65 RevPAR 15.8% to CNY252.30
SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia’s key performance metrics are slightly lower than August, when summer staycations and domestic demand following Eid al-Adha provided a small boost.
SOUTH AFRICA
Occupancy 32.5% to 34.4% ADR 12.7% to SAR508.80 RevPAR 41.0% to SAR174.78
Each of the three key performance metrics are up from August and at their highest level since March.
NEW ZEALAND
Occupancy 59.6% to 27.4% ADR 17.5% to ZAR982.48 RevPAR 66.7% to ZAR268.75
Occupancy 28.6% to 53.7% ADR 4.6% to NZD166.44 RevPAR 31.9% to NZD89.33
Occupancy is up from August, but ADR is lower month-over-month.
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P H O T O G R A P H Y: S Y LV A N M Ü L L E R
ONE OF A KIND
19.10.20 16:54
AHEAD EUROPE
AHEAD, the Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design, has revealed this year’s finalists for the Europe region. From a playful retreat that speaks of craftsmanship, re-use and repair to a Cretan resort that delivers a soulful take on the Mediterranean escape and a floating spa complex in Sweden, the shortlist demonstrates the best executed and most ambitious design schemes and experiences the continent has to offer. An independent panel of experts, chaired by Stuart Adolph – Senior Vice President of Development, Europe, at Sydell Group – recently met virtually to discuss, deliberate and assess the projects on their creative excellence and commercial viability, voting for their winners across categories such as Bar, Club or Lounge, Hotel Renovation & Restoration and Suite, as well as Spa & Wellness, Lobby & Public
Spaces, New Concept and the prestigious AHEAD Hotel of the Year. “Drawn from a substantial number of entries, this year’s shortlist features a broad range of properties that showcase the very best of hospitality across the region,” comments Guy Dittrich, Sleeper’s Editor-atLarge and longstanding judge. “With some new faces on this year’s panel and a real depth to the quality and variety of hotels under discussion, we’ve had our work cut out determining the winners.” Whilst the hospitality industry is facing testing times, the AHEAD programme will continue to recognise the achievements of architects, designers, developers and operators, and this year is no different. Winners will be announced on Monday 16 November in a virtual ceremony broadcast on both the AHEAD and Dezeen websites.
www.aheadawards.com
AHEAD EUROPE SHORTLIST
B A R , C LU B O R LO U N G E 40 Elephants at Great Scotland Yard Hotel – London, England Twenty14 / Gladstone Court Developments / Hyatt Hotels / EPR Architects / HBA
Market Street Hotel – Edinburgh, Scotland Carlton Hotel Collection / JM Architects / FG Stijl / Glintmeijer Design Studio
Double Standard at The Standard – London, England Standard International Hotel Group / Archer Humphryes Architects / Shawn Hausman Design
Nhow Amsterdam RAI – The Netherlands COD / Being Development / RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre / NH Hotel Group / OMA / Next Architects / MVSA / GLG Architects
Sibin at Great Scotland Yard Hotel – London, England Twenty14 / Gladstone Court Developments / Hyatt Hotels / EPR Architects / HBA
H O T E L R E N O VAT I O N & R E S T O R AT I O N
The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych – London, England One Aldwych Hotel / Jestico & Whiles / Fabled Studio
Boho Club – Marbella, Spain Quartier Properties / Ismael Merida Arquitectos / Stylt Trampoli
The Malt Lounge at The Prince Akatoki – London, England Prince Hotels & Resorts / Seibu Holdings / Staywell Holdings / B3 Designers
Château de Vignée – Villers-sur-Lesse, Belgium Xior Group / Relais & Chateaux / WeWantMore
GUESTROOMS Apfelhotel – Saltusio, Italy Apfelhotel Torgglerhof / Family Pichler / noa* network of architecture Birch – Cheshunt, England Birch Hospitality / Red Deer / LRW Architects
La Maison d’Estournel – Saint-Estèphe, France Michel Reybier Hospitality / La Réserve / Michaelis Boyd Associates / António Rico and Fabien Mazenc Treehouse Hotel – London, England Cairn Group / SH Hotels and Resorts / Keane Brands Villa Arnica – Lana, Italy Schwarzschmied / Studio Biquadra
Boho Club – Marbella, Spain Quartier Properties / Ismael Merida Arquitectos / Stylt Trampoli
L A N D S C A P I N G & O U T D O O R S PA C E S
Domes Zeen – Chania, Greece Domes Resorts / Lambs and Lions / K-Studio / Kristina Zanic Consultants / Fytron Landscape Design
Apfelhotel – Saltusio, Italy Apfelhotel Torgglerhof / Family Pichler / noa* network of architecture
Hotel Arlberg – Lech, Austria Benjamin Schneider & Patrick Krummenacher / Pointner Design
HOTEL CONVERSION Ameron Frankfurt Neckarvillen Boutique – Germany DZ Invest / Luigi Fragola Architects / Ute Giesecke Casa Popeea – Brăila, Romania Tracon SRL / Manea Kella Great Scotland Yard Hotel – London, England Twenty14 / Gladstone Court Developments / Hyatt Hotels / EPR Architects / HBA Stock Exchange Hotel – Manchester, England Zerum / Gary Neville & Ryan Giggs / GG Hospitality / JM Architects / Autoban
Arua Private Spa Villas – Merano, Italy Hidalgo / Menz Arch. Wilfried - Gritsch Arch. Claudia Studio Architettura / Studio Gallizia Domes Zeen – Chania, Greece Domes Resorts / Lambs and Lions / K-Studio / Kristina Zanic Consultants / Fytron Landscape Design Ekies All Senses Resort – Vourvourou, Greece Alexandra Efstathiadou / Agarch+ Architects / Fytron Landscape Design The Newt – Somerset, England Koos Bekker and Karen Roos / Patrice Taravella
L O B B Y & P U B L I C S PA C E S Cretan Malia Park – Crete, Greece Golf Residences / Phãea Resorts / Vana Pernari Architecture Studio
The Standard – London, England Standard International Hotel Group / Archer Humphryes Architects / Shawn Hausman Design
Locke at Broken Wharf – London, England Edyn / Grzywinski+Pons
HOTEL NEWBUILD
Rooms Hotel Kokhta – Bakuriani, Georgia Adjara Group / Adjara Arch Group / Levan Mushkudiani
Dakota – Manchester, England Evans Dakota Hotels / KPP Architects / GMI Construction Group / Amanda Rosa Interiors Hart Shoreditch Hotel – London, England Hilton Worldwide / Fabled Studio Lindley Lindenberg – Frankfurt, Germany Rothenberger 4xS Vermögensverwaltung / Studio Aberja / Franken Architekten
Parīlio – Naousa, Greece Kanava / Interior Design Laboratorium
The Lobby Lounge at The Standard – London, England Standard International Hotel Group / Archer Humphryes Architects / Shawn Hausman Design
AHEAD
LO D G E S , C A B I N S A N D T E N T E D C A M P S
SUITE
57 Nord – Ardelve, Scotland Mumtaz Lalani / Outside In Studio / Rural Design
Arua Private Spa Villas – Merano, Italy Hidalgo / Menz Arch. Wilfried - Gritsch Arch. Claudia Studio Architettura / Studio Gallizia
Arctic Bath – Harads, Sweden Arctic Bath / Nordic / Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi / Annkathrin Lundqvist Camp Hox – Oxfordshire, England Ennismore / Ennismore Design Studio Casa Palerm – Mallorca Sa Rota D’en Palerm / OHLAB Treehouses at Ramside Hall Hotel – Durham, England Ramside Hall Hotel / Padgett White Architects / Space ID
RESORT Cretan Malia Park – Crete, Greece Golf Residences / Phãea Resorts / Vana Pernari Architecture Studio
Ekies All Senses Resort – Vourvourou, Greece Alexandra Efstathiadou / Agarch+ Architects / Fytron Landscape Design Lincoln House at Rosewood – London, England Rosewood Hotel Group / Ink Associates / Tonychi Studio Nobel Suite at Grand Hotel – Oslo, Norway Grand Hotel by Scandic / Scandic Hotels / Studio Gathe Nobu Hotel – Barcelona, Spain Nobu Hospitality / Selenta Group / Rockwell Group
VISUAL IDENTITY Birch – Cheshunt, England Studio AS-CC
Domes Zeen Chania – Greece Domes Resorts / Lambs and Lions / K-Studio / Kristina Zanic Consultants / Fytron Landscape Design
Boho Club – Marbella, Spain Stylt Trampoli
Lefay Resort & Spa – Dolomites, Italy Leali / Lefay Resorts / Studio Apostoli
Château de Vignée – Villers-sur-Lesse, Belgium WeWantMore
Parīlio – Naousa, Greece Kanava / Interior Design Laboratorium
Hotel Arlberg – Lech, Austria Bureau Rabensteiner
Quinta da Comporta – Portugal Miguel Câncio Martins
Villa Arnica – Lana, Italy Bureau Rabensteiner
R E S TA U R A N T Decimo at The Standard – London, England Standard International Hotel Group / Archer Humphryes Architects / Shawn Hausman Design Hélène Darroze at The Connaught – London, England Maybourne Hotel Group / Pierre Yovanovitch Helios at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel – Athens, Greece Astir & AGC / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / K-Studio Memories Sven Wassmer at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz – Switzerland Grand Resort Bad Ragaz / Carbone Interior Design Mouries at Cretan Malia Park – Crete, Greece Golf Residences / Phãea Resorts / Vana Pernari Architecture Studio
S PA & W E L L N E S S Apfelhotel – Saltusio, Italy Apfelhotel Torgglerhof / Family Pichler / noa* network of architecture Arctic Bath – Harads, Sweden Arctic Bath / Nordic / Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi / Annkathrin Lundqvist Hotel Arlberg – Lech, Austria Benjamin Schneider & Patrick Krummenacher / Pointner Design Lefay Resort & Spa – Dolomites, Italy Leali / Lefay Resorts / Studio Apostoli The Newt – Somerset, England Koos Bekker and Karen Roos / Simon Morray-Jones
12 MARCH 2020
9 NOVEMBER 2020
10 JUNE 2020
ORGANISED BY
FOUNDATION SPONSOR
POWERED BY
GLOBAL SPONSORS
EVENT SPONSORS
www.aheadawards.com
16 NOVEMBER 2020
TROPHY SPONSOR
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam
Designed for sleep Creating beautiful long-lasting beds and sofa beds, sustainably designed to maximise comfort, guaranteeing guests have a memorable night’s sleep and leave positive five-star reviews. Working in partnership with hoteliers to deliver tailored sleep solutions and outstanding value. Crowne Plaza Rocco Forte
Marriott
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InterContinental
Amba
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StayCity
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Thistle
Jumeirah
T: +44 (0) 1332 497111 | E: info@hypnoscontractbeds.com | www.hypnoscontractbeds.com Proud to be Carbon Neutral | Mattresses are 100% foam-free, 100% sustainable and 100% recyclable | ISO 9001 Accredited
3962 Hypnos Sleeper Ad 236x275 aw.indd 1
08/10/2020 15:25
FRAMEWORK COLLECTION In collaboration with Gensler, product design consultant
FEATURED FABRIC - FUSE VISIT BRENTANOFABRICS.COM FOR A FULL LISTING OF OUR VERSATILE FABRIC SELECTIONS
97829_Sleeper_Ad_July_August.indd 1
10/15/20 7:51 AM
SPOTLIGHT FABRICS, WALLCOVERINGS & SURFACES With textiles under the spotlight in current times, here is our top pick of fabrics, wallcoverings and surfaces paving the way forward.
Brentano Framework Brentano has launched Framework, a series of textiles featuring distinct anchor fabrics, which create a consistent modern narrative within interior spaces. Produced in collaboration with Gensler, the collection comprises energetic chromatic tones, clean pastels and usable neutrals, all of which interact to generate a colour-guided dialogue. Scene, a reversible wool blend flannel available in 16 colourways, transforms the traditional ideals of plaid, reimagining them in a fresh and accessible manner. Meanwhile, Huddle is a hard-wearing deep pile boucle available in 18 dimensional colourways with Brentano’s signature stain-repellent Tri-sistant finish. www.brentanofabrics.com
SPOTLIGHT
1.
2.
3.
160
4.
1. Neolith Six-S
2. Création Baumann Sigmacoustic
3. Drapilux Sustainable Textiles
4. Ariostea Imperial Grey
Neolith has launched its Six-S range, a set of surfaces that draw inspiration from the natural world and humanity’s fight against Covid-19. Showcasing Neolith’s cuttingedge decoration technology and finishing techniques, the range has been designed to embody six essential characteristics, communicating the brand’s commitment to wellbeing, community and sustainability. Himalaya Crystal pays homage to salt crystal landscapes; Layla is inspired by magic and mysticism; Abu Dhabi White looks towards the UAE capital’s striking Sheikh Zayed mosque; Amazonico encapsulates dark, mysterious tones; and Winter and Summer Dala are an ode to the natural world. www.neolith.com
Création Baumann has introduced a dynamic texture to its acoustic collection with the Sigmacoustic fabric. The transparent curtain fabric helps create welcoming interiors and absorbs up to 75% of sound. Boasting a soft draping weave, the yarn is reminiscent of natural fibres and is flame-retardant. The surface relief effect of the weave lends volume and brings the texture to life, whilst the processing of the diverse yarns brings depth of colour into play. Additionally, the diverse shades of the facing and reverse side make the fabric a perfect room divider and come in a comprehensive colour palette that encompasses light, broken and earthy tones. www.creationbaumann.com
Drapilux is commited to sustainability in its production, management and operations. “Wherever we can, we go beyond the legal requirements and our goal is to conserve resources,” comments Hubert Reinermann, Head of Sales at Drapilux. Studio Manager, Kirstin Herrmann adds: “In close partnership with yarn manufacturer Trevira, we have succeeded in developing three articles that are made using sustainably produced fibres that are flame retardant and satisfy our brand standards.” New to the brand is Drapilux 131, which features a downscaled print design with a Scandinavian flair. Available in four colourways, the product lends a luxury feel to interior spaces. www.en.drapilux.com
Known for its constant research, innovation and experimentation, Ariostea has further tapped into the marble-look trend with its Imperial Grey collection, which joins the brand’s existing range of marble interpretations. The appearance stands out for its characteristic veins and grey nuances that cross over the white base colour, giving the material its unique personality. The Ultra Marmi Imperial Grey large slabs evoke antique charm with a classic yet modern twist. The use of advanced manufacturing technology allows the creation of a high quality and versatile product that can be used in a number of applications: from floor and wallcoverings to furnishing elements. www.ariostea-high-tech.com
Trevira CS Advertisement „Fabric for Ideas“ Size 236x275mm for Création Baumann „Sleeper Nov.2020“
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FABRIC FOR IDEAS Plan with more safety.
With the new flame retardant Trevira CS fabrics.
Diversify your designs.
With the unique designs of the current ACOUSTIC collection from Création Baumann AG. For more information please see: www.creationbaumann.com / www.treviracs.com
Trevira_Anz_Fabric-for-Ideas_engl_236x275_Baumann_Sleeper, Ausgabe_Nov_2020.indd 1
12.10.20 09:14
SPOTLIGHT
1.
2.
3.
162
4.
1. Dedar Impression Nocturne
2. Morbern Europe MorCare
3. Sunbrella Bahia & Odyssey
4. Or.nami Wallpapers
Italian family-run fabric house Dedar has unveiled Impression Nocturne, the newest colourway addition to the popular Dalie Papaveri Tulipani textile pattern. The abstract floral motif is the product of special woven effects such as yarn floats and fil coupé, which mimic the effect of a reverse jacquard fabric. Exposing the search for a new perspective, the accent on the reverse of the fabric makes it suitable for curtains. The multi-dimensional navy, gold and copper material embodies Dedar’s continued effort to experiment and innovate by working with craftsmen and textile specialists familiar with the techniques used to produce quality fabrics. www.dedar.com
The pandemic is driving designers to assess what materials are being specified for newbuild and refurbishment projects; and coated fabrics can be treated with biocidal active substances to inhibit the growth of microbes such as bacteria and viruses. The smooth, non-porous and durable surface of coated fabrics is resistant to scratches and cracks, where bacteria may thrive. All Morbern Europe coated fabrics are resistant to bleach and can be disinfected using alcohol-based products such as hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol without the risk of fading over time. MorCare comes in 22 plain colourways and 10 coordinated contemporary prints. www.morberneurope.com
Sunbrella is launching over a hundred new textile references this year, divided into two major collections: Odyssey and Bahia. With a palette of vibrant colours or pastel shades, refined geometric or solid patterns, bohemian influences or a classic spirit, the fabrics are suitable for a range of interiors. The novelties are imagined around six different moods, each thought of as a moment of life inscribed in a place, an atmosphere or a special occasion. Bringing together 148 references, including 53 new designs, these harmonise with Sunbrella’s wider collection, offering considerable possibilities of arrangement for a sense of exoticism and escape. www.sunbrella.com
Or.nami prides itself on studying the purity of colours in order to adorn living spaces with beauty, light and poetry. Founded in 2018, the brand’s wallpapers are contemporary decorative works, guided by the creativity of colour and customisable patterns. The products are 100% Italian – from conception to production – and are a result of a constant collaboration with young artists and stylists, who translate their creative thoughts into poetic images, original graphics and emotional decorations on 410 and 330 gram vinyl media, or on pure silk. These high-quality materials guarantee excellent results both in terms of colour fidelity and easy installation. www.ornami.it
AN EYE-CATCHING GEOMETRIC PATTERN Abstract, understated, modern – that is drapilux 809. Inspired by the shape language of Bauhaus artist Anni Albers, oversized triangles in smoky, pastel shades adorn the material, allowing the fabric to blend in well with the design language of modern interiors. Further fabrics at: www.drapilux.com
drapilux_Sleeper_Geometrisch_236mmx275mm.indd 1
12.10.20 10:50
SPOTLIGHT
Talented Performers Spanish tiles are the safe choice for the commercial sector The unique ceramics of the Spanish tile industry have always been popular within the spa and hospitality sector. They are a safe choice – hygienic, toxin-free, fire and chemical resistant – and suitable for a variety of challenging settings, including wet or high-traffic areas. Products are available in anti-slip versions, in bespoke thicknesses and in formats for indoor and outdoor environments. A number of brands also produce specialist pieces for swimming pools – borders, corners and steps – in addition to ventilated façades for use as external cladding. As well as being practical, ceramics are aesthetically pleasing and can be customised to create striking, individual designs. Choose from large formats for a contemporary, grout-free look, the latest 3D geometric pieces or traditionalstyle artisanal bricks. Modern digital-printing techniques further allow ceramic tiles to replicate all types of raw materials faithfully whilst still retaining the many benefits of porcelain. Marble-effects are
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Ceramics from Azteca, Todagres and Dune add to the character of hotel projects
particularly sought-after at the luxury end of the market and are ideal for a spa or hotel setting. Tiles that imitate metal, cement or wood can help designers create an extensive range of alternative atmospheres. When you consider the long lifespan of tiles, ceramics are a sustainable option too. As the environmental impact of manufacturing is ever more keenly felt, Spanish makers are continuing to scrutinise the lifecycle of their products and make improvements to their processes. Most tiles now have DAPs (ecological labels) that reveal their recycled content and lifecycle, so that customers can make informed choices. Tile of Spain is the voice of the Spanish tile industry, encompassing more than 125 tile manufacturers. Renowned worldwide for an inspiring blend of aesthetic and technical innovation, Spanish tiles draw on a rich heritage of skill and creativity while remaining at the cutting edge of design. www.tileofspain.com
Trevira CS Advertisement „Fabric for Ideas“ Size 236x275mm for Munzert „Sleeper Nov.2020“
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FABRIC FOR IDEAS Plan with more safety.
With the new flame retardant Trevira CS fabrics.
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With the unique designs of the latest sound absorbing collection from Gebrüder Munzert. For more information please see: www.munzert.de / www.treviracs.com
Trevira_Anz_Fabric-for-Ideas_engl_236x275_Munzert_Sleeper_2020.indd 1
23.10.20 09:05
SPOTLIGHT
1.
2.
3.
4.
166
1. Gebrüder Munzert Acoustic
2. DuPont Tedlar Colour Theory - Chromatic I
3. Edmund Bell Sensation
4. Style Library Contract Queen Square
People talking, phones ringing, music playing, construction materials reverberating – Gebrüder Munzert has created a stylish solution to the inevitable distraction caused by noise pollution. Design Director Hannes and Designer Tobias Batrla collaborated on the Acoustic Line to create inherently flame retardant fabrics which are compelling both in terms of the appearance and noise cancelling effects. The combination of noise reducing yarns and intelligent sound absorbing weaves, enables semisheer constructions to become masters of sound. The collection is available in shimmering solids, stripe variations, striking patterns and subtle designs. www.munzert.de
The Chromatic I Series – comprising six new embossing patterns, 70 colour choices and 420 customisable possibilities – enables creative flexibility, without sacrificing the durability and performance of Tedlar Wallcoverings. The online sample tool enables designers to visualise every combination of embossing and colour choices. The wallcoverings can stand up to the harshest industrial cleaning products without discolouration, making them suitable for high-traffic spaces such as hotel lobbies and restaurants. The inherent scratch and stain resistance, ease of cleaning and broad chemical compatibility ensures the styles will endure. www.dupont.com
Edmund Bell has introduced a unique curtain fabric to its offerings with Sensation. Boasting flame retardant and blackout features, the curtain material exudes luxury and sophistication. The knitted velvet is produced with a low pile, allowing for a forgiving nature and ensuring a soft, tactile texture. In addition to flame resistance and complete light exclusion, this contract standard blackout has thermal properties, ensuring sound insulation and energy saving. Comprising 26 colourways ranging from trendinspired jewel tones and contemporary pastels in both narrow and wide width, the fabric is suitable for both commercial and domestic spaces. www.edmundbell.com
The Queen Square collection – comprising original patterns across 18 fabrics and 18 wallpapers – has been designed in collaboration with architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath. Willow Bough, a vibrant interpretation of the classic 1887 design, is now available as both fabric and wallpaper in a range of colour combinations including Tomato/ Olive and Pink/Leaf Green. To preserve the integrity of William Morris’ original production methods, the wallpapers are surface printed on paper to retain an original look and feel. Meanwhile, cotton and linen cloths provide the closest match to archival pattern books, with each design screen printed for intense colour. www.stylelibrarycontract.com
SPOTLIGHT
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2.
3.
4.
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1. Claybrook Urban
2. Vanelli Contract Fabrics
3. HI-MACS by LG Recycled Colours
4. Nicholas Haslam Paolo Moschino
Urban features Bianco Carrara and White Thassos tiles, seamlessly fused together to create a striking two-tone finish. This contemporary fusion technique minimises grout lines to ensure a clean, sleek interior look. The Urban collection joins Claybrook’s wider tile and stone surfaces, ranging from the regimented Belle Epoque to the textured Kintsugi. Drawing inspiration from classic British bathroom interiors, Claybrook specialises in uniting the finest natural and recycled materials sourced from around the world, with an innovative approach to design. The combination of in-house production and partnerships with specialised artisans results in an authentic product. www.claybrookinteriors.com
Established in 1976, Vanelli is a textiles company focused on service, innovation and technology. The brand offers a range of products, from flame-retardant fabrics and sheers to furnishing and upholstery fabrics, in various sizes with antimicrobial treatments and stain repellents. The contract fabrics are suitable for commercial spaces – hotel guestrooms, lobbies, aboard ships, theatres, casinos or restaurants. Available in both narrow and wide width, collections feature furnishing fabrics for upholstery, drapery, curtains and print fabrics. The brand also produce velvets, jacquards and satins ideal for decorative drapes. Almost any colour is available as a bespoke product. www.vanellitextile.com
HI-MACS is making strides in sustainability with a selection of new recycled colours, created to meet the demand for environmentally-friendly materials and products. Comprising three new colours for the Granite collection and three existing colours from the Volcanics range containing 16% recycled materials, the latest additions are aesthetically high impact, yet environmentally low impact. Durable, colourfast and easy to maintain, the stone-effect Granite designs are perfect for all surface finishes, making them ideal for both domestic and commercial interiors, while the Volcanics palette brings a naturally luxurious look to any design concept. www.himacs.eu
This carefully curated fabric collection designed by Paolo Moschino – which now includes over 40 designs across a range of colours – is available on various substrates to cater for all technical specifications. Continuously introducing new products and designs that are available for customisation, the Paolo Moschino range inspires truly unique interior spaces. Most fabrics featured in the eclectic series are available as either printed wallpaper or can be produced as paper-backed wallcoverings. The Londonbased design studio, a destination for the global design community, constantly sources and utilises the finest design elements in its products. www.nicholashaslam.com
Luxury Hotel Collection
Since 1924, Sleepeezee is proud to have been working in partnership with world-class hotels to find the perfect sleep experience for their guests. www.sleepeezee.com/contract contract@sleepeezee.com E V E R Y T H I N G’S E A S Y W H E N YO U S L E E P E E Z E E
SPOTLIGHT
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1. Linwood Kami
2. Rubelli Carnevale
3. Creative Matters Tellurian – Mountainscape
4. Wall & Decò Wet & Out Systems
Hampshire-based family business Linwood has launched Kami, a new collection of printed velvets suitable for curtains and upholstery. Embodying modern luxury, the brand’s Omega velvet is printed with vibrant intricate patterns. Taking inspiration from a 19th century document, the collection is available in a palette of 19 colourways that spans timeless reds to playful pink and greens. The Topaz colourway – featuring the signature Linwood pattern – uses black alongside vibrant pinks, blues, creams to make a bold statement within any interior. Combining style with practicality, the Kami range is stain-resistant, washable and inherently fire retardant. www.linwoodfabric.com
Created in collaboration with Luca Nichetto, Carnevale is a vibrant, colourful collection that takes inspiration from The Carnival of Venice. During this festival, the city comes to life with music and dancing, bold and bright costumes, and masks. The range is intrinsically Venetian in its subject matter and, like Rubelli’s other products, display the finest craftsmanship and quality. Coriandoli S represents the festive and colourful elements of the Venice Carnival; Coriandoli XL recalls the shapes of confetti; and Festa is characterised by a sea of stars and inspired by a fabric designed by Vittorio Zecchin for Rebelli, which was first presented at the 1934 Venice Biennale. www.rubelli.com
Creative Matters design and create custom fair-trade floor and wallcoverings. Mountainscape is a collection of bespoke needle-felted wallcoverings, adding warmth, texture and acoustic qualities to its surroundings. To create the Mountainscape range, felted fibres are permanently interlocked to produce a soft blending of colours and texture – the perfect technique to depict this painterly design. In addition to wallcoverings, the Canadian design studio produce digitally printed wallcoverings for a range of discerning clients. With their emphasis on design, distinction and durability, these wallcoverings evoke warmth and sophistication in any setting. www.creativemattersinc.com
Wall & Decò has introduced two new Wet System wallcovering collections and one new Out System collection for 2020. The former is designed for bathrooms and shower rooms, while the latter comprises wallcoverings for external walls and façades. Black & White New Religion is a meeting of opposites synonymous with elegance and refinement, while Melting Walls – enriched with material effects and 3D tone-on-tone – has a strong visual impact in continuous dialogue with the urban landscape. Meanwhile, Utopia Reloaded is a reinterpretation of one of the moodboard protagonists from the brand’s Contemporary Wallpaper 2020 range, yet with new chromatic meanings. www.wallanddeco.com
© Carlo Battiston
Trevira CS Advertisement „Fabric for Ideas“ Size 236x275mm for Création Rubelli „Sleeper Nov.2020“
your product photo
FABRIC FOR IDEAS Plan with more safety.
With the new flame retardant Trevira CS fabrics.
Diversify your designs.
With the unique designs from Rubelli.
For more information please see: www.rubelli.com / www.treviracs.com
Trevira_Anz_Fabric-for-Ideas_engl_236x275_Rubelli_Sleeper, Ausgabe_Nov_2020.indd 1
12.10.20 16:55
THE CANDYLAND COLLECTION Seats/Tables/Storage By Esti Barnes T: 020 7795 3333 www.formitura.com
SIPPING
Sweet Dreams With cleanliness and sustainability both hot topics in light of the Covid-19 crisis, we take a look at the products giving guests peace of mind before they hunker down for the night. Words: Ben Thomas
C
ovid-19 has impacted many aspects of everyday life,
easily recycled or have been produced with greater amounts
so it comes as no surprise that the pandemic has also
of salvaged content, such as polyester fillings made from
affected an important part of the night – sleeping.
otherwise discarded plastic bottles.
The cleanliness of beds, bedding and mattresses is now
“The circular economy is about making things last, and
firmly under the microscope, while national lockdowns and
with less than one in ten mattresses currently recycled,
economic constraints have led consumers to adopt more
there’s a huge opportunity to improve on that by addressing
sustainable lifestyles, meaning the provenance of goods for
product design, material use and end-of-life treatments
improving health and wellbeing is in the spotlight too.
from a whole life cycle perspective,” comments Jessica
Though bed bugs and lice remain an ongoing concern for
Alexander, Executive Director of the NBF.
hotel guests, the spread of a highly contagious health crisis
In response to changing consumer behaviours around
is unsurprisingly at the front of their minds today. In a bid
sleep, some properties are even dedicating themselves to
to drive confidence amongst users, luxury bedmakers have
the science behind a restful night. Launched this February
responded by highlighting the hygienic qualities of their
in London’s bustling Piccadilly district, Zedwell bills itself
products, whether that be mattresses that can easily be
as ‘the hotel you check-in to tune out’ and worked with
rid of sweat, dead skin and general bacteria, or sheets and
psychologists, scientists and sleep experts ahead of opening
linens that can be washed at high temperatures to eliminate
to devise a concept that would be effective for its windowless
anything left behind by previous occupants.
setting, removing the distractions of the outside world that
On the sustainability front, manufacturers have ramped up
often disturb guests as they snooze. The focal point of the
their efforts to embark on greener approaches to business,
hotel’s rooms, or ‘cocoons’ as they’re referred to here, is
both in terms of their operations and products – a necessary
naturally the bed, which is encased in an oak frame that
move given that less than one in ten mattresses are currently
extends overhead to create a sanctuary. A high-quality
recycled, according to recent figures by the National Bed
mattress adds to the offer and is topped with 100% cotton
Federation (NBF). Many bedmakers are taking steps to reduce
sheets, best for conducting heat away from the body, while
or mitigate their environmental impacts, including reducing
filters purify the air and maintain a steady temperature.
energy, water consumption and their carbon footprint, while
There are few things more important to weary travellers
others are offering takeback services, ensuring that old
than getting a good night’s kip, but with Covid-19 still rife
mattresses are responsibly recycled and, in certain cases,
and greener lifestyles on the rise, guests are looking for
remanufactured – particularly in the hospitality sector.
greater peace of mind on the cleanliness and sustainability
New materials are emerging too, which can either be more
of their sleeping quarters before they can rest easy.
000
Clockwise from top left: Naturalmat’s Homes and Gardens collection; Beaumont by Hypnos; Ammique’s mattress-free system; Hotel Supreme by Sleepeezee; Silkeborg Uldspinderi’s woollen bedspreads; Sprint by Harrison Spinks
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
Handcrafted by artisan bedmakers at its factory in
CREATURE COMFORTS
Named after some of the most famous gardens
Yorkshire, meanwhile, the Sprint rolled mattress
Developed with quality of sleep and hygiene in
near Naturalmat’s headquarters in Devon, the
range from Harrison Spinks marries sustainably
mind, Ammique’s mattress-free sleep system
Homes and Gardens collection comprises three
sourced fillings and innovative spring systems,
features thousands of precision-engineered
beds – The Rosemoor, The Clovelly and The
helping to achieve a balance of comfort, support
components arranged to the natural contours
Buckland – with matching storage solutions,
and body temperature management. The fifth-
of the body, which provide tailored support
as well as organic linens that champion the
generation manufacturer has included three
irrespective of weight or shape. Within the main
brand’s sustainable ethos. Standing at 183cm
variations in the collection – Pace, Tempo
structure also lies a void, allowing for increased
tall, The Rosemoor and The Clovelly come in
and Momentum – each of which features its
air circulation and more comfortable regulation
King and Superking sizes; the former features
Posturfil and Cortec Quad pocket springs, which
of body heat, whilst a modular construction
a sweeping curve and cut-out base, while the
provide more points of contact for deeper and
means that the bed can be lengthened, shortened
latter is characterised by its high back, large
more targeted support. The latter system is
or manoeuvred easily if required. Featured in
buttons and turned oak legs. Meanwhile, The
also glue-free and means the mattresses can
the Chelsea Suite at The Berkeley, the system
Buckland is a mini version of The Clovelly and
be disassembled and recycled at the end of
is structured to allow for thorough vacuuming
comes with unvarnished beech bun feet. Crafted
their lifetime, resulting in zero to landfill. The
and steam cleaning, with all padding removable
from FSC timber, the beds are glued and screwed
company’s sustainability credentials are boosted
and washable at 60 degrees, whilst an outer
together before being padded with layers of
by the addition of its Ecotex comfort layers, a
frame with interchangeable decorative elements
organic lamb’s wool, which is inherently fire-
soft and cushioning filling made entirely from
affords designers greater customisation. The
retardant so eliminates the need for chemicals.
recycled materials, together with 100% fire-
bed is available in single, king, super king or
There’s no room for foam or synthetics during
resistant and chemical-free covers that come
bespoke models, as well as a Calico upholstered
production either, whilst the 500 thread count
as standard with each mattress in the range.
option with removed side and end panels, and
linens come from a certified mill in India.
a choice of maple, oak or walnut corner posts. Hypnos Contract Beds champions sustainability
174
Having taken great pride in its sustainable
practices too, producing beds that are 100%
Similarly luxurious is the J. Marshall by Vispring
approach since 1924, British manufacturer
recyclable and never go to landfill. The Royal
range, which features a top layer of woven
Sleepeezee recently became the first bed maker
Warrant holder was the first carbon neutral
Belgian Damask, known as ticking, to create
to receive The Planet Mark accreditation after
bedmaker in the world, while both its factories
a feather-soft surface and smooth feel. Hand-
drastically reducing its carbon emissions,
have achieved FSC and PEFC certification,
tufted at its factory in Plymouth, the mattresses
energy and water consumption – an effort that
ensuring that timber is sourced from managed
come in a choice of five sizes – single, double,
has led to recognition by the Furniture Industry
forests. Its new Beaumont pillow top mattress
king, super king and emperor, as well as a
Sustainability Programme. It is also an advocate
– filled with breathable and sustainable wool
shallow divan – and ensure users sleep easy
of the Campaign for Wool, which promotes the
and silk to regulate body temperature no
thanks to moisture-wicking and breathability.
renewable and biodegradable benefits of wool,
matter the season – has also been designed
while all of its timber is sustainably sourced
with cleanability in mind, offering a practical,
SCANDINAVIAN SENSIBILITY
under European Union Timber Regulations,
time-saving solution for hoteliers without
Showcasing the qualities of Scandinavian
as well as being FSC certified. Furthermore,
compromising on guest comfort. Thanks to
wool, Danish textile manufacturer Silkeborg
no waste from its production has gone to
a sewn-in topper, the British-made mattress
Uldspinderi’s bedspreads are woven in a palette
landfill since 2012 and the brand went fully
requires no turning but rather seasonal rotation,
of earthy tones and can be both cooling and
carbon-neutral in 2017. It’s latest creation,
minimising maintenance for housekeepers – a
warming thanks to the unique structure of their
Hotel Supreme, combines soft cotton and
job made easier by the fact that it is 20% lighter
fibres. Naturally dirt-repellent and boasting
wool with 1,400 pocket springs to regulate
than Hypnos’ other hardwearing products. In
antibacterial properties, the bedspreads can
body temperature and provide comfort. Each
addition, each pillow top mattress comes with
be paired with the brand’s wider selection of
mattress is finished with a deep tufted damask
anti-bacterial and anti-bed bug protection,
lightweight throws and cushions, available in
cover, while nickel vents promote cool airflow.
giving users greater peace of mind.
delicate hues of rose, grey, brown or beige.
175
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20.10.20 11:22
SPECIFIER
SPECIFIER
Atelier Alain Ellouz Édition Comprising four alabaster lamps – Lyra, Gama, Mona and Athena – the Édition collection by Atelier Alain Ellouz offers up to eight hours of use at a time, providing a warm and cosy ambiance by way of softly diffused light. Drawing inspiration from the deeply ingrained patterns of alabaster, which denote smoky swirls, spirals and clouds, the Lyra lamp evokes a precious and contemporary candy jar thanks to its sleek, cylindrical design. Its surface is delicate to the touch, while an elegant brass ornament serves as the dimmer and switch. Users can also plug the lamp into a power supply to create a mellow atmosphere at their bedside. www.atelier-alain-ellouz.com
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SPECIFIER
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CASE STUDY
CASE STUDY
Bette The Standard, London
JC Hospitality The Lanesborough, London
German manufacturer Bette has supplied glazed titanium-steel baths and shower trays to the guestrooms at The Standard in London. Complementing the 266-key hotel’s distinct interior design scheme, envisioned by Shawn Hausman, the freestanding, semi-recessed and fitted baths – including the BetteLux Oval Silhouette in 180x80cm, the semi-recessed BetteLux Oval Highline in 180x80cm and the fitted BetteForm bath in 150x70cm – come in a white gloss finish and are easy to clean thanks to the titaniumsteel material, which is shaped under high pressure and finished with a thin coating similar to glass. The unique manufacturing process combines high-tech industrial production techniques with tailor-made methods, allowing products to be moulded smoothly with maximum precision. Meanwhile, the shower trays and shower floors – namely the BetteFloor flush-to-floor shower floor and the BetteUltra shower tray in rectangular and corner versions – were provided in a range of different shapes and sizes from 80x80cm to 180x90cm. All are made from durable and hygienic glazed titanium-steel in matte white, or ‘Snow’, and feature the almost invisible BetteAntislip Pro finish. Housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annexe, a Brutalist structure overlooking King’s Cross, The Standard London is the first property outside America for The Standard Hotels – founded in 1999 by André Balazs – and builds on the success of outposts in LA, New York and Miami, bringing its distinctive culture and irreverent style to a new audience. www.my-bette.com
Jonathan Charles entered the hospitality world with a splash five years ago, collaborating with the late, great Alberto Pinto and global procurement firm Benjamin West on the refurbishment of The Lanesborough in London. The five-star hotel’s luxurious guestrooms were kitted out with JC Hospitality side tables, while in the library, tea is served on the brand’s handsome coffee tables. Meanwhile in the Royal Suite, the hand applied gilding on exquisitely carved furniture glimmers in the light, as it does on accent pieces in other public areas and guestrooms. JC Hospitality employed the traditions of 18th century craftsmanship for the landmark project, including the wax casting of brass and hand painting techniques. Veneers were also hand cut and matched by eye, while every curved detail was carefully shaped by an artisan with a chisel. “We have 1,700 artisans working in our manufacturing facility,” says founder and owner Jonathan Sowter. “Our craftspeople are reviving the now rare arts of the finest furniture makers of the 18th century. One look at any of our pieces will tell you everything you need to know about our dedication to producing the finest furniture in the world.” JC Hospitality is a division of home furnishings brand Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture, known for its craftsmanship and skills in antique reproduction. Since The Lanesborough, JC Hospitality has worked on notable projects such as The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, Regent Singapore, The Singular Santiago in Chile and Hotel Chelsea in New York. www.jc-hospitality.com
SPECIFIER
Astro Lighting Plaster + Ceramic The Plaster + Ceramic collection by Astro Lighting embodies the simplest of forms, presenting minimalist designs that blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture of a hotel or restaurant. Using flawlessly smooth, high-grade plaster, each luminaire can be painted to complement a range of interiors. The Shadow Wall + Surface variations, seen here, are dimmable and come in a plaster finish, while other styles such as Velo, Aria and Pella take on a similar aesthetic and are available in a variety of sizes. Elsewhere in the series, Rio features an integrated LED and is offered in four sizes, while Gosford and Milo boast a ceramic finish and Eclipse comes in round and square versions. www.astrolighting.com
Bolon Acoustic Felt Backing Bolon has launched a new and improved sound insulation layer for its acoustic flooring. Enhancing sound insulation up to 22dB, the layer is crafted from 90% recycled polyester fibres – originating from post-consumer waste and plastic bottles – and gives the brand’s acoustic flooring a total thickness of 5mm, meaning it can be combined with non-acoustic textiles if required. “We are proud to finally launch this product to the market, as acoustic flooring will improve the quality of the indoor environment and the overall guest experience,” says CEO Marie Eklund. “This is extremely important in hotels, offices, hallways and conference rooms. The floors absorb up to 15% of all sounds and noise.” www.bolon.com
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CASE STUDY
Lundhs Real Stone Farris Bad, Lavrik Located in Lundhs Real Stone’s hometown of Larvik in Norway, Farris Bad is testament to the versatility of the brand; its natural stone surfaces form an intrinsic part of the hotel’s design narrative, from the façade, lobby, reception and bar to the walls and floors of the spa and pool areas. Specified in a range of finishes such as satin, flamed, brushed and silk, together with the company’s specialist hammered and ‘sandwaterjet’ finishes, all four of its materials feature throughout the development – made possible thanks to the technical properties of the natural stone, which make it frost-, heat- and stain-resistant – and lend themselves to its natural setting and atmosphere. Lundhs Real Stone also boasts almost zero absorption, meaning it is not affected by the daily wear and tear of high traffic spaces like bathrooms and can therefore withstand a variety of applications in spa and poolside areas. Meanwhile, different finishes can be applied to the surface of pool surrounds to reduce friction, with the brand’s wet stone retaining the same colour and pattern as its polished stone. Striking a balance between practical performance and natural beauty, Lundhs’ unique combination of feldspar crystals and natural stone background – the result of extracting rough blocks of Larvikite and Anorthosite rock from its very own quarries in Norway – complement both contemporary and traditional bathroom schemes, whether the stone is being used for a seamless countertop and integrated basin surface or a striking countertop basin piece. www.lundhsrealstone.com
SHOWROOM
Gessi Casa Gessi London Gessi, the Italian manufacturer of faucets and shower systems, has opened a showroom in London marking its first major presence in the capital. Occupying the lower level of Old Sessions House, a Grade-II listed building in the heart of Clerkenwell, Casa Gessi London is a celebration of Italian bathroom design, offering a wellness experience for architects and designers actively working on commercial and residential projects worldwide. Collections such as the droplet-shaped Goccia, the David Rockwell-designed Inciso and the minimalist Rettangolo – all available in a range of finishes including antique brass, warm bronze and black metal – are displayed in a series of styled room sets to showcase the product in situ. The building itself, characterised by vaulted ceilings and original brick walls, has been integrated into the design scheme to create a sensorial journey, with the experience culminating in The Architectural Wellness space where a spectacular performance of light and water features alongside a unique planning tool that enables specifiers to hand-select novel combinations of Gessi products and finishes. Rounding out the showroom is a bar and lounge designed to host product launches and networking events. www.gessi.com
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HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES
Living Design AB Brovägen 1, 18276 Stocksund, Sweden T: +46 8 755 17 65 info@livingdesign.com
FIND OUT MORE AT LIVINGDESIGN.COM
SPECIFIER
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CASE STUDY
CASE STUDY
Furniture Fusion Amba Charing Cross
AD Associates Sleep Set at Sleep & Eat
One of London’s grandest 19th century railway hotels, Amba Charing Cross has recently undergone a refurbishment, with Furniture Fusion supplying much of the furniture for the new-look interiors. The renovation is the latest in a number of collaborative projects between the firm and the in-house design team at GLH Hotels – parent company of the Amba brand – which has seen existing properties in the GLH estate upgraded to a premium offering. “This project gave us a chance to do what we love best – creating bespoke pieces,” says Sam Samuels, Managing Director of Furniture Fusion. “We supplied two different bespoke tub chairs for the deluxe bedrooms and suites, and a family of three custommade tables.” The studio suites also feature a bespoke chaise characterised by a minimalistic style and upholstered in Sunbury Design’s soft Madison velvet in a pale dove grey. Elsewhere, custom-made tables all feature the same marble effect laminate with a black protective profile and powder-coated steel legs, while a small, round breakfast table sits neatly beside the tub chairs, and a rectangular lamp table is positioned alongside a sofa bed. The most distinctive piece (pictured) is a nesting set comprising a crescent-shaped top table and a smaller round table that slots effortlessly underneath. Located right in the geographic centre of London just off The Strand, Amba Charing Cross is housed in a Grade II-listed Victorian building and draws on period features while at once delivering convenience through modern technology. www.furniturefusion.co.uk
London-based design agency AD Associates has revealed the mood board for its guestroom concept at this year’s Sleep & Eat Virtual event. Paying homage to the restorative nature and growing portfolio of InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) conversion brand, Voco, the room set – specially designed for the hotel guest of 2035 to mark Sleep & Eat’s 15th anniversary – adopts a sustainable and personalised approach to the guestroom experience. Looking to subvert today’s throw-away society, each product and material selected for the space has been consciously sourced; from the Foresso timber terrazzo drawer linings, made from offcut recycled waste timber mixed with wood dust; to the Marwoolus side table, which utilises the production waste wool from the textile industry; and the air purification system by Briiv, crafted from 90% natural and sustainable materials and featuring a 100% biodegradable filter. Set to be unveiled as part of the event’s 3D Hotel 2035 initiative, comprising a series of conceptual spaces that look to the future of hospitality design, AD Associates’ Sleep Set will help to breathe new life into existing or otherwise discarded objects. In addition to the popular Sleep Sets, Hotel 2035 will also feature a virtual Hotel Lobby, Lounge Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant and Networking Lounge. These spaces will be showcased via a 3D walkthrough created by Sleep & Eat’s visualisation partner Fumo Studios, who will use captivating imagery, sketches and animations to truly immerse attendees in the varying design concepts. www.adassociates.london
FOCUSED CUTION VENT. RADICAL INNOVATION AWARDS 3 DECEMBER 2020 RADICALINNOVATION.IO WATCH AS CREATIVE VISIONARIES PRESENT THEIR CONCEPTS FOR THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY & VOTE FOR THE WINNER.
1
Produced by
Media Partner
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PROFESSIONAL FINALISTS 1 / Camp Sarika by Amangiri by Luxury Frontiers
Educational Partners
2 / The Modern Monastery by Indidesign 3 / Dream Pod by Populous Nowhere in hospitality is there a shorter path from future-focused concept to real world execution than a Radical Innovation event. Through an annual competition, Radical Innovation mobilizes innovators from around the world with the ideas to propel the industry forward. radicalinnovation.io
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SPECIFIER
Studio 104 104 Collection Studio 104 has unveiled the 104 Collection, a pre-designed formal and casual uniform range that can be ordered and delivered twice as fast as its usual bespoke projects, and to a smarter budget. Specifically targeted at the luxury sector, the 47-piece series has been conceived to accommodate a wide selection of brand styles and locations, with an eclectic palette of colours and materials catering for both traditional and modern hotels in varying climates. In line with the bespoke ethos of the company, each client also has the ability to customise the uniforms to meet their individual tastes at no extra cost, meaning no two uniform designs are the same. www.studio-104.com
FW Lighting Designer Collection Created specifically for the hotel sector, the Designer Collection from Baulmann Leuchten – distributed by FW Lighting, a group of family-owned European manufacturers who produce custommade mirrors and decorative lighting for the UK hospitality sector – features metal meshwork detailing that draws the eye and when illuminated, creates interesting shadows on surrounding surfaces. Hidden behind the mesh is an opal tube that diffuses an LED light source along its length, meaning the wall sconces can be used safely in a bathroom environment. Covering all aspects of guestroom lighting, from reading lights to pendants, wall sconces, table and floor lamps, the handmade pieces in the Designer Collection provide long-lasting quality in demanding environments. www.fw-lighting.com
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Jung Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Building-technology supplier Jung has updated the colour range for its popular LS990 switches to incorporate all 63 shades in Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier’s expansive Les Couleurs palette. Putting the depth of his Architectural Polychromy, or colour theory, into perspective, the switches – crafted from plastic and metal – are manufactured in Germany and handpainted following the removal of all particles and dust grains. Once dry, a further coat is applied to obtain the velvety haptic and matte look. Ranging in size from a single unit to a five-gang frame, and with various button configurations, the LS990 collection offers designers the chance to use switches as signalling or wayfinding fixtures within a space. www.jung.de
Burgess Furniture Open Concept Burgess has launched a range of contemporary bedroom furniture, created to offer greater flexibility to hotels with options to suit different layouts and needs. Designed by Peter Roth, the Open Concept collection features a multi-purpose open wardrobe, which is made to order and can be specified to fit any space. It can also be modified to become a shelving unit only or with clothing rails at various lengths. In addition, there’s a matching desk, coffee table with two height options, and a side table that fits neatly over a sofa. Each piece comes with a choice of laminate surfaces, while frames are made from lightweight steel and can be finished in any solid colour, including Burgess’ new Architectural series. www.burgessfurniture.com
Roman Showers Fluted Glass Wetroom Panels Roman has added fluted glass options to the Wetroom Panels from its Liberty range. Available in five colour finishes – Silver Chrome, Matte Black, Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel and Brushed Brass – the panels coordinate with brassware across a variety of bathroom spaces. A new white option is also set to launch to complement chrome fittings and accessories. The nature of the fluted glass panels mean they can be installed on a tray or straight into the floor, with a tape sealing system eliminating all visible silicone – a breakthrough for cleaning and maintenance. “The glass texture distorts light and offers a degree of obscurity without reducing the light in the shower,” says Managing Director David Osborne. www.roman-showers.com
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The Big Apple at Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria DIFC, Dubia
CONTACT TO ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE: supper@mondiale.co.uk • Tel: +44(0)161 476 8390 • www.suppermag.com
@suppermag
SPECIFIER
Rigasan Penguin Dispenser Handwash and sanitiser dispensers have become commonplace in public spaces, helping to maintain the wellbeing of hotel guests and staff alike. Catering to this growing need, Rigasan’s Penguin Dispenser is operated by foot and provides just the right amount of sanitiser to keep hands germ-free. The non-electric mechanism has a capacity of five litres for long lasting use and is available in a black or white powder-coated finish, with personalised wraps available upon request. Durable and easy to clean, the touch-free station comes with a wheel option for mobile usage and can be fitted to the floor for added security. www.rigabrands.com
Day Seven Functional Workwear Founded by Australian designer Molly Kent during her time in Osaka, bespoke uniform label Day Seven provides hospitality venues with everything from shirts, jackets and aprons to pants, shorts and jumpsuits. Taking inspiration from Japanese design aesthetics and driven by Kent’s belief that there should be a higher concentration on staff and workplace wellbeing, the traditional made-to-order service is dedicated to producing pieces that are comfortable and functional while at once stylish and unique. “Staff are the first and last point of contact for customers; they’re the walking, talking brand,” explains Kent, who herself has over 10 years of experience in both FOH and BOH roles. “They deserve to feel comfortable, confident, appreciated and respected at work. At Day Seven, we seek to help hospitality achieve this.” www.dayseven.com.au
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THE VISUAL WORLD OF HOTEL DESIGN ... dive into the fascination!
www.TOPHOTELDESIGN.com
EB 206x120mm v3.qxp_Layout 1 29/10/2020 14:28 Page 1
Architectural Vision Panels
For Doors & Walls
Complete glazing kits - Fire rated options - Easy installation North 4 Design Ltd T: 0208 885 4404 www.north4.com
ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 93
AA Corporation
179
Feuerring
152
Neolith
AD Associates
073
Feuring
144
Newhey Carpets
057
Albrecht Jung
061
Formitura at Topfloor By Esti
172
Nicholas Haslam
067
Aliseo
049
Furniture Fusion
071
North 4 Design
192
Gebrüder Munzert
165
Preciosa
037 185
Ariostea
111
118
Astro Lighting
002
Gommaire
137
Radical Innovation Award
Baulmann Leuchten
059
Harrison Spinks
127
RH Contract
Beck
079
Hector Finch
084
Roca
103
Bette
033
HMD Interiors
075
Roman Showers
124
Brentano
158
Hoad & More
093
Rubelli
171
Burgess
141
Hypnos Contract Beds
157
Sanipex Group
109
Chelsom
031
Janus et Cie
Sleepeezee
169
Claybrook
083
JC Hospitality
SNS
112 014-015
025
Style Library Contract
016-017
Laufen
196
Sunbrella
087
Leds C4
041
Tapeçarias Ferreira de Sá
039 097
161
Kettal
Creative Matters
123
Kohler
010-011
Day Seven
131
129
Stellar Works
Création Baumann
Credible Hospitality
012-013
006-007
008-009
Deirdre Dyson
050
Leisure Plan
187
Tece
Dernier & Hamlyn
054
LG
167
Tophotelprojects
Drapilux
163
Ligne Roset
DuPont
117
191
020
Tribu
035
Living Design
183
Tuuci
095
Edmund Bell
192
Modio
107
UHS
149
EE Smith
181
Monitor Audio
101
Vanelli
176
EPR Architects
081
Morbern
195
Vincent Sheppard
043
Ethimo
022
Muzeo
053
Wall & Decò
005
Feel Good Design
192
Naturalmat
063
193
CHECK-OUT
A Star-Studded Stay
We’re all in need of an escape from reality right
Entirely eco-sustainable, the cabin is built
now so what better way to disconnect than
from fir timber and features a small bathroom,
spending a night or two in the total silence of
dining area and double bed – the latter positioned
the Dolomites?
within a fully-glazed cube. Interiors meanwhile
Fortunately for those seeking a taste of the quiet life, Faloria Mountain Spa Resort in Cortina
Italy’s Faloria Mountain Spa Resort elevates its experiential offer with a new suite for guests to sleep under the stars.
are furnished with materials that honour the charm of traditional mountain lodges.
d’Ampezzo – a ski village in northern Italy – is
The adventure begins at base camp just before
offering just that. The chalet-style hotel – which
sunset, with guests whisked up to their suite to
underwent an extensive renovation and expansion
find an Ampezzo-style welcome of goodies. On
in 2018 – recently unveiled its Starlight Room, a
the menu are a selection of dishes that celebrate
solitary suite created in collaboration with local
the region, from cold cuts and cheese to a range
lodge Rifugio Col Gallina.
of homemade soups, all washed down with a
Nestled into the mountains at an altitude
glass of Italian wine to ensure they sleep easy.
of 2,300 metres, the one-of-a-kind space is
A room with a view? This year-round experience
accessed via off-road vehicle or snowmobile and
takes the idea to another level, bringing new
uniquely, can rotate a full 360°, providing guests
meaning to the term elevated luxury.
with an ever-changing view of the landscape by day and the stars above by night.
© Giuseppe Ghedina
194
Mor Care™ Collection
Standout fabrics for the new normal www.morberneurope.com