Interiors play on the theme of dark versus light, while a sense of nostalgia is evoked through subtle details, patterns and ornaments
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to the past through the subtle integration of
“We have designed the lobby to accommodate
Chinese motifs on the window subdivision
both function and comfort through a key feature
pattern,” says Suneeth Changaroth, Director
– an oversized, ceiling-height display shelf
at DP Architects. The first storey gives way to
that divides the space so that the activities at
the drop-off and existing public thoroughfare,
the reception are separated from the welcome
while lifts lead to a second storey offering guests
tea ceremony in the lounge area,” says Kunio
a panoramic introduction to the multi-textured
Iwata, Managing Director at KKS. A resident
urban fabric of sweeping orange rooftops,
tea master prepares and offers tea and local
concrete buildings and gleaming skyscrapers.
snacks amid a backdrop of dark timber shelves,
Inside, KKS International has injected
lattices and lantern-like lamps, which give scale
a chinoiserie theme that avoids kitsch by
to the lofty space and evoke a homely ambience.
employing a polished feel with a sense of
Hidemi Kanda, Designer at KKS, adds: “The tea
nostalgia, evoked through subtle details,
fragrance is also part of the hotel’s experience,
patterns and decorative ornaments. The
inviting guests to relax as soon as they arrive.”
Japanese firm’s impactful yet intimate lobby
The decorative objects on the shelves were
plays on the theme of dark versus light, with an
selected by design agency Farm, who also
installation of metal plates by local artist Grace
worked on the branding and graphic design.
Tan catching the glow from double-height
“They were curated to bring out The Clan’s
windows. Tan belongs to The Clan Collective,
core brand promises, which is to bestow upon
the hotel’s inventory of native craftspeople,
guests an unyielding sense of kinship, to
artists and influential personalities, whose
receive a stranger into one’s home and take
contributions range from outfitting the staff to
care of them as if they were one’s very own,”
brewing the beer found in guestrooms.
says Selwyn Low, Director at Farm. Items like
