Montagna Lunga in X 2 magazine

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HOTEL REVIEW DE PITS X2

X2 DE PITS

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Hotel

De Pits Zolder

OVERLOOKING THE GRAND PRIX RACE TRACK AT ZOLDER, DE PITS COULD HAVE BEEN OVER-THEMED BUT INSTEAD IT’S A REAL WINNER INTERIOR DESIGNER: MONTAGNA LUNGA

T

he name of the design company behind this graphic masterpiece could not be more fitting.

Montagna Lunga (roughly translated from the Italian) means long mountain, which is the very situation of the hotel: atop a hill in Zolder, Belgium with magnificent views on to the Circuit Zolder, which hosted the Belgian Grand Prix on several occasions during the 1970s and 1980s.

Called, rather comically, Hotel De Pits, you’d expect the design to be sporting in theme. And, yes, it features large-scale graphics in colour and black and white of famous racing drivers including Graham Hill, Niki Lauder and Montagna Lunga’s personal favourite Jacky Ickx, made using original photography leant from a Zolder museum. And yet it’s understated enough to steer clear of cliche with a laid-back vibe and subtle injection of Seventies retro styling.

Billed as an ‘oasis of peace and quiet in life’s hectic daily race’ the idea was to create a relaxing luxury environment with the usual array of contemporary conveniences to satisfy guests, many of which will presumably be in the area to visit the race track in some capacity or other, as despite not playing host to Grand Prix events since the Eighties it is still very much in use for various events and races. The minimalist pool and spa area with its industrial-style ceiling is a picture of tranquility and a refreshing

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break from the sporting theme. Concrete was used in the scheme to contrast with the dark wood while lighting effects wash colour over the various areas.

Most notably the reception desk gives off a cosy red glow – a hint at the quirky take on luxury that guests can expect once inside the hotel. Little touches like the coloured glass vase on the desk hint at a crafty aesthetic that stops the hotel from feeling corporate and makes it more like a home away from home.

The interior design makes the most of the hotel’s awesome outlook and the surrounding landscape.

The application of zebrano wood in the scheme makes reference to the natural aspect of the location but enhances the Seventies vibe also, which was all part of the plan, paying homage to Circuit Zolder’s heyday. All the furniture was custom-made for the hotel and the colour choices: zesty oranges and greens are a further retro flourish.

Hotel De Pits is part of the Lodge group, which owns nine brasseries and six ‘characterful’ hotels, but you’d struggle to find anything in its repertoire to match the originality of Hotel De Pits X2

Hitting the right formula Elements in the eclectic interior range from heroes of the race track to retro styling and the application of zebrano wood

Interview with Montagna Lunga Montagna Lunga is a design studio run by interior architect Jaak Langenberg and graphic designer Brigitte Vanzonhoven (a Golden Retriever is also a valued member of the team) from their base in Limburg, Belgium. They work on everything from art and graphics through to interior design and recently completed their first hospitality concept for The Lodge group’s Hotel De Pits in Zolder.

How did you get involved in the Hotel De Pits project?

The owner heard about us from mutual friends. He had a personal connection with the original hotel building which has been empty for more then 10 years. It looked like an old ruin on a mountain from the Seventies and his idea was to re-animate the hotel, giving it a fresh new look and modern/retro revamp. And of course the racing theme was to be key to the design.

How would you describe your approach to design?

A couple of things are very important to us in the design process. The client’s wishes and the budget we’re given. For the Hotel De Pits, we tried to combine function with artistic value.

Interior design, graphic design and architecture are very closely linked. It is sometimes difficult

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to define the boundaries of these disciplines. In fact, it makes no difference whether it’s a room, a work of art or a brochure, the one can inspire or enhance the other. So we used images of motor racing scenes from the 1970s to illustrate the rich history of the hotel and its location close to the Circuit Zolder.

To what extent did the hotel owner dictate the design of the hotel?

Happily, we were given carte blanche to do what we liked.

What are your favourite aspects of the scheme?

The experimental light and use of materials; such as the use of zebrano wood and concrete, which give the hotel a Seventies feel.

Did you know much about Grand Prix racing before you started this project?

Not really. We just knew the names of some of the drivers. We used to hear the sound of the cars racing on the track when we lived close to the racetrack. Anyway, we did a lot of research and now we are experts…

What is your idea of a luxury hotel?

We like the Thai-style hotels in Asia because the architecture is so close to nature.

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This was your first hotel project. How did you find it?

It is very complex and a challenge because you have everything in one building.

We would do it again especially now with what we’ve learnt from designing Hotel De Pits.

What makes Hotel De Pits different from other hotels?

The conversion of a hotel with a Grand Prix past, situated in Zolder on top of a hill with a magnificent view of the racetrack, gave us the opportunity to make use of atmospheric pictures from 30 years ago. The combination of the architecture, garden, interior and graphic design makes this a very unique and interesting place. This hotel offers a complete package from meeting rooms to wellness facilities and the natural location encourages relaxation.

Does the hotel industry allow for creativity?

Yes we think so. But you have to work hard to convince the owners that is important to be creative. These days people travel so much and the owners know this very well, so you have to be original. Everything evolves so fast and hotels are now a billboard for style and good taste.

What aspect of the project did you enjoy the most?

Using new materials and colour combinations in a wonderful location. Designing a hotel was the ideal opportunity to show off all our skills. It’s like a showroom for new clients.