Sleeper May/June 2015 - Issue 60

MAY | JUNE 2015

Drake Devonshire InnHip hangout meets country inn at

Ontario’s ‘Drake by the lake’

Jaya IbrahimHis last interview – published in tribute to the acclaimed Indonesian designer

Aman TokyoKerry Hill Architects takes Aman into

uncharted urban territory

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Inside SleeperM A Y | J U N E 2 0 1 5

Hotel Reviews

050 The Hoxton Holborn London

059 Hotel Zoo Berlin

064 Stora Hotellet Umeå, Sweden

070 Hilton Paris Opéra Paris

078 Sala Ayutthaya Thailand

085 The Brando Tetiaroa

Location ReportJapan

094 Aman Tokyo

105 Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

110 Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

117 The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Departments

022 Check In

024 Drawing Board

123 Business Centre Hotel Analyst

128 Business Centre Top Hotel Projects

131 Events Diary

134 Events AHDA

144 Events Sleep

146 Events Milan Design Week

152 Events IHIF Berlin

155 Product Profi le Lighting

171 Specifi er

194 Check Out

Features 044 Meeting… Jaya IbrahimIn his last interview prior to passing away in early May, Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim spoke of the Asian resorts that defi ned his career.

134 EventsAsia Hotel Design Awards 2015After months of deliberation, winners of the inaugural Asia Hotel Design Awards are announced in Singapore.

Cover Story036 Drake Devonshire Inn OntarioHotelier Je� Stober unveils the latest addition to his portfolio, a lakeside interpretation of the contemporary farmhouse. A vibrant mix of pattern, texture and colour – as well as a peculiar handmade doll – create a patchwork that is seen throughout the hotel.

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Photo: © Nikolas Koenig

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The Radical Innovation jury has already chosen a handful of fi nalists to present their ideas in front of a room of hotel industry infl uencers at the New Museum in New York on September 30, 2015. There, guests of the event will vote on their favorite concept. The winning team will have a chance to see their concept get incubated and win a $10,000 cash prize.

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Welcome

The meeting of East and West has been a recurrent theme in hospitality in recent years. The rise of globalisation has extended social and business relations and attracted record investment from the East,

particularly in Europe’s sought-after trophy assets. Conversely, hotel groups hailing from the West have signi� cantly increased their footprint in Asia.

But nowhere do the cardinal points of East and West come together – both geographically and culturally – in such a way as they do in Istanbul. Straddling two continents on opposing banks of the Bosphorus, the city is a melting pot of history, culture and tradition. It is also a hotbed of innovation in hospitality design and development and as such, was the setting for Sleepover’s latest adventure.

The fourth edition in our series of ‘inventive events for hotel innovators’ brought together industry leaders from all corners of the globe and offered a personalised insight into this dynamic city. Istanbul’s unique position at a cultural crossroads where East-meets-West inspired our programme. The ‘East’ tour took in a visit to Raf� es Istanbul, the Asian brand’s new property at the mixed-use Zorlu Centre; while Hilton’s 800-key property in the emerging Bomonti district represented the ‘West’. Attendees were also able to experience locally developed projects such as The House Hotels and 10 Karaköy – A Morgans Original, as well as globally expanding lifestyle brands Mama Shelter, Room Mate and Soho House.

A full report on Sleepover Istanbul will feature in our next issue. In the meantime, plans are already in the works for our next Sleepover outing, taking place in Manchester on 13-14 October, over a 24-hour period preceding The Annual Hotel Conference. Manchester may not span continents, but as the birthplace of the industrial revolution it has had a global in� uence from East to West. New cultural projects – the Whitworth Art Gallery, Home at First Street and Allied London’s forthcoming redevelopment of the old Granada Studios site – are proliferating. It also has more hotel projects in the pipeline than anywhere else in the UK outside London. The full programme for Sleepover Manchester will be announced soon but in the meantime, please save the date and keep an eye on www.sleepovermanchester.com for further details.

Catherine Martin | Editor

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Guest Book

VIVIENNE WESTWOODFash ion icon V iv ienne Westwood is the inspiration behind a sprawling new penthouse at The London in West Hollywood. The British designer worked with hospital ity design studio Richmond to create the 11,000ft2 space – billed as the largest suite in LA – which comes complete with a private shopping experience, his-and-hers gift bags and Vivienne Westwood-branded amenities.

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JEFF STOBER“We’ve worked really hard to incorporate a number of classic Drake elements, whether cultural, artistic, design- or service-focused and we think that our customers will agree it’s been well worth the wait,” says hotelier Jeff Stober of his latest venture. Dubbed ‘Drake by the lake’ the sophisticated country inn designed by +tongtong builds on the success of the urban Drake Hotel in Toronto, which opened in 2004.

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JAYA IBRAHIM (1948-2015)Just as this issue went to press, Sleeper was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Jaya Ibrahim. He had recently been honoured at the Asia Hotel Design Awards for his Outstanding Contribution to the industry, and was met by Guy Dittrich for a conversation that turned out to be his last major interview. Here we publish the full text of that interview in tribute to Jaya’s long lasting legacy.

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DAYNA LEEUS-based designer Dayna Lee has drawn on her creative past in fashion and � lm to tell the story of Hotel Zoo, a former private residence on Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm. “The design is inspired by our � ctional tale of the current generation who would now inhabit this stately residence,” she describes. Lee is pictured with her Powerstrip Studio co-founder Ted Berner on the property’s soon-to-open rooftop terrace.

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E D I T O R I A L

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EditorCatherine Martin

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000© Kevin Ou

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Where are we?Underwater in the Maldives.

How did you get here? By luxury submarine.

Who’s at the concierge desk? Rather than one concierge, I am greeted by the villa host and General Manager from Alila Villas Soori.

And the owner / manager? Adrian Zecha.

Who are you sharing your room with?My wife, Ling.

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room on arrival? A bottle of 2000 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Describe the hotel, your room and the view...The building is underwater, surrounded by coral and � sh. From every viewpoint, you can see water and nature, and the water is lit up. Inside, all the natural elements are present: the building is carved from coral and rock and has full tempered glass; the interiors are made from wood; and there’s a � replace giving off warmth and light – the three primal elements of water, earth and � re. There’s an incredible sense of stillness and tranquility. You are standing still, but life is swirling and moving all around you.

Who designed it? It is a fantasy collaboration between Pritzker Prize winner Peter Zumthor and interior architect and product designer Christian Liaigre.

What’s the restaurant / bar like? The restaurant and bar are like a wine cellar: cavernous and crafted from coral with natural woods lining the interior. The wine bottles are sealed in casks and naturally chilled in salt water.

Who are you dining with this evening?American architect Louis Kahn; actor Kevin Spacey; Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson; and Singapore’s � rst Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Who’s manning the stoves?Yannick Alléno, the three-Michelin-starred chef who has worked the kitchens at Le Royal Monceau and Le Meurice.

And what’s on the menu?Starter: Marinated prawns with green apple jelly and caviar Tamara Main: Wonton mee (noodles with dumplings) paired with char siew (Chinese barbecued pork) Dessert: A palate cleansing pineapple lemon pavlova.

Would you like something to drink with that?Prieure Roch Nuits-Saint-Georges and a chilled Montrachet.

What’s playing on the iPod?Soft jazz.

What’s on the movie channel?Something on the Discovery or History Channel.

And a book at bedtime? One of my many un� nished books that I started...

What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?A bottle of Château d’Yquem.

Would you like a newspaper or magazine in the morning? FT Weekend and Monocle.

What toiletries would you like to freshen up with? Whatever my wife has packed for me – she’s the expert. For fragrance, Le Labo Bergamote 22.

Early morning alarm call or late check out? Early morning alarm call.

Bath, jacuzzi or power shower? Power shower.

Full English, continental or something different? Continental breakfast.

Swimming pool, spa or gym? Spa.

Name: Soo Chan | Position: Founding Principal and Design Director | Company: SCDA (Soo Chan Design Associates) | www.scdaarchitects.com Notable hotel projects: Alila Villas Soori, Bali; Homage at Rishikesh, Himalayas; Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa; Edition Hotels.

The founding principal of Singapore-based Soo Chan Design Associates checks-in to his fantasy hotel, where an underwater paradise awaits.

Soo ChanS C D A

Singapore SCSY Studio has unveiled plans for a 120-key boutique resort in Ubud, Bali.

Located on a four-hectare site amongst the emerald green padi � elds and Ayung River ravine, the as-yet-unnamed resort plays to the romance and mystery of Ubud – in particular the legend of a local king and his Chinese bride – and weaves this into a carefully crafted guest experience. Standard guestrooms are disguised within ‘elevated’ padi terraces, while larger suites take the form of timber belvederes perched in the rainforest.

Prasasti Chenchin, SCSY’s Indonesian Director comments: “It was important for us to capture a feeling of history as well as a contemporary expression of all that is wonderful about Ubud. Both should be complementary and enrich the guest experience as a whole, setting the project uniquely in its locality while generating strong international appeal.”

Permits have been received and the search for an operator is currently under way.

An Ubud Resort B A L I

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Unlisted Collection has announced that The Old Clare Hotel, a reimagination of Chippendale’s Clare Hotel and Carlton United Brewery (CUB) Administration Building, will be unveiled this July.

Located in the emerging area of Chippendale in Sydney, The Old Clare Hotel is set to become the heartbeat of an exciting new urban development designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects.

The hotel will feature a total of 62 guestrooms, each featuring soaring ceilings with heritage timber panelling, exposed original brick, and contemporary design to create an authentic, semi-industrial feel. The reception will be located within the original pub area of the The Old Clare Hotel, and is described as a space that playfully looks to its own history.

Additional facilities include a private gym and day spa, a heritage

restored meeting space for up to 24 guests, and a rooftop bar located alongside a 14m pool, boasting views across Sydney’s creative district.

In collaboration with Unlisted Collection, three independent restaurants will also open, each offering different dining experiences. Clayton Wells, formerly of Momofuku Seiobo and Quay, will open Automata, and Sam Miller, former executive sous chef at Noma – widely regarded as the world’s best restaurant – will open Silvereye. Furthermore, internationally renowned British chef Jason Atherton – a long-time partner of Unlisted Collection – will open Kensington Street Social, a 120-seat space offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Old Clare Hotel is the work of the Unlisted Collection; owned by Singaporean hotelier and restaurateur Loh Lik Peng. Unlisted Collection’s re-creation of the two heritage buildings is the � rst Australian endeavor for the group.

The Old Clare HotelS Y D N E Y

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Oxford Capital Group has announced plans to open London House, a new luxury lifestyle hotel, on Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue.

Located within the historic Alfred S. Alschuler-designed London Guarantee & Accident Building, the hotel will combine with a new 22-storey architecturally synchronised Modernist glass tower designed by Chicago’s Goettsch Partners.

Set to open in Spring 2016, the development will feature 452 guestrooms and two � oors of upscale retail. London House’s main entrance will be along East Wacker Drive within the new tower, which will feature a gateway arrival lobby leading to the second � oor check-in lobby and bar. The hotel will also offer approximately 25,000ft2 of meeting and pre-function space comprised of junior and grand ballrooms, multiple board and meeting rooms, as well

as a spa and � tness centre. At the top of the hotel, the refurbished historic cupola, rooftop dining and outdoor event spaces will offer what Oxford believes will be Chicago’s only tri-level hotel rooftop, with dramatic panoramic views of the city.

The interior design scheme, led by Simeone Deary Design Group, speaks to the building’s roots with the use of historic detail, while adopting the progressive thinking of the 1920s to create modern and chic accents.

The colour palette will feature warm greys and crisp whites, punctuated by jewel tones and rich fumed eucalyptus woods. The guestroom design is inspired by the luxurious automobiles of that era – clean, sleek, and elegant and the hotel will be out� tted with modern furniture upholstered in lavish materials, providing an overall feeling of serenity and elegance.

London HouseC H I C A G O

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Morphosis Architects and 7132 Ltd have announce their collaboration for a new luxury hotel in Vals, Switzerland.

The unveiling of the design follows an international competition launched by 7132 Ltd last June, in which eight of the world’s leading architectural practices contended for the opportunity to design the hotel. Morphosis – led by Pritzker Prize winning architect Thom Mayne – was selected by the client for the strength of their proposal, which uses a minimalist approach to help the hotel blend with the mountain landscape at the existing resort campus.

The new hotel and arrival is de� ned by three forms: a podium linking the building with neighbouring structures; a cantilever containing a restaurant, café, spa, and bar – public amenities shared with the town; and a tower holding a sky bar, restaurant, and 107

guestrooms with panoramic views. The slim, transparent tower also includes facilities such as a ballroom, gallery, library, swimming pool, � tness centre and business centre.

The design for the hotel is driven by the desire to create an unprecedented experience of the alpine landscape. The combination of one-room-per-� oor and a narrow � oor-plate afford exclusive panoramic views of the Alps, while the tower’s re� ective skin and slender pro� le camou� age with the landscape, abstracting and displacing the valley and sky.

With the completion of the hotel element, the 7132 resort will feature buildings by three Pritzker Prize winning architects, including the internationally renowned Therme Vals spa designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and the Valser Path by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, which is slated for completion in 2017.

7132V A L S , S W I T Z E R L A N D

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Architects RLP Rüdiger Lainer+Partner have unveiled designs for the tallest building in the world made from wood.

Located in Vienna’s Seestadt Aspern district, HoHo will be home to a hotel, serviced apartments, a restaurant, spa and of� ce space.

The basic approach for the wooden tower is to combine a timber construction system with an ef� cient building layout. According to RLP, the proportion of wood used can be estimated at 74% and the ultimate goal is to understand the authenticity of the material used as a valid element in architecture.

The timber construction system provides high ef� ciency in terms of thermal insulation and serviceability. Wood-composite � oors are secured to the central concrete supporting cores, and extend out to the building edge. These � oor panels are supported by a wooden

column system around the outline of the building. This structure then supports pre-fabricated external wall modules that combine solid wood panels with an earthy concrete shell to form the façade.

The inside surfaces of the exposed wood ceilings, columns and the outer wall create a sensual, natural atmosphere, while the modular design and � exibility of use result in a high building serviceability.

The wooden resource has been chosen because it is affordable, high in quality and environmentally friendly. Each material is utilised to best suit the different requirements of structural engineering, � re protection, � exibility, economy and spatial quality. In this way, the fundamental requirements for the use of a high-rise building with its strict building regulations can be met.

An operator is yet to be announced for the hotel component but the £45 million project is slated for completion in 2017.

HoHoV I E N N A

www.designersguild.comc o n t r a c t s

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Union Hanover Securities has submitted its planning application for a £100m dual hotel scheme at Stratford City, London.

Designed by New York-based architects Grzywinski+Pons, the development comprises a 137-key Adagio and a 249-key destination boutique hotel called The Penny Brook. The scheme also includes a ground floor restaurant, café, 1270m2 conference space, and a top-� oor restaurant and lounge.

The Penny Brook will be housed in a 25-storey tower with elegant recessed façade, designed so that all spaces take advantage of natural daylight. The guestrooms of the Adagio aparthotel are split between 95 studios and 42 one-beds and are designed to brand standards and archetypal layouts.

Union Hanover aim to begin work on the scheme before the year end and are in discussions with a number of different food and beverage operators in line with its objectives to forge London’s next hot spot.

Eric Jafari, Managing Director of Union Hanover Securities comments: “It is apparent to anyone paying attention to trends that East Village is London’s next rising star. It boasts excellent transport links, huge retail footfall, millions of square feet of of� ce space under development, and museums and other visitor attractions to come. The only thing missing is a destination boutique hotel anchored by a collection of best of breed food and beverage operators to serve both the local and tourist market. It is our aspiration for The Penny Brook to serve as the cultural quarter/social hub for East Village.”

The Penny BrookL O N D O N

Tosca collection by Monica ArmaniAn outdoor collection that is simultaneously warm and inviting.

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Ever since the rural outpost of Toronto’s Drake Hotel had its grand opening, the sleepy farming village of Wellington in Prince Edward County has found itself thrust into the

hospitality spotlight. The new 13-room hotel, bar and restaurant draws visitors here from around the world, eager to experience a unique blend of design hotel Canadiana where hip hangout meets country inn.

Perched over a meandering creek with sweeping views of Lake Ontario, Drake Devonshire Inn is located just over two hours from bustling Toronto in an emerging part of Ontario wine country. Part of Drake Hotel Properties – an evolving lifestyle brand with a collection of hotels, restaurants and retail stores – this ‘Drake by the lake’ builds on the success of the urban Drake Hotel in Toronto, which opened in 2004 as a 19-room boutique property designed by 3rd Uncle. The aim was to showcase the best local art and music Toronto has to offer with a local and bohemian � avour.

And like the Drake Toronto, the new addition also features local art and site-speci� c installations, compiled by the Drake’s in-house art curator Mia Nielsen. In the lobby, light is � ltered through a striking geometric paper installation by Kirsten Hassenfeld, and

Hotelier Je� Stober unveils the latest addition to his portfolio, a lakeside interpretation of the contemporary

farmhouse, dubbed ‘Drake by the lake’.

Words: Terri Peters | Photography: © Nikolas Koenig

Drake Devonshire InnW E L L I N G T O N , O N T A R I O

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visitors to the dining room can ponder the dozen small aluminum airplanes crash-landed into the wall by Don Maynard.

The mix of kitsch and luxury creates unexpected and humorous juxtapositions. There is a bag of gourmet popcorn by the bed, a handmade doll in each room, and a green cutting mat on the desk. Yet each of the 11 guestrooms and two suites has custom high-quality headboards, bespoke armoires and vanities, Bose sound systems and � atscreen TVs, and a minimal black-and-white bathroom stocked with Malin + Goetz products. The mini-bar offers paper bagged glass ‘mickeys’ of gin or Canadian whiskey, but also a selection of local wine for more discerning tastes.

Housed in an 1880s historic foundry, the interior design is on point. John Tong, founder of +tongtong (formerly with 3rd Uncle), was responsible for the interiors, developing the concepts with owner Jeff Stober, who had a particular vision for the new hotel. Stober explains: “We’ve worked really hard to incorporate a number of classic Drake elements, whether cultural, artistic, design- or service-focused, and we think that our customers will agree it’s been well worth the wait. Obviously, we’re excited to show the world our labour of love that has turned this historic foundry into a playful, sophisticated country inn.”

The transformation of the building was carried out by ERA Architects, local specialists in heritage and conservation. New spaces are skilfully added to restored and re� ned existing ones, and the overriding architectural and interior design concept is about combining the historic and contemporary elements with an informal yet multilayered and textured aesthetic. This works at all levels, from the approach to the old building – which was to remove the additions over the years, expose the old brick and then extend in all directions – to the eclectic selection of restored vintage furniture and patterned � oor textures. Tong explains: “One of our goals was to balance the rational aspects of the architecture with contrasting colours and textures throughout the interior spaces. The outcome is a seemingly ad-hoc collection of controlled compositions and dynamic collisions.”

As per the choose-your-own experience at the Drake Toronto, guestrooms vary widely in view, size and layout. A window-less ‘stargazer’ room offers an urban camping experience lit only by moonlight, which contrasts sharply with the spacious top � oor Owner’s Suite with two bedrooms, a living room full of curiosities and re� nished mid-century furniture, and a private deck overlooking the lake. The common denominators are comfort, colourful � oors and textiles, and an element of the unexpected.

Previous Page: A vibrant mix of patterns and textures including ornate decorative wall and fl oor tiles, fl oral wallpaper and exposed brick create a patchwork that sets the theme for the hotel Above: Guestrooms vary widely in size and layout but the common denominators are comfort, colourful fl oors and textiles

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The new dining room, clad in Douglas Fir with enormous exposed steel trusses, creates a dramatic eatery that the owner likens to a barn or a camp mess hall. This addition is cantilevered over a creek on the site. Philip Evans, Principal at ERA Architects explains: “Our approach looked beyond the rehabilitation of the former foundry to create a special moment over the mouth of the creek. The dining room cantilevers the site’s most valuable assets in an effort to reduce the impact of the collection of gabled forms. From this point, users can appreciate the movement of the creek throughout the seasons against the striking views of Lake Ontario.” The renovated building extends into the landscape and a new wraparound porch de� nes the building and frames the entrance. Inside, Tong’s signature one-arm stools allow guests to informally lounge at the bar while the main dining area features custom-designed tables fashioned from � oorboards and Corian panels. An extensive permanent and rotating art collection complements Chef Matt DeMille’s seasonal farm- and lake-to-table menu. Two new volumes at the front of the building offer meeting and event spaces: there’s a wooden barn structure designed for live

music and parties, and glazed games room pavilion that would be perfect for a small weddings. Facing the water, an outdoor bar with a glass roof features an indoor/outdoor � replace encouraging guests to enjoy the fresh air. Wide-tiered cedar steps reach from the back terrace out to the private waterfront, providing spaces to sit and overlook the water.

The innkeeper, Chris Loane, is a former music programmer who worked for years at the Toronto location before moving across the street from the Drake Devonshire and making this area his home. He is inspired by East Coast ‘kitchen parties’ and aims to connect the building’s community-focused event spaces to the hotel’s city break guests. As such, open mic nights, poetry evenings and pasta parties are regular occurrences.

As a brand, the Drake is known as being legitimately cool and local and the Drake Devonshire does not disappoint. Using contemporary design and connecting to art and music, the property has managed to take the best aspects of the local community and landscape and create a playful and authentic design experience worth travelling for.

Above: The spacious top fl oor Owner’s Suite features two bedrooms and a living room as well as a private deck overlooking the lake

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 13 guestrooms | 1 restaurant | 1 bar | Event space | www.drakedevonshire.caOwner: Je� Stober | Operator: Drake Hotel Properties | Architects of Record: ERA Architects | Interior Design: +tongtong | Art Curator: Mia Nielsen Stylist: Carlo Colacci | Landscape Architect: Joel Loblaw | Construction: BLT Construction, Loyalist | Design Identity: Coolaide Field O� ce

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Adouble take and check of the address. Can this modest two-story shophouse with its beautifully ornate façade really be the Singapore headquarters of Jaya International

Design? Recalling the supremely clear Asiatic principles of straight lines, symmetry and muted tones in a client list that features some of the most respected hotel design in the world, let alone Asia, this somehow is not what was expected of Jaya Ibrahim. But in some ways the quiet, very local Little India neighbourhood is a re� ection of Ibrahim’s relative reserve. Ibrahim is at once polite and welcoming but does not take long to show his relaxed and affable character; behind the smile is a candid and con� dent attitude.

Smile he might because that evening he received the award for Outstanding Contribution at the inaugural Asia Hotel Design Awards. And there is no doubting the in� uence his work has had on hospitality design. Who has not yearned to stay at The Legian in Bali or The Datai in Langkawi? Both still valid reference points of tropical Asian resort design. Additional to GHM, the client list of Jaya International Design includes Aman, Four Seasons, Capella and various independents like The Dharmawangsa in Jakarta.

The practice is run with business partner Bruce M. Goldstein and the Singapore of� ce is one of seven around the globe within which approximately 80 people are employed. Whilst Asia is undoubtedly the focus, projects in Miami, Mexico and Milan have also been successfully delivered.

And yet all of this is a long way from the kitchens of Blakes Hotel in London where the design story really began for a young Ibrahim. Born to a Sumatran mercantile-diplomat father and mother from Javanese royalty, Ibrahim was sent to be educated in Britain. Disillusioned whilst training to be an accountant in London, he left to work at Anouska Hempel’s � rst hotel after a friend mentioned they were short-handed. His eye for detail and presentation, of sandwiches of all things, caught the attention of Lady Weinberg. “This proved

to be a breakthrough for me because no one had seen sandwiches decorated like this before!” Ibrahim smiles.

Tasked initially with doing all the � ower arrangements, tabletops and styling for photo shoots, Ibrahim turned his hand to anything. Before long he was liaising with curtain and cushion suppliers for samples and the rest. Primarily because he did so much of this Ibrahim

Shortly before he passed away on 05 May 2015, Jaya Ibrahim was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution accolade at the Asia Hotel Design Awards.

Earlier that day, Guy Dittrich had visited his Singapore studio to discuss his unorthodox route to design stardom.

Words: Guy Dittrich | Photography: Courtesy of Jaya International Design (unless otherwise stated)

M E E T I N G

Jaya Ibrahim (1948-2015)

“I design for the guest. What does the guest want to see when he

enters? What does he want to do and what

does he expect?”

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now loathes curtains. Rarely will one of his projects have them – except perhaps around a four-poster bed – when a screen or blinds will do.

Ibrahim nevertheless remembers these times and the learnings fondly. “It was fun, Anouska was very inclusive. She uses lateral thinking. She told me ‘you have to be a frog’,” he recites, his dark eyes widening and sweeping widely to mimic the act of taking in the whole view in a single look.

And arguably Ibrahim still follows this maxim. “I design for the guest. What does the guest want to see when he enters? What does he want to do and what does he expect?” he explains of his design ethos. This is the � rst of several parameters used when designing a hotel. It is also worth noting that Ibrahim prefers hotel design because he gets much more say in the outcome than with residential projects.

“First of all location is very important for the cultural content. You cannot be too literal about a location rather you have to take the spirit and use this as the guide,” he argues. “Then there is the architecture – it drives what the interiors are going to be,” he continues. “Hotel design needs a conversation otherwise there is no depth. It is like a coin where the architect sees it from one side and the

interior designer from the other.” The back of house circulation, learnt at Blakes, is also very important. “A hotel is like a fantasy. Guests don’t really want to know how it all got there. It spoils the experience.”

Ibrahim raises his eyebrows at the question of having a house style. “I can only say that I am not really tied up to any particular style or period. What is important

to me is that my design acquires a personality,” he says thoughtfully. “My design is not a commercial thing that you can buy out of a catalogue. It is a composition. A balance.”

Warming to his theme of design personality, he continues: “My design could spark with anything, even the idea of the owner. But that is just the beginning and you build around it. Sometimes you do something that contrasts with the initial idea to make it sharper. Or sometimes you do something that is derived from it, but still in the same family.” He refers to The Setai in Miami where almost everything is Oriental but there is a generic western sofa that would be incredibly bland on its own yet becomes an oasis within the rest of the design.

The work of Jaya International Design is recognisable as having a strong Asian in� uence. Screening, columns, patterning, wood

Above: The Setai in Miami takes its inspiration from the Orient Opposite: Other projects for Jaya International Design include Capella Singapore and Fuchun Resort, Hangzhou

“My design is not a commercial thing

that you can buy out of a catalogue. It is a

composition. A balance.”

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© Robert Reck Photography

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and stone � nishes, candle light, subdued colours are the “elements” of Ibrahim’s composition. The codes of linear, equal proportion and repetition seen in The Hempel Hotel are still evident in Ibrahim’s work. The use of a focal point is a common feature. “It is an aid, to know what to look at. I like my guests to not see everything at the same time. Firstly, they must not be like a frog,” Ibrahim extends the analogy.

“To achieve this layering of design I do the…” he looks upwards in search of the right word before breaking into a wide grin, “…periphery � rst. The second layer is the furniture, then the accessories and � nally the artwork.” And these come to him sequentially, much to the frustration of project managers.

Currently he is working on no less than eight hotel projects including the interiors of the � rst Patina Hotel in the former Capitol theatre of Singapore that is due to open later in 2015. Here the architecture is similar but younger than that of the nearby Raf� es Hotel. The mixed Art Nouveau and Art Deco interiors are “being re-interpreted in a timeless Jaya style to be relevant to today,” explains Ibrahim, typically using his name in the third person.

In fact Ibrahim is using his forename to launch a new hotel brand. “JAYA is the full expression of Jaya inside. Beyond collaboration this is what Jaya thinks a pencil or a hotel should look like,” he explains concisely. Destinations under consideration for hotel projects include Paris, Indonesia and Myanmar. These would be managed by GHM “as we share the same values”.

And rounding out the brand, there is also a limited edition furniture collection along with other hotel furnishings.

“In terms of formal design training, I have none,” concludes Ibrahim matter-of-factly. A modest background that makes his lasting in� uence on the hospitality design industry all the more remarkable.

JAYA PRATIMO IBRAHIM (17 April 1948 - 05 May 2015)

As Sleeper went to print, Jaya International Design released the following

statement: It is with fond memories and a profound sadness that we mourn the

passing of our beloved colleague, friend, con� dante and mentor, Jaya Pratomo

Ibrahim. While we are very heavy hearted with the loss, we shall also remember

the wisdom he had shown and the beauty he had created, which will remain

a legacy forever. Jaya had lived a life that was surrounded by love, blessings,

“A hotel is like a fantasy. Guests don’t really

want to know how it all got there. It spoils the

experience.”

Above: Ibrahim is currently working on the interiors of the fi rst Patina Hotel in the former Capitol theatre of Singapore. The mixed Art Nouveau and Art Deco interiors are being re-interpreted in a timeless style to be relevant to today

Creating Stunning Boutique

Hotels

EPR Architects +44 20 7932 7600

[email protected]

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When The Hoxton, Shoreditch opened in 2006, it was labeled the ‘anti-hotel’. Anything that angered guests in traditional hotels – such as overpriced mini-bar items,

steep phone call rates and exorbitant WiFi charges – was done away with. Yet it has always been much more than just a bed for the night, providing a place where people could eat, drink, work and play any time of day. And since its debut, The Hoxton has become very much part of the community, attracting as many locals as it does tourists.

Building on this success, London-based owner and developer Ennismore is now embarking on a global expansion, bringing its locally inspired concept to new and exciting neighbourhoods around the world.

The latest addition to the portfolio is The Hoxton, Holborn, situated on a bustling thoroughfare in Central London. The no rip-off policy of its Shoreditch sister still stands, but the new property is very much rooted in its own locale. “The design needed to capture the spirit of the neighbourhood and stay true to the city’s surroundings,” explains Emma Montier, Ennismore’s in-house interior and architectural designer. “It is important to

Now owned by Ennismore, The Hoxton is set for international expansion following the opening of its second hotel, a locally inspired property that truly captures the spirit of the brand.

Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: Courtesy of The Hoxton, Holborn

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The Hoxton that they don’t bulldoze into new neighbourhoods that have established ways of doing things,” she continues. “It was also important that the different areas of the hotel work in harmony and are sympathetic to the building’s architecture.”

Montier was responsible for the design of the hotel’s 174 guestrooms, which come in four inventive categories – Shoebox, Snug, Cosy and Roomy – according to size. And no matter what the square-footage, each guestroom comes with free Wi-Fi, an hour of phone calls, fresh milk, tea and coffee, bottled water and a daily breakfast bag.

The interiors have been created in line with The Hoxton, Shoreditch, which underwent a soft refurbishment in 2014 and will be instrumental in de� ning the type of experience and quality that is expected of future projects. But unlike Shoreditch, the guestroom layout here is dictated by the building, which is an amalgamation of two very different structures. “The contrast of the mid-19th century listed façade and the late 20th century brutalist façade presented a challenge design-wise as to how we would sympathise with both,” explains Montier. “Adapting the layouts and furniture design to accommodate this became a much bigger challenge than originally

anticipated. There were also some architectural surprises waiting for us within the building, which meant that some of the spaces were compromised. In The Hoxton spirit of things, these became our Shoeboxes.”

What is strikingly apparent in both properties is not necessarily the individual design details, but their coming together to create The Hoxton charm. “It was important that the design was informed by an understanding of the background and spirit of The Hoxton brand,” reveals Montier. “The aesthetic however needed to adapt; Holborn is a different neighbourhood and its personality and individuality needed to show through in the interior.” She continues: “The design is a move away from the industrial chic of Shoreditch with a softer approach to materials and � nishes and a response to the eclecticism and history of mid-town. De� ning touches include the bespoke Holborn inspired wallpaper, locally sourced ornaments and curios, and the artwork, which was created and curated for each room individually.

“We wanted the hotel to be a re� ection of London today, the lively atmosphere and the vibrancy of the neighbourhood,” she adds. “The history of the area and its hustle and bustle comes through in

Above: The open-plan lobby is relaxed and informal, exuding a certain charm that attracts as many locals as it does hotel guests. Fabrics and wallcoverings are supplied by Skopos, Harlequin and Tektura, while rugs are by Ege

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the colours and � nishing touches in the rooms, whilst inspiration for the furniture and fabrics came from The Hoxton’s desire for authenticity and craftsmanship in the materials and � nishes.”

Each of the guestrooms are cleverly designed to maximise comfort, space and style. Duckdown duvets and 280-thread count linens top the bed, with its natural � bre, organic mattress by Naturalmat. Leather upholstery, timber � oors and metal detailing are softened by sheers, drapes and rugs. A neat storage unit features a � ip down desk concealing tea and coffee making facilities, while the shelves are dressed with a curated collection of vintage books, nick-nacks and a suitably retro Roberts radio.

Casegoods, by PTT, are accompanied by pieces from Ben Whistler, Content by Terrence Conran, and The Contract Chair Company, while lighting, from Anglepoise and Original BTC, is inspired by classic British designs.

En-suites are tiled in black and white with walk-in showers, accessorised with a new range of Pen & Ink toiletries exclusive to The Hoxton, Holborn. In fact, there are a number of design elements unique to this property. The wallpaper in the guestrooms – featuring scenes from Holborn alongside classic Dickens characters (the literary rented rooms nearby and began to write The Pickwick

Papers whilst a tenant) – has been created in collaboration with local graphic designers. The artworks in each guestroom have been sourced or designed bespoke by Jessie James, a student from Central Saint Martins. And the hotel even has its own scent, created by perfumer Mark Buxton.

Emulating the successful formula of the original Hoxton, public spaces are run in partnership with Soho House. The open-plan lobby is relaxed and informal, exuding a certain charm that once again attracts as many locals as it does hotel guests, as evidenced during Sleeper’s stay when the lobby was a hive of activity, no matter what the time of day. And furthermore, its appeal is far-reaching. Friends call in for their morning coffee, city workers bring their laptops to make use of the complimentary WiFi, and by evening, the space is packed with The Hoxton ‘hustle’ supping on locally brewed ales, house cocktails and organic cold-pressed juices.

There is a retro feel to the space, with reclaimed furniture, classic design elements and quirky details alongside painted brickwork, raw concrete pillars, and extensive use of wood and leather. This look continues in Hubbard & Bell, the Brooklyn-style grill that occupies a conservatory to the rear of the building. Here, mustard leather booths line the perimeter of the space, while long communal

Above: A neat storage unit in the guestroom features a fl ip down desk concealing tea and co� ee making facilities, while the shelves are dressed with a curated collection of vintage books, nick-nacks, and a suitably retro Roberts radio

Interiors from Spain

ATLANTA BARCELONA DOETINCHEM HONG KONG ISTANBUL LISBOA LOS ANGELES PORTO MADRID MIAMI NEW YORK OORDEGHEM ONTINYENT

DOCKSdesign Romero Vallejo

www.gandiablasco.com

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tables � ll the centre, adjacent to the open kitchen. And, very much catering to the new generation of guest, every table has a handy charging point for smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Also on the ground � oor is the Cheeky salon, the ‘naughty little sister’ of Soho House’s Cowshed spa and skincare brand; and espresso bar Holborn Grind, run by Grind & Co. Meanwhile, the laidback Chicken Shop in the basement dishes out succulent rotisserie chicken.

The meeting and events space is also run in collaboration with Soho House. Named The Apartment, the collection of individually designed meeting rooms is set around a central kitchen, fully stocked with soft drinks and sweet treats for delegates to raid. Each room follows The Hoxton’s creative, urban DNA, and is accessorised with an assortment of books and trinkets; the polar opposite of corporate.

The Hoxton also curates an eclectic programme of events,

working with nearby businesses to showcase the quirks of the area. The group as a whole prides itself on being local, its hotels inspired by the buildings they are in and neighbourhoods they are part of, meaning each property in its budding pipeline is destined to be inherently different.

The next city to feel the Hoxton vibe is Amsterdam, marking the group’s � rst venture into mainland Europe. Overlooking both the Herengracht and Singel canals, The Hoxton, Amsterdam is made up of a series of � ve canal houses and will offer 111 guestrooms when it opens in the coming months. Designed by Nicemakers, it will feature a mix of materials and key pieces to evoke the feeling of a typical Amsterdam apartment.

Following this, The Hoxton is set to make its US debut in Williamsburg, New York, and will later be joined by a property in Opéra, Paris. And � nally, there’re rumours of a third hotel back on home turf.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 174 guestrooms | 2 restaurants | 1 bar | Salon | 6 meeting rooms | www.thehoxton.comOwner / Developer: Ennismore | Operator: Soho House | Architecture: Stride Treglown | Interior Design: In-house Lighting Design: Gravity | Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland

Above: The Apartment is a collection of individually designed meeting rooms that follow The Hoxton’s creative, urban DNA

www.aliseo.de

M NODance

Love at First Light Developed exclusively for Aliseo by sieger design, the Moon Dance features clean defined lines, new materials and lighting methodologies creating an understated sculptural form of

individualized taste and technological innovation. “A stylistic seduction of design and technology kissed by light.“

Altfield_SleeperAdvert_Fullpg_April.indd 2 22/04/2015 12:19

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Sitting majestically on Kurfürstendamm – a boutique lined boulevard considered the Champs-Élysées of Berlin – Hotel Zoo has made a grand comeback. One of the few surviving

landmarks of World War II, the hotel has been given a new lease of life thanks to owner Manfred Weingärtner and the vision of his chosen design team, Dayna Lee and Ted Berner of US-based Powerstrip Studio. Together, they have transformed the property – now a member of Design Hotels – embracing its past while infusing a de� nite sense of modernity.

Built in 1889 to the design of celebrated German architect Alfred

Messel, the property was home to a number of in� uential Berliner families before being converted to a hotel in 1911. A glazed rooftop extension was added in the 1950s and minor refurbishments have taken place over the years yet remarkably, the majority of architectural features remained intact and have now been reinstated. Soaring ceilings have been restored, bay windows retained and the original brick and steel work revealed.

Of course, the heritage building was not without its challenges, particularly in the removal of layers of plaster and forti� cation. “The architecture required a lot of our time and study,” explains Dayna

Powerstrip Studio restore a former private residence on one of Berlin’s most famous avenues, capturing its glorious past in their design scheme.

Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: Courtesy of Design Hotels

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Lee, who took the lead on the project. “We decided to reveal its foundations and rearrange the entire interior architecture. Moving in centimetre increments, we selected the elements to lovingly restore, and where we needed to, injected some cutting-edge.”

Examples of this are evident from the outset. In the entrance hall, natural stone and exposed brickwork have been repaired to their original splendour, while a 22-metre ‘catwalk’ leading to reception makes for a contemporary intervention. The concept references Hotel Zoo’s proximity to the designer stores of Kurfürstendamm, as does the emerald-coloured carpet woven with crouching leopards, a creation by fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg.

Touches of fantasy permeate the public spaces where whimsy and drama is evidenced in the oversized chandeliers, statement furniture and theatrical velour curtains. It’s a style that comes naturally to Lee and Berner, thanks to their former careers in fashion, � lm and TV. Much like the way in which a � lm set is created, Lee has devised a plot and characters for which to design her stage. “The design is inspired by our � ctional tale of the current generation who would now inhabit this stately residence,” she tells. “They are international globetrotters who cherish their heirloom furnishings yet are unafraid of cleverly mixing the elegant pieces with modern chic for their creative, boheme

lifestyle… Our imagination and work is born of screenplays.”Luxurious fabrics and contemporary furniture sit alongside

keepsakes from the past, as though traces of the original family still remain. There are also references to their jet-setting ways. “Our design direction was conceptualised to belong to this city of creative and intellectual people,” Lee explains. “We added layers of lifestyle to our authentic Berliner townhouse with some buzzing moxy of New York, some timeless bold fashion of London and the easy � ow of Hollywood.”

At the heart of the hotel is the living room, a voluminous space in which natural daylight � lters through the seven-metre-high � oor-to-ceiling windows. Low sofas and Tom Dixon’s wingback chairs amplify Lee’s deliberate play on scale, as does a two-tonne moulding of enlarged lilies mounted overhead.

Separated from the living room by the winter garden – a glazed cut-out through the core of the building – the speakeasy-esque Grace Bar is inspired by the atmosphere of yesteryear’s Hotel Zoo. Run in partnership with Berlin events agency Tehrani & Brandts, the bar is furnished with olive green leather club chairs, velvet-covered stools and low-level lighting. The focal point is a striking lacquered wood bar in dark aubergine, complete with an under-lit amethyst counter.

Above & Opposite: Public spaces feature statement furniture by George Smith, Tom Dixon and Baxter while fabrics and wallcoverings are supplied by Altfi eld, Holly Hunt, Osborne & Little and Vescom

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The bold bohemian spirit continues in Grace Restaurant, a grand dining room with the elegance and re� nement of a stately townhouse. White painted brick walls, champagne-hued wood paneling, and industrial � oor-to-ceiling windows form the backdrop to space, furnished with earthy beiges, browns and greens. Leather banquette seating and velvet George Smith armchairs are arranged in clusters while low-level round tables and deep armchairs are grouped window-side. At the centre of the space, Lee has introduced drama and whimsy with an installation that sees antique birdcages re-purposed as chandeliers.

The 145 guestrooms and suites are equally eccentric, featuring bespoke furnishings and bold Berliner spirit. Exaggerated interior proportions have been carefully maintained and each room bears its own trademarks. Some offer Kurfürstendamm views, others feature a freestanding bathtubs, yet all strike the right balance of townhouse comfort and re� ned elegance. Lee has assembled a peaceful palette

complemented by strong colour accents; custom-made walnut wood cabinetry and rich hardwood � oors are offset with oyster-hued armchairs and matching button-back headboards, while ivory-coloured lampshades hang bedside. And indulgent � ourishes have not been forgotten. Towels are by Maison Martin Margiela while other details have been kept local. Bathroom amenities are the makings of Berlin-based perfumer Tanja Bochnig – her April Aromatics line is the brand’s � rst foray into hotels – and Hotel Zoo has teamed-up with Berlin cosmetics company, Uslu Airlines, to create its own signature nail polish in edgy emerald green, a colour taken from the Diane von Fürstenberg carpet in the entrance of the hotel.

As the � fth Design Hotels member in Berlin, it was important that Hotel Zoo be markedly different to other properties in the city. Lee’s technique of developing a design story based on the history of the property and its inhabitants make for an authentic concept that is deeply rooted in the city.

Above: The 145 guestrooms strike the right balance of townhouse comfort and refi ned elegance

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 145 guestrooms | 1 restaurant | 1 bar | 200m2 event space | www.hotelzoo.deOwner / Operator: Hotel Zoo Berlin Betriebs GmbH | Architecture: Alfred Messel; Paul Baumgarten; Art Department of Studio BabelsbergInterior Design: Powerstrip Studio

Umeå has a long and storied history as a seafaring town. During the 1800s, shipbuilding and sea travel were big business and the Seaman’s Mission constructed an

impressive building on the banks of the Ume River. Long a favourite amongst locals, it has now been given a new lease of life.

Without knowing the memoirs of Stora Hotellet, the meticulous design of Stylt Trampoli’s masterpiece risks becoming lost in the midst of plush velvets and custom-designed furniture. However, the intention of both owner and designer is to put the story at the forefront, with fascinating and unique results.

“We started the project by researching the building, the city, the history, and the social context,” explains Erik Nissen Johansen, founder and Creative Director of Stylt Trampoli. “Originally, the hotel building housed both the city’s Seamen’s Mission and the grandest hotel in town headed by Gottard Zetterberg. That image, of a building full of sailors, sea captains, and high society, really sparked our imagination. In our minds, we simply removed the wall between them. That contrast came to be the main inspiration for just about every part of the hotel. It’s like a clash between rough and re� ned, seaspray and champagne, sailcloth and velvet.”

Stylt Trampoli looks to the history of a former Seamen’s Mission to inspire its reincarnation as a luxury hotel.

Words: Molly Dolan | Photography: Courtesy of Stylt Trampoli

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The building was designed in 1892 by local architect Viktor Åstrom. “It’s always a challenge to work with historical buildings, and in this case the hotel was so much a part of the city’s history that we had to tread very carefully,” comments Johansen. “It’s turned out very well though, the locals have really taken the new Stora Hotellet to their hearts, they’re proud of it.”

Inside, the diverse variety of former visitors is re� ected in the amalgamation of designs that sees crystal chandeliers alongside rustic wood � ooring. “Since the guiding idea was to do with the sea, ships and sailing, the predominant colours are that of the ocean, dusky blues and greens with lots of wood to give that shipboard feeling,” Johansen describes. “In the public spaces, the � oor is tiled with dark grey-green hexagonal tiles, patterned with fossils, star� sh and sinuous � owers, very much like the bottom of the sea.”

Continuing the theme, a metallic curtain display designed by Kriska Decor to look like a coral reef hangs in the lobby. Approximately 95 curved curtains merge in colours of satin brown, coffee and shiny emerald to emulate seabed shades. Serving as an extension to the lobby, a homely cubbyhole tucked under the original staircase is furnished with luxurious armchairs draped in plush fabrics. “The hotel is intended to be welcoming, interesting and functional for

everyone from backpackers to families and business travellers,” con� rms Johansen.

One of the hotel’s commanding features, the attic staircase, is the result of an extension by Stylt Trampoli. “This is the greatest bit of custom work in the hotel, without a doubt,” exclaims Johansen. “Before the renovation, the top � oor of the hotel was an attic full of old furniture and other rubbish, and there was no way of getting up there from the main stairwell.” Deciding to develop this � oor into an additional level of guestrooms with views of downtown Umeå and the nearby river, the designers opted to build a new route up to the top � oor. “The design of the staircase is inspired by driftwood, and by all the old relics in the attic. It looks like a hoard of old furniture cascading down through a hole in the ceiling,” Johansen illustrates.

Hanging from the top of the distressed staircase, reaching the ground level below, is an oversized chandelier comprised of mirrored plexiglass, emanating a crystal effect. The striking design aims to recapture the hotel’s original crystal chandelier, which was once said to be the largest in town.

At the top of the staircase, guestrooms range from spacious suite to compact seaman’s cabin, with each of the six room types featuring a personalised lenticular image. “The images on the guestroom doors

Above: Gottard’s Krug, the restaurant named after the famed Gottard Zetterberg, serves up a sea-inspired cuisine in plush surroundings Opposite: Predominant colours are that of the ocean, dusky blues and greens with lots of wood to give a shipboard feeling

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are something we’ve never seen before; they move as you walk by the doors,” describes Johansen of the ships, gulls and jelly� sh. “We also custom-designed several different wallpapers and carpets, the holograms on the doors, and the trompe-l’oeil images above the beds and on the suite ceiling.” Stylt Trampoli also repurposed some of the hotel’s old furnishings for use in the 82 guestrooms. “For example, the leather-draped armchairs. These are actually old armchairs from the hotel’s previous incarnation that we gave a new lease of life, simply by draping them in soft leather. We’ve also reused several dozen old headboards that we found in the attic as panelling in the corridors on the top � oor.”

Guestroom types fall under categories reminiscent of sailor’s preoccupations such as Freedom, Mystery, Passion, Superstition and Yearning, with the former housing the hotel’s grand master suite. “Of course, we’re very proud of the master suite. It is part of what used to be the hotel’s banqueting hall and has six-metre-high ceilings with huge arched windows looking out over the city and river,” states Johansen. The painted ceiling re� ects sights at sea, with blue

skies littered with crisp white clouds and soaring gulls commanding attention. A luxurious bathroom complete with sauna and built-in copper champagne cooler also features.

The nauticality continues through to Næzén’s Library, where guests are invited to utilise the space among numerous botanical samplings. Daniel Erik Næzén, an Umeå local who founded the town’s � rst library as a keen botanical student, inspires the space. Meanwhile, Gottard’s Krug, the restaurant named after the famed Gottard Zetterberg, serves up a sea-inspired cuisine in plush surroundings.

The hotel’s bar acts as the anchor of the hotel and has a certain buzz that is reminiscent of its former life. The relaxed atmosphere is emphasised by the boutique feel, evoked by lavish fabrics and dimmed lighting. Johansen concludes: “The clients had been inspired by European boutique hotels that combined individual, creative design with a real sense of place – hotels that were truly part of their location, that could provide a gateway to a city or region. They wanted to restore Stora Hotellet to its rightful place, at the centre of Umeå’s social life.”

Above: Guestroom sailor bunks allow guests to sleep under the eaves, looking out over the river

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 82 guestrooms | 1 restaurant | 1 bar | 54m2 event space | www.storahotelletumea.seOwner / Operator: Fort Knox Förvaring | Architecture: Viktor Åstrom | Interior Design: Stylt Trampoli

La Belle Époque can be largely credited for the city of Paris as we know it. It was a period of growth, prosperity and joie de vivre in which the arts � ourished, popular culture came into

its own and urban development was at its peak. Reforms to the city’s architecture, courtesy of George-Eugène Haussmann, created the wide boulevards and public squares still in existence today; the Moulin Rouge introduced a cabaret show that continues to dazzle; and in 1889, the iron lattice Eiffel Tower – said to be the most-visited paid monument in the world – was erected as the entrance arch to the Exposition Universelle.

1889 also marked the opening of Grand Hotel Terminus, one of the city’s original majestic hotels. Designed by architect Juste Lisch to accommodate visitors � ocking to the Expo, it bene� tted from its proximity to the adjacent Gare Saint-Lazare, also masterminded by Lisch. The station, the second busiest in Paris, has recently been developed to add new bars, restaurants and retail, not only upgrading passenger services but transforming the entire area.

In keeping with such advancements, the 125-year-old hotel,

Richmond completes the $50 million restoration of a Parisian grand dame, creating a new landmark for Hilton Worldwide’s

fl agship brand.

Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: © Fabrice Rambert

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most recently known as Hôtel Concorde Opéra, has undergone a renaissance. Yet despite its new identity, Hilton Paris Opéra, located in the vibrant Opéra quarter close to Champs-Elysées, Les Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann, has retained strong links with the Parisian Golden Age, particularly in the entrance lobby where hand-painted frescoes, Corinthian colonnades and imposing original balustrades abound.

With investment from Blackstone, the extensive $50 million refurbishment led by London-based design practice Richmond proposed to restore the hotel to its former glory. However Principal Fiona Thompson was mindful not to create a pastiche. Instead, the � nished product balances historic legacy with modern in� uences in a timeless yet contemporary style.

“It was a typical old European hotel that probably hadn’t been touched for many years,” explains Thompson, who worked on the project in collaboration with Celia Geyer, Senior Director of Architecture & Design at Hilton, and the team at Blackstone. “One of the � rst things we did was to look at the plan of the building and recon� gure the space to maximise its use,” she continues, going on

to explain how the former layout meant that the historically striking public spaces were vastly under-utilised. “Originally, the reception was located in the Grand Salon so the entrance lobby was very much a transition space that people passed through without appreciating its beauty.”

In order to bring more purpose back to these areas, the check-in and concierge desks – modern additions featuring � oral panel designs crafted from brass to re� ect the original detailing of the central balustrade – were repositioned in the entrance lobby. This made way for a new-look Grand Salon, now the heart and social hub of the hotel. Thompson and her team set about restoring the original features of the space, peeling back layers of paint and grime to reveal, as is often the case with heritage buildings, both challenges and surprises along the way. “You come across all sorts of things that you didn’t know were there,” she con� rms. “It was very tired and very dirty, and it was only when we started cleaning that we realised the brown beams were actually white underneath.”

The formality of the original architecture, with 14m-high ceiling and handpainted murals, has been updated with a new backlit ceiling

Above: Designed by architect Juste Lisch, the property fi rst opened in 1889 as Grand Hotel Terminus Previous Page: The magnifi cent Grand Salon is the heart and social hub of the hotel

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that brings light and volume to the space, evocative of an internal Parisian courtyard. Below, crystal rings of light wrap around two monumental chandeliers and offer a contemporary addition to the existing features. The architectural detailing is echoed in the brass and backlit glass feature bar, bespoke handcrafted wool rugs, and coloured glass tabletops to create a sophisticated interior.

Operational from breakfast till late, the Grand Salon serves as the living room of the hotel, whilst also providing a direct link to the station at the rear. A more intimate experience can be found in Le Petit Bar to the left of the entrance lobby. The cosy space has a Parisian feel with its chic cocktail tables, tinted mirrored ceiling and striking black-and-white tiled � oor. Here, the colour palette is inspired by a bold striped fabric by French fashion designer Christian Lacroix, which has been used as upholstery to a number of the chairs. Parisian touches can be found throughout the interiors, from the patterning used on the reception desk to the angle at which the backs of the lounge chairs slope, an update on design styles typical of the period when the hotel was built.

“Everything is quite contemporary,” says Thompson of the public areas, which also include a breakfast lounge, six meeting

rooms and the Salon Baccarat, a function space lit by � ve Baccarat crystal chandeliers. “The bar is very modern and obviously so but the materials such as stone, glass and brass are from the period,” she continues. This is a common theme throughout the hotel with new furniture – some of which is designed bespoke by Richmond – complementing vintage pieces to build a collection that feels as if it has been curated over decades. “We bought quite a few vintage pieces from the Forties, Fifties and Seventies and had them restored to give the spaces resonance,” explains Thompson, describing the juxtaposition between history and modernity to create a “lived in” look that appears to have aged naturally.

By contrast, guestrooms and suites are characterised by a much lighter, fresher palette. Despite the building’s listed status, many of the original architectural details, particularly on the upper � oors, have been lost over the years. But rather than attempt to recreate what was there previously, Thompson has produced a modern interpretation, adding mouldings to the walls to give a sense of classical proportion. A muted colour scheme with delicate brass highlights, shagreen detailing and high-gloss surfaces feature throughout. Traditional materials such as glass, timber and metal can be seen in the furniture,

Above: Guestrooms are characterised by a much lighter, fresher palette and feature a wall-sized mural with images from the local area

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mirrors and accessories, but once again, it’s a contemporary take on period designs. Bathrooms meanwhile have been re-designed to accommodate sizeable polished stone vanities and walk-in showers.

Parisian references can be seen in the artwork. The corridors of each � oor have been given over to a different artist to display their interpretation of the city, and in the guestrooms, wall-sized murals created in collaboration with iconographic design agency Muzéo feature images from the local area. “The detail in the drawing is taken from Gare Saint-Lazare and the architecture of Boulevard Haussmann,” explains Thompson, adding that the sketch of a Parisienne beauty and her pet poodle is inspired by a 19th century French fashion campaign. “You will recognise elements of the surrounding neighbourhood but we have re-drawn them to create a more whimsical take on the city.”

On completion, the hotel will offer a total of 268 guestrooms including 29 suites, some with private French balconies. Highlights include the elegantly appointed Maria Callas Suite, a 900ft2 space characterised by the high ceilings typical of a Haussmann building.

The hotel has remained open throughout the refurbishment programme so works are still ongoing. Guestrooms on the upper � oors are expected to be operational by July, as is the ground � oor rear entrance that links guests with the station.

The opening of Hilton Paris Opéra marks an important milestone for Hilton Worldwide, as Simon Vincent, Executive Vice President and President, Europe, Middle East & Africa explains: “France has the largest inbound tourism market in Europe, estimated to reach 100 million by 2018, with Paris itself remaining one of the world’s great destinations. Hilton has a long history in the city and we are delighted to be bringing one of its most illustrious hotels back to life, following a stylish renovation that will ensure Hilton Paris Opéra becomes a home for Parisians and international guests alike.”

Since then, the group has reaf� rmed its commitment to the city, announcing an agreement to rebrand Astor Hotel Saint-Honoré under its Curio collection. The hotel, owned by Maranatha Group, will undergo a substantial refurbishment that will preserve and restore yet another of Paris’ striking Belle Époque landmarks.

Above: In Le Petit Bar, the colour palette is inspired by a bold striped fabric by French fashion designer Christian Lacroix, which has been used as upholstery to a number of the chairs

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 268 guestrooms | 2 restaurants | 2 bars | 2 ballrooms, 7 meeting rooms | Gym | www.hilton.comOwner / Investor: Blackstone | Operator: Hilton Hotels & Resorts | Architecture: Juste Lisch | Architect of Record: Ertim ArchitectesInterior Design: Richmond | Lighting Design: Sam Neuman | Fit-Out: Vöcker & Co

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Ninety minutes from Bangkok sits the historic city of Ayutthaya, once a centre of global diplomacy and commerce and now, after being burnt almost to the ground by the Burmese

army in 1767, an archaeological ruin and spectacular homage to the architecture of that time. With its soaring reliquary towers and monumental Buddhist monasteries, it’s an incredible place to visit and be inspired and, since August 2014, there’s no better base from which to do so than 26-room boutique hotel Sala Ayutthaya.

Designed by Thai architecture and interior design � rm Onion and located in the heart of the ancient city opposite one of its most famous temples, Wat Phutthaisawan, the property is both sensitive to its surroundings and refreshingly modern thanks to its juxtaposition of Ayutthaya-inspired brickwork and minimalist white walls.

When it came to the concept, the opportunities were limitless. “The brief was only the number of rooms,” recalls Onion’s Design Director Siriyot Chaiamnuay, who worked with his colleague Arisara Chaktranon on the project. “There was much room for creativity.”

And inspiration wasn’t hard to � nd. “We’ve known the owner of the Sala project, Tos Chirathivat, for eight years and he’s interested in building a series of boutique hotels in picturesque and historically important locations through Thailand. The Sala sites usually inspire us,” explains Chaiamnuay, who has worked on Sala hotels in Bangkok and Khao Yai, and is currently working on a property in Koh Samui. “In this case, we were inspired by the existing brickworks

at Ayutthaya, especially the buildings of Phutthaisawan Temple. They have fantastic proportions.”

Suitably inspired, the designers decided, then, to add a modern twist to the traditional building method. “We were not trying to balance the ancient surroundings with our designs; we studied the local techniques of constructing brickworks and challenged the brick workers to create something different,” Chaiamnuay says. Juxtapose this innovative brickwork with clean, white walls and you have the overall design concept of the hotel, which can be seen everywhere from the exterior courtyards to the interiors of the guestrooms.

The corridor leading from the reception and art gallery near the main entrance to the hotel’s central courtyard is the perfect example. From the passage, which is � anked by parallel, curved walls designed to frame a section of the sky, a white wall can always be seen and within it, the brickwork was designed with both Thai design forms and the natural rhythms of the day in mind.

“Our inspiration was the pattern of Thai ornaments, which are normally based on curves and acute angles,” Chaiamnuay notes. “We also focused our designs on the movements of shade and shadow of the brick wall rather than the wall itself. What we wanted to create was the animated shadows of Thai patterns.”

The result? A space characterised by constantly changing shadows which meet on the � oor at around 11am each morning, transforming its atmosphere at different times of the day.

Sala Hospitality Group has unveiled a new boutique hotel in Central Thailand, designed by Onion to be sensitive to its historic surroundings yet refreshingly modern.

Words: Elly Earls | Photography: © Wison Tungthunya

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Other particularly striking areas of the hotel include the white marble swimming pool, from which, of course, brick walls are visible too, and the riverside façade and terrace restaurant, the only space in the hotel where guests can enjoy the panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River and Phutthaisawan Temple.

Here, the building exterior looks like a white wall of gabled houses and specially designed steps lead down to the river itself. Not only are these eminently functional (they’re designed to be � ooded); they also add some extra architectural interest. “Our inspiration was the step wells in Rajastan, India, and with these steps, we can also celebrate a Thai festival entitled Loi Krathong at Sala’s riverfront. It comes from the tradition of making Krathong [� oating baskets] which are � oated on a river annually throughout Thailand,” Chaiamnuay explains.

Even within the restaurant itself, which serves international and Thai favourites and is the most typically resort-like space in Sala Ayutthaya with its plush cushions and almost beach club feel, local touches can still be found. For example, the bell-shaped granite

lamps, which are the restaurant’s main feature, were custom-made by a local factory, as were the bricks inscribed with ‘Sala’ and ‘Onion.’

But it’s one of the guestrooms, all of which are completely different (“We were bored by the typicality of rooms,” Chaiamnuay exclaims), that the architect says is his favourite spot in the property. “The private swimming pool within the pool villa is my favourite space,” he says. “In the pool, you may feel trapped between the bedroom and a high brick wall, but the nice part is that the pool is open to the sky.”

Besides the pool villa, the other 25 guestrooms at Sala Ayutthaya are all unique – some spacious, some compact, some with direct access to the pool, and others with stunning river views – while at the same time sharing many similar features, including a modern, bright, airy feel, Thai shapes, like the leaping tiger engraved on the bed’s headboard, and the wooden structures that signify the bathroom area. “When guests leave Sala Ayutthaya, we hope they will later wish to return and stay in a different room,” Chaiamnuay concludes, ensuring each stay is a new experience.

Previous Page: The property is both sensitive to its surroundings and refreshingly modern thanks to its juxtaposition of Ayutthaya-inspired brickwork and minimalist white walls Above: Despite its beach club feel, local touches can also be found in the restaurant

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 26 guestrooms | 1 restaurant | 1 bar | 1 treatment room, swimming pool | www.salaresorts.comOwner: Osodtong Company Limited | Operator: Sala Hospitality Group | Architecture & Interior Design: Onion

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In a corner of the South Paci� c that has become synonymous with sprawling resorts and rows of over-water bungalows, The Brando is a de� nite outlier. This new French Polynesian retreat, which sits on

a small, sandy islet inside a coral atoll, comprises just 35 villas with a maximum combined occupancy of 88. It has been built according to the wishes of the late Marlon Brando, who purchased the atoll, Tetiaroa, in the 1970s and dreamed for decades of constructing a quietly luxurious eco-hotel for fellow castaways.

The resort’s buildings, by French Polynesian � rm Pierre-Jean Picart Architecte, have been designed with such deference to their

surroundings that they are barely visible from the air. By using on-hand materials such as Polynesian pandanus leaf and ironwood that was harvested from Tetiaroa’s other islets, the � rm has created camou� aged structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to repair. Crucially, each building has been positioned so as not to obstruct movement along the islet’s beaches.

“It was Marlon’s vision to be able to walk around the island and enjoy the beaches and lagoon without any barriers,” says Richard Bailey, CEO of Paci� c Beachcomber, the French Polynesian hotel group that operates The Brando. “As a result, we opted not to

Pacifi c Beachcomber augments its portfolio of resorts in French Polynesia with a luxurious eco-retreat built on Marlon Brando’s private atoll.

Words: Dan Stapleton | Photography: Courtesy of Pacifi c Beachcomber

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construct over-water bungalows and instead built villas set back from the beach.

“There are places on the islet where structures are visible peeking out from the natural landscape, but when viewed from the beach the entire atoll, including the lagoon, appears in its primordial state. This would not have been possible with over-water bungalows. The lagoon of Tetiaroa is so breathtakingly beautiful that it seemed irreverent even to contemplate any evidence of human development on such a pristine expanse of nature.”

Bailey � rst met Brando in the 1990s, when the actor was searching for a suitable partner to help bring his hotel dream to fruition. “Together,” says Bailey, “we pursued a vision of creating the world’s � rst ‘post-carbon’ resort – a place where innovative new technologies would enable a self-sustaining luxury environment for hotel guests. The Brando is the legacy of that shared vision.”

After Brando’s death in 2004, Bailey worked with the actor’s estate to � nalise plans for the resort. Six years of meticulous landscaping and construction followed. After several false starts, The Brando � nally opened in 2014. And by anyone’s measure, it is a true � ve-star resort. There are two restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred French chef Guy Martin, a pristine spa overlooking a lily-covered pond, and expansive � tness facilities including tennis courts and a diving and kayaking centre. The villas, which were decked out in shades of ecru

and taupe by Parisian interior designers ID Associés, include media rooms with wireless functionality and outdoor plunge pools.

But it is The Brando’s sustainability initiatives, not its luxury trimmings, that set it apart from other high-end tropical resorts. Paci� c Beachcomber is actively promoting features such as the atoll’s 100% renewable electricity supply (generated by solar panels and an on-site coconut oil power station) and the resort’s sophisticated waste-water recycling program. Perhaps most impressive is the sea-water air-conditioning (SWAC) system, which provides abundant cool air to every building in the resort.

“Even in a tropical setting like Tetiaroa, the deepest ocean waters remain ice cold throughout the year,” Bailey explains. “SWAC takes advantage of these naturally chilled waters by piping them to land and using the water as a coolant. It’s a simple idea – but one that took many years to put into effect.”

Marlon Brando had heard of the principle of SWAC as early as the early 1970s and he dreamed of making it a reality on Tetiaroa. He suggested the idea to Bailey when the pair were trying to � gure out how to rely on renewable energy without compromising on luxury and air conditioning. To test the principle, Paci� c Beachcomber conceived, developed and installed the world’s � rst private air-conditioning system using SWAC at another of its properties, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.

Above & Opposite: By using on-hand materials such as Polynesian pandanus leaf and ironwood that was harvested from Tetiaroa’s other islets, Pierre-Jean Picart Architecte has created camoufl aged structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to repair

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“This demonstrated that it was possible to air-condition a luxury hotel at a very competitive cost without the use of fossil fuels,” Bailey says. “And now, SWAC is the cornerstone of our renewable energy system at The Brando.”

For Paci� c Beachcomber, which operates seven other resorts in French Polynesia, including four large InterContinental hotels, The Brando is a chance to claim the very top end of the South Paci� c luxury market. At €3,000 per night during high season, the resort will be out of the reach of the vast majority of visitors to the region. But Bailey and his team are con� dent that The Brando has something compelling to offer those who can afford it.

Already, Hollywood A-listers have spent time on Tetiaroa, attracted in part by the unparalleled privacy (the only way for guests to reach the resort is by private plane, and a waterborne security detail monitors the atoll 24/7 for unauthorised boat arrivals). And, although he won’t be speci� c, Bailey hints at further development plans for the atoll in 2015, indicating Paci� c Beachcomber’s � rm commitment to its latest venture.

This Page: The Brando features two restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred French chef Guy Martin,

a pristine spa overlooking a lily-covered pond, and expansive fi tness facilities including tennis courts

and a diving and kayaking centre

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 35 villas | 2 restaurants | 2 bars | Spa | www.thebrando.comOwner / Operator: Pacifi c Beachcomber | Architecture: Pierre-Jean Picart Architecte | Interior Design: ID Associés

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Aided by a depreciating yen and visa deregulation, government efforts to lure more foreign tourists to Japan’s shores are moving the destination closer to its 20-million-visitor target

by 2020, the same year in which it hosts the Summer Olympics. “2014 proved a fantastic year, with 13.4 million visitors representing a 29.4% increase on 2013,” con� rms Kylie Clark, Head of PR & Marketing for the Japan National Tourism Organisation. “This marks the second consecutive year for Japan to register a record high.” Boosted by a recent upsurge in arrivals from East Asia, notably China, the rebounding industry has plenty of room to grow, however. Japan’s global ranking of 27 for the number of inbound visitors means it lags behind several of its regional counterparts. The target markets of Asia and America will prove key to future growth and this summer All Nippon Airways, Japan’s only � ve-star-rated airline, will open routes to Kuala Lumpur and Houston. Having doubled its international passenger numbers in 2014, ANA expects both the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Olympics to further stimulate traf� c.

The games are stoking the interest of investors too, with some speculating that supply will fall short of demand, thanks in part to high construction costs deterring fresh development. But the reality is, Japan is games-ready. “This will be a compact games, concentrating 85% of competition venues within an 8km radius of the athletes’ village in Tokyo,” says Clark. “Within a 10km radius of the Olympic Games centre, Tokyo has more than 87,000 hotel rooms, and there are more than 140,00 rooms within 50. An extra 1,848 rooms had already been given construction authorisation within the 10km radius before Tokyo was awarded the games. By factoring in additional ryokan rooms, Tokyo 2020 has secured suf� cient accommodation capacity, so new hotels are not essential. But with the tourism industry booming, we will see hotels being built before 2020.”

According to STR Global’s Pipeline Report released in January, there are 6,851 rooms in 29 hotels under contract across Japan. And JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group predicted in its report – ‘Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Expectations for the Hotel Industry’ – that the country’s pipeline will witness an 8% increase over the next several years, with areas beyond Tokyo such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa and Hokkaido expected to bene� t. Some of this development comes courtesy of international groups with resorts positioned at the high-

end of the market. In addition to those properties covered in the pages to come, Starwood Hotels & Resorts has grown its Japanese portfolio to 15 with the arrival of Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Kyoto. Owned by Mori Trust and designed by Takenaka Corporation, the hotel occupies the grounds of the Tenryuji Temple, home to a traditional ryokan of which two structures have been preserved and renovated. Kyoto’s stringent planning regulations have kept international operators at bay until recently but tourism demand means that luxury developments in particular, including one to come from Four Seasons, are set to slowly open up this historic World Heritage city.

Elsewhere, on the northern island of Hokkaido, YTL Hotels has recently unveiled Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse as part of its 615-hectare mountain resort, while the island of Okinawa will welcome its � rst Hyatt-branded hotel when the 294-room Hyatt Regency Naha opens this July. Looking ahead to 2017, GHM is slated to enter Japanese territory with the Tadao Ando-designed Chedi Tomakomai, a 60-room luxury hotel and expansive wellness complex that will also grace Hokkaido.

Japanese hoteliers too are active, their properties introducing unique propositions. Fujita Kanko’s mid-priced brand, Hotel Gracery, will take another step in its expansion strategy when it opens a 970-room hotel as part of Shinjuku Toho Building, a new entertainment complex designed by Takenaka Corporation. Owned by Toho Company, a � lm producer and distributor, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku offers three Godzilla-themed rooms, one of which harnesses special effects to transport guests to the monster’s world. Robots rather than monsters will be garnering the attention in Nagasaki Prefecture when the owners of Huis Ten Bosch theme park unveil Henn-na Hotel this summer, complete with ten robotic members of staff responsible for duties such as cleaning and check-in.

Finally, esteemed Japanese company Hoshino Resorts, operator of 28 hotels and a pioneer of modernised ryokan-style hospitality, will enhance its portfolio of three Hoshinoya � agships when it presents a Fuji resort this year and another in Tokyo in 2016. With hot springs and spa a strong component of its business model, international growth is also slated for the experiential brand as it works towards becoming a major Japanese export.

J A P A N

Luxury urban resorts, wellness and themed concepts are driving diversifi cation of Japan’s hotel landscape in response to reinvigorated tourism demand.

Words: Neena Dhillon

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Clockwise from above: Starwood Hotels & Resorts has grown its Japanese portfolio to 15 with the arrival of Suiran, a Luxury

Collection Hotel in Kyoto; Looking ahead to 2017, GHM is slated to enter Japanese territory with the Tadao Ando-designed Chedi Tomakomai; The owners of Huis Ten Bosch theme park are soon to unveil Henn-na Hotel, complete with ten robotic members of

sta� ; and fi nally, Fujita Kanko’s mid-priced brand, Hotel Gracery, will take another step in its expansion strategy when it opens a

970-room hotel complete with three Godzilla-themed rooms

At one with its elevated setting yet quietly grounded in all things Japanese, this urban sanctuary by Kerry Hill

Architects takes Aman into uncharted territory.

Words: Neena Dhillon | Photography: Courtesy of Aman Resorts

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Amanjunkies are accustomed to getting their hospitality � x in the most captivating natural locations, travelling off the beaten track for the brand’s famed combination of privacy,

top-notch service and enriching experiences rooted in place and time. So the opening of Aman Tokyo – the brand’s � rst urban hotel constructed as part of a newly built development – signals fresh ground, with Aman’s management promising that a forthcoming generation of properties will grace other world cities. As Japan represents the brand’s third most important global source market, it makes sense that Tokyo is the chosen location for its inaugural city retreat, the capital’s fusion of tradition and modernity providing a rich canvas from which to weave an evocative design story.

Occupying the top six � oors of the 38-storey Otemachi Tower, found within the city’s � nancial district, Aman Tokyo is the sixth Aman resort to be designed by Kerry Hill Architects. Its distinctive urban setting called for a particularly sensitive approach. “Together, with the vision of Adrian Zecha, and my long-held respect for Japanese culture, we approached the design in a way that refers to that culture,” says the � rm’s Director Kerry Hill. “But since a big hotel at the top of a high-rise is not the traditional Japanese place to start, the project needed to be part of the modern, global world. So perhaps the design is in the details, our interpretation of Japanese materials and textures, and the quality of quietness.”

Engaged for both interior planning and interior design, the Singapore-based � rm has infused Aman Tokyo with a sense of peaceful harmony, achieved through a limited palette of tactile materials, reverence for nature and � uid transitions. “Many of the materials we’ve selected reference traditional vernacular buildings,” explains Hill. “But we’ve used them in a contemporary way to anchor the design in modern Japan.” Large stone-clad spaces, blending indigenous basalt in grey and blue tonal varieties with granite in a soft leather � nish, are softened and warmed by the addition of light timber, speci� cally ash and chestnut, crafted into architectural detailing and custom-made furniture.

This base palette is responsive to the sunlight that streams into the hotel’s public spaces and guestrooms through monumental picture windows affording incredible views. Indeed the interplay of light and shadow is fundamental here, as evidenced in Aman Tokyo’s sweeping lobby where shoji-inspired screens and doors carefully � lter sunlight and create pockets of intimacy. Soaring 27-metres, a dramatic ceiling feature is fashioned from textured layers of washi paper that allow light to permeate the lobby during the day while at night, they appear as a large lantern. Hill worked closely with lighting designer Karou Mende to inject the lobby with theatre.

The lantern � oats above an inner garden comprising two rock sculptures, featuring boulders from Miyagi Prefecture, and a central

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ikebana display rising from a water pool, its living branches, leaves and blossom changing to reflect the seasons. Japan’s national fascination with the natural world is evident from the entrance up to the serene lobby and throughout the hotel’s artwork. On the ground � oor, the Otemachi Forest, an external network of greenery planted on a pedestrian entryway, offers both shade to the local community and a relaxing outlook for the glass-clad café. Extensive research was carried out at neighbouring Imperial Palace to assess the species that would have sprung from this land were it free of urban development. Esteemed artist Shuhei Hasado meanwhile, has contributed an internal triptych representing the development stages of a tree – installed to ascend from ground level up to hotel reception and onto the spa, the three pieces depict a Japanese forest � oor, branches, and � owers, all realised through his unique plastering technique. Other commissioned art includes work by Kishin Funada and Rieko Hidaka, their painted studies of branches adorning the restaurant and cigar lounge respectively.

Indeed, Japanese artists are displayed prominently in the public spaces. In the Resident’s Library, for instance, a set of antique samurai dolls is found alongside Issey Miyake’s latest lamp designs for Artemide, while positioned on seat ledges in the lobby, Masaki Hattori’s ceramic vases are symbolic of peace. The craft of Japanese ceramics can be seen in the tsubo pots assembled from different eras, which decorate the corridors.

Kerry Hill has highlighted the hotel’s generously proportioned spaces by breaking down boundaries between public areas, engineering a � uid transition from one to the next. Looking closer, however, there is a strong reference to traditional Japanese homes

This Page: Covering 2,500m2 alone, Aman Spa is a suitably luxurious facility, drenched

in light across its two fl oors and equipped with Japan’s largest swimming pool Previous

Page: A strong reference to traditional Japanese homes expressed by the concept of

engawa guides the layout of the guestrooms

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expressed by the concept of engawa, which guides the layout of the lobby, spa and guestrooms. Engawa refers to the intermediate space between garden and living areas in which families gather informally to socialise. Usually a wooden passageway, engawa informs the subtle division of the lobby’s inner courtyard from the restaurant and lounge while over in the spa, a timber-washed corridor, punctuated with washi paper screens, welcomes guests post-treatment to look out over Tokyo, sip tea and chat with their therapist. Covering 2,500m2 alone, Aman Spa is a suitably luxurious facility, drenched in light across its two � oors and equipped with Japan’s largest swimming pool. The 30-metre meditative pool has been positioned to capture the winter sun and is furnished with daybeds for an uncluttered feel. In spa reception, an ancient camphor tree, symbolic of temple gardens, has been carved into a table. The properties of Japanese camphor are known for their calming effect; traditionally the wood was carved into knives used for samurai tea ceremonies. Camphor runs as a motif through the hotel’s welcome areas, the tree additionally crafted into front and concierge desks.

At 71m2, Aman Tokyo boasts the city’s largest entry-level rooms. Here engawa introduces a carefully considered Japanese aesthetic, inviting guests to step down into their private space, removing shoes and putting on slippers. Castor Aralia, favoured by Japanese furniture-makers, paves the � oors, walls and integrated cabinetry of the guestrooms, with shoji sliding doors screening off granite-washed bathrooms. Furo, or deep soaking tubs, are a centrepiece of each bathroom, with sweet-smelling cypress buckets and bath tools recalling the rituals of traditional Japanese bathing. Calligraphy by masters Kei Shimizu and Gen Miyamura hangs artfully on walls, extending the theme of nature since the characters translate into simple expressions such as ‘to � y’ or ‘a tree’. Artwork is used sparingly, leaving the symphony of timber and granite to imbue the guestrooms with a tranquil feel.

By modulating references to Japanese culture and seamlessly blending materials that convey the dual qualities of solidity and calm, Kerry Hill Architects has devised a contemporary sanctuary, perfectly at home in the elevated environment of a Tokyo high-rise.

Above: Large stone-clad spaces, blending indigenous basalt in grey and blue tonal varieties with granite in a soft leather fi nish, are softened and warmed by the addition of light timber crafted into architectural detailing and custom-made furniture

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 84 guestrooms | 2 restaurants | 2 lounges | Boardroom, business centre | Spa, gym | www.amanresorts.comOwner: Tokyo Tatemono | Operator: Aman Resorts | Design Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates | Architect of Record: Taisei CorporationInterior Design: Kerry Hill Architects | Landscape Architect: Salad Dressing | Lighting Design: LPA

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For a hotel that occupies the top � oors of Japan’s tallest building, the temptation might be to sit back and let the jaw-dropping views do all the work. Certainly Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

makes the most of its elevated position in the multi-use Abeno Harukas complex, designed by Cesar Pelli and his principals to soar 300 metres high. Comprising under just 7% of the landmark’s � oor space – the equivalent of 32,000m2 – the hotel offers spectacular vantage points from � oor-to-ceiling windows that dominate the interior architecture of its public spaces and guestrooms. So rather than try to compete with the sprawling Osaka skyline beyond,

Japanese design � rms Nihon Sekkei and KKS Group have instead looked to support that story, taking inspiration from the sky and heavens as well as local culture to devise bright, contemporary, light-infused interiors.

As the country’s third largest leisure destination, and home to recently opened Universal Studios Japan, Osaka is well serviced by international brands downtown, found towards the north of the city. To the south, though, there has been little in the way of a � ve-star offering until now. Recognising this gap, Kintetsu Corporation – whose hospitality division includes the Miyako brand, operator of

The interiors of Osaka’s newest fi ve-star hotel respond both to the elements and customs found beyond the skyscraper in which they are housed.

Words: Neena Dhillon | Photography: Courtesy of Marriott International

Osaka Marriott Miyako HotelO S A K A

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18 hotels in western Japan alone – signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International for a co-branded property appealing to both international and local markets. Since Abeno Harukas towers above a main terminal station, a direct connection to Kansai Airport brings in leisure visitors predominantly from Asia while local lines provide easy access to domestic travellers. The high number of local guests has surprised even management – almost 60% of the hotel’s visitor base is domestic – and many come from neighbouring prefectures to experience a luxury hotel stay.

To cater to this strong leisure pro� le, the hotel’s lobby is a series of social gathering spots arranged within an open-plan space of creamy marble, macassar ebony wood and glass. Nihon Sekkei’s choice of materials are designed to respond to changes in light through day and night, with colour and texture added by club chairs custom-made by Kinso and room dividers � nished in foil and lacquer. Stainless steel and stone welcome desks shelter under a cascading light � xture of glass and acrylic balls called Creation. There is a nod to elemental forces here as the display represents the energetic birth of a star. Behind the desks, Japanese artist Takeharu Nakabayashi runs with the theme, his crystal sculpture also alluding to meteorology and astronomy. Artist Y Uchida meanwhile has contributed two pieces, his abstract treatment of torn paper on one lobby wall representing the historical chapters of the site while metalwork rising and dipping

on another expresses changes in weather, the wind scattering his sculpture from sunrise to sunset. At Bar Plus, atmospheric conditions once more inspire a design element. Suspended from the ceiling, a stainless meshed fabric hovers above the bar and after sunset is lit by LEDs to mirror the effects of the aurora. Japanese artists are featured prominently across the hotel, with Makoto Nishikawa commissioned to create glass works and Akito Morino ceramics.

Since Asian families travel together in groups, both the hotel’s 200-seat restaurants serve a variety of cuisines to keep all the generations happy. ZK Restaurant on the 57th � oor – ZeKei means ‘spectacular view’ – includes teppanyaki and sushi counters. KKS Group has selected walnut, cedar, brush-hammered black and yellow granites as base materials for the Asian eatery, injecting glamour through dining chairs manufactured in metallic sheen fabrics and lighting features made from crystal beads or polished metal. Behind the Japanese counter, traditional Abeno washi paper has been crafted into a central feature inspired by moonlight streaming into bamboo windows. ZK waiters wear stylish uniforms by renowned fashion designer Junko Koshino. As the all-day dining alternative, Cooka is a less formal affair yet it retains a connection to the world outside through aluminium ceiling panels laser cut to show an abstraction of the Osaka skyline.

KKS maintains subtle references to Japanese culture in guestrooms,

Above: The design teams have taken inspiration from the sky and heavens as well as local culture to devise bright, contemporary, light-infused interiors Opposite: The bar and Club Lounge o� ers spectacular vantage points from fl oor-to-ceiling windows that dominate the interior architecture of its public spaces

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opting for a clean and uncluttered approach. Wallcoverings take their lead from the craft of Ise-katagami while the leaves and � owers of pine trees inform carpet motifs. There is more of an international � avour in the hotel’s suites; silver stripe marble and basaltina, for example, lend polish to the Comfort Suite’s spacious bathroom while the Imperial Suite’s regal palette of blue and gold contrasts with white piano panels and Art Deco touches in the bedroom plus poplar wood panelling in the living room. Still, the suite does not forget its location – an iron tea set, speaker technology shaped like an indigenous drum and a bathroom amenity box patterned and � nished in lacquer all recall Osaka.

By trying to reference both the modern Japanese spirit and the towering presence of Abeno Harukas among the elements, there is a risk that interiors could have felt disconnected. Yet Nihon Sekkei and KKS Group have succeeded in achieving continuity through a lightness of touch and commitment to the contemporary.

This Page: KKS maintains subtle references to Japanese culture in guestrooms, opting for a clean

and uncluttered approach. Wallcoverings take their lead from the craft of Ise-katagami while

bathrooms, fi tted with a Toto Neorest, o� er more of an international fl avour

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 360 guestrooms | 2 restaurants | 2 bars | 5 meeting rooms | Fitness Centre | www.marriott.comOwner / Developer: Kintetsu Corporation | Operator: Kintetsu Hotel Systems | Architecture: Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects (exterior design); Takenaka Corporation (design) Interior Design: Nihon Sekkei; KKS Group | Construction: Takenaka Corporation; Okumura Corporation; Obayashi Corporation; Dai Nippon Construction; Zenitaka Corporation

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In selecting a site for the arrival of Andaz in Japan, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has made a canny choice. Once an outer gateway to Edo Castle, the centre of Japan’s political power during the Tokugawa

shogunate, historic Toranomon has more recently grown as a Tokyo business district. Over the years, leaders have not overlooked its strategic location. When General Douglas MacArthur oversaw the post-war Allied occupation of Japan, plans were � rst mooted for an arterial highway that would connect Toranomon to the major interchange of Shinbashi. In fact, it has taken until 2015 for the ‘MacArthur’ section of Loop Road Number 2 to be realised, effectively creating a Champs-Élysées-style corridor for mixed-use development that will potentially serve as a key access route during the 2020 Summer Olympics.

As a joint public-private initiative, the unveiling of Toranomon Hills last summer brought together shops, restaurants, of� ces, residences, conference centre and hospitality in a 52-storey progressive high-rise. Residing on the top � oors of the tower, Tokyo’s second tallest, Andaz is well-suited to this city backdrop, introducing “a lifestyle-boutique offering that avoids formality, one which feels sophisticated but not overly scripted, yet is rooted in local culture,” suggests General Manager Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry. Accordingly the hotel called for designers with a profound understanding of Japanese culture, not only its traditions but its future too.

For the arrival experience, restaurants and guestrooms, internationally renowned Tony Chi has drawn on his 25-year track record of working in Japan. “It is a distinct culture that cannot be seen but must be felt,” he says. “Japan has taught me great things, particularly the language of life where you can actually feel the inner

beauty within people and materials.” Chi expresses this cultural emphasis partly through a purity of natural materials designed to become textured with age, also by the symbolism of craftsmanship, and � nally through the in� uence of the paper art form origami, each fold � guratively “representing a memory forever made.” So � ne washi paper has been used to manufacture the hotel’s signature lamps. To produce elevator artwork, Osaka-born artist Tetsuya Nagata has handcrafted washi, layering the paper around Edo period confectionery moulds incorporating a Tai � sh motif. Since � sh express the rhythm of movement and resonate strongly in Japanese culture, they � nd their way not only into the elevators but also into sculptures displayed in the Andaz Lounge as well as guestrooms. Craftsmanship is in further evidence elsewhere in the lounge where Shigemitsu Kotaka showcases Kumiko art, a delicate process that involves the nail-free assembling of wooden pieces by hand. Shoji boxes meanwhile, inspired by Katsura Imperial Villa, are another repeating feature, greeting guests from entrance level on and up.

Chi has not been slavish in his choice of artisans. Andaz Tavern is notable not just for its views but also for the undulating wooden sculptures by British artist Charlie Whinney, suspended at ceiling height to inject rhythm and create focal points. A � ne example of Chi’s ability to transform a large space into contained areas of intimacy and social interaction, Andaz Tavern is characterised by columns, booths and interpretations of fusuma/shoji doors, clad in Japanese walnut, accented by leather dining chairs from Troscan Design. Sliding screen panels are also present throughout public spaces, realised in patterned glass made by Brooklyn-based artist Lisa Stimpson’s ‘verre églomisé’ mirroring technique. Nodding to

Shinichiro Ogata and Tony Chi embrace Japanese traditions of purity, rhythm and harmony to craft a hotel made entirely of the moment.

Words: Neena Dhillon | Photography: Courtesy of Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon HillsT O K Y O

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This Page: Andaz Tavern is notable for its undulating wooden sculptures by British artist Charlie Whinney, suspended at ceiling height to inject rhythm and create focal points Opposite (Top): The Chef’s Studio is a fl exible event space complete with a show kitchen Opposite (Bottom): Nodding to the harmony of traditional tatami rooms, the hotel’s 164 guestrooms feature walnut and washi

the harmony of traditional tatami rooms, the hotel’s 164 guestrooms again feature walnut and washi with basalt used for the en suites.

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is equipped with a signi� cant provision of social and events spaces. Shinichiro Ogata, president and creative director of highly regarded Tokyo design studio Simplicity, has brought his distinctive Japanese sensibility to six � exible Andaz Studios, the hotel’s rooftop complex consisting of a studio, bar and chapel, as well as the 1,350m2 AO Spa & Club.

Basing his spa design on the concept of yin and yang, which he explains is “symbolic of the harmony of contrasting things,” Ogata juxtaposes light and shadow, female and male facilities, low and high elements in a careful fusion of opposites conceived with symmetry. Water, “representing the action of puri� cation,” unites these elements through a centrally situated 20-metre pool around

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which Shanxi black granite is offset by white porcelain. To house the Blend Bar, where treatments and ingredients are tailor-made for each guest according to the principle of Jiyujizai, Ogata has woven together iron and wood to devise a Japanese-style grid pattern. Display units are crafted from Japanese oak, � nished with a scrubbing treatment that utilises tonoko polishing powder. Vases custom-made by ceramicists Tsunehisa and Keiko Gunji punctuate shelving as abstract representations of water, plants, animals and beings. Ante Vojnovic’s resin sculpture, another centrepiece of the serene spa, encapsulates the sense of � uidity while Hideaki Yamanobe’s prints denote peacefulness.

A trilogy of features typically associated with Japanese gardens has guided the work of Simplicity on rooftop level 52. Its exterior clad in copper, the Chapel seeks to recreate a spiritual atmosphere for weddings by incorporating elements of a shrine. For the rooftop bar, Simplicity has looked to the example of teahouses to inject this network of compact spaces with a feeling of expanse. Here, a circular lighting � xture above the bar is suspended low in relation to the

vast ceiling height to evoke a unique energy; “circles are symbolic of wealth, connection, communication and harmony,” Ogata notes. To re� ect the natural ingredients forming the basis of handcrafted cocktails, including teas, the bar’s background display is decorated with steel art pieces shaped into leaves and herbs while Nobuyuki Takahashi’s prints make contemplative additions, installed high on the walls. The bar’s open-air, roof-protected terrace overlooks Tokyo Bay and is popular as night falls. Completing the trilogy is the Rooftop Studio, equipped with a show kitchen. “I applied the idea of the shoin study room, a type of congregation hall that developed in Japanese architecture during the Muromachi period,” says Ogata. “This room is designed to entertain, a place where people can meet for certain rituals. It also allows guests to observe outside scenery and is connected to a garden terrace where they can gather.”

As two designers who are deeply respectful of each other’s work, Ogata and Chi have imbued their respective interiors not only with a true sense of Japanese identity but with an attitude of adaptability essential to a lifestyle hotel of the present age.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 164 guestrooms | 4 restaurants | 1 bar | 4 event spaces | Spa, fi tness centre, swimming pool | www.andaztokyo.comOwner / Developer: Mori Building Company; Tokyo Metropolitan Government | Operator: Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Architecture: Nihon SekkeiInterior Design: Tony Chi and Associates; Simplicity | Contractor: Obayashi Corporation

Above: Simplicity has designed the 1,350m2 AO Spa & Club based on the concept of yin and yang

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K yoto, the aptly crowned cultural capital of Japan, rests in the central part of Honshu Island. Surrounded on three sides by the Higashiyama, Kitayama and Nishiyama mountains, the

area’s history plays an intrinsic role to this day, with traditional Miyabi aesthetic favoured.

Described as the polishing of manners, diction and feelings, to eliminate all roughness and achieve the highest grace, Miyabi expresses a sensitivity to beauty, as conveyed by the city’s � rst, and much needed, luxury hotel. Spanning a stretch of the Kamogawa River’s west bank, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is nestled in the shadows of the

adjacent Higashyama mountains and stands at just four storeys tall, complying with the city’s strict height restrictions. In compensation for the lack of height, the hotel’s long form encompasses additional basement levels.

“The project took three-and-a-half years, and there were a lot of challenges,” explains Peter Remedios, President and Managing Principal at Remedios Studio, the California-based practice that led the interior design. “One of the main challenges was the height restrictions in place; it is a long, low building. The lobby is actually half a storey below ground, which caused some problems with

Remedios Studio blends modern comforts with ancient tradition to create Kyoto’s fi rst luxury urban resort.

Words: Molly Dolan | Photography: Courtesy of Remedios Studio / The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

The Ritz-CarltonK Y O T O

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Ritz-Carlton’s set requirements, such as ballroom ceiling height,” he continues.

In-keeping with neighbouring architecture, the hotel adopts many characteristics of local Meiji houses. A courtyard, for example is incorporated and blends a Japanese rock garden (Karesansui) with water features and patterned motifs created by local artisans. Water, is one of the integral elements in Japanese philosophy and features prominently in the design, with a striking three-storey waterfall at the heart of the hotel, cascading down to the basement swimming pool.

Japanese design is distinctive, yet that of Kyoto is notably different, as Remedios discovered: “I understand Japanese culture and architecture, I am con� dent in what I know of the country. Ritz-Carlton said to me ‘we know that you know Zen, but Kyoto is different.’” And it was. What began as a relatively simple brief became more complex as Remedios was tasked with capturing 1,000 years of Kyoto culture and translating it into today’s lifestyle and society. “Miyabi is a delicate re� nement and very different to Zen. It focuses on the beauty of imperfection,” he observes.

Further incorporation of Miyabi design is represented with the inclusion of over 400 works of art from Kyotan artists. “We wanted to incorporate the Kyoto craft aspects into the design. Japanese art

and culture is all in Kyoto,” explains Remedios, who ensured that the project not only received the attention of an art consultant, but also a curator. “It is important that every single piece is consistent with the design and language of the design.”

The entrance to the hotel is via a dimly lit, covered courtyard, and a carefully crafted combination of sliding doors and geometric screens create a sense of mystery, evoking privacy on the approach to reception. The long vestibule leads guests through to dark wood panels, which slide open to reveal the lobby and other open spaces. “You don’t really know what to expect,” exclaims Remedios. “It gets a reaction, this is like movie making, with the opening scene not necessarily shocking, but capturing attention.”

The lighting creates a hushed, warm atmosphere come nightfall, with recessed � xtures ensuring that emphasis is on the wood-based design and view overlooking the tranquil river. “The hotel has a Michya feel, but with Ritz-Carlton’s DNA,” says Remedios.

The 134 guestrooms measure an average of 50m2 – amongst the largest in the city – and offer views of the river, mountains or an old clapboard row of homes. Décor continues the powerful Miyabi aesthetic, emulating an airy cocoon feel with light wood and natural elements. The embracing of culture peaks with the inclusion of tatami

Above: The hotel’s lobby lounge is designed using Machiya style and presents views of the cascading waterfall Opposite: In the public spaces and guestrooms, Remedios was tasked with capturing 1,000 years of Kyoto culture and translating it into today’s lifestyle and society

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mats in place of traditional beds in a handful of rooms, allowing for a traditional ryokan experience in a luxury setting. Corner suites feature � oor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to make the most of the sought-after views, while increased privacy is granted with garden terrace suites and views spanning a private garden as opposed to the bustling river front. The hotel recently scooped the coveted award for best Bedrooms and Bathrooms at the inaugural Asia Hotel Design Awards 2015.

The city of Kyoto is famed for its culinary offering, and the new restaurants of Ritz-Carlton have already established themselves. Mizuki offers various traditional cuisines such as Kaiseki, Sushi, Tempura and Teppan dining, while western cuisine is on offer from La Locanda. Meanwhile, the hotel’s lobby lounge is designed using Machiya style and presents views of the cascading waterfall. With Japanese art and architecture books in abundance, the space offers all that is special about Kyoto in one distinctive space.

This Page: The embracing of culture peaks with the inclusion of tatami mats in place of traditional

beds in a handful of rooms, allowing for a traditional ryokan experience in a luxury setting

EXPRESS CHECKOUT: 134 guestrooms | 4 restaurants | 2 bars | 4 event spaces | Spa, swimming pool | www.ritzcarlton.comOwner / Operator: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Sekisui House | Architecture: Nikken Sekkei | Interior Design: Remedios Studio

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THE INTELLIGENCE SOURCE FOR THE HOTEL INVESTMENT COMMUNITY

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Starwood plays the Ace ahead of the pack

Starwood Capital has sold the Ace hotel in London’s Shoreditch for GBP150m. The deal marks a successful three year turnaround for the property, and sets a new benchmark for prices in the upcoming east of the UK capital.

The single asset exit represents one of Starwood Capital’s smallest plays in the UK hospitality sector. The investor recently took a GBP206m position in London’s serviced apartment market, buying Think apartments; but right now, it is looking to crystallise its more than GBP700m investment in the UK’s four-star hotel sector, having bought the Principal Hayley, De Vere Venues and Four Pillars hotel groups.

Starwood bought the 258-room Shoreditch property in 2012, when it was sold by receivers of Irish property group Glenkerrin for around GBP70m. Sold as a going concern, it had IHG’s Crowne Plaza as the incumbent brand and came with a 68 room extension that had been part built. Starwood refurbished and repositioned the property, persuading boutique operator Ace to make the hotel its � rst London site.

The property has been bought by investor Limulus Ltd, advised by the Deerbrook Group, who will be retaining Ace to continue managing the hotel. “This transaction sets a new benchmark for hotel pricing in the local area and represents a narrowing of the gap between

East and West London pricing,” commented Adam Wilson of JLL Hotels. “This sales process attracted over GBP1bn of equity from all over the globe and is indicative of the insatiable appetite for London hotel real estate.”

“Ace Hotel has proven to be the perfect brand for this property, and our successful partnership on Ace’s � rst project outside the US underscores Starwood Capital’s commitment to working with innovative hotel management companies of all sizes to the ultimate bene� t of our investors,” said Starwood Capital’s Nick Chadwick. “We were early in recognizing the potential of Shoreditch to emerge as one of London’s hottest neighborhoods.”

Meanwhile, Starwood’s larger challenge of unravelling the trio of portfolios has been progressing over the last year. In February, the company revealed which properties it wanted to keep, when it put 19 properties up for sale, appointing Christie to dispose of 11 former De Vere Venues properties, seven Principal Hayley properties and one from the Four Pillars portfolio. Together, the portfolio – dubbed Project Milan – is reckoned to be worth around GBP180m.

The balance of the properties look likely to be gathered together under a new brand, along with two recent additions in Scotland, boutique townhouse hotels Blythwood Square in Glasgow, and the Bonham in Edinburgh.

While Starwood will be keeping its new brand under wraps until next year, it has already started

spending up to GBP100m on the properties it will keep, with refurbishments under way at the George in Edinburgh and Royal in York. The group has hired David Taylor, currently general manager of the London Edition hotel, to head up the new brand.

Some in the conference hotel sector have expressed hopes that some of the former De Vere Venues properties will be taken out of the hotel market for alternative uses, such as nursing homes. The sector has seen a weak recovery so far, and a reduction in capacity would bene� t those remaining.

However, the Project Milan properties head into a busy marketplace, with other private equity sellers also keen to take pro� ts from hotel portfolios acquired earlier in the recovery cycle.

KSL is looking to achieve up to GBP350m for the Malmaison and Hotel du Vin chains, currently numbering a total of 29 UK properties after the new owners continued expanding both brands. Several parties have been rumoured as bidders, including TDR Capital. For now, KSL looks to retain its other UK hotel assets, the Belfry hotel and golf resort, and the Urban Resorts chain, bought in late 2014.

Also on the market is the 27 strong QHotels chain, put up for sale by owners Sankaty Advisors and Canyon Capital. The investors are understood to be expecting to achieve around GBP650m for the properties, which were added to recently with the purchase of six former De Vere country resort

hotels. Sankaty took control of QHotels after initially buying the company’s GBP370m debt pile from IBRC.

Another contender for those with deep pockets is Kew Green Hotels, which is expected to fetch more than GBP400m. Owners TPG and Goldman Sachs put the chain up for sale in March, but could alternatively consider an IPO to exit their position. Kew Green owns 44 hotels around the UK, and manages a further 10. Of the total, 45 run under IHG’s Holiday Inn � ag. The current owners, who acquired Kew Green in 2013, substantially changed the business last year by adding 21 Holiday Inn hotels bought from LRG Holdings.In addition, CBRE is marketing Project Planet, a GBP170m portfolio of mostly Mercure branded hotels around the UK, owned within the Jupiter Hotels vehicle. And Lone Star is rumoured to have asked Eastdil Secured to sound out potential buyers for its Somerston unit, recently rebranded as Atlas Hotels. Atlas has 48 UK hotels, all but one under the Holiday Inn Express � ag, and recently signed a multiple development agreement with IHG to grow further.

HA Perspective (by Chris Bown): Starwood Capital has played its stewardship of the Ace beautifully, investing to reposition the property in a part of London that has a real upcoming buzz to it. Delivering the same transformative uplift to the rump of the Principal Hayley and De Vere Venues will be more challenging.

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And the Project Milan disposals come at a busy time. Agents tell us there are plenty of investors snif� ng around the hotel market, so who will blink � rst and commit to a slice of the UK provincial hotel market? It seems there is plenty to choose from.

One thing is for sure, private equity investors are not keen to buy portfolios being sold by other private equity investors. Some share the same pension fund backers, who will take a dim view of being told they have sold a portfolio under one PE platform, only to buy it back via another.

It will more likely be Chinese investors who take up the opportunities these portfolio sales offer. That could be investors, including the newly freed Chinese insurance companies; or it may be major Chinese hotel and travel groups, who could see this as an opportunity to grab hotels that increasing numbers of Chinese visitors bound for the UK could be fed into.

The Chinese insurers, on recent evidence in New York and Sydney, tend to prefer single trophy assets. Meanwhile, acquisitive Chinese group Dalian Wanda may well have ruled itself out of more substantial UK investment, having indicated in recent weeks that it will spend more on domestic retail development.

Chinese hotel group Jin Jiang has already demonstrated its interest in mainland Europe, buying Louvre Hotels from Starwood Capital in the last few months. Expect it to be offered a complementary UK chain, too. And Chinese travel

group HNA, which was early to the European market with the purchase of a stake in Spanish group NH Hoteles, may also be interested in extending its hotel assets in Europe, now the market has turned positive.

Outside of China, there are others looking to grow into Europe, too. Minor Hotel Group recently bought into Tivoli Hotels & Resorts in a EUR168m deal giving it presence in both the Portuguese and Brazilian hotel markets.

Expect the unexpected – some of the new purchasers are likely to be names not previously heard in European hotel circles.

With such a glut of hotel assets up for disposal, one alternative to a sale could be a public offering. Blackstone is already suggesting this as potentially the most lucrative exit for its Center Parcs holiday business, while the duo behind Kew Green are also understood to be open to the idea. It seems that IPO appetite is stronger than it has been since 1996 when six companies listed on the London markets.

Whitbread looks East for Premier Inn

Whitbread has indicated it will step up its expansion in Asia, with the appointment of a new regional head of development.

The company is reported to have hired Ratnesh Verma, formerly Asia Paci� c development director for Hyatt, to spearhead growth. A spokesman told Indian media he will become managing director of

the international division, based out of Dubai.

The appointment suggests that the international development of Premier Inn will pick up. To date, the group has found it hard to gain traction in its chosen overseas markets of Dubai, India and South East Asia, where it is targetting Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Whitbread started moving outside the UK in 2008, committing investment directly to get the ball rolling. Currently, there are three Premier Inn hotels trading, in Delhi, Bangalore and Pune, with two more in development. In Dubai, the company has three hotels open and two in Abu Dhabi.

In contrast with its con� dence in the home UK market, company presentations have seen Whitbread executives rather coy about declaring progress – or performance – overseas. In its last report and accounts, Whitbread noted that while its Middle Eastern hotels are pro� table, “India has proven more challenging”.

The plans for the future are to move to an asset light development model, with a target of 50 hotels by 2018. Whitbread says it has a pipeline of 22 hotels with a further 16 memoranda of understanding signed. A deal with developer Action Hotels, struck in early 2014, saw Whitbread sign to manage four new hotels to be built in the Middle East by the end of 2016.

There are signs that the ground work to date will start to see more concrete results in coming months. Hotels in Goa and Chennai will open this year, while a 350-room

Premier Inn in Mumbai should open in 2018.

“Presently, we have 23 properties currently in various stages of build set to join Premier Inn’s growing portfolio worldwide,” said regional development director David Vely last autumn. “Indeed, we have plans for 50 hotels in the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia by 2018. The Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Mall will open in the second half of 2016, just after the 150-room Premier Inn Muscat Al Quram and 320 rooms served by the two Saudi-based properties.”

In February, the company announced four more hotels were signed to the Indonesian pipeline, in Bandung, Sentul, Bali and Jakarta. “We have started 2015 with a bang by entering into development agreements for another four hotels throughout Indonesia. We believe Asia Paci� c has strong economic growth potential, and we are excited to see these four hotels added to our already strong pipeline,” said local vice president of development Erik van Keulen.

Last autumn, Whitbread was rumoured to be in talks with Berggruen Hotels about a possible takeover that would give it immediate scale in India. Berggruen currently operates 11 mid-market hotels in India under its Keys brand, with a further seven promised for opening this year. There are also three resort hotels, and one under a � ve star � ag, Keys Klub, in Pune.

Whitbread’s other expansion plans nearer to home are in Germany, a market it has selected in part due to its low brand

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penetration, reckoned at just 5%. The company has bought a freehold site in Frankfurt and expects to open a 200 room hotel later this year, the � rst of an initial target of six German hotels.

In Germany, however, it will face strong competition from local rival Motel One, which already has a strong presence and is building into the UK with its � rst openings. Pitched into the same budget sector of the market, Motel One recently announced revenues up to EUR256m for 2014. The company’s portfolio stood at 54 at the year end, of which 46 are in Germany. In common with Whitbread, an aggressive expansion plan is under way that will see growth to 74 hotels by 2017, with close to one third outside Germany. Motel One says it is achieving average occupancy of 75%.

Currently, Motel One has German cities well covered, having multiple sites in many of them: it recently opened its ninth hotel in Berlin. In Frankfurt, Premier Inn will be pitching against four local Motel Ones.

This year will see Motel One opening new sites in Amsterdam, London, Magdeburg, Manchester, Prague and Vienna while a further � ve are due to launch in 2016.

Motel One is also churning its portfolio, having sold off nine � rst generation properties for conversion to Louvre’s Premiere Classe brand. It also recently recouped EUR76m with a sale and leaseback of properties in Berlin and Frankfurt, to investment partner Fonciere des Regions.

HA Perspective (by Chris Bown): Premier Inn has been slow off the mark in its announced international expansion. Having � rst invested cash to get sites open, it then decided that it would prefer development partners to make the capital commitment, putting it in the same position as the major brands, when looking for new sites.

Talks about a transformative takeover to give the Premier Inn brand greater traction in India appear to have stalled, but meanwhile it appears some progress has been made, and a more promising development pipeline is taking shape. Verma, fresh from his experience with Hyatt, will be expected to � nd some development partners who can help scale up the Whitbread operation in the very near future.

Expect progress in Germany to be somewhat different. This market entry is being run by the UK team, who took a decision to enter the market only after much deliberation. There is plenty of currently unbranded hotel market to lay claim to, and just as it bene� tted from rivalry with Travelodge in the UK, Whitbread will probably relish the � ght with Motel One and Accor.

A strong budget hotel offering, with more than just one strong brand, helps spread the word in the market at large that here is a hotel sector offering high standards as well as great value. In a country where the alternatives are already making strong progress in the marketplace, that’s important for the sector as a whole.

Soft brands fi ght it out in Europe

Marriott is gaining momentum in Europe with its Autograph Collection. The soft af� liate brand has just signed its � rst property in France, the Boscolo Exedra in Nice, as it opens its � rst Swiss property.

The recently renovated historic property has 112 rooms and a strong restaurant offer. It becomes the brand’s third hotel in France, joining the Hotel de Bourgtheroulde in Rouen and Hotel L’Hermitage Gantois in Lille.

Yet its growth plans set the af� liate brand in direct competition against a number of other platforms designed to support independent hotels. The battle of the soft brands in Europe means independent hoteliers are now spoilt for choice – and have less reason to sell out to a brand, than before.

Marriott’s progress in France comes as Autograph’s � rst hotel in Switzerland opens. The Kameha Grand Zurich is a newbuild 245-room property that includes eleven individually themed suites in a distinctly modern style.

“Autograph Collection is growing rapidly in the lifestyle hospitality sector, and we believe that Kameha Grand Zurich truly embodies the philosophy of our collection by showcasing creative design and a playful personality that is exactly like nothing else,” said Julius Robinson, vice president at Autograph Collection.

Marriott now has 23 European hotels under the Autograph � ag

across Europe. Its strongest country presence currently is in Spain, where seven hotels are currently listed.

Boscolo has been gently building its relationship with Marriott. Its Milan hotel � rst signed under the Autograph banner in 2011, placing its Rome, Venice, Prague and Budapest properties in the collection. In 2013, it added Milan and Rome hotels.

Autograph is pitching to appeal to independent hotels directly against independent marketing organisations including Preferred Hotels, and German company Design Hotels, both of which are also growing strongly. Also in the mix are Hilton with Curio; Choice with its Ascend Collection; while other independent af� liations include Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Leading Hotels of the World.

The US-owned Preferred recently announced a rede� nition of its growing portfolio, now 650 properties strong, with � ve “collections” beneath its overarching Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand. The � ve are named Legend, LVX, Lifestyle, Connect and Preferred Residences.

Announcing the shuf� e in early March, Preferred CEO Lindsey Ueberroth commented: “Our new branding empowers today’s dynamic travellers to determine exactly what will make each trip feel luxurious, expanding the de� nition of luxury travel beyond the con� nes of traditional perceptions such as white gloves or stars. In a time when travellers are overwhelmed by the multitude of new hotel brands,

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

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we are going back to the foundation on which our company was built to provide clarity during the travel planning process.”

During 2014, Preferred added 108 new properties, and grew reservation revenue to USD882m. It improved its booking conversion rate by 11% and achieved a 30% increase in reservations revenue for its member hotels.

One major development for Preferred in the last year has been the signing of an agreement with major Spanish hotel brand NH, to act as an additional distribution channel as it re� ned its family of brands. Last autumn saw the group relaunch its properties under new branding, including premium brand the NH Collection. An initial 14 NH Collection properties were placed with Preferred across Spain, Italy, Mexico and Argentina, while further six are planned to be added during 2015.

“With a strong foothold in key markets, especially across the Americas, and a proven track record of successfully supporting some of the world’s � nest luxury hotels and resorts, Preferred Hotel Group is the ideal partner to support NH Collection’s entry into the luxury hospitality sector,” said Ru� no Perez, chief commercial of� cer at NH. “We are excited to communicate our unique new portfolio to a wide global audience through our collaboration with Preferred Hotel Group.”

Meanwhile, German hotel group Design Hotels has just revealed its 2014 results, increasing revenues by close to 11%. The company acts as a marketing and management support vehicle for its members, taking some bookings but not registering total hotel revenues. Its own fee turnover was up to EUR15.2m.

Established in 1993, the group today represents 274 hotels in over 50 countries, concentrating its activities on promoting and marketing high end, design-led properties. Much of the portfolio is in Europe, with few hotels in the US signed to membership. Creator and CEO Claus Sendlinger has kept the member hotels exclusive – in 2013, he approved just 4% of almost 300 applicants to join the collection.

During 2014 shareholders agreed overwhelmingly to a “domination agreement” – effectively a takeover – with Starwood Hotels. Starwood previously took a minority stake in the business, and opted to present other shareholders with a cash offer.

“We want to expand our business internationally and believe that the collaboration with Starwood Hotels & Resorts will leverage the strategic development of the company in the future,” said Sendlinger. “Currently, we are in the process of elaborating the framework conditions and necessary requirements of a comprehensive partnership.”

And speaking shortly after the partnership deal was announced,

Starwood CEO Frits Van Paasschen revealed the logic for the tie-up. “With an average rate above USD300, these are independent, unique, and as the name implies, design-led properties. In other words, just the kinds of experiences that SPG members are looking for.”

“Design Hotels gives us a platform to explore how we can create value for independent hotels that appeal to SPG members, but they don’t � t our current nine brands. We see this platform opening up a new avenue for growth spreads as we explore opportunities along these lines.”

HA Perspective (by Chris Bown): An independent luxury hotel owner, struggling to juggle marketing and relationships with OTAs, is increasingly spoilt for choice. While still keeping his independence, he now has Marriott and Hilton in the wings with distribution offerings, alongside those of expanding independent marketing groups from Preferred to SLH. Preferred even has its own loyalty programme, matching the big guns in one of their key offerings.

Further blurring the marketplace is the move by NH, to effectively sign some of their properties under Preferred. The deal acknowledges that Preferred simply has a better marketing platform, already operating, than NH can hope to build quickly to promote its higher end properties.

All of which suggests that

brand penetration, long argued as something that had to change in Europe to match US levels, may not be moving as fast as previously – at least at the luxury end of the market. Further down the scale, the brands continue on their march. From IHG’s Holiday Inn family, down to Ibis and B&B, brands are set to take substantially more of the European marketplace.

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AHICDubaiwww.arabianconference.com

BONDdiseñotel Cancunwww.disenotel.com

Maison & Objet AmericasMiamiwww.maison-objet.com

HD ExpoLas Vegaswww.hdexpo.com

DesignjunctionNew Yorkwww.thedesignjunction.co.uk

ICFF New Yorkwww.ic� .com

May Design Series London www.maydesignseries.com

Clerkenwell Design Week Londonwww.clerkenwelldesignweek.com

Boutique Hotel Summit Londonwww.boutiquehotelsummit.com

HI Design EMEADubrovnikwww.hidesign-emea.com

LE MiamiMiamiwww.lemiami.com

New London AwardsLondonwww.newlondonarchitecture.org

Event Diary & News

3-4 MAY

7-10 MAY

12-15 MAY

13-15 MAY

15-18 MAY

16-19 MAY

17-19 MAY

19-21 MAY

20-21 MAY

3-5JUN

8-11 JUN

7JUL

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Clerkenwell Design Week 2015 is set to build on the success of its previous � ve editions with an impressive mix of cutting-edge installations, exclusive product launches and insights into contemporary design and architecture.

Set against the historic backdrop of Clerkenwell, the three-day festival will be centred around leading design showrooms in the neighbourhood, as well as four exhibitions – Design Factory, Platform, Detail and Additions. CDW Presents, the festival’s commission and installation programme, will return showcasing original projects and street installations by established and emerging names from the design and architecture worlds, stationed across all areas

of Clerkenwell. On St. John’s Square, architects Cousins & Cousins have designed Glaze, a multicoloured jewel-like pavilion in collaboration with Gx Glass. The installation is designed to highlight and celebrate the versatility of glass, its colour and the surface designs that make glass an important medium through which designers and architects can realise their ideas.

In all, over 60 showrooms will be part of Clerkenwell Design Week 2015. New participants including Carl Hansen & Søn and Moroso will join long-term supporters such as Vitra, Arper and Poltrona Frau and together they will play an integral part in proceedings. www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com

CDW Presents...CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK

The Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel Summit

has announced the programme for its

forthcoming event, due to take place

at The Montcalm, London. Amongst

the hotel tours, keynotes, and case

studies, Sleeper is scheduled to host

a panel discussion entitled ‘Next

Generation Hotels – The Rise of Budget

Chic and Social Space’. Sleeper Editor

Catherine Martin will be joined on stage

by panellists Christoph Hoffmann,

CEO of 25hours Hotels, Josh Wyatt,

Investment Director of Patron Capital,

and Julie Fawcett, Managing Director

of Qbic Hotels, to examine the trend for

providing basic, functional guestrooms

and encouraging guests to socialise in

large, vibrant communal spaces. Other

speakers throughout the two-day event

include Brad Wilson of Ace Hotel Group,

Grace Leo of Reignwood Investments,

and Jonathan Segal of The One Group.

www.boutiquehotelsummit.com

The World Architecture Festival

has announced plans for a satellite

event in the UK. As part of London

Festival of Architecture, WAF London

will be a four-day exhibition of great

buildings, future projects, interiors

and landscapes from countries

around the world. And for the fi rst

time, all of the WAF 2015 fi nalists will

be exclusively displayed at a free-to-

attend exhibition. There will also be

a talks programme looking at new

architecture, issues a� ecting cities

and communities, and ways in which

architecture and design can improve

the environment.

www.worldarchitecturefestival.com

London BoundWAF LONDON

Budget ChicBOUTIQUE HOTEL SUMMIT

Designjunction will make its of� cial New York debut in May with a curated show of cutting-edge contemporary design presented in collaboration with Smallpond. Building on the success of its London event, Designjunction Edit New York will take over the industrial surrounds of ArtBeam in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood. More than 25 international brands including H Furniture, Muuto, Decode and Modus will transform the building into a creative hub alongside a café and dedicated retail zone. The event takes place from 15-18 May as part of NYCxDesign, a city-wide celebration that brings together all the disciplines of design, commerce, culture, education, and entertainment with a programme of exhibitions, installations, trade shows, talks, launches and open studios. www.thedesignjunction.co.uk

Global expansion for DesignjunctionDESIGNJUNCTION EDIT NEW YORK

19-21 MAY

15-18 MAY

24-27 JUN

20-21 MAY

Introducing...Antique, Baker Street and Concept

Select and Absolute Collections

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T he Asia Hotel Design Awards were launched at the inaugural ceremony on 12 March 2015. Taking place at Parkroyal on Pickering Singapore, over 300 guests from across the continent

� ocked to celebrate exceptional hotel design and architecture and honour the work of industry-leading architects, designers and hotel operators across the Asia-Paci� c region.

On arrival, guests mingled over drinks and small plates in a ‘hawker-style’ street market, created especially for the event to represent the different cuisines of Asia. Sleeper Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich then hosted the awards presentation – a highlight of which was Jaya Ibrahim accepting the Outstanding Contribution Award. The big winner of the night was The Puyu, by Layan Design Group.Following the awards presentation, guests enjoyed cocktails overlooking the Singaporean skyline at the stunning � fth � oor poolside bar.

Members of this year’s judging panel included industry leaders such as: Angela Chang from Starwood; Ian Carr, HBA; Rajiv Puri, Minor Hotel Group; Paul Matthew Wiste, Jumeirah; Julia Monk, HOK; Brian Lum, Hyatt; Jennyfer Lacroix, Raf� es; Loh Lik Peng, Unlisted Collection and Chair of Judges Khirstie Myles from IHG.

Matt Turner, Editor-in-Chief of Sleeper, said: “The criterion for success in these awards was based not only on creative excellence, but also on commercial viability. As well as projects that were aesthetically impressive, the judges looked for evidence that the designs would also meet the needs of clients and customers alike. All of the submissions were impressive and I am delighted to say that our winning entries were truly outstanding.”

Launched by Sleeper Magazine, organiser of the European Hotel Design Awards, the � rst Asia Hotel Design Awards was supported by headline sponsor Janus et Cie and took place as part of Singapore Design Week, between Maison Objet and IFFS.

Sleeper would like to thank the following for their support of the Asia Hotel

Design Awards: Buymedesign, Cubes Magazine, Design Hotels, HI Design

Asia, Hospitality 360, In Bed With Designers, Indesign Magazine, Interface,

International Furniture Fair Singapore, Janus et Cie, Maison & Objet Asia,

Music Concierge, Proof Consultancy, Singapore Design Week, Thomas

Milazzo, and TopHotelProjects.

www.asiahoteldesignawards.com

P A R K R O Y A L O N P I C K E R I N G , S I N G A P O R ET H U R S D A Y 1 2 M A R C H 2 0 1 5

The Winners

The inaugural Asia Hotel Design Awards attracted leading industry names for its prestigious awards ceremony held at Parkroyal on

Pickering during Singapore Design Week.

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T H E A R C H I T E C T U R E A W A R D S

HISTORICAL BUILDING 1888 HOTEL By Shed Architects

NEWBUILD (URBAN)THE PUYU By Layan Design Group

NEWBUILD (RESORT)AQUA MEKONG RIVER CRUISE BOATBy Noor

Layan Design Group was appointed to create the fi ve-star luxury hotel project The Puyu in Wuhan, China. The design is timeless and modern, with references to local traditions creating a strong link with the location’s history. The three different façade treatments are an interpretation of the Chinese elements earth, metal and water, while references for the interior were drawn from the local Hubei culture and are represented through intricate bronze and jade work. As Layan strongly believes in creating sustainable design, the use of locally sourced materials was a priority.

Creating engaging, modern, relevant designs that have a timeless appeal was achieved by removing fashionable material and detail from the design.

Judges’ Comments: The judges described The Puyu as a stunning oasis in the heart of the city. One where emotion meets materiality and the architecture wonderfully uses light and shadow to softly welcome the guest. Layan balanced the scale of the cocoon of the hotel and city around it with great poise.

Shed Architects was appointed to create a hotel with high design quality that would appeal to the largest possible cross-section of the population.

Almost no changes were made to the building’s exterior, and the hotel’s interior retains as much of the original property as possible including the original ironbark structure, saw-tooth roof and brickwork. The atrium’s previous hardwood floor joists have been recycled and used as tables and desks in the guestrooms, as importance is placed upon atmosphere. The overall feel is that of a historic old wool-store, albeit an updated one.

Judges’ Comments:A clever intervention that references the past whilst also considering the future urban condition. A project that really lets the guests know the history of the destination. The architects have shown a wonderful dexterity between the historical and the modern, bringing contemporary elements into a heritage structure. They admired the layering of cultural infl uence and the delivery of an appropriate room count for the investors.

Aqua Mekong is the fi rst luxury river cruise boat on the Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam. Keeping with the original sister vessels; Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon in Peru, the boat is a combination of a fl oating boutique hotel and a resort, with bespoke interiors.

The twenty outward-facing 30m2 suites are located at the fore of the fi rst and second decks, while the cabins have been carefully positioned to give a maximum feeling of space, with floor-to-ceiling windows and bathrooms located on the outer edge of the vessel, emphasising the resort atmosphere. The boat’s interiors are contemporary Asian in style, with clean lines and slight nautical touches. The design makes use of many local materials and crafts to give it a sense of place, with teak and iroko woods, lacquer, rattan, Cambodian silks, Thai fabrics and local antiques.

Judges’ Comments:An innovative project with stunning architecture. The judges felt this was a clear winner, an innovative, ‘outside the box’ entry. They acknowledged that the changing context and landscapes will provide an incredible experience for guests.

Clockwise from above: 1888 Hotel, Aqua Mekong River Cruise Boat, and The Puyu

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T H E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N A W A R D S

BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS THE RITZ-CARLTON KYOTO

By Remedios Studio

In order to take advantage of the mountain views and maximise frontage, The Ritz-Carlton guestrooms are long and Remedios has created a low aesthetic, focusing lighting and furnishings on horizontality rather than verticality, complying with local height restrictions.

Due to the city’s stringent seismic codes, guestrooms feature a deep beam at the window, with backlighting projecting a faux balcony. The hotel’s enhanced sense of luxury is largely owing to Remedios Studio’s acute attention to detail. Lacquered fi nishing inside cabinets and drawers o� er a visual treat when opened; cushions have been inspired by the kimonos of Heian courtesans; and bespoke carpeting has been woven to resemble tatami matting.

A contemporary interpretation of Japanese heraldic emblems appears on the headboard, bed runners and wall panels in the guestrooms, as well as on carpeting, decorative walls and elevator doors throughout the hotel, creating a signature pattern linking the spaces and branding the resort.

Judges’ Comments:The judges described The Ritz Carlton as subtle, considered and beautifully designed, by far the most outstanding interior design entry. The detail and sensitivity delivered in this project is outstanding and the overall transformation is remarkable, bringing tranquility to an urban setting.

Located on the second fl oor of the Regent Singapore, Manhattan Bar’s entry is fl anked on either side by articulated ingredients and barrel-ageing rooms. These rooms, which celebrate the craft of cocktails, are contained by fi nely detailed mild steel screens of matte Micaceous Iron Oxide fi nish, juxtaposing the high gloss lacquer panels of the façade.

The main salon features a symmetrical space where two generous seating groups are the central focus of the room. The mirrored ceiling co� ers expand the room by refl ection while allowing furtive views between bar patrons, while the main bar is elevated three steps above the main salon. On one side, the Library is designed as a retreat, meanwhile leading from this space is a clandestine room lined with blue tinted marquetry hidden behind a sliding antique mirror panel. On the opposing side of the main salon is the private salon, set behind velvet curtains, which is an intimate lounge space adorned with a cabinet of cut crystal curiosities.

Judges’ Comments:The judges felt the designers had done a great job in creating a hotel bar with a strong identity within a mainstream business hotel. Distillery has truly created a destination in its own right, where guests are transported to Mad Men era Manhattan as soon as they enter the bar. A great sense of luxury with fantastic design that is well balanced in volume and texture.

BAR MANHATTAN BAR, REGENT SINGAPORE

By Distillery

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T H E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N A W A R D S

RESTAURANT SHINSEN AT SHANGRI-LABy Strickman Tribe

Stickman Tribe has created a space that truly refl ects the culture and feel of the Japanese cuisine, whilst respecting the local taste for privacy.

Made up of fi ve private Teppanyaki rooms, a small intimate a la carte area and a specialist Sushi and Sake bar, this venue has views across the city in a cosy setting.

The outlet’s overall lighting creates a calm, yet exciting mood and the atmosphere of the restaurant is welcoming, innovative and different to a normal Japanese outlet. The design by Stickman Tribe stays true to the heritage and culture of Japanese cuisine, while providing guests with a modern and innovative escape from the bustle of the busy city below.

Judges’ Comments:The judges were particularly impressed by the stunning entrance space to this sensual contemporary take on a Japanese restaurant. They were also impressed with the use of local references to enhance the ambiance.

CAFÉ, BAR OR ALL-DAY DINING THE WOOD AT FOUR SEASONSBy Dreamtime Australia Design

A Chef’s pantry concept with a creative, yet warm and comfortable interior; the lower level floor of The Wood at Four Seasons, Sydney, features curved timber banquettes lining the perimeter, a three storey cascading lighting feature and antique brass mosaic tiled fl ooring.

The upper level, rough wood-plank clad fl oor features hot and cold open kitchens that equally provide on-going entertainment. The hot kitchen also features a stunning rear feature wall of hand-cut black and white glass mosaic tiles mimicking a chef’s pantry, featuring silhouetted images of kitchen shelving complete with chef’s utensils. Design features include ‘hair-on-hide’ cowhide wall cladding, also featuring a ‘chef’s pantry’ design theme with hand-painted Chef’s recipes and sketches of the di� erent species of fi rewood used on the ceiling.

Judges’ Comments:The judges were swooning over the attention to detail, the true all-day element of this concept and the ease of operation. A fabulous space of unique zones that truly would be a delight to dine in at any time of day. This is a restaurant in a hotel, not a hotel restaurant.

LOBBY, LOUNGE & PUBLIC AREAS THE PUYUBy Layan Design Group

Striving to build projects that can last and have a strong timeless appeal engaging modernist and classical design principles, Layan devised this contemporary Chinese art space with custom designed furniture to create a modern design language.

At the heart of the hotel is the ground fl oor lobby, reception and bar area. All of these functions have been combined and arranged around a central bar and reception counter made from locally sourced solid timber. On one side of the lobby is a nine-metre-high bookshelf filled with a total of 3,000 books on art, history, architecture and poetry creating an atmosphere of grandeur yet calm. On the other side are nine large works of contemporary art created by a young local artist. The lobby opens out to an external architectural pond and garden area, featuring a collection of traditional Chinese stone carvings to create a sense of peace and serenity.

Judges’ Comments:The beautiful lighting underpins the space planning. The judges described this as a hotel lobby with a residential feeling, providing warmth and privacy for hotel guests.

Clockwise from above: The Wood at Four Seasons, The Puyu, and Shinsen at Shangri-La

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SUITENAUMI HOTELBy White Jacket

Designed by White Jacket, the hotel has been designed to provide a modern luxury escapism experience. The stylish interior design emphasises the stimulation of all senses: sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste with its international sophisticated chic style. The hotel has been adapted to refl ect the diversity of this trendsetting and forward looking city, functional yet intriguing and decorative.

The bathroom is designed to be part of the bedroom, with the vanity counter as the centrepiece. The iconic ‘lantern’ inspired monolithic island vanity counter is designed to be both functional yet intriguing, as well as decorative.

Judges’ Comments:The judges got really animated about this winner describing it as risky, fun and an attractive suite, but one that also works for the guest and operator. The judges said the detailing on this project was very sensitive, with thoughtful consideration for maximising the volumes of the space. The designers had come up with a creative solution to a challenging brief.

The large scale ballroom at The Puyu features a high ceiling and large fl oor area, with subdividing walls and pivoting door panels in dark timber above an array of louvered timber panels in a honey oak colour.

A soft ambient light connects with the coppery-golden tones of the ceiling, creating a ‘lantern’ or ‘crown’ over the large space that glows or sparkles, depending on light settings. The lighting control system o� ers a variety of options, from calm and private to bright and sparkling. The chandelier creates both a highly functional ceiling – catering for every possible requirement – as well as a wonderful festive and elegant atmosphere.

Judges’ Comments:The judges felt this space had a great ambience, with a balanced palette of colour and materials, together these provide a canvas for event organisers to customise the clean and functional space.

SPA AND WELLNESSCHI SPA & POOL SHANGRI-LA LHASABy LTW Designworks

Situated about 3,650m above sea level, this hotel has stunning views of mountains, glaciers and desert-like landscape.

LTW Designworks was deeply influenced by the hotel’s special location, its scenic views and subtly infused Tibetan elements. Wood screens and cabinets with local motifs; bespoke bronze handles and light fi xtures are produced by local artisans, while the use of hand embroidery, Tibetan symbols and motifs on throw pillows add a special touch. The design of CHI Spa provides guests with intimacy and cosiness with the use of warm colours and earthly tones. Due to the location’s high altitude, the hotel also features a specially designed glass enclosure lounge, enriched with oxygen.

Judges’ Comments:The judges were drawn to the sensitive interpretation of local culture which was utilised within the design to create a sanctuary in what is one of the highest cities in the world.

EVENT SPACE THE PUYUBy Layan Design Group

Clockwise from above: Naumi Hotel, Chi Spa & Pool Shangri-La Lhasa, and The Puyu

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Singapore Design Week – an annual event organised by Design Singapore Council – took place from 10-22 March 2015, and provided the backdrop to the launch of the inaugural

Asia Hotel Design Awards. The main events which took place were the highly anticipated International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) and Maison & Objet Asia. Other key events included In Bed With Designers, curated by buyMeDesign, and Singaplural – a series of showroom talks, parties and exhibitions across the city.

Maison & Objet Asia’s second edition, which took place at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore from 10-13 March, successfully brought together international and Asia Paci� c brands showcasing the latest from the design and home lifestyle sectors. The event gathered key buyers and industry players from across the Asia Paci� c region and offered an active market platform as well as a place to discover new Asian design talents and brands. The diversity of product offerings, new design insights and industry networking opportunities con� rmed it as a key event of the Singapore Design Week and established the salon as an intrinsic part of the design ecosystem in the Asia Paci� c region. Maison & Objet Asia saw a total of 11,601 visitors of which 9,147 were unique visitors. Re� ecting the rising trend in Asia, 50% of these were from the interior design and architecture sectors. The visitor pro� le clearly distinguishes it from its Parisian counterpart, Maison & Objet Paris, which usually attracts a larger percentage of retailers. Philippe Brocart, Managing Director, Maison & Objet, comments: “Now in its second year, Maison & Objet Asia has, by the high quality and diversity of its offerings, struck a good balance between Asia and the West, thus becoming a unique platform bridging different markets across continents. Maison & Objet Asia has to-date developed its own unique concept, clearly becoming a leading design fair that not only meets the needs of professionals in the Asia Paci� c region but also sets the trend for new Asian design.”

Feedback from exhibitors on this show was positive and highlighted the diversity and quality of the offering of M&O Asia. After the success and closing of its second edition, plans for Maison & Objet Asia 2016 are already under way to anchor the show even

more deeply in the regional scene. Maison & Objet Asia will return to Singapore in March 2016, at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre.

Elsewhere in the city, the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2015 / 32nd Asean Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2015), The Décor Show, and Hospitality 360° consisted of four full days of business meeetings, networking, seminars, and inspiring design-related activities, propelling the industry towards an expectant year ahead.

A total of 487 exhibitors from a record number of 39 countries participated in the trilogy of events this year, occupying 60,000m2 of beautifully-decorated halls at the Singapore Expo. IFFS welcomed 18,836 visitors from 102 countries to the fair, including 92 buying delegations and 380 VIP Hosted Buyers of The Prestige Club.

The organisers have recently announced initial plans for 2016, including new dates and “a fresh approach to fairground design.” Apart from a fuller exhibitor pro� le, IFFS 2016 also promises to be a novel experience for visitors – whether repeat or � rst-time attendees of the show.

Another highlight of Singapore Design Week was ‘In Bed With Designers’. Over three days, 31 designers displayed their innovative new products in 12 hotel rooms at The New Majestic Hotel. The exhibiting designers competed for the ‘Spot Design Award’ judged by a 12-strong panel chaired by Carsten Lima – Asia Paci� c Area Director of Design Hotels. The winner was chosen according to the design philosophy, innovation, functionality, quality, price range, eco-friendliness, aesthetics and durability of their designs. Contenders included Ong Cen Kuang’s ‘Alur’ collection of organic zippered lights, and JR Studio’s contemporary luxe take on traditional food market stools, but it was Alphonso’s ‘Be Dove’ Table Lamp which took the grand prize. Designer Zach Zhan’s porcelain ‘piece representing peace’ is an innovative, touch-sensitive, colour-changing lamp which users can control by petting it.

The next In Bed With Designers takes place in December 2015 in Hong Kong; IFFS has announced new dates from 10 – 13 March 2016 at Singapore Expo; and Maison & Objet Asia 2016 is from 8-11 March at Marina Bay Sands.

Singapore Design Week consolidated its position as a key date in the industry calendar with the continued success of trade shows IFFS and Maison et Objet, and a plethora of satellite events such as In Bed With Designers.

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Above L-R: International Furniture Fair Singapore 2015 attracted more than 18,000 visitors from 102 countries Left

& Below: Neri & Hu drew a standing room only crowd for their keynote address at Maison & Objet Asia

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Sleep’s reputation for immersive experiences and ingenious installations that question industry assumptions and suggest better ways to do things is well established. The Sleep Set

guestrooms, in particular, are a highlight and Sleep has just announced the names of two further practices that will be joining Areen Design in the passionately contested ‘design off’. They are Shaun Clarkson ID, the � rm synonymous with avant garde hotel, bar, club and restaurant interiors, and Studio at Harrods, long regarded for its luxury interiors and now headed up by former Yoo director, Mathew Dalby.

This year, the challenge is to design a guestroom that draws on the essence of fairytales and folklore over the centuries and across the world. Designers are being invited to weave their own story which, just like a fairytale, touches on the human condition while playing with perceptions and disrupting the norm to engage and nurture the guest in new ways. Each room set will be built at Sleep and, if previous years are anything to go by, pored over by the 4,000 visitors to the event with the winning team announced during the networking reception on the � rst evening.

Plans are also afoot for several other installations showcasing new technologies, products and materials. The Digital Hub will make a return appearance to captivate visitors with some of the latest hi-tech applications for the hotel and design sectors, and walk-through touch-and-try spaces will inspire thinking about how to deliver the next level of guest experience.

This year, there is to be a new emphasis on surfaces with a collection of Europe’s most inspiring manufacturers revealing an astonishing range of solutions for � oor, wall and furniture surfaces to welcome visitors as they arrive in the main exhibition hall. Amongst these, Johnson Tiles will be proving its commitment to innovation in design and production by presenting a number of new product ranges including Baker Street, a slim format wall tile. This will be the � rst time that the UK’s leading manufacturer and importer of ceramic

and porcelain tiles has exhibited at Sleep, although last year Johnson Tiles featured in one of the room sets, designed by No Chintz.

“The attention their room set earned was fantastic and we have been really impressed with how well Sleep has grown year-on-year. It is now one of the foremost events the world for hospitality design,” says Darren Clanford, Creative Director of Johnson Tiles. “We regularly specify products for hotel projects, so

exhibiting at the event and being able to interact directly with one of our core markets makes perfect sense.”

Every year, the exhibition is carefully curated to ensure the most compelling combination of newcomers and regular names, larger manufacturers and bespoke artisans. What they all have in common is a commitment to high quality design and this year Sleep is extending its search for suitable exhibitors even more widely to ensure an original, multi-cultural showcase revealing products not seen before.www.thesleepevent.com

“We regularly specify products for hotel projects, so exhibiting

at the event and being able to interact directly with one of our core markets makes

perfect sense.”Darren Clanford, Johnson Tiles

Celebrated industry names continue to engage with Europe’s leading hotel design event, promising an inspirational experience at Sleep 2015.

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+44 (0) 333 011 3333At Home Design Service available

Battersea I Chelsea I Clerkenwell I KnightsbridgeMayfair I Notting Hill I Wandsworth I Kent I Surrey

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Starting this May, the world’s attention will focus on Milan as the city hosts over 20 million visitors for Expo Milano 2015. Spread over six months, the universal exhibition will

use the design capital as a global showcase, involving more than 140 countries. Italy has nominated the theme of ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’, opening up a dialogue between international players and initiating talk around all topics from digital innovation, to sustainability.

In the build up to this, Milan hosted the annual Salone del Mobile on 14-19 April, welcoming a staggering 310,840 visitors from various international countries. ‘Made In Italy’ took centre-stage as Italian names such as Cappellini, Molteni & C, Poliform, Pedrali, Poltrona Frau and Tacchini launched new collections, largely focusing on craftsmanship. International highlights included Spanish brand Kettal’s latest outdoor offering from Parisian design duo Bouroullec brothers, as well as British furniture brand Ercol, who presented its latest collection by Paola Navone.

This year was the turn of Euroluce, exhibiting some of the best new lighting designs from across the world. As anticipated, the LED takeover was a hot topic, with memorable designs from Foscarini’s layered display, to Lasvit’s kinetic installation Supernova.

Although Salone del Mobile acts as the heart of Milan Design Week, in recent years the city’s breakout design attractions have arguably matched the show in importance. This year, Designjunction Edit Milan presented a curated show of contemporary design against the derelict surrounds of Casa dell’Opera in the San Babila district. The former school building housed brands such as Anglepoise and featured a live demonstration by British manufacturer Benchmark.

Adjacent to Designjunction, Tom Dixon took over a derelict cinema to unveil his latest collections. Shrouded in darkness, the space was

transformed into an interactive entertainment show, highlighting new designs through a series of installations. One of the most striking pieces on show was Melt, a distorted lighting globe born from a collaboration with Swedish design collective Front.

Close to San Babila, Airbnb and Fabrica explored the art of hospitality through an experiential installation at the historic Palazzo Crespi. Hosted by Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, and Sam Baron, Creative Director of Fabrica, the event celebrated the theme of ‘a warm welcome’ and asked 19 international designers to devise their

own interpretation of what it is like to feel welcomed as an Airbnb guest. Visitors to the exhibition were invited to interact with the creatives, who offered a variety of experiences ranging from a British tea time to the Indian ritual of lighting lamps.

Heading over to Tortona, Superstudio Group celebrated its 15th anniversary with a new Superdesign Show, replacing and incorporating the established Temporary Museum for New Design. With a theme of Open Your Mind, the show included

highlights from LG Hausys, who presented a stunning installation created by the vision of Marcel Wanders, featuring a rotating centrepiece inspired by the designer’s intrinsic wallcovering designs. Meanwhile promoting material and manufacturing companies, the Materials Village brought material design to life, with a new concept of continuous surfaces juxtaposing sophisticated mosaic design for its third edition.

Another of Tortona’s attractions was hosted by Moooi, housed in an expansive 1,700m2 space. Accompanied by the fascinating photography of Rahi Rezvani, the latest product and carpet collection created a number of intriguing settings, displaying the endless possibilities of the collaboration.

Meanwhile on Via Savona, Spa World by Simone Micheli took over

“The 2015 Salone constitutes the fi rst signal of recovery.”

Roberto Snaidero, Salone del Mobile

The 54th edition of Salone del Mobile, accompanied by a variety of breakout design attractions, has set a precedent for the upcoming Expo Milano 2015.

Words: Molly Dolan | Photography: Courtesy of Salone del Mobile

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Clockwise from below: Industrial design was a prominent talking point at this year’s event, featuring exposed mechanical

engineering, bare brickwork and natural metal fi nishes; Attilio Stocchi’s satellite installation ‘Favilla. To Every Light a Voice’, in

Milan’s Piazza San Fedele was an immersive show examining the science behind light; Michele De Lucchi’s ‘The Walk’

navigates a circular path through design o� erings at the show

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the Design Library for a stimulating installation demonstrating how products from the likes of Grohe, Jacuzzi and Oikos can be used in a spa setting. It was also in Tortona that Design Hotels partnered with Studio Piet Boon to launch its new hardback book. Guests were invited to lounge on Piet Boon’s latest furniture collections while previewing The Design Hotels Book 2015, which tells the stories of 279 handpicked hotels and the visionaries behind them.

Housing the city’s Academy of Fine Arts and Art Gallery, Brera has long been hailed as the artist’s neighbourhood. Alongside many of Milan’s showrooms, Rossana Orlandi opened the doors of her studio once again to present an eclectic collection of 30 designers and brands. The gallery, with its own café under an ivy-canopied courtyard, provided a welcome break from the city’s streets. Promising new talent featured alongside established brands such as Stellar Works, who presented A Cabinet of Curiosity. Designed by Shanghai- and London-based duo Neri & Hu, who fl ew in for the launch, the wooden cabinet is an exploration of the seven deadly sins, with objects each representing a sin and placed inside. The experience encouraged guests to confess their own sins and seal them inside envelopes, which then became part of the installation.

The fl agship Kartell by Laufen showroom also opened its doors for the fi rst time in the heart of Brera. The Italian-Swiss collaboration resulted in a new bathroom collection,

combining innovative ceramic fi xtures with a series of translucent polycarbonate furniture. Interactivity was key for the Axor Starck V installation, where the water vortex acts as the focal point of new the glass-body product. Elsewhere, French architect and designer India Mahdavi collaborated with Bisazza for the extension of the brand’s cement tile collection. In celebration of Republic of Fritz Hansen’s iconic Series 7 chair reaching its 60th anniversary, Danish artist Tal R created a range of nine new colours, launched at the brand’s showroom.

On Via Durini, B&B Italia opened its sprawling showroom to launch new sofas, chairs, tables, service elements and storage units by Antonio Citterio, Patricia Urquiola, Naoto Fukasawa and Vincent Van Duysen. The star attraction was Butterfl y by Urquiola, a textile padded seating system that takes its name from butterfl y shape created by the outer corner that joins the armrest and the backrest.

In collaboration with Flos and Kvadrat, Kinnasand hosted a cocktail party at its fl agship showroom designed by Pritzker prize-winning architect Toyo Ito. The unique textile installation showcased the new curtain and carpet collection, Faces.

With events recurring year after year, citywide, and attracting leading international names, Milan is hailed as a world leader and visionary in design. Furthermore, the upcoming Expo Milano looks set to cement the title for at least another year.

Rational and the Emotional Worlds by Marcel Wanders aims to explore the wide range of possibilities offered by HI-MACS of LG Hausys. At the centre of the exhibition, located in Superstudio Piu, two slowly moving sculptures mapped out two parallel universes, one of rationality and one of emotion. Complementary furniture blended in perfectly with the wallpaper-clad surroundings to create a multi-sensory experience.

“The wallpaper is made up of super intricate, detailed design. We have built on this in a three-dimensional way, there are layers. When we were asked to work with the HI-MACS material, we took one of these wallpaper drawings and made it into a three-dimensional illusion.

“I think it’s beautiful, but to bring it alive is diffi cult. We fought our way to make it sculptural. It’s really great for a reasonably size sculpture, as I think if you use just a large-sized piece of it, it becomes just a big piece of plastic. So we have found a way to make it feel different. I love it.”

www.lghausys.com

I N T E R V I E W

Marcel WandersLG Hausys

Above: Tom Dixon took over a derelict cinema to unveil his latest collection

The UFO collection is a number of outdoor furniture pieces created using mould technology. Described as the result of genetic mutation experiments between the iconic languages of pagodas and flying saucers, the latest collection by Ora Ito is characterised by contrasting negative and positive shapes.

“The idea was to make something really sculptural. I wanted to have something that is very elegant, and at the same very modern. As it is made for the garden, you can have things that are very large, there are less restrictions. It’s not a trend product; its something that I hope will continue to live. It’s such a simple shape. With ‘explosions’ of new trends and products everywhere, it’s changing the feel of having a product, whereas I prefer to have a low start, continuing with Vondom and making new products, with the same philosophy. Also, functionality is my priority, if something is not functional, it is ugly.

“In terms of hotel design, I think a hotel is a very contextual product, I want to feel that I am there. This is really important to me. Design is very dangerous in this way; you need to bring some of the local attitude.”

www.vondom.com

I N T E R V I E W

Ora ItoUFO for Vondom

Designed by the Bouroullec Brothers, Stampa is an aluminium chair consisting of sturdy hydro-formed legs with a delicate calyx-shaped back, built to last and improving with age.

“Our inspiration was quite simple; you know when you go to the flea markets, and you see an old iron chair and after years and years it is still there and becoming more and more beautiful? That was our inspiration. You know the type of chair that you repaint.

“The idea was that of a very strong and durable chair, which will get more and more interesting after a number of years. It is interesting because you feel that it is strong, at the same time it is quite delicate. I really trust on the long-term of it. It has a sort of lightness, and movement. I think it is quite delicate and simple in a way. The colours were chosen last week, very recently. I wanted very calm colours, something that is not linked to a period, so then you are not fed up after five years.

If you turn the chair, and look at it from every point you will see the work. This product is not improvised at all, this is a result of the most advanced technology available today.”

www.kettal.com

I N T E R V I E W

Ronan BouroullecStampa for Kettal

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Over 2,000 delegates from across 70 countries gathered at the InterContinental Berlin in March for what has become by

far the largest hotel investment conference in Europe. Produced by Questex LLC in partnership with Bench Events, the conference attracts an impressive roster of international hotel owners, investors, financiers, management companies, tourism and government of� cials and advisers.

The event opened with a video round-up of the previous year’s landmark transactions. With investment trending positively, it reported that in 2014, hotel investment activity accelerated across Europe to €14.4bn, an 86% increase on 2013. According to HVS, this is a record � gure since the onset of the � nancial crisis. Globally, deal volume rose 10% to nearly $60 billion.

The conference programme started with ‘A Bird’s Eye View’ looking at the global and European investment landscape. Elizabeth Winkle, Managing Director, STR Global presented with notable points being that Europe had seen 18 months of consecutive RevPAR growth and demand in Europe was back to that seen in the early 2000s. She also reported that the US had experienced phenomenal growth and that Europe is in a good position for the year ahead. The results, Winkle said, are due to favourable fundamentals such as demand outperforming supply.

Chris Day, Managing Director, Christie+Co followed with a positive speech noting that European yields are still very attractive and there are “no signs that hotel transactions will lessen across the whole of 2015”. He expects to see continued interest from Asian investors and a rise in secondary transaction markets. The session

concluded with Day saying that “hotels continue to offer great value and very solid investment returns for innovative buyers”.

The � rst day closed with the much-anticipated panel ‘Colliding Megatrends: Innovation, Disruption and Sharing – The Challenge of Change’, chaired by Michael Hirst, Consultant, CBRE Hotels. The session presented three speakers who sought to provide alternative ways of looking at the world and their possible effect on hospitality.

First to the stage was Leo Johnson, Partner at PwC and author of Turnaround Challenge: Business and the City of the Future. Johnson focused on how we should use technology to create real “connectedness”, tapping in to the knowledge of staff to deliver the neighbourhood to the guest. He also suggested that those hotels that could “make the real more fun than the virtual” would have a competitive edge.

Dr. Graeme R. Codrington, International Director, TomorrowTodayGlobal, followed with a look into the future. He began with the statistic that there are over 400,000 people in the world aged over 100-years-old and this � gure is only going to rise. Increased longevity is a considerable factor when looking at future proo� ng business as it not only impacts guests but also employees. But perhaps in Codrington’s “golden age of technology” travel of the future will see us sleeping in our driverless cars deeming hotels irrelevant.

The final speaker in the session was Chip Conley, Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy, Airbnb. He explained that Airbnb is focusing on localisation and experience, and sees the company as facilitating travel, making it accessible to the

masses. Conley expressed his desire to take the technology company that Airbnb originally was and turn it into a hospitality company. With 640,000 hosts globally, it is now one of the largest hospitality suppliers in the world. On whether investing in hotels was a sound business decision, Conley said: “There is always going to be a place in the world for hotels. I would continue to invest in hotels but only those who are smart about investing in technology.”

Hotel groups took centre-stage on the second day with a number of sessions focusing on key players in the global market. Net room growth, modular construction, and opportunities for development were amongst the topics addressed by senior leaders. IHG also unveiled the next generation guest experience for its Holiday Inn brand, showcased via a fully-built room set. The concept has been developed to meet the changing needs of today’s ‘Smart Traveller’ and will be rolled out across Europe.

Ending the morning sessions, the CEO panel invited � ve distinguished leaders to the stage: Sébastien Bazin Chairman and CEO, Accor; Stephen P. Joyce, President & CEO, Choice Hotels International; David Kong, President & CEO, Best Western International; Gerald Lawless, President & Group CEO, Jumeirah Group; and Arne M. Sorenson, President & CEO, Marriott International. Notable points included consensus amongst all participants that 2015 looked optimistic for the industry globally with lower oil prices and interest rates as contributing factors.

The afternoon’s breakout sessions provided an opportunity to explore a host of topics including mixed-use developments, the digital revolution,

A palpable optimism defi ned The 18th International Hotel Investment Forum, where more deals were signed, developments unveiled and new brands launched than ever before.

Words: Catherine Martin and Guy Dittrich

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spas, and hospitality alternatives. Other highlights included a look at innovative developments from four of the industry’s pioneers: Josh Wyatt of Generator Hostels, Brad Wilson of Ace Hotels, Serge Trigano of Mama Shelter, and Hans Meyer of new brand Zoku.

Elsewhere, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group. Widely known for revolutionising the hospitality industry, Sternlicht is credited with innovations such as the creation of W Hotels, the repositioning of Westin Hotels & Resorts, and the brand development of St. Regis Hotels. In an on-stage interview with host Omer Isvan, President of Servotel, Sternlicht spoke of his latest venture, 1 Hotels. Billed as the � rst luxury, eco-friendly global hotel brand, the concept was said to combine the best of environmentally sustainable architecture and interior design with impeccable service and luxurious comfort. “I love the hotel industry because people are involved,” commented Sternlicht. “There is creativity and it’s a team effort and you are always trying to surprise the guest.”

And guests to his latest opening, Baccarat Hotel in New York, will no doubt be amazed by what’s on offer. The Gilles & Boissier-designed hotel recently was sold to China’s Sunshine Insurance Group for a record-breaking $2 million per room before it had even opened.

The � nal day of the event took a new format this year with the launch of ‘In-The-Round’ sessions. Introduced as a way to facilitate more intimate and informative discussions on specialist subject areas, each session was guided by an industry expert. The sessions covered a wide range of topics including assessing the reliability of hotel valuations, the sharing economy, technology and improving RevPAR. In-The-Round also provided the opportunity for an in-depth focus on speci� c regions such as Italy, Brazil and Morocco, and the hospitality and investment status within them.

ANNOUNCEMENTSThe upbeat sentiment of IHIF was re� ected in the number of breaking news stories released during the three days. This year saw more brands launched, hotels signed, reports released, appointments confirmed and developments unveiled than in the 18-year history of the event.

InterContinental Hotels Group announced the signing of a multiple development agreement with Interstar to develop 10 hotels by 2019. The � rst hotel under the agreement to be signed is Holiday Inn Frankfurt Airport. IHG’s growth strategy continues to gain momentum in Germany with over 85 hotels currently either open or planned under MDA agreements.

Accor announced that Frankfurt’s � rst Adagio will open in 2016. This will be the fourth Adagio in Germany and its location, close to the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre, will make it particularly attractive for business travellers.

Carlson Rezidor announced its continued development across Africa by confirming the historic Radisson Blu Hotel du 2 Février will open in Lomé, the capital of Togo, in late 2015.

Hilton Worldwide used IHIF to announce the European debut of Curio – A Collection by Hilton. The Reichshof Hamburg and Rumeli Han Istanbul are currently undergoing renovation and and due to open in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

Marriott International announced that it expects to triple in size across Europe by 2020 to reach 150,000 signed or opened rooms. The statement follows a record year of development in 2014 and will mark a substantial increase from the 40,000 rooms it operated in 2010. Also announced during the conference were plans to open 2,700 Moxy hotel rooms in key cities throughout Europe by the end of 2016.

Wyndham Hotel Group announced the opening of the 139-room Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam in Tanzania marking expansion into East Africa. It is also the � rst property within the greater continent to be operated by the company’s growing management division.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced plans to grow its portfolio by more than 40 new hotels across Europe over the next five years. This represents an growth of 30% of its portfolio in both fast growing and established markets.

Steigenberger Hotel Group announced the launch of its third hotel brand, Jaz in the City. Each hotel will re� ect the city’s culture, style and atmosphere and feature work from local artists and musicians.

Qbic Hotels revealed plans for aggressive expansion in 2015/16. The group intends to spread its acquisition net into Europe with potential openings in Edinburgh, Paris, Rome, Milan, Barcelona, and Dublin.

Oaktree Capital, a leader among global investment managers, launched Beyonder, a new aparthotel concept. The group currently has ten properties in major cities such as London, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dublin, and is actively looking for further investments in the UK and Western Europe.

Jumeirah Group announced the � rst deal for its new contemporary lifestyle hotel brand, Venu, following the signing of a management agreement with Meraas Holding. The Venu Bluewaters Island Hotel, off the coast of Dubai, together with adjoining serviced residences, will be operated under the Venu Living brand.

The next International Hotel Investment Forum will take

place at InterContinental Berlin from 7-9 March 2016.

www.berlinconference.com

14-16 OCTOBER 2015INTERCONTINENTAL HONG KONG

www.HICAPconference.comHosts:

PatronsInterContinental Hotels GroupJLLPlateno Group

Platinum SponsorsAccor Asia PacificBaker & McKenzieCarlson Rezidor Hotel GroupHilton WorldwideMarriott International, Inc.Mayer Brown JSMMGM Hakkasan HospitalityMilbank

Outrigger Resorts Asia PacificPaul Hastings LLPProskauerQUORyan LawyersShangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd.Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, IncThe Brand CompanyTourism AustraliaWATG / Wimberly Interiors

Media SponsorsAsian Hotel + Catering Times

Boutique Hotel NewsHotel AnalystHOTELS MagazineServiced Apartment News SleeperST Media GroupTTG Asia Media

SupportersHAMA APIFCISHCPATA

Patrons, Sponsors, and Supporters as of 6 April 2015

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Previous trend patterns have included the much anticipated return of brass, as well as the unstoppable surge of the LED takeover. “There is de� nitely a lot more individuality when it

comes to design, we are starting to see a much more eclectic mix in terms of both styles and � ttings,” comments Robert Chelsom, Managing Director, Chelsom. “There’s much more of a natural feel to product materials, think wood, stones and lacquered metals and textured fabrics such as linens, weaves and naturals.”

Further to this, hotels are increasingly shunning over-styled design, and the return of the industrial look symbolises this. Oversized � xtures, exposed engineering and mechanical joints convey a laudable relaxed attitude, while still being the result of very conscious, design-led decisions. “I predict there is still a lot more of this to come,” says Chelsom. “Higher levels of design are required across the board,” he continues. This means striking a balance, blending forward-thinking styling with the latest LED technological developments. Sally Storey, Design Director, Lighting Design International (LDI) explains: “I would expect to see more and better lamps to be used in decorative � xtures over the coming year, and more innovative, decorative chandeliers that will use LEDs as an integral element of the � xture.”

Pushing technological boundaries further, Leon Jakimic, President of Lasvit, comments: “A trend I see is dynamic lighting and kinetic installations.” Offering the ability to be controlled remotely, these developments can be seen with the brand’s kinetic installations such as Supernova. Movement can be managed manually, correspond to guest interaction or be paired with music, creating a relevant and mesmerising lighting display.

However, there still seems to be some debate over where emphasis is placed, with factors such as cost, end-user satisfaction and sustainability being favoured by varying parties. According to Chelsom, design remains the key driver in terms of change, followed by function and the s-word. “Sustainability is undoubtedly a growing consideration, but it is de� nitely not at the top of most people’s

list versus design and price,” states Chelsom. Does this mean that suppliers are set to continue producting purely design-led collections, or make the change to prioritise sustainability? According to LDI, the solution is balance: “The lighting designer’s role is more important than ever to understand and interpret the best solutions. Knowing how to manipulate the new vocabulary or colour palette of LEDs, knowing which to select for output, this is all an art and a science.”

The rise of LEDs has been accelerated by the rapid development of technology over the past years, increasing the versatility of their use. “Five years ago there were complaints, about peoples skin looking pale under the chandeliers and requesting halogens,” states Jakimic, explaining their rapid growth. Another incentive for their use is the lower energy costs for operators and owners. “All of our schemes are now 100% energy ef� cient which not only reduces energy bills, but also helps with maintenance as LEDs, if correctly installed, have

a much longer lamp life than the old halogen � ttings,” says Storey.

Colin Watson, Managing Director of BCFA also comments: “Lighting quality is the priority in all hotel design. The size of LED bulbs is another bene� t; typically small, these

are useful for designers seeking subtlety in schemes.” It is evidently crucial that new developments must work with existing properties and standards of luxury. “We are seeing a less prescriptive, � xed form of luxury in hotel lighting design. As both mid-tier and luxury brands have stepped up their offerings, there is an increased pressure to create a new and alternative luxury.”

Another contributing factor to lighting design is the evolving function of guestrooms within hotels. Guests now seek to utilise spaces for a number of activities such as working, eating and relaxing. “The ability to create bespoke environments for each visitor is becoming a requirement, rather than luxury,” explains Watson.

Chelsom concludes: “It’s not enough to come up with great designs that look the part, suppliers need to demonstrate their technical capabilities and � exibility when it comes to both manufacturing and design.”

“In the end, we all want to imitate the sun”

Leon Jakimic - Lasvit

Trend. A buzzword for marketing the latest line of products, or indeed, a summary of upcoming styles based on in-depth research and industry

analysis? It would seem that when it comes to lighting design, views are split.

LightingB A L A N C I N G S T Y L E A N D S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

“Another current trend is the retro look, with designs reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s” – Chelsom

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ZUMTOBELLinetik

Design elements of the new Linetik have been carefully crafted to focus on the core essentials and deliver an elegant appearance, free from needless details. Despite its distinctive look, the freestanding luminaire can be integrated into any environment. Growing out of a desire to use only what is needed; Linetik’s unique shape allows users to control where the lighting covers. Despite the compact dimensions, the optical system uses minimal energy to deliver precise lighting distribution without glare.www.zumtobel.com

LASVITFungo

The Campana Brothers’ latest design for Lasvit, Fungo Chandelier, takes inspiration from the fascinating shape of a mushroom growing on wood. A visit to Lasvit’s glassworks revealed an old glassblowing wood mould, ravaged with mushrooms, or fungi, thus inspiring the brothers accidentally. The design combines Lasvit’s glassmaking techniques with natural materials, resulting in a striking contrast between the formal rigidity of the chandelier’s wooden structure and the blown-glass that appears “naturally” from the wood.www.lasvit.com

TOM DIXONMelt

Available in copper, chrome and gold, Melt is a beautifully distorted lighting globe from Tom Dixon. The design creates a mesmerising melting hot blown glass effect, translucent when on and mirrored when off. The light emits an unusual, attractive, mildly hallucinogenic glow, creating atmosphere and a talking point. Melt can hang as a standalone statement pendant, or be combined with multiple pieces to create a striking centrepiece.www.tomdixon.net

INNERMOSTBeads

Designed by Winnie Lui, Beads is now available in a new colour of Gunmetal. Part of Innermost’s SS14 collection, the design brings together the best detailing and � nishing from Lui’s jewellery craft, and blends it with the engineering and technology of modern lighting design. The latest colour creates a luxurious, re� ective effect for the eye-catching piece.www.innermost.net

Custom Rods by Chelsom – Edit ion 24

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“There is an increased pressure to create a new and alternative luxury” – BCFA

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TOM RAFFIELDGiant Flock Chandelier

Inspired by the acrobatic mass of a � ock of starlings in the twilight sky, the Giant Flock Chandelier brings nature indoors. Made from over 120 steam-bent shapes of ash, oak, and walnut wood that are delicately suspended from an ash ceiling plate. The light is supplied with three tungsten bulbs, omitting a warm glow. The intricate design can be customised in a variety of sizes and speci� cations.www.tomra� eld.com

VIBIAMatch

Sculptural light compositions comprise Match, which aims to convert ceilings into works of art through chaotic harmony. Designed by Jordi Vilardell and Meritxell Vidal, the lighting system was conceived as a new concept allowing multiple unique and customised lighting solutions that can be adapted accordingly. The possibilities are in� nite, as simple linear con� gurations of light can be facilitated in order to highlight areas of interest, de� ning a minimalist aesthetic.www.vibia.com

LIGHTS OF VIENNACustom Lighting

Developed alongside GA Design for a bespoke project, Lights of Vienna’s custom-made timber partition combines decorative glass elements lit by LED strings with wood. Up to four-metres high, the � ttings offer an alternative to standard illumination designs.www.lightsofvienna.com

SERIEN.LIGHTINGCurling

The new Curling luminaire family combines the sustainability of the latest LED technology with an elegant and classic design. The delicate glass body is available in opalescent, clear glass or as a clear exterior with cylindrical or conical inserts, an interplay of form and function creating the ideal radiation and mood. Designed by Jean-Marc da Costa and Manfred Wolf, all models of the family come in versions for mounting on ceilings or as a pendant luminaire.www.serien.com

Illuminationworks 95a Rivington Street London EC2A 3AY | T: +44 (0)20 7739 3003 | W: illuminationworks.com | E: [email protected]

Award-winning architectural lighting design

fi rm bringing together technological

innovation with creativity & fi nesse

PROJECTS: 21c Museum Hotel, Durham | Café Royal, London | The Beaumont, London | 21c Museum Hotel, Cincinnati

Seamless Integration ofLight into Architecture

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FOSCARINILake

Designed by Paolo Lucidi and Luca Pevere, Lake is inspired by a mirror of water re� ecting vibrant hues of the sky. The duo have created a coloured spot light, with a powerful LED source hidden in the slim side, allowing the lamp to retain its ultra-minimal silhouette. The result is a light box effect, where the edges collect the light and amplify the colours. The designers chose warm colours, allowing adaptation to all environments.www.foscarini.com

ASTROGinestra

Complete with an industrial feel but distinct identity, Ginestra is a new addition to Astro’s collection of metal pendants. The design features a retro reference, yet the execution is modern and individual allowing design � exibility. This is continued with the varying size and design options, with two size choices and standard lamps, LEDs or decorative � lament lamps available.www.astrolighting.co.uk

DESIGNHEURENenuphar

Playing with sculpture, acoustics and light simultaneously, the Kristian Gavoille-designed Nenuphar offers a fascinating addition to both ceilings and walls. The modular nature allows 360-degree rotation and, alongside the choice of personalised colours, allows creativity. It has an indirect, modern LED light source that is scattering in backlight. Nenuphar comes as a result of dual problems such as large wall spacings and low ceilings requiring a decorative and architectural response. www.designheure.com

PRECISION LIGHTINGEvo

Evo R11 is a fully adjustable spotlight for the MR11 lamp, using a knuckle joint for a discreet aesthetic. There are three interchangeable snoots that click into place with a bayonet mechanism, each of them compatible with a wide range of lenses and louvres. The specially designed heatsink and air� ow systems reduce the lamp and surface temperature, while preventing any light spill. Standard � nishes are brushed aluminum, rubbed bronze, white and black, with custom � nishes available on request.www.precisionlighting.co.uk

“Knowing what not to light can be as important as knowing what to light” – LDI

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PS INTERIORSAspen

The new Aspen lighting collection is a modern colourful range, creating a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. The direct and diffused light accompanies the � exibility of the colour combinations, allowing the customisation of the lights to match varying colour schemes. The dual shades are available in multiple combinations of snow, grey, lemon, mango, clear, turquoise and aqua. Aspen is also available as a � oor standing lamp.www.ps-interiors.co.uk

CHELSOMSaucer Floor Lamp

The retro-look Saucer Floor Lamp by Chelsom is an elegant � tting with contemporary appeal. Available as part of a wider collection of ceiling, desk and wall lighting, the Saucer Floor Lamp features a heavy stepped base, supporting a curved sweeping arm and 1960s-inspired canopy with soft, white light emitted through an opal acrylic diffuser. As well as satin black with polished chrome, the lamp is available in various � nisheswww.chelsom.co.uk

FLOSOK

Industrial designer Konstantin Grcic has paid homage to Achille Castiglioni’s Parentesi lamp with the design of OK for Flos. Redesigning the original light bulb as an ultra-� at LED surface using edge-lighting technology, OK embraces the latest lighting advances to create a simplistic pendant. The parenthesis-shaped tube of the original lamp maintains a vertical sliding function, but has now become a small rectangular box with soft-touch switch.www.fl os.com

BELL XPRESSLady7

Designed with a wispy-thin silhouette, Lady7 provides a clear, linear light source. A cordless joint design is joined by ultra ef� cient LEDs, generating little heat and allowing the lamp to operate within safe temperatures. All components are housed inside a simple, right-angled shape, with an arm that swivels and telescopes. Meanwhile, the built-in touch strip controls brightness. www.bellxpress.dk

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MEGAMANKulm Hotel

Located above Lake St. Moritz, Switzerland, luxury property Kulm Hotel has introduced Megaman LED lighting technology throughout, delivering substantial cost and energy savings. The hotel has previously led the way with innovations such as hydraulic lifts and warm air heating systems. Now, at over 150 years old, the hotel has embraced the bene� ts of energy ef� cient lighting and over 1,600 lamps from Megaman are installed throughout public and private spaces. www.megamanlighting.com

VAUGHANPenn

Classic desk light, Penn, is inspired by designs from the 1950s. The sleek, adjustable hood allows directional light at any angle, complementing the neat push-button switch. Designed to be a sophisticated desk or bedside lamp, Penn’s retro design creates timeless appeal for any interior.www.vaughandesigns.com

BOCCI16

Supported by a modular, tree-like armature, 16 is the latest launch from Vancouver-based Bocci. The intricate design is formed by sequentially pouring three separate layers of coloured, molten glass on a horizontal plane. Each layer has a different opacity, responding to the uneven shape of the previous pour to create a uniquely layered whole. Two of these layered pieces are then attached together and illuminated with an internal LED lamp.www.bocci.ca

ELSTEADCargegie

Carnegie is the latest radiant and nostalgic-inspired design by New York based designer Sergio Orozco. Exposed vintage bulbs add an elegant touch, highlighting the Western Bronze � nish and brass accents of the supporting chandelier. The range consists of varying chandelier sizes, each with adjustable rod to suit all ceilings and will be available in September 2015.www.elsteadlighting.com

KOI by Inocuo The Sign & LZF Lab.Koi is a huge carp made of light and wood, a spectacular light structure, half-lamp, half-sculpture.The inspiration for this wonderful idea came from an interlacing wood system and the transparencies it produces when it is lit. The system, consisting in the overlaying of wooden slats, as if they were scales, is

called the “Koi Fabric”, used for making iluminated walls.The result is a stunning handcrafted piece measuring more than three metres from head to tail. Koi consists of a wooden frame, constructed using traditional techniques, which supports the skin, made of dozens of small wood veneer pieces.

lzf-lamps.com

HANDMADE WOOD VENEERLIGHTING SINCE 1994

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“LED is still not there to be as beautiful of candlelight, but the benefi ts outweigh the disadvantages” – Lasvit

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TINDLEAutumn Wood

The unusual bronze � nish frame chandelier from Tindle is dressed in autumn wood painted crystals, available in both an 18 and six-light design. The striking design measures 95x95cm and is a focal point for any interior. Matching wall lights are also available to complete the collection. www.tindle-lighting.co.uk

Northern LightsAsymmetric Sculptural Lamp #1

The latest addition to the Northern Lights portfolio displays asymmetric, sculptural design. The � uid shape was generated using the latest 3D CAD modelling software and CNC machine, while the resin cast components bring a robust and durable edge. Inherent surface patterns can be applied to replicate textured effects while other � nish options include solid colours and antique bronze, as well hand-applied precious metal leaf solutions.www.northern-lights.co.uk

MACMASTEREclipse

A wooden pendant light that uses re� ection to give effective light distribution, Eclipse utilises the light source to highlight the grain of surrounding timber, creating a perfect balance of ambience and functional lighting. The striking pendant light can also be stacked, taking the design to a new visual dimension and making provision for larger spaces.www.macmasterdesign.com

KALMAR LIGHTINGFliegenbein SL

The most recent addition to the Fliegenbein family, the standing lamp expands the character and functionality of the range. The new luminaire revises the proportions of the original design, with a condensed overall height and an elongated shade, resulting in a lantern effect. Pairing modest size with bold visual gesture, the lamp makes an inviting addition to any atmosphere. The tubular steel is available in multiple � nishes including light and dark grey, or brown matte lacquer.www.kalmarlighting.com

MEGAMAN® is proud to introduce a wide range of LED lamps incorporating a brand new Dim to Warm feature. This innovative technology allows the lamps to emit a warmer light when they are dimmed, with their colour temperature changing from 2800K to an extremely cozy 1800K. Dimmable from 100% to 10%, the Dim to Warm range perfectly simulates the characteristics of incandescent and halogen lamps.

Ideal for creating a cool refreshing atmosphere during the day, or for helping your guests unwind in warm and welcoming surroundings come evening time - the full suite of Dim to Warm LEDs is an exciting addition to the MEGAMAN® range.

www.megamanlighting.com

DIM TO WARMImproved dimming performance with the warmth of Halogen

[email protected]

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TERZANIVolver

Terzani’s � rst LED suspension light was designed by architect Andrea Panzieri and designer Diego Bassetti of Studio 14. The geometric design combines nickel chains with the latest in LED technology to create a light that merges modernity with elegance. Reaching new levels of luxury, Volver melds technology and art to create an eye-catching centrepiece.www.terzani.com

MR. LIGHTAzumi Reader

Responding to the surge in demand for LED bedside lighting, Mr. Light’s Azumi Reader incorporates a main light source and a compact, adjustable warm white LED personal reading light. Customisation is available, with � nishes in polished chrome, � at matte nickel and dark bronze, while the main light source lampshade is available in colours of black cotton, off-white cotton and oyster silk, as well as further bespoke options.www.mrlight.co.uk

AXO LIGHTNafi r

Na� r, meaning small North African trumpet, includes suspended, ceiling and recessed light systems. Designed by Karim Rashid, the latest addition is reminiscent of a chorus of trumpets in celebratory style, painted in metallic colours of bronze and pink gold. The possibilities for customisation are almost in� nite, as the � uid and sculptural forms act as a hallmark of a collection characterised by a glamour-chic mood.www.axolight.it

JOHN CULLEN LIGHTINGContour HD

The new family of energy ef� cient LED Contour HD strips produce a high-density light with a choice of two colour temperatures. In addition to a colour rendering index of more than 90, the new strips have more closely grouped LEDs, producing a less “dotty” light with extremely high de� nition. The strips have a high light output, and can be easily cut to size allowing easy installation and maintenance.www.johncullenlighting.co.uk

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DERNIER & HAMLYNClaridge’s

Bespoke lighting by Dernier & Hamlyn has been installed throughout Claridge’s Hotel, London. After delving into its extensive lighting archive, a 1930s pendant was selected for the hotel’s restaurant, complementing the architecture. Additional � ourishes and geometric layers gave added Art Deco emphasis, with tungsten lamps softly spreading light from the inside the � tting and halogen down lighters providing practical lighting beneath.www.dernier-hamlyn.com

LZFDandelion

After a collaboration of more than ten years, Dandelion is the latest offering from Burkhard Dämmer for LZF. Inspired by the drawings of German zoologist and philologist Ernst Haeckel, Dandelion is based on a shape of pure geometry. Available as a single lamp or a combination, it features multiple LED circuits that can be lit all at once or by sections. Externally, the wood veneer enfolds every geometrical shape, like cones sinking at different depths.www.lzf-lamps.com

ILLUMINATION WORKS21c Museum Hotel

Illumination Works provided lighting suiting both a sophisticated boutique hotel and contemporary art centre for 21c Museum Hotel Durham. The design aimed to unify public spaces, restaurant, bar, lounge, ballroom and spa with many galleries while visually organising all areas into one cohesive mood. The concept included adjustable downlights, parallel track patterns, state-of-the-art LED technologies as well as dimming options. www.illuminationworks.com

MOOOIRaimond Tensegrity Floor Lamp

Designed by Raimond Puts, the Raimond Tensegrity Floor Lamp is presented as a giant � oating sphere resting on wooden legs. Inspired by the principal of tensional integrity, the lamp embodies a balance between push and pull forces. A giant LED sphere appears to hover above its aerial wood stand, encapsulating a ‘Reach For The Stars’ mantra. www.moooi.com

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Specifi erP R O D U C T S & S E R V I C E S F O R H O S P I T A L I T Y D E S I G N

METHVENAio with Aurajet Technology

Following significant research into consumer showering preferences, Methven has developed a pioneering new technology designed to push the boundaries of showering. Exclusively engineered for the new Aio range, the patented Aurajet technology uses water de� ection to produce a shower unlike any other. The showerhead’s hidden nozzles generate single jets of water that hit precisely-engineered surfaces, creating fan-shaped sheets of water. With each hidden surface set at a different angle, the water sheets produce a wide, even shower spray and enhanced droplet density. Aurajet delivers up to 20% more total spray force than traditional showers, yet uses as little as nine litres of water per minute, continuing Methven’s commitment to savings on water and energy bills for the hospitality industry. The new collection includes shower kits, � xed heads and handset options available in chrome and white � nishes. www.methven.com

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Home to 102 showrooms and over 500 leading international brands, Chelsea Harbour hosted London Design Week from 8-11 March. The programme included Conversations in Design, with top in� uential names sharing knowledge and design know-how. International designer Paolo Moschino spoke with Mariella Tandy, discussing his life and body of work, while Doshi Levien took to the stage to explore the world of design. Access All Areas also presented numerous showroom workshops, talks and demonstrations, allowing visitors a more intimate insight. Brands presented both new and existing collections, with Rubelli introducing its latest collection of Studioart leather in an uplifting spring palette. Decca also launched new products, with Dakota Johnson presenting his Cosmopolitan range for the brand. Meanwhile, Dedar exhibited a celebration of imperfection, with numerous new patterns and designs. Other highlights included Top� oor, Victoria+Albert, Interior Supply, Summit and Romo.www.dcch.co.uk

E V E N T

Chelsea HarbourLondon Design Week

Ligne Roset invited the London’s hospitality design community to its Westend showroom on Mortimer Street in March for the launch of its Future Design exhibition. Hosted by Michel Roset, Creative Director and President of Ligne Roset, the event was an opportunity to view the latest collections for 2015. Also present was Olivier Roset – representing the � fth generation of the family-run business – who has recently taken over the directorship of Ligne Roset UK. Highlights of the range include the � exible Daybed by Pierre Paulin, the Toa armchair by Rémi Bouchaniche, and the Garry table by Éric Jourdan. French Designer Marie Christine Dorner was also in attendance to unveil her new pieces for the brand. The Koya desk follows her ‘Matieres matters’ concept � rst launched in 2004 and uses solid and sculpted ash together with fabric screens. Following Dorner’s search for material enhancement, the Iso chair, coffee table and pedestal table feature a ceramic stoneware in a white-marble effect that is non-scratch, water resistant and 30% harder than granite. Finally, the MCD 2015 sofa (pictured) combines a basic architectural shape with a soft, comfortable interior.www.ligne-roset-contracts.com

E V E N T

Ligne RosetFuture Design

ASTON COLLECTIONRODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN

BY EDC77 MARGARET STREET LONDON W1W 8SYT. +44 020 [email protected]

FIND OUT MORE AT MINOTTI.COM

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WEST ONE BATHROOMSNew Chelsea Showroom

West One Bathrooms has opened its Chelsea townhouse showroom, showcasing signature luxury bathroom ranges alongside a striking retail experience. Spread over four � oors, each space has its own unique look and feel displaying both traditional and contemporary styles, in large to small scales products. Situated at 610 Kings Road, London, the showroom is located, appropriately, in the Chelsea Design Quarter.www.westonebathrooms.com

KRISKADECORCurtains

Metal curtains and partitions offer endless possibilities for architectural, lighting and interior design solutions. KriskaDecor’s products are manufactured with small, interlinked pieces of anodised aluminium that form a lightweight, versatile mesh. The Curtains collection marks the � rst range of decorative metallic curtains, complete with prints. Made up of over 35 models, the collection is comprised of four families: Classic, Luxury, Country and Gypsette.www.kriskadecor.com

BISAZZAContemporary Cement Tiles

Designed by India Mahdavi, the latest tiles from Bisazza feature modern, optical graphic elements. The collection re� ects the creative, eclectic, playful and subtly satirical style of the French designer, with optical graphic motifs featuring sleek lines. The colour combinations displayed give rise to pop and 1970s-inspired designs, as tiles with stripes, polka dots, bubbles, squares and multicolour patterns in undulating shapes create a dynamic effect through endless repetition.www.bisazza.com

ART IS LOVETMwww.kalisher.com

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. —Thomas Merton

"Art Watching" by Jesse Kalisher © Kalisher

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RHA FURNITUREBespoke Hospitality Units

RHA Furniture specialises in high quality hospitality units, made to any design speci� cation. One example is the elegant oval station designed by Kate Long of Rethink Interiors for the Conrad Algarve. Made to a high quality � nish with walnut veneers and a laser cut pattern, the unit also features a curved leather front. Accompanying, custom-made waiter stations are also available, featuring the same elegant, intricate pattern across the veneer and doors.www.rhafurniture.com

LEMAFlagship Store

Furniture brand Lema has opened its � rst UK store at 183 Kings Road. The store is designed by art director Piero Lissoni and spans two � oors, occupying 400m2. The space embodies the elegant style and relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere that de� nes the brand’s character with Lema’s trademark products alongside stunning standalone furniture pieces. Furniture from Christophe Pillet, Francesco Rota, Werner Aisslinger and Roberto Lazzeroni is also on display.www.lema-uk.com

HOUSE OF EROJUMoscow Lever

The Moscow Lever handle collection aims to reconcile the realms of individual craftsmanship with precision engineering, complete with bronzed handle and leather insets in the rose. The timeless handle is available in a variety of steel � nishes and leather combination colours, and the collection includes matching turns and releases, door stops, cabinet pulls and hooks, to create an all-encompassing design. All designs can be customised, expanding on the brand’s current collection of modern design.www.houseoferoju.com

GANBandas

The new collection from Gandia Blasco’s indoor brand, Gan, is the result of the search for unique items by Patricia Urquiola. The products are handmade by craftswomen and men in India, producing embroidered strips of textile measuring 60cm in width to provide visual versatility and contrast. Suitable for � oor or furniture covering, the design incorporates velcro side straps that facilitate joining or changing pieces, easily updating interior décors as required. Background colours include light grey, cream, pale pink and black, contrasting with the vibrant colours of the embroidery. Bandas represents exclusive design, quality craftsmanship and modularity without limit.www.gandiablasco.com

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ALISEOMoon Dance

Developed exclusively for Aliseo by Sieger Design, Moon Dance features clean de� ned lines, new materials and lighting methodologies combining both function and use in a freestanding and wall-mounted layout. The magnifying mirror is embedded in a circular acrylic housing, with a soft dorsal curvature and a smooth textured touch. Due to its translucent nature, the ambient light spreads spherically from the back into the surrounding space. The smooth and unpretentious pro� le of the freestanding model features a circular base, blending into an angular vertical column, meanwhile, the wall-mounted version creates an asymmetrical synergy by connecting the round mirror to a vertical rectangular wall plate. www.aliseo.de

DESIGNERS GUILDManzoni

Four new collections have been launched by Designers Guild, including the linen union collection Manzoni. Designed speci� cally for the contract market, the new designs offer over 5,000 high speci� cation Trevira CS, FR and hardwearing treatable contract fabrics for upholstery. This is accompanied by over 1,000 non-woven and vinyl wallcoverings. The fabric is available in the company’s inimitable colour palette and offers sophistication and elegance alongside technical speci� cations.www.designersguild.com

TONSplit

Designed by Arik Levy, Split was inspired by wood-bending technology. The base of the chair is formed of manually-bent split-lengths of oversized wood, used to create a support for the seat and the backrest. The base is then elegantly slid in behind the seat. The barstool is offered in two height variants and is based on the shapes of the chair, but it is connected with a bent joint in the bottom part, which serves as a comfortable foot rest. It is also possible to choose the variation with an upholstered seat and backrest.www.ton.eu

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ENCOMPASSErcole

Designed by Ivano Losa for AK47 Space from Encompass Furniture, Ercole � repit provides an unforgettable focal point for entrances, terraces and gardens alike. With a 2.5m diameter and made using Corten steel, the robust centrepiece offers a versatile twist with top surfaces available in white, brown or natural concrete. The Ercole piece belongs to an extensive collection of beautifully designed � replaces, many of which are suitable for indoors.www.encompassco.com

JANUS ET CIEWing

Like many of Janice Feldman’s designs, Wing takes inspiration from nature. The curve of a bird’s wing is translated into the arc of hand-woven curves of JANUS� ber, creating a balance of craft and comfort. The collection consists of a lounge chair, two-seat sofa, three-seat sofa, round cocktail table, round side table and a new dining armchair. The oversized lounge furniture is available in multiple � nishes for table tops, fabrics and colours. www.janusetcie.com

MANUTTIZendo+

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor lounging, Zendo+ builds on the previous success of Zendo to introduce a new generation, enriched with new fabrics Lotus Smokey and Lotus Sparrow. The natural, on-trend colours are both design-led and refreshing, emphasising the contemporary look. Combined with a frame in powder-coated White or Lava, Zendo+ provides a renewed solution to elegant lounging. www.manutti.com

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July 7 and 8 2015Park Plaza,VictoriaLondon

Accommodating the future

As well as the opportunity to network with owners, operators, investors, buyers and sellers in the market, delegates will learn about:

• Design and architecture• Deregulation and short term rental • Latest UK and European performance • Focus on The MENA and Asian markets• Investment – what’s hot and what’s not?• OTAs and alternative distribution• Channel management• Brand extensions• Selling to SMEs• Case Studies

Back for its third year, Serviced Apartment Summit is an innovative b2b conference and exhibition for the burgeoning serviced apartment, apart-hotel and extended stay sector. Serviced Apartment Summit is designed to bring together over 300 leaders from the hospitality and real estate industry to learn, engage and share best practice and map out the future of this fascinating sector. The first event of its kind in Europe, it attracts an international audience to address the challenges and opportunities facing those who provide accommodation for companies, families, individual, government and leisure travellers, including relocation and features a comprehensive seminar programme and a host of networking opportunities.

Who should attend?

• Serviced apartment operators• Serviced apartment developers• Hoteliers and branded residences• Short term rental companies• Bankers, lenders and investors• Advisory and consultancy specialists• Sales and marketing companies• Travel and destination management companies• Real estate support services• Suppliers/service providers• Corporate travel buyers• Real estate brokers• Suppliers• Lawyers

For ticket, sponsor and stand information:

Online: www.servicedapartmentsummit.comLinkedIn: Serviced Apartment NewsTwitter: @ServAptNews

E: [email protected]: +44 (0)20 8340 7989

Silver Sponsors

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KETTALStampa

The aluminium chair designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec presents a sturdy, yet delicate image. Developed using several aluminium techniques, the injection-moulded ring connects the stamped seat, the back and the hydro-formed legs, reinforcing the entire shell. Meanwhile, the calyx-shaped metal back is littered with carefully organised holes made by the technique of punching metal sheets. The chair comes in two versions and two � nishes, perforated or plain and powder coated or anodised. www.kettal.com

OUTER EDENPlanters

Self-contained water features and planters from Outer Eden are manufactured using heavy gauge steel and hot-dipped in molten zinc to protect against rust. Suited to both traditional and contemporary settings, all pieces are handmade to exacting standards using traditional methods. Acting as a modern version of the old estate planters, bespoke products are also available for special projects.www.outer-eden.co.uk

COROBoomy

Designed by Matteo Nunziati for Coro, Boomy is part of the constant complicity between design and items from everyday life as the in� uences of the external world have been interpreted with elegance, restyling the Boomy deckchair. The aluminium structure, which is coated with epoxy paint or brushed, is in white, while the seat is available in several interchangeable colours and weave patterns in recyclable Batyline fabrics.www.coroitalia.it

Interior SupplyVoltaire Desk

Designed by Paco Camus, the Voltaire Desk is a unique addition to the Camus collection. Created using solid American walnut, the end result is extremely simple given the complex and demanding design process. Walnut strips are pieced and steamed together over days and weeks, creating gentle curves to the roll top, with the lid appearing to magically levitate when closed.www.interiorsupply.co.uk

ACCESS THE REGION’S LEADING HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS

Capitalise on a $35.9BN GCC Hospitality market by exhibiting at the region's largest hospitality event. With a legacy of 15 years, The Hotel Show offers you the best platform to display your products, network and grow your business.

MEET HOSPITALITY OWNERS AND MANAGERSLOOKING TO SOURCE THE LATEST INTERIOR DESIGN INNOVATIONS

Total attendance from 98 countries

17,772Key buyers and decision makers

63%New business deals conducted onsite

$6.2M

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT EXHIBITING CONTACT US ON: +971 4 445 3764 [email protected] thehotelshow.com/exhibit

Strategic Partner: Organised by: Co-located with:

theLeisureShow

28-30 SEPTEMBER 2015DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE

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Ambassadors Bloomsbury has recently installed Samsung’s uni� ed voice and data platform designed for hospitality. Aiming to improve both staff communication and guest WiFi experience as part of the hotels upgrade, the new platform was introduced alongside Samsung Hospitality TVs. Connectivity and quality of the WiFi service are integral, therefore the upgrade was essential for the property. The combination of previous infrastructures into a single, integrated solution has allowed the hotel to reduce the cost of infrastructure support, � atten IT management overhead and improve staff to guest communications. Graham Long, VP of Enterprise Team, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland comments: “Connectivity is a major part of our everyday lives, so it is important that when people arrive at any hotel that they are able to get the best experience possible. Our offering was a great match for what Ambassadors Bloomsbury wanted to do, so it is great to be able to help the hotel with its upgrade projects, and supply guests and staff with a fantastic experience.”www.samsung.com

C A S E S T U D Y

SamsungAmbassadors Bloomsbury

Designed by Munich-based architecture � rm Hilmer & Sattler un Albrecht, Hotel Schloss-Elmau is located in the remote Ferchenbach Valley at the foot of the Wetterstein Mountains. All 47 suites of the 100-year-old � ve-star hotel feature Toto Washlets. The retreat’s large 24m2 bathrooms are located in the 11 tower and centre suites, and feature stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks, as well as offering guests the superior Toto Neorest Washlet. The superior Neorest Washlet meets the individual needs of guests with numerous hygienic and comfort functions. The sensor-activated lid raises and lowers automatically, and the seat can be heated to a desired temperature. An adjustable wand jet allows for intimate warm water cleansing, while the temperature and position of the spray can be set individually. The 36 EK Washlets in the junior suites and double rooms also offer outstanding levels of comfort and convenience, with a side control panel to operate various features.www.eu.toto.com

C A S E S T U D Y

TotoHotel Schloss Elmau

EXCLUSIVE LUXURY BATHROOMS

Showrooms London Chelsea Walk 282-284 Fulham Road SW10 9EW T. +44 (0)207 351 0940 [email protected]

Showrooms & Workshops KentSaracens Dairy Pluckley Road Pluckley

TN27 0SA T. +44 (0)1233 840 840 www.catchpoleandrye.com

K EN T EN G L A N D

CATCHPOLE & RYE

Flame Retardant Fabrics for Contract Interiors

[email protected] | Tel: 01924 436 666 | www.skoposdesignltd.com

Boulevard Elegant new FR woven upholstery collection for hospitality and leisure

www.bette.co.uk

BETTELUX OVAL SILHOUETTEThe innovative interior with an extremely narrow rim makes this bath a master of statement

Made from high-grade steel/enamel with a 30 year warranty.Design: Tesseraux + Partner

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Dune™ PANEL ©2003 modularArts, Inc. Dune™ PANEL ©2003 modularArts, Inc. seamless, glass-reinforced gypsum.

modulararts.com 206.788.421050 InterlockingRock® designs made in the USA

DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT OF LUXURY INTERIOR ACCESSORIESHOTELS • YACHTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PRIVATE CLIENTS

We will be attending The European Hotel Design Awards on the 25th November and Sleep Event on 26th November.If you would like to meet to discuss your requirements please contact us on 01434 604 181 or [email protected]

www.cubbins.co.uk

www.ideal-standard.co.uk

NEW DEAREAL BEAUTYIDEAL LUXURY

By Appointment toHer Majesty The Queen

Bespoke Lighting Manufacturersand Restoration Specialists

Specialists in bespoke and contemporary lighting for hotelsFrom statement crystal chandeliers to the most discreet of table lamps and wall lights, our bespoke lighting can be seen in hotels around the globe. Using an unrivalled combination of skills and experience, we manufacture unique lighting for the world’s leading interior designers who choose us again and again when quality, cost and creativity are the priorities.

A PASSION FORDeSIgN HOtelS

WE PUT EVERYTHING WE KNOW INTO EVERYTHING WE DO

t: 0208 760 0900 e: [email protected] www.dernier-hamlyn.com

From the traditional and classic to the modern and innovative…

t: +44(0)20 7384 1485 e: [email protected]

With exquisite Bohemian and Swarovski crystal chandeliers exclusive to Tindle as well as all sorts of lighting, furniture and our world-renowned, handmade fabric shades, you can rely on us for inspiration and hidden gems that will bring style and function to any room.

www.keramagdesign.comKeramag Design, Lawton Road, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 2DF. T: 01270 871 756

The sophisticated CitterioCollection, created by renownedItalian Architect Antonio Citterio

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WE HAVE THE STARS BEDDING TO SUITYOUR HOTEL’S REQUIREMENT

Information contact: M. Anil PitteeaMob: 00 33 (0)6 18 90 28 41Tel: 00 33 (0)2 99 94 78 [email protected]

Model : SUITE 712 - SIMMONS

www.hotelys.com

Architectural Vision Panels

Brushed stainless steel Complete glazing system Easy installation

North 4 Design Ltd Tel : 0208 885 4404www.north4.com

For Doors & Walls

Though many of us may prefer a fuzzy vision of ourselves fi rst thing in the morning, having a mist free mirror must surely be an advantage for shaving, applying make up or styling hair. Once a demista™ heated

mirror pad is installed, you will always have a clear view, no matter how steamed up the bathroom may be.steamed up the bathroom may be.

For product information contact: Tel 01923 866600Email [email protected] Web www.demista.co.uk

Though many of us may prefer a fuzzy vision of ourselves fi rst thing in

A CLEAR REFLECTION WITH demista™

Mattresses made by hand from natural, sustainable and organic [email protected] www.naturalmathotel.co.uk 01392 877 247

+44 (0)20 8894 9231 [email protected] www.burgessfurniture.com

Contemporary comfort, the new

Evosa Congress

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Advertising Index

Albrecht JUNG GmbH & Co KG 115

Alger International 008 & 009

Aliseo GmbH 057

Allermuir 029

Altfi eld Ltd 058

Arte 084

Artemide 163

Astro Lighting Ltd 002

B&B Italia 196

Bell Xpress 121

Bette GmbH & Co KG 186

Brintons 103

Burgess Furniture Ltd 191

Carnegie Fabrics 077

Catchpole & Rye 185

Chelsea Harbour Design Centre 004 & 005

Chelsom Lighting Ltd 157

Claybrook Interiors Ltd 041

Colebrook Bosson Saunders 161

Consentino 083

Cubbins 188

Demista 190

Dernier & Hamlyn 189

Designers Guild Contract 033

Duravit 130

Ehrlich-Leder GmbH 149

EPR Architects Ltd 049

Gandia Blasco 055

George Smith 063

Gira 122

HI Design 177 & 179

HICAP 154

Hotelys 190

Ideal Standard 188

Illumination Works 159

Interface Europe Ltd 031

Interior Supply 097

Janus et Cie 006 & 007

JL Furnishings 109

Johnson Tiles 133

Kalisher 175

Keramag 190

Kettal 019

Kriska Decor 069

Lasvit 043

Ligne Roset 016

LZF Lamps 165

Manutti 027

Megaman 167

Minotti 173

Modular Arts 187

Naturalmat 191

Newmor 151

North 4 Design Ltd 190

Northern Lights 073

Pedrali 021

Precision Lighting Ltd 075

PS Interiors 104

Radical Innovation Award 014 & 015

Restoration Hardware 010 & 011

RHA Furniture Ltd 139

Roca 101

Sanipex Group 089

Serviced Apartment Summit 181

Shaw Contract Group 116

Skopos Design Ltd 186

Sleep 090 & 091

The Hotel Show 183

Tindle Lighting Ltd 189

Tradelinens 187

Trevira GmbH 141

Tribu Furniture 035

Ultrafabrics Europe Ltd 127

Unidrain 012 & 013

Warisan 169

West One Bathrooms Ltd 145

SLEE

PER

SHO

WC

ASE

01454 322 888 | WWW.MATKI .CO.UK

Matki Swadling Invincible thermostatic showers, available in Chrome and elegant Nickel and Antique Gold finishes.

M R . L I G H T L I M I T E D1 1 Q U AY S I D E • W I L L I A M M O R R I S WAY • L O N D O N • S W 6 2 U Z

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T R A D E S U P P L I E R

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M O N D AY T O F R I D AY 1 0 . 3 0 A M > 6 . 0 0 P M

C L O S E D S AT U R D AY A N D S U N D AY

MR LIGHT 130 X 80 ADVERT.indd 1 13/04/2015 16:58

indoor • outdoorchairs • stools • lounges • tableswww.feelgooddesigns.eu • +31 6 430 30 426

[email protected]

Ringofenstraße 3 AD-53424 Remagen-Kripp

fon: +49 (0)26 42-9 07 88-30fax: +49 (0)26 42-9 07 88-32

[email protected]

Outdoor furniture and PlantersOuter Eden Trading LtdTugby OrchardsTugby, LeicestershireLE7 9WE

07961443407

Solid Brass Mansion House lantern available in Aged Brass, Polished Nickel, Verdi and Copper finishes.

LIGHTINGelsteadlighting.com

SM0515

Capital Garden Products are the UK’s experts in outdoor antique and contemporary fi nishes. Our extensive range of quality planters and troughs are made in glass fi bre to truly withstand the test of time and can be custom made

to meet every need.

T: +44 (0)1580 201092E: [email protected]

www. capital-garden.com

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“Like clothes which have to be worn, a rug is an applied art, it has to be lived with.” These are the words of celebrated British designer Vivienne Westwood, who is the inspiration behind a new penthouse at The London in West Hollywood. The fashion icon worked with hospitality design studio Richmond to create the 11,000ft2 space – billed as the largest suite in Los Angeles – complete with two bedrooms, a dining room and a sprawling rooftop terrace offering panoramic city views. The focal point of the suite is the Grand Salon, featuring polished stone � oors, large corner sofas, bespoke cabinetry and rich furniture, accented by Vivienne Westwood cushions and

upholstery. On the � oor, a hand-spun, hand-knotted Tibetan wool rug in a pale and teal blue squiggle – a print synonymous with the brand – pays homage Westwood’s seminal 1981 Pirate Collection. This fashion inspired experience does of course come at a price. A stay with Westwood will set you back an eyewatering $25,000 per night. But, guests will be treated to exclusive designer experiences including private shopping at the Vivienne Westwood store in West Hollywood, his-and-hers gift bags, and Vivienne Westwood-branded amenities. The penthouse will be unveiled in May marking the completion of the hotel’s $25 million renovation.

Inspired by Vivienne Westwood T H E L O N D O N - W E S T H O L L Y W O O D

NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

www.europeanhoteldesignawards.comDEADLINE: FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2015

Monday 23rd November 2015Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

Organised By Headline Sponsor Awards Sponsors

Music ByPatronOffi cial Partners

Tufty-Time, seat system design by Patricia Urquiola. www.bebitalia.com

B&B Italia Store London, SW3 2AS - 250 Brompton Road - T. 020 7591 8111 - [email protected] Agent: Keith De La Plain - T. +44 786 0419670 - [email protected]

D E S I G N PO R T R A I T.

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