Interior Design

Hilton Shanghai

Brief
Pleasingly, our work on a number of other projects for the Client created this opportunity for our team to prepare conceptual interior proposals for executive suites within one tower of a three tower development. The interesting part of the brief was that the towers were almost complete; however in Tower 3 no interior layout or style had been agreed. Clearly, a cultural difference in procurement.
Response
Through early investigation of previous internal planning suggestions, we quickly realised that the suites were not in the more typical western form of separate living / bedroom accommodations. Interestingly the various facilities were required but in zones within a single space. Our first goal was to pare down the volume of FF&E proposed. We wanted to achieve a greater clarity in that zoning and convinced the client that this was a positive step. After resolving the spatial arrangement issues and signing-off the planning we set about investigating ideas and tools to create a sense of zoning without incorporating pseudo partition-like devices. Success was going to be through material zoning rather than division – we were also keen to explore that zonal approach through lighting effects and controls.
Outcome
The original brief and the conceptual development materials saw us move from a heavy use of travertine and limestone to a palette that focused on warm rich timber tones. Various incarnations developed with principle efforts seeking to streamline and order. Lounge zones utilise light coloured contemporary furniture contrasted at the bedroom zone where the rich timber and leather panelling create a strong backdrop. Throughout the en-suite has adopted a minimal style playing on the material quality of the natural stone finishes. A small galley kitchen opens to the living / lounge zone by means of hardwood / mirrored sliding doors which serve to maximise the entrance corridor width when closed.

Team