< PreviousSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com October 2021 40 CASE STUDY: COVE BEACH HOTEL & RESORT BY PROSPECT DESIGN With a soothing design in look and feel, Cove Beach Hotel and Resort's interior and exterior design is minimalist, yet sophisticated and contemporary with a relaxed look and feel. Dubai-based studio Prospect Design International is undertaking the architectural and interior design of the fi rst Cove Beach Hotel & Resort in Cotonou, a large port city in Benin on the West African coast. This homegrown brand is envisaged as a modern boho chic beach destination with a neutral colour palette, comfortable furniture, and touches of blues to refl ect the nearby waters of the Gulf of Guinea. A 28,000 sq m beach front plot of land in the centre of Cotonou will be used as the permanent address for the new 24- room fi ve-star Cove Beach Hotel, its three serviced villas, 17 bungalows with private pools and a luxury beach club. Included in plans for the property are a Japanese restaurant, steak house, kids' club, all-day dining beach restaurant, bar and lounge, two swimming pools, spa, gym, barber's shop, salon, speakeasy nightclub and a 700-capacity ballroom. Fast track As lead design consultant, Prospect Design International is responsible for the architectural, interior, lighting, kitchen, and spa design (sub-consultants working under the umbrella of PDI). The expected completion date is November 2022 with an opening slated for March 2023 , making this a fast-track project, with all design consultants appointed from a very early stage and construction already under way. Prospect started working on the project at the beginning of 2021 and expects to complete the design work by early November 2021, with interior fi t-out work to commence in December 2022. Slick architecture The architectural design approach was to provide the buildings a modern yet minimalistic and natural look and feel by bringing in the outdoor nature into the balconies and terraces of the structures to create a harmonious architectural design with the surrounding nature. An isometric viewSpecial Report 41 October 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com INTERNATIONAL The architecture's simplicity refl ects in many ways the complexity of creating a seamless resort where all buildings create the same atmosphere throughout the project. Wooden striped cladding with bending edges and a modern grey concrete were carefully added to the façades to provide an understated aspect to the buildings and to blend in naturally with the built-in planters in a very subtle way. Throughout the project, the main walkways are almost always connected to each other. The fi ve-storey hotel and three serviced villas are located on the right side of the plot and the standalone beach club on the left side, however the zoning plan and distribution layout were created so all areas are connected to each other horizontally and vertically, from the inside as well as the outside. Young executives Conveniently located just an hour and a half from Nigeria's capital Lagos, Cotonou has already become the party and entertainment hub for Nigeria's elite crowd. As the fi rst project of this kind in Benin, the goal of the hotel's design is to create a unique fi ve-star lifestyle destination where the target audience of local young executives and expats living in Cotonou can unwind in comfortable and spacious rooms facing the ocean and rejuvenate at the resort spa, experience a high energy beach club, dine, then party in the private nightclub. The budget? A tentative US$22 million. How the beach club would look The hotel will have two pools Suppliers KETTAL: outdoor furniture PEDRALI: restaurant furniture PERENIALS: outdoor fabrics EICHHOLTZ AND GERVASONI: accent furniture CANEPLEX: natural weaved canopies BAGNO DESIGN: sanitary fi xtures MOSO: bamboo fl ooring and art ELITIS: wallcoveringsOpinion commercialinteriordesign.com October 2021 42 It's time for a regenerative travel revolution How the pandemic encouraged a new appreciation for travel and altered our perspective on the consequences of our holiday habits, by Govind Shepley. The concept of sustainable travel has been widely discussed for many years, and although a recent concept regenerative travel is currently a very hot topic. The question is, why aren't governments, tour operators and businesses taking larger steps to give more back to the planet than they're taking from it? It's important to distinguish the differences between sustainable and regenerative concepts, as sustainability promotes initiatives such as recycling and saving energy, that are effectively just ways to do less bad, but regenerative concepts consider everything, from the livelihoods of the community at the heart of the brand to its legacy, and sustainability isn't exempt from that. There isn't a rulebook stating how to create a regenerative brand, but most travel concepts can incorporate at least some elements of regeneration into their system, depending on how they choose to support it. The easiest way to be regenerative is to ensure money is going back into the local community. Rockhouse Jamaica is an excellent example of this as the award-winning boutique hotel has employed an all-Jamaican team who run the Rockhouse Foundation, a US charity that has invested over $6 million in building new and renovating old community libraries all local to the hotel. The 2020 pandemic sent shockwaves throughout the world when travel restrictions were put in place, and this encouraged a new appreciation for travel and altered our perspective on the consequences of our travel habits. This year has seen many countries launch regenerative travel schemes, including New Zealand and Hawaii who are making enormous efforts to ensure they're doing all they can to have a positive impact. Malama policy in Hawaii encourages visitors to participate in different Solid grounds: The Rockhouse Hotel in Jamaica as its own foundation. Photo credit: Debbie Ann PowellOpinion 43 October 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Govind Shepley The creative director and founder of TwentyOne06 began his career as a designer in London, UK. Before arriving in the GCC, he lived and worked in Belgium and Spain, fostering both 10 years of experience and a love of travel. About the author community activations in exchange for complimentary room nights. Unlike sustainability that has become a commonly used buzzword, actions are being taken to ensure regenerative doesn't follow the same path by educating people on the true meaning of it and by creating alternative phrases to describe it. With so many conscious travel choices in the market, travellers are now demanding to see drastic action to take care of our planet and the people in it. They no longer want to be told about what's being done – instead, they want to check-in and bask in the results.First look commercialinteriordesign.com October 2021 44 Recyle and reuse is a mantra that's crossed between best practice in the home to the latest model of working in the design industry. Dubai-based interior design studio, DZ Design, has just unveiled its latest sustainable refurbishment project for Citymax hotel in Business Bay, Dubai, achieving 40 percent savings through upcycling existing furniture and fi nishes. Citymax isn't about high-end luxury accommodation. Instead, it's a story about an exciting makeover that transformed a four-star hotel, turning what were once rather lifeless interiors into spaces that fully engage visitors and are themselves vibrant destinations. "The Citymax Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai, was ready to be opened to the public in February 2020. However, when the owner visited the hotel, he was not satisfi ed with the overall look and effi ciency of the space," explains Zain Belgami, managing director at DZ Design "We were hired from four other competitors due to our previous work with the client, but also the positive experience with the smart refurbishing of the Emirates Park Zoo and Resort in Abu Dhabi, which saw an immediate 30 percent increase in occupancy rate." Considering that the project was fully completed, allocating an extra budget for extra refurbishment was a concern. DZ Design had AED three million to refurbish and upgrade the lobby, the public areas, the public toilets, three F&B units, the spa, the gym, pool bar, meeting rooms and 22 suites, while 350 rooms will be refurbished during the second phase. "Our team came on board the last- minute, proving that the design process that's careful yet simplifi ed can meet tight timelines and limited budget. This project is about the well-planned refurbishment that elevates and impacts the guest experience while recycling, retaining, and upcycling the existing fi nishes and furniture," adds Dina Murali, design director at DZ Design. Bold, warm, vibrant and full of life, Citymax is a distinctive hospitality experience focused on delivering high- DZ Design's Zain Belgami & Dina Murali tell us how they successfully madeover a 372-key hotel with a AED 3 million budget in just six weeks DZ EASYFirst look 45 October 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com perceived value. Due to its typology, the hotel caters to long-stay business travellers and local guests; however, with greys and whites previously dominating the interiors, the client felt space was too clinical. DZ Design chose a contemporary modern design, bringing warmth through timber fi nishes and indoor greenery associated with four-star hotels. The greatest impact was made in the lobby area. After the refurb, the lobby coffee shop doubles as a work café. "They wanted us to look at the furniture details as they were unhappy with the overall look and feel and felt that the ethos of the brand did not stand out in any manner," explains Murali. "We have reused existing storage counters, shelving, tables and chairs while existing sofas were reupholstered. They've also created light fi xtures from beer kegs in the bar instead of purchasing accent lighting. The furniture was also made locally, using the frames of existing units." At the reception, the counters and furniture of the reception were removed and reused once the design was done. The tabletops were used as they were in marble, furniture was reupholstered. Large display units were removed and reused as smaller units. Vibrancy and boldness associated with the brand identity are refl ected in bold pieces of art adorning the lobby and other public areas. DZ Design's team also conceptualised these artworks. "Through thoughtful design and space planning, we’ve managed to increase the overall capacity in all public areas while adhering to the required social distancing guidelines. The lobby area was increased from 38 to 50 people; all-day dining from 60 to 91 and a roof-top pool bar from 20 to 30 people," adds Belgami. The change in clientele from overseas customers to local guests due to Covid travel restrictions increased. Refurbished roof-top pool bar and Brew Bar quickly became a local pub catering to a broader local community and surrounding neighbourhoods. "During the Covid pandemic and its associated restrictions, the hotel became an important community resource, both as a social space and a place for activities. This made it a vital part of the neighbourhood and a valuable tool in maintaining relationships and enabling safe gatherings. Our vibrant refurbishment helped to foster feelings of community in a time when they were especially needed," concludes Murali. A design that's bold, warm & full of life... xxxxxxxTrend talk commercialinteriordesign.com October 2021 46 Local infl uence in hotel design trends Texture & colour inside Waldorf Astoria Kuwait by Jacqueline Craft, senior designer at LW Hotel design is all about creating a holistic and memorable experience for the guests, ensuring their visit is unforgettable and seamless. A home away from home. The experience should start at the entrance and continue throughout the public spaces into the various facilities and the guestrooms. Every component of the design needs to be carefully curated and considered and have a purpose which guests experience and can enjoy. This has always been a fundamental aspect for hotel design but the guest experience is increasingly becoming more signifi cant and now shapes the identity of a hotel. Below is a look on the current trends in the hospitality industry. Storytelling Telling a story helps create a strong theme and identity for a hotel and allows guests to travel through the various spaces experiencing different chapters of the narrative. They embark on a journey of discovery often not realising they are being immersed into the local culture through subtle references in artwork, fi nishes, pieces of furniture etc. Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is one such project which built their story around it's surroundings. The location of the fascinating Failaka Island, in close proximity to the Kuwait City, is home of the legend of Icarus. Icarus represents the guests' cravings for escapism, the need to avoid the monotonous. The interior has been elegantly designed to refl ect the cultural history of Kuwait with more traditional accents with a Middle Eastern fl are. Finding balance Working with texture has always been and will always be a great tool when developing a hotels scheme adding tactile elements and contrasting fi nishes adds life and personality to a space. We are Inside a king guestroom at Waldorf Astoria KuwaitTrend talk 47 October 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Jacqueline craft As well as Waldorf Astoria, Kuwait LW projects that the designer has lent her skills to include Okku, Dubai UAE; The Terrace, Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai and the design driven hotel Zabeel House, also in Dubai. About the author now seeing a greater focus on mixing and layering different textures and fi nishes. The Waldorf Astoria has achieved this through the mix of warm timbers, decorative metal screens, bold accent fabrics and intricately detailed rugs to bring in colour all helping to add interest, sophistication, and character to the areas. The psychology of colour Colour will stir emotions in a person no matter where they are from and which dialect they speak. Currently, natural and organic materials and cool neutral colours with touches of warmer tones are in trend. Think highly decorative beautiful stones mixed with natural timber fi nishes, lush woven fabrics, metal accents and touches of greenery adding a pop and life to the space. Soft feminine colour palettes and organic decorative patterns are being used. Intricate and beautiful details between fi nishes and often a less is more approach is desired. Allowing for the carefully selected colours and materials to be seen and enjoyed. More personalised design & experience Many of the big signature branded hotels have always had a signature design approach often with particular design principals and standards. We are seeing a lot more freedom in creating individual elements to the design that help properties stand apart and a boutique approach. Gone are the days are walking into one of the hotels chains in one location which is the same as the another. Brands still have signature elements but the operators encourage creativity and interpretation by the designer. The iconic Waldorf Astoria clock is an example of this. The clock is a gathering place and focal point of the Waldorf Astoria lobby. The clock in Kuwait has been developed and inspired by the importance of the solar system of the Islamic World. It was a more personalised design which was modeled around the Arab nomads' study of the sky and navigation. Future hospitality Taking the story digitally. As digital transformation has changed the way guests experience a hotel and use the various spaces. A hotel stay can now be more tailored to a guests specifi c need and requests. Information can be stored meaning a return guest doesn't waste time providing the same information time and time again. Special Report commercialinteriordesign.com October 2021 48 CASE STUDY: RSP HOSPITALITY LEAD RALF STEINHAUER ON ROVE The wait is over, and Dubai is welcoming the world for the next six months, to be part of something truly amazing and magical. RSP is proud to have been contributing and helping to deliver this global event. We got the opportunity to design and lead the interior design, from concept to handover, of the first hotel project within an EXPO exhibition – The Rove EXPO 2020 Hotel. Project delivery Fast track projects are always a challenge to ensure you finish within time and budget constraints, but delivering a hotel fit-out during a global pandemic proved to add a whole new level of complexity to the task at hand. Limited supply of materials led to repeatedly sourcing new alternatives available in the local market. Physical presence was limited on site during the construction phase, which encouraged us to adapt and embrace the latest technology to successfully coordinate and inspect the progress on site. Flexibility in design We are seeing a lot of demand in the current and future market for re-use and re-design of existing buildings. The building at EXPO was originally designed for office use, however was then required to be re-purposed as a hotel for the Expo event. During the design phase we encountered many challenges due to the existing technical parameters of the building. The structural design was based on limited capacity where drywall partitions had to be integrated as demise walls to guestroom partitions. Cases like this could be more common in the future as developers and hotels may start looking into adapting existing buildings to retrofit which would mean architects and interior designers have to reimagine our usual design approach – one that embraces changes during its life-cycle to incorporate new use and a certain level of flexibility. Sustainability is beautiful The entire Expo 2020 event is based on sustainability and green initiatives. The Loftnets create a space for staff Fast track projects are always a challenge.. Ralf Steinhauer The view from the poolSpecial Report 49 October 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Co-working space designs Visuals for the restaurant client, the project management team and the various consultants worked very hard to ensure we contributed to these goals and were successful in achieving the LEED Gold Accreditation. With United Nations climate change conference, COP 26, just a few weeks away the global focus will be more on sustainability. As members of the design and construction industry we need to be considering how we can play our part in achieving the government mandates for 2030 and 2050 initiatives. Women in construction The Rove Expo 2020 hotel is an outstanding example of women in construction, design and leadership. From the very top of the project – HE Reem Al Hashimi – projects leads in all stakeholder parties such as directors of EXPO team, PMC as client representatives, RSP's internal design and site team, consultants, and on the contractor side were represented by very professional and energetic women ensuring the delivery of this fantastic project. Watch the spectacle As this is the first hotel within an EXPO exhibition, we encourage you to seize this exciting opportunity and be the first to stay in an Expo hotel. Book your stay and watch the live shows and events in Al Wasl Dome from the comfort of your own hotel room or from the new rooftop pool overlooking the dome and the EXPO site. A guest room at Rove Expo 2020 EXPO 2020 HOTELNext >