Boutique Design - May 2014 - 50

Room 4 updates classic
pieces with futuristic
lighting, the surprise of a
light cove behind the bed
and a mix of tactile textures.

length, illuminated the front and made it an art piece by
making a milled vectrogram out of Resopal laminate based on
an image from Uschi Schmitt-Ladanyi. For the latter, we used a
white Corian modular desk system from Rosskopf & Partner
and added some drama with a ceiling light featuring iridescent
polycarbonate Fresnel lenses just above it.
Since hoteliers can see and touch everything, it's easier to
test their reaction to something original-like carving gypsum
board into bottle displays in the bar or using furniture that fits
together like movable puzzle pieces in the lobby. Throughout all
these areas we experimented with different handcrafted wall
treatments and accents, from traditional Italian wall-surfacing
techniques to metal and perforated wall decorations.
WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH
CREATING THE DEMONSTRATION HOTEL?

The need to satisfy so many different kinds of criteria was
somewhat daunting. However, the coordination of the product
specifications with all the suppliers was also an enormous
organizational task! (Logistics giant Kuehne & Nagel helped
with the storage and logistics.) That job is ongoing. As items
are discontinued, the showroom and library must be updated.
WHAT WAS THE MOST SATISFYING PART OF THE JOB?

In this suite, and
throughout the
project, JOI uses
both wall treatments
and carpet and
flooring to drive
inventive design
without adding
visual clutter.

In essence, HKZ is a 3D encyclopedia of hotel design. This
diverse showcase, hopefully, will facilitate optimal decisionmaking for investors, operators and hoteliers. It takes out the
guesswork in the design process. Visitors are assured that, not
only does everything look great, it also satisfies the durability
requirements of high-traffic hotels-which isn't the case in
conventional design centers.
Here, visitors can touch, move or reconfigure the FF&E.
Fabrics, lighting, wallcoverings and carpets can be tried out in
different room sets. Hoteliers can test operational software,
POS systems, dispensing and cooling equipment, and vending
machines in simulated yet real-time settings. HKZ also has a
training and education center where visitors can evaluate new
products, like state-of-the-art shower controls, to see if they
emit enough water, or get trained in the use and maintenance
of new HVAC systems.
WHAT'S NEXT?

When the next phase of HKZ has been completed, these fixed
installations will be complemented by an adjacent empty space
where professionals can experiment with new materials on a
temporary basis. Project teams will be given a blank canvas
where they can play with finishes and furnishings to create a
mock-up hotel room rather than doing so on site. Our plan is to
carry out a major refreshment of the rooms every two years, so
that repeat visitors can find fresh inspiration and new products
and technologies can be launched. Also, the space will expand.
New items will be brought in as more rooms are introduced.
We'll never be done playing here! 
For complete list of project participants, go to boutiquedesign.com

boutiquedesign.com MAY 2014

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Boutique Design - May 2014

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