Hospitality Design - September 2011 - 31

sketchbook

perspectives

mountain peak
For the $30 million renovation of the St. Regis Aspen Resort, set to be unveiled in December, designer Lauren Rottet had a clear brief from the owner: “The existing building, designed in the style of a Frank Furness Grand Manor of the late 19th century, while appropriate for Aspen, is also very dark. The owner asked us to bring more natural light into the space and enhance the indoor-outdoor connection, in order to cater to both the summer and winter guest.” With that in mind, she designed a quintessential mountain lodge, what Jacob Astor might have created for a seasoned traveler in the Gilded Age. Expect clever use of detail, the contrast of heavy red stone with light ornamental steel and glass, antique mirrors on the sides of window frames to make openings appear much larger, and soft creamy colored leathers mixed with greengray and warm brown hues. And Rottet is using many local materials throughout: limestone on the replace, cast glass and metalwork from a nearby foundry. “It was like discovering hidden talents in the community,” she says. Yet the standout, says Rottet: “The walls behind the reception and concierge desks are a custom pattern and handsewn—a three-dimensional oral derived as a collaboration between the London artist Helen Amy Murrey and myself. The room almost literally takes your breath away as it is so light and open to the outside while warm and comforting with hardwood oors and oak paneling.”

BODY BUILDING
“The overall aesthetic is classic Caribbean meets tropical elegance,” says Stephanie Tyler, principal at Miami-based International Design Concepts (IDC), of the $20 million renovation to the BodyHoliday resort in St. Lucia. “There are many traditional architectural elements and concepts that were preserved but paired with modern amenities.”

Tyler and her team renovated the dining areas, the presidential suite (shown), and introduced an all-new clubhouse and entertainment area. The common thread throughout the public spaces: each area allows guests their privacy and intimate moments in a large setting. “We were inspired by the possibility that a couple could enjoy a cocktail by themselves without interruption, or that a lone traveler could nd a niche to read a book, secluded from the more active, public spaces,” Tyler explains. And of course, the surroundings provided inspiration. Natural quartz stone in a Versailles pattern connects paths, terraces, and verandas throughout the property. Neutral fabrics with pops of colors add texture and take their cue from the vibrant ora. And the buffet is a contemporary, yet charming, take on the signature Caribbean “Great House” estate kitchen with white beadboard, black quartzite, and distressed wood tones. Says Tyler: “This eclectic mix of cabinetry and culinary features is loyal to a traditional, Caribbean concept.”

forecasting fog
Part of the new brand-wide initiative to make each hotel particular to its local context, architect Stanley Saitowitz is giving the W San Francisco’s living room bar, upstairs bar, welcome desk, and living room a Bay Area-inspired makeover, as well as crafting its new signature restaurant, Trace. The starting point for his design: a quote from native poet Ambrose Bierce, “this city is a point up on a map of fog.” “For me, these few words capture something of the essential nature of the city in all its complexity and ambiguity,” explains Saitowitz, a local himself. “The design is a manifestation of this statement. Map and fog are key elements.” Silver patterned carpet reﬂects a map of the city, taking on the look of the grids of streets and lots, and each piece of furniture (think modular pieces) represents www.hospitalitydesign.com

a fragment of the cityscape recreated as an interior landscape. Fog is presented as fabrics, drapes, and pixilated wallcoverings that wrap the surfaces. The color palette is mostly gray, white, and black, with pops of purple and blue coming through slits in the walls and some furniture, while subtle references of the various San Francisco neighborhoods are found throughout. “The new interior of the W is a

fantasy cityscape, an image of the city as remembered in movies and songs, shrouded in glowing fog,” Saitowitz explains of his design for the hotel, set to open in October with Trace opening this month. “Moving from space to space is both continuous and speciﬁc, like a journey through the city. Different areas have different functions that all ﬂow into each other, connected by avenues, streets, and alleys.”
September 2011

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hospitality Design - September 2011