4SPACE provides quality, distinctive architectural, interior design and design solutions for commercial premises, restaurants, entertainment venues, retail spaces and private residences throughout the United Arab Emirates and further afield. 4SPACE has blossomed over the last 10 years and continuously innovates and intentionally disrupts interior design in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities, Dubai. Recognised as one of the finest interior design companies in the region, the company prides itself on blending light and space with delicate, well-considered features to create memorable aesthetics.
Firas Alsahin and Amjad Hourieh adeptly lead the award-winning interior design firm. Their international experience encourages the team to go beyond limits in Dubai. They explore different shapes and forms to create unique buildings that incorporate feasibility, efficiency, and originality. They led 4SPACE to be the overall winner of the Society of British and International Design (SBID) Awards in 2018. Commercial Interior Design Magazine voted the firm among the top 20 most successful boutique interior design firms in the Middle East in 2019.
Firas Alsahin was named one of the 50 most influential interior designers on the power list in the Middle East. He’s a fully accredited design professional with SBID. Alsahin’s design finesse embraces futuristic, minimalist, functional and sustainable design. He is well regarded in the industry and has an active voice on various discussion platforms in the Middle East.
Amjad Hourieh is also a fully accredited design professional with the SBID. He loves to create an element of surprise and intrigue with his designs. His designs incorporate the organic influence of Art Deco with the expected natural curves and geometry but with an unexpected sense of drama. Hourieh strives to unify visions between each client with innovation and technology.
Their imitable growth led to Ehab Alhariri joining 4SPACE as the principal architect to shape the new architectural division. His experience has seen him work on various projects in the USA and with world-famed Emaar, Dubai properties, Wasl, and Hilton. Alhariri earned global recognition for his sustainable mountain pod that pushed boundaries and merged his design capabilities by integrating art and science.
4SPACE creates environments that inspire well-being, drive innovation, and boost company development. Dubai is the world leader in unique and well-designed properties. 4SPACE, as a full-service design firm, has revolutionised the hospitality industry with its unique floating villas, futuristic sustainable mountain pod, the tube house and the towering Marina Twin Towers. The city’s impressive VR Park located in Dubai Mall is over 5,000 square metres and is the largest virtual reality experience venue in the region. On a smaller scale, designers have created extraordinary interiors for restaurants and retail including, Kava and Chai, Space Cup, Charcoal Garden, Karamna, PAPA Dubai, Tutus Kurniati and the Discovery Channel Store in Dubai Mall.
4SPACE has two fully immersive experience parks in the pipeline; 7000 square metres in Dubai Mall and 2000 square metres in Wafi Mall. The team are also expanding into Saudi Arabia with many food and beverage projects being successfully delivered such as Kactus and Dopeamine. Steam Kitchen, HOOK, Verde and Sandwhere are currently being designed and constructed.
For a comprehensive understanding of the client’s needs, the interior designers examine the context of every space and deliver innovative solutions. 4SPACE is considerate and intimately works with each client to generate a comprehensive plan using physical models and mock-ups and provide accurate time frames and budgets. They seamlessly manage projects from beginning to end and communicate freely throughout the design process. The extensive team draws on the knowledge and expertise of in-house architects, technologists, engineers and project developers.
The team of architects and interior designers provides wide-ranging designs for various buildings, including homes, hospitality and entertainment venues, offices, and event spaces. They sympathetically design every element of a visitors journey. 4SPACE intelligently reformulate expectations and create innovative experiences that encourage interaction by playing with textures, materials and light. Their designs encourage touch and are delightful to the eye. 4SPACE creates memories and pleasure.
2021 has seen various successes for 4SPACE. Not only has the firm formed the architectural division, but they have moved offices, launched a new website and expanded their team with new hires.
Throughout the pandemic, each designer’s curiosity contributes to impressive restaurant design transformations; they are learning how to evolve, improve and remain relevant. Alsahin and Hourieh believe that their transformational philosophy, continuous development and evolutionary approach will ensure that they remain front of mind in the design field.
About 4Space Design
Originally established in Damascus in 2001, founders, Firas Alsahin and Amjad Hourieh, moved their practice to Dubai to be at the centre of this vibrant market. The emirate’s booming growth in the commercial sector was an impetus for the firm to explore all the opportunities in the design industry. Eschewing quantity for quality, profile of the project and relationship with clients, the studio credit its people’s distinct ideas strategic business development.
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The fashion house of Dolce & Gabbana put Sicily on the fashionista map and spread the island’s crafts worldwide by incorporating iconic Sicilian images in its bold prints like the colourfully decorated horse cart, ripe lemons and oranges. This was an early inspiration for the interior design concept created for the hotel by The Hickson Design Partnership (THDP), a London-based interior designer and architectural practice with a team of 50% British and 50% Italian designers.
Giardini Naxos, founded in 734 BC by colonists from Chalcis in Euboea, and was the first Greek colony in Sicily. Ancient Naxos was destroyed in 403 BC, and the centre that rose in its place in the Middle Ages as a fishermen’s village. In the late 19th century elegant villas were built, used as holiday mansions by the upper classes.
The Greek heritage that remains in Sicily can be seen in the architecture of a few very important buildings. The Temple of Concordia today is a popular seaside-resort, offering more than 40 hotels, and a great number of vacation homes. Throughout the year the island plays host to numerous artistic, cultural, and religious events. Sicilians love a celebration!
The ancient Phoenicians and Greeks brought their artisanal traditions to the island, creating amphorae, kraters, kylixes, and other typical ancient wares and the technique of laying bright, saturated colours have been introduced into Sicily during the Muslim conquest.
The building presents most of the room facing the sea allowing the Mediterranean light to enter from the big windows and the guest can enjoy the salty air from the guestroom balcony. It sits at the feet of Etna volcano and near to Taormina.
Detailed local research guided the narrative of the entire concept project, commencing with the refurbishment of the main public areas, lobby and lobby bar, guest check in, Restaurants Panarea & Sciara, and creating a new Pool Terrace and Fluido bar.
The interior design concept was inspired by the natural beauty of the volcanic beaches, the sea, mount Etna’s super-natural presence and the features of the island of Sicily and the ambition was to bring them into the centre of the hotel. By adding local decoration, artworks and colours the goal was to add character, a deep sense of authenticity and a refined and resort-based palette of natural tones with touches of colours of the sea.
The lobby was a large open space of over 700sqm meters, previously decorated in a heavy baroque style, the concept from the outset was to re-activate this space, giving it a new heart and focal point – and to be appealing to both guests and to walk-in locals.
From the outset THDP considered adding a new lobby bar to the centre of the space, being both a visual anchor but also dividing the space and making it feel more intimate. With the new layout smart workers and leisure guests can meet using a polyvalent area which can host all, thanks to the different typology of seating. The style is elegant, Mediterranean with sea colours and Taormina’s stone colours melting indoor and outdoor colour palette.
The bar utilizes local materials to create a new feature in the centre of the lobby space, the bar top from local company Nero Sicilia is a made from volcanic lava stone extracted from the quarries of mount Etna glazed in cracked white glass. The bar fluted and curved front is formed from woven faux leather by Natutex, the rear bar features antique mirror with the joinery finished in Italian Oak and Rattan.
The seating in the Quintessenza features two room divider style banquet seating, fitted with USB and power outlets it’s the perfect place to work and relax, the backs of the banquets are finished in woven faux leather by Naturtex. The bar offers a range of seating options from the bar stools facing the bar from Gervasoni to the lower relaxed armchairs are from Miniforms and Torre 1961. The tables and banquets were manufactured to THDP’s design by Riabita. The new highly decorative wall covering is by Janelli & Volpi.
The reception has been inspired by the Sicilian attitude of welcoming and it has been translated in three large reception desks, the feature rear wall is tiled with hand painted local tiles by La Fauci, the accent decorative lights are from Aromas del Camp and are of copper and rattan, thus from the very beginning of their journey the guest is surrounded by an authentic and local experience.
The reception desks are finished in dark grey lava stone by Nero Sicilia, with a façade of woven faux leather by Naturtex adding warmth and texture, the fronts of the desks feature oak panelling mimicking the fluted effects of classical columns of the Temple of Concordia.
New desks, headings and rear artwork and tiling by La Fauci were all custom designed by THDP.
The Panarea Restaurant is the place in the morning for breakfast but easily converts during the day to host lunches, special events and dinner in the evening. The layout of the restaurant focuses on the new buffet counters which are aligned to the show cooking area – allowing guest to admire the chefs preparing their dishes to order. The restaurant has materials, features, and shapes that reminds guests of antique craftsmanship, incorporating hand painted tiles in the niches at the entrance with traditional motifs from La Fauci.
The buffet counters are cantered into the new restaurant and are closable during evening set up and special events with a custom designed screening. The counters feature built in an invisible heating and cooling elements which allow all the dishes to be moved around and swapped around to offer maximum flexibility to the hotel. During events the buffet counters can be stripped back and closed off – giving the restaurant less of a ‘breakfast’ space feel and more of a space for fine dining.
The buffet area has screens featuring irregular but geometric shapes hanged from the ceilings that recall ancient Greek terracotta jars. The artisan tributes continue on the walls covered with a braided woven leather cowhide effect inspired by ancient Greek sandals.
The new seating offers relaxed arrangements with a mix of table sizes, featured in fabrics reflecting the colours of the sea, visible from the restaurant. THDP also designed high tables, which can be used in the morning for breakfast to display local pastries and in the evening a high table dining experience. The adjustable tables made by Riabita, who also carefully prepared all custom furniture for the project and project managed their execution on site.
The custom designed carpeting by THDP is made by Ulster Carpets, the ceiling lighting are re-purposed light fittings from a hotel in Milan owned by the client – made in Murano.
The word “Sciara” is a local term, used in Sicily in the Etna area to indicate the accumulations of volcanic ‘waste’ that form on the surface or on the sides of the mountain. The term gives it name to the fine dining restaurant at the hotel, where the interior concept is intense and reflects power and wonder of the volcanoes spilling lava – dark intense with touches of blue & red – recalling colours of the sea at night, foreboding, dark yet attractive and welcoming.
The walls were finished with rough hewn lava stones, giving a raw and natural feel, to compliment this toughness the seating by contrast is curved and flowing and features 4 signature tables finished in enamelled lava stone by Nero Sicilia, the booths too are curved and help give the restaurant a centering. There are screenings in copper tones which feature so the design of super scaled rattan, adding a sense of privacy whilst not robbing the restaurant of its sea and pool views. The flooring is stained Natural Oak laid in a herringbone design by Havwoods. The copper-coloured feature lighting is from Utu, the hexagonal mirrors by Sovet.
The bar, show kitchen and wine display area were all uplifted, with lava stone from Nero Sicilia used for both the bar top and front, and in a glazed motif for the table tops.
The Fluido Bar is located on the pool terrace, just outside La Sciara Restaurant offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea and the unique grey volcanic sandy beaches. The pool Bar is characterized by a contemporary, indoor meets outdoor styled residential look and feel. The walls are finished in a cement-coloured panels by Cosentino, the bar top is white Dekton and the bar front is feature tiles in raw and glazed lava stone by Nero Sicilia.
The bar serves pre-dinner aperitives with signature cocktails, open to guests and locals, the ambition is to become a destination bar for the hotel adding to its local night scene. The seating is part dining, part informal lounge sofas with outdoor furniture by Etimo & Varaschin. The flooring is a grès tiling from Gruppo Florim, who also provided the surround to the pool and its interior. Large ecru umbrellas offer shade to the guests during the summer times. THDP created a warm garden style lighting effect, selecting outdoor weathered wall fittings by Aldo Bernardi & suspended light by Faro Barcelona. The large pergola and pavilions are custom designed and supplied by Corradi.
About THDP
THDP was founded in 2005 by partners and couple Italian Architect Manuela Mannino & British Interior Designer Nicholas J. Hickson. The studio is based in south east London and Italy and has a team of 10 people between the two countries. The studio designs hotels, restaurants, and residences internationally, focusing on the south and east part of Europe and Italy. THDP aim to be flexible and able to react to the fast-moving waters of the hospitality sector, prioritizing authentic narrative based on local research and curated selections of artisans, local companies and talented artists. This work is reflected in the guests experience that will be dotted with details to discover during their stay. THDP’s approach springs from an endless creative curiosity, enthused by the founders to every team member, each one of them a true passionate designer and a talented focused team, who is integral part of the successful accomplishments of our projects.
This week’s instalment of Project of the Week interior design series features an arty biophilic Oriental restaurant design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Deckora Design.
Yakuza is the most buzzed-about Asian restaurant of Lisbon set at the ground floor of Hotel AVANI AVENIDA and offering the best selection of creative sushi in town. Deckora Design assisted the wider Minor hotel group in shaping a refined yet eccentric environment featuring fine walnut details, polished stone superficies and hand-painted art murals.
The original commercial space, situated amid a dense urban context in the back yard of a busy high street, represented a challenge of great complexity for the designers due to the lack of natural light. The tailored made labour of Deckora Design’s team transformed a difficult space into the trendy Oriental restaurant of the Portuguese capital where art and biophilic design play a crucial role.
SBID Awards Category: Restaurant Design
Practice: Deckora Design
Project: Yakuza Restaurant
Location: Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Portugal
The brief is the creation of a cosy yet seductive interior where dark fittings, comfortable furniture and warm lighting contribute to a truly unique experience for the guest.
The project’s holistic approach, rooted in systematic design research, is considering all aspects of the environment: from architecture and lighting, to furniture and art. The concept was a modern and irreverent reinterpretation of the Japanese restaurant. The overall emblematic proposal shows how good quality design, and the successful transformation of a space, can have a successful impact and provide an authentic experience that goes beyond dining.
Yakuza Restaurant represented a great challenge, starting from the location situated amid a dense urban context with lack of natural lighting. Deckora Design delivered a flawless design enhancing the intrinsic characteristics of the property. The design team managed to exceed the expectations of the different stakeholders by respecting budget constraints and demanding deadlines during a world pandemic. The final outcome satisfied the client’s complex brief and requirements, integrating motifs and key elements of the pre-existing Yakuza brand into a new, unique and innovative concept.
Art played an important role in the project; we commissioned hand-painted murals from the local artists. Art is also present in the main highlight of the project and the main attraction of the commercial space – the sushi counter, a 5×10 meters rectangular central artefact representing the beating heart. The austerity of the walnut louvers and the rigorous central slate are juxtaposed to the playfulness of the backlit ceiling canvas. This distinctive piece of art, hand painted by the urban artist Smile, is characterised by vibrant tones and portrays a huge Japanese koi, providing indirect lighting to the entire room.
The SBID Awards is one of the most influential and well organised awards in the Architecture and Interior Design industries. Being part of this programme is definitely something to be proud of, and being a finalist is already a great reward for us after the great amount of care and time our project required. I also believe that getting personally involved, contributing to the community and being exposed to the work of other colleagues is an important part of our professional development.
Questions answered by Camilla Degli Esposti, Director, Deckora Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a spacious penthouse design by Lori Dundas Interior Design, click here to see more.
Multi-award-winning interior designers, Ellis Design Studio have designed the new flagship Electric Shuffle venue at the iconic London Bridge, located in the very heart of central London. The venue comprises over 8,000 sqft of space, located directly under the concourse of London Bridge Station within five historic Victorian brick vault arches. Ellis Design Studio have converted these grand and atmospheric vaults into a spectacular new venue, comprising two show stopping bars and 10 shuffle table play spaces.
The venue has been meticulously designed to deliver a dramatic, experiential and conceptual space, showcasing the spectacular Victorian architecture still present below London Bridge station. The design takes inspiration from the location of the venue at London Bridge and its function as a major transport hub. This idea of connectivity and dynamism are explored within the design with nods to both the transport aesthetic and the Art Deco period as a golden age of travel.
The main bar design comprises beautifully complex triptych of arches designed to regress telescopically into the geometry of the existing brick archway. The bar includes a layering of hand painted finishes, bespoke wallpapers and custom designed joinery and metalwork detailing. The bar’s design was inspired by the movement of light as it regresses through tunnels. This idea fuses the electrical-inspired aesthetic of Electric Shuffle with the train & transport inspired elements of the scheme.
The second bar comprises a series of elongated sinuous arches, creating a sense of dramatic verticality within the space. The bar sits as a focal point stretching between the last two arches and its design was inspired by the complex arrangements of vaults and arches frequently seen in railway station architecture. Custom made chrome hemispheres set within the hand painted, illuminated arches are suggestive of over-sized rivets and the industrial-inspired ribbed timber and metal strapping details pay homage to the railway inspired aesthetic.
Custom designed lighting and bespoke designed materials reference Electric Shuffle’s Art Deco aesthetic but have been reimagined and overlaid with nods to elements of train & transport inspired aesthetics. Elements such as the dramatic oversized brass chandeliers, which run throughout the venue, have been custom designed by the Studio to pay homage to the iconic lighting found in grand railway concourses of the 20th Century.
Bespoke timber joinery has been designed to run as a central band wrapping the perimeter walls of the venue. This provides a visual and physical framework to the spaces as well as lending a sense of rhythm and continuity. The panelling, which utilises a mixture of ribbed timber, pleated velvets, metal meshes and textured glass, is reminiscent of the forms found within vintage train carriage detailing.
As part of the brief, the beautifully designed shuffleboard tables have been further evolved by the Studio to suit the complex geometry of the venue’s architecture. The shuffle table design is inspired by the aesthetic of the grand ocean liners, on which the game had its original heyday, a design which perfectly complements the design inspiration of the London Bridge scheme. Curvilinear forms in the timber and decorative copper pipework reinforce the Art Deco aesthetic along with inlaid copper details, leather upholstered detailing and laser cut metal elements, which bring together a mix of classic and contemporary, Deco and industrial.
A new dramatic cantilevered metalwork feature, which includes pleated velvet and mesh detailing, has been custom designed for the venue to support lighting and enclose & enhance the tables, reinforces the transport inspired aesthetic.
The idea of connectivity and dynamism are further explored through the use of dramatic wall mural art within the venue. The large-scale hand painted work takes inspiration from the Futurist art movement and in particular pays homage to a school of early 20th Century British artists who worked under the banner of ‘Vortism’. Their work was inspired by the kinetic energy brought to transportation through the use of electricity and the Studio has taken inspiration from this idea of movement electrification and energy.
“The essence of the interior design for Electric Shuffle London Bridge has been inspired by the energy, excitement and the age of early electrical experimentation fused with the dynamism of the early 20th century transport hubs, and the beauty & lustre of the golden age of train travel, all set against dramatic sweeping historical Victorian brick vault arches of London Bridge Station” – Alan Ellis, MD at Ellis Design Studio.
The Studio has created a beautifully designed, dramatic and conceptual interior to form an engaging and original, multi-layered scheme.
Ellis Design Studio weaves together clear design narratives in their work through an artisanal approach, focused on meticulous detailing and beautiful craftsmanship. The Studio works with a range of experts with experience across a vast array of fields including lighting & furniture designers, fine artists, ceramicists, glassblowers, metalworkers and artisans to name a few. Consequently, their work is imbued with a sense of provenance, uniqueness and a carefully crafted element of storytelling.
The Studio has been shortlisted and won several prestigious design awards for its work in the hospitality sector including being shortlisted for a Design Week Award 2020 and recently winning two prestigious Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2020.
About Ellis Design Studio
Ellis Design Studio is a multi-award-winning Interior Design studio specialising in hospitality interior design projects. The studio was founded in 2017 with a team who have extensive experience across restaurants, bars, 4- & 5-star luxury hotels, private members clubs and experiential / competitive socialising venues.
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This week’s instalment of Project of the Week interior design series features a hotel design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, PLD Paul Liu Design Consultants.
Located in Shanghai’s seaside district Fengxian, this new urban oasis hotel offers warm and welcoming luxury experiences for the body and mind in Hangzhou Bay. The sense of design creativity is carried throughout the experiences one has at the hotel, unveiling layer after layer.
Dining options at JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian include three distinctive restaurants and a bar. The overall design of all-day dining outlet JW Kitchen is modern and clean-lined where show kitchens are distributed around the restaurant, strongly expressing the hotel’s unique identity. Fine dining restaurant Yan Xuan, with 15 luxurious dining rooms for private events, has an elegant design with upscale detailing, while each private room has its own unique design elements. Signature restaurant Shanghai Crab & Co. offers a casual and maritime overall feel. Earth tones indicate the down-to-earth nature of a Mediterranean meal, while pastels and cool colours create a more upscale seaside atmosphere.
SBID Awards Category: Hotel Public Space, sponsored by Cumberland
Practice: PLD
Project: JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian
Location: Shanghai, China
The brief was to design a new contemporary JW Marriott-branded hotel, inspired by the principles of mindfulness to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized in spirit. To enable the hotel design to articulate Marriott’s international luxury portfolio brand strategy, philosophy and globally consistent image.
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian was designed with an architectural point of view and a focus on authentic materials and space shaping. Millwork, tactile materials, thoughtful details, lighting, and furnishings all contribute to the design concept in a holistic way, reflective of the property’s unique sense of place.
The hotel’s style narrative was inspired by its natural surroundings and Jinhai Lake, with its exterior resembling the legendary bird Roc, from the fable of “Roc hopping into the sea”. The design elements incorporate natural materials such as wood and marble in undulating, curvilinear forms that reflect the waves of the nearby East Sea. The hotel’s 265 guestrooms and suites offer luxurious comfort in restful shades of sable and blue, echoing the beaches and sea with clean modern lines and every thoughtful amenity for guests’ comfort and convenience. Inspiration stems from the simple beauty of the natural world. In addition to visual design elements, guests experience nature in a tactile way through carefully-curated sensory experiences.
With nearly 45000 sqm design area, the hotel design process was very sophisticated and functional, involving planning, schematic design, developed design and construction documentations stages. Due to the diversity of functions within a hotel building, a large number of specialists like architects, structural engineers, lighting, signage, AV consultants, contractors, suppliers were involved and required to coordinate with during each critical design stage. The design had to meet the requirement of Marriott’s international brand strategy while take the owner’s operational, budget, timely and aesthetic requirements into consideration.
The project was highly recognized by the hotel management groups and the owner. Special attention was paid to hotel’s spatial relationships to ensure that spaces were used efficiently. The most efficient space planning solutions were given by the designer to make use of each corner to create more interesting spatial sequence, to keep a minimum amount of circulation and service space and also to give the guest a greater connection to the site and enhance the sense of privacy.
It became a sophisticated and luxurious sanctuary designed to let guests relax and rediscover a sense of balance in mind and body, as well as a convenient gateway to Shanghai and nearby cities.
The SBID International Design Awards are recognized as the most prestigious interior design awards in the world. Winning the SBID International Design Award would be a high achievement.
Questions answered by Bo Liu, Founder & Chairman, PLD.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxurious residential villa design by Chains Interior, click here to see more.
This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a renovation project of a Victorian Eatery by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Blue Sky Hospitality.
MAGENTA restaurant, bar, and private dining, have been created from the conversion of a 19th century bank building, located on the corner of Euston and Belgrove road, just across St Pancras and Kings Cross train stations.
What if… in 1880, British engineers and scientists from the St Pancras Coal, Steel and Gas industries had decided to create their own eatery? Enlisting help from the large community of Italian immigrants based around Kings Cross, they would have built a venue celebrating ‘La Dolce Vita’ with an authentic, local British identity. A place for libations and celebrations of everyday life, until it closed, swept away by the turmoil of time.
What if… 141 years later, the premises were renovated and updated with a modernist sensibility and reopened… transformed into a giant art installation? A bar and restaurant within an indoor pergola of Victorian industrial architecture, dressed in a palette of coal, steel and oak, upholstered with magenta wool and anthracite leather. An evocative space where thousands of butterflies, flutter overhead, in shimmering hues of pink and silver, to a cinematic soundtrack punctuated by atmospheric bird songs. The result might look, taste, and feel like what “MAGENTA” is today.
Practice: Blue Sky Hospitality
Project: Magenta
Location: London, United Kingdom
The brief was to convert an existing bank within a 19th century building into a restaurant and bar with a design that will optimise the internal volume and reduce impact of constraints, draw inspiration from its location, provide a joyful environment for staff and customers, offer a unique, memorable social space and enhances the neighbourhood of Kings Cross- St Pancras.
The main inspiration for the design was a story about Kings Cross in 1880 – blending facts and fiction.
The most challenging part of the brief was optimising the internal layouts to make it efficient to operate and provide a pleasant customer experience…while respecting the period architecture of the façade.
The most exciting part of the project was the creation of a ceiling art installation using 5,000 metal butterflies.
It is always an exciting experience to enter awards, however given the calibre of work and entries into these global awards, it makes it even more special.
Questions answered by Henry Chebaane, Creative Director, Blue Sky Hospitality.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a bold and open kitchen-dining-living space design by Nicola Burt Interior Design, click here to read it.
When the owners of Thimbleby Shooting Ground turned to Rachel McLane Ltd for the interior of their new clubhouse they were looking for a longlasting and empathic design that reflected the Thimbleby Estate’s rural traditions in a homely, memorable and practical fashion.
“The clubhouse is the heart and soul of any sporting club and Thimbleby Shooting Ground is no exception,” said Rachel McLane, whose team have turned Thimbleby’s new architect-designed timber frame shell from one big open space into a multi-purpose facility where unique spaces are clearly defined by function.
Thimbleby is one of the country’s premier shooting grounds, open six days a week and with a committed and passionate customer base who use the clubhouse as a place to relax, eat, drink and socialise after a round of shooting.
Rachel McLane’s designs enhanced the building’s blend of classic and contemporary styling – with plenty of glass in a light airy interior – to deliver a modern take on a traditional clubhouse.
“We wanted the interior design to break up that large open space into smaller areas for dining, hospitality, reception, retail and gun room, giving the clubhouse a personality that would suit individual patrons as well as shooting parties and functions. This demanded we had to use space creatively with designs that were innovative and empathic not just with the cabinetry and case goods but the fixtures and fittings.”
One shining example of this is the hanging light shades that echo the look, colour and shape of spent gun casings that will not only be immediately familiar to patrons but also add a touch of theatre to a cavernous roof space.
Layers of cladding, panels, timber, tiles, polished plaster and paint added new texture and colours to break up the uniformity of single-space walls, and removable bespoke banquet seating allows Thimbleby’s clubhouse to be used by members as a function suite. A cafe-style display cabinet and proper serving counter took the place of a single food servery hatch which was removed.
“There were a few quite big changes to accommodate from the original specification,” added Rachel, “including the reception, retail area, WCs and gun room which all sat rather uncomfortably together in the entrance.”
This layout obstacle was solved by installing a new internal wall in the reception area separating it from the WC doorways while also clearly delineating the new retail space and enabling better display of goods and where people can walk. It was also agreed to bring inside the new building an originally proposed external terrace to create an indoor snug area with a new fireplace.
“Although a combination of the pandemic and Brexit made sourcing some of the building materials tricky we have been able to keep the project pretty much on time with the only delays from the design changes necessary to suit the building,” said Rachel.
“With a job like this, one of the most pleasing aspects is being able to work with an original building vision by a great architect, expert craftsmen, construction professionals and owners to come up with a design vision that can be successfully realised together.”
Thimbleby’s director Andrew Shelley says that right from the first project discussions Rachel and her team clearly understood their vision for the clubhouse. “Now the building is complete and being used on a daily basis, not only are we delighted with the finished result, but more importantly, our customers are enjoying the space,” said Mr Shelley.
“Rachel delivered an attractive, functional, flexible and comfortable clubhouse. Starting from an empty shell, her design made a huge difference. Importantly, this was not an open cheque book vanity project, this was a commercial venture and needed to be delivered on budget and in good time which she achieved.
“The team was outstanding and it was a real pleasure to see their skills employed. Throughout the final fit out Rachel and her team worked together creatively and cost effectively to solve problems – I am pretty sure none of them had ever designed or manufactured a gun showroom before, but the end result was outstanding.”
Mr Shelley continues: “I am starting to understand the difference design can make and pleased to report that Rachel and her team delivered a clubhouse and retail space that our customers will enjoy for many years – I suspect most of them will not be aware, but much of this was achieved through Rachel’s great design.”
About Rachel McLane
After graduating Middlesex University with a BA(Hons) in Interior Architecture, Rachel enhanced her experience by designing for the retail sector for eight years in London and York. This involved designing interiors for clients with commercial interests, allowing her to specialise in spatial circulation, retail display and detailed finishes. With Rachel’s reputation for attention to detail and customer satisfaction, the business has expanded, taking on more clients. There is now a small team to assist and support Rachel, who remains fully involved in the detail of each project and ensures the team shares her guiding principles and professional ethos.
If you’d like to feature your projects with SBID, get in touch to find out more.
Challenging you to think through your exporting journey, this virtual event will explore the benefits of exporting, helping you build or refine your strategy and combat the issues associated with the transition into new markets. As you venture into overseas markets, you want to ensure that your business is:
Hear expert insight on the legal, financial and logistical obstacles associated with exporting and how to mitigate these risks and trade safely overseas. Learn how to develop your business model and connect with like-minded London businesses on the same exporting journey as you.
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Michael Caines’ much-anticipated new casual hospitality concept – Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant – has officially opened on Exmouth beach. With stunning panoramic views across the Devon coastline and up through the Exe Estuary, the venue sits in harmony with its surroundings, having been brought to life by interior designers, Design Command.
A landmark opening for Michael – Chef Owner of Michelin starred Lympstone Manor – this casual bar and restaurant offers a relaxed space for drinking and dining and is a welcome addition to the Michael Caines Collection. Across the backdrop of the Exmouth shoreline, Mickeys boasts spacious seating outdoors and a retractable glass terrace, as well as a bright indoor restaurant and bar with booths and cosy corners for cocktails and casual fare.
Inspired by the lively beach bars in Ibiza and Greece, Design Command have designed the interiors of both Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant as places to relax and unwind by the coast, evoking an overall sense of escapism.
Due to the proximity to Exmouth beach and its recognition as a place of outstanding natural beauty, it was imperative that Mickeys celebrated this notion through sustainable design choices. As such, environmentally low-impact products are used throughout. The tiles are made from 98% recycled material and reclaimed timber cladding has been used for the restaurant’s showcase ceiling and sunbeam feature wall.
It was of equal importance to utilise local businesses in the sourcing of design elements, with many of the lighting features, planting areas, table caddies and interior artworks all produced in the area. Continuing the sustainable ethos throughout the property, Mickeys has committed to reducing single-use plastics, sourcing products and packaging that are biodegradable and utilising the most local produce available to reduce carbon emissions.
On the ground floor, Mickeys Bar has found home, offering a more casual dining and drinking affair. Here, the layout has been designed to give the impression of being in the open air. Outdoor chairs combined with soft seating that has been upholstered in comfortable outdoor fabrics feature throughout. A tonal blue and white colour palette has been used to compliment the surroundings and create a feeling of calm, whilst pops of orange add vibrancy. Bamboo ceilings matched with the combination of both polished and textured natural stone make up the statement beach bar statement.
Connecting the two floors is a sand-coloured metal staircase, adorned with a statement rope chandelier. The metal finish featured here and throughout both the bar and restaurant have various patina effects applied to echo the non-polished finishes found along the coast.
Upstairs in the restaurant, the scene is bold and bright as the design looks to intertwine with the sweeping views across the bay. As such, the seating layout has been designed to maximise the views of the beach and lighting features throughout reflect the nautical through the use of linen, rope and weathered metal. With the adjacent terrace, Design Command opted for outdoor paving on the floor and the walls are clad in decorative framed mirrors to reflect the stunning views. A combination of interior and exterior furniture was chosen in this space to add extra comfort whilst dining beachside. In addition, the retractable roof opens up to provide a sumptuous al-fresco experience for all guests to enjoy, whatever the weather.
Together, Design Command and Michael Caines hope that guests are truly delighted by the design of Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant, whether they are visiting for the first time, tenth time or simply passing by.
About Design Command Design Command is an award winning London & Hertfordshire based Interior Architecture Studio founded in 2013 by Clare McDonald. Over 13 years Clare’s projects included designing for 5 star hotels and more recently over 50 restaurants as well as Student Hotels, high-end residential schemes and Boutique offices. Since its inception, Design Command has quickly grown to several designers working on restaurants and hotels across the United Kingdom and Europe.
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In the leafy Berkshire village of Bray-on-Thames, you’ll find one of the UK’s outstanding fine dining experiences, The Waterside Inn. Renowned for its classic French cuisine, The Waterside Inn has retained its three Michelin stars since 1984, the longest of any restaurant outside France. Now under the leadership of Chef Patron, Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn is as famous for its hospitality as for its food.
As a restaurant with rooms, The Waterside Inn offers 11 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, a private dining room and has its very own boat, The Waterside Inn II, that seats eight and is the perfect vessel for a jaunt upstream. The establishment has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a ramshackle riverside pub bought and transformed by Michel and Albert Roux in 1972!
When planning Phase One of a two-phase refurbishment of its guestrooms, in-house designer, Laura Roux, wished that each of the four rooms and en-suite bathrooms should retain their own unique character and charm. As with all aspects of The Waterside Inn, attention to detail is everything, and the fittings and fixtures were quickly identified as important finishing touches to greatly enhance the completed look and feel of each room. Far from objects of mere utility, Laura was keen that the radiators should be a focal point in her designs. Laura sought inspiration at the Bisque Customer Experience Centre (CEC) in Camberley to view the radiator designs, styles and colours featured within the collections. Having had sight of Laura’s architect plans, the Bisque team were also able to help calculate the outputs required within Laura’s design brief.
‘We wanted a mix of traditional and modern radiators and found that Bisque, which is part of the Zehnder group, offered a broad range of products designed to enhance the atmosphere and style of any room,’ says Laura. ‘Bisque was the natural choice because it’s a brand that shares our passion for excellence, and its outstanding reputation for quality and fantastic customer service lived up to our expectations. Our challenge was to ensure the refurbished rooms felt fresh and inviting while remaining faithful to the overall look and feel of the restaurant and hotel. We appreciated the professional guidance and support we received throughout.’
Phase One focused on four guestrooms, namely La Tamise, Le Nid Jaune, Le Jardinet and La Terrasse. Each redesign is defined and inspired by its name (see captions).
Bisque central heating radiators from the Classic range lend subtle sophistication to each of the guestrooms. With 71 sizes in stock, and bespoke sizes also available, there are options to suit even the trickiest of spaces. The radiators can also be colour-matched to popular paint ranges such as Farrow & Ball and Little Greene. Wall-mounted models have underside connections; floor-mounted models have side connections. Bisque Classics are manufactured using new laser welding technology, which provides a superior finish and quality, with electric versions are also available.
Bisque towel rail radiators from the Buckingham range are fitted in three of the bathrooms (La Tamise, Le Jardinet and Le Nid Jaune). These follow a traditional, wall-mounted design and are available in 10 colours and three deluxe finishes, including bright nickel, brass and antique bronze. Finally, a Bisque towel radiator from the Osbourne range was used in one bathroom (La Terrasse). This floor-mounted model is perfect for industrial-style designs or antique finishes, and comes in a number of deluxe finishes, from bright nickel to polished brass. Bisque also supplied radiators for the reception and foyer areas of the Waterside Inn, as well as the downstairs guest cloakrooms.
‘Bisque doesn’t just make amazing products, the team there builds strong relationships too,’ says Laura Roux. ‘It speaks volumes that the late Michel Roux originally approached Bisque himself, as he was aware of the brand and its excellent reputation. We are delighted with the superb durability and quality of the products and they look fantastic in our rooms. We would not hesitate to recommend Bisque and its products.’
About Bisque
Bisque, which is part of the Zehnder group, crafts radiators that provide beautiful, practical and efficient heating solutions which are also environmentally responsible. They are an expertly engineered fusion of form and function, helping to create the perfect indoor climate at any time of year.
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