Architect and designer Barbara Castor has created both the
architecture and the interior design for the new spaces and handled
both, in exceptionally difficult circumstances while the hotel continued
to operate, with deftness and aplomb. The new, impressively-sleek
reception area evokes the feeling of first-class airport check-in pods
and utilises excellent quality materials, calming tones and plenty of
space – and this leads through to the main lobby.
The two-storey square lobby has a substantial 20ft bar with a
dramatic back-lit feature wall to the rear of the bar. Looking up, ten
custom-made vanilla leather and fabric suspended lights form a focal
point over the double-height EDG Bar & Lounge, while stylish muted
grey fabrics, with splashes of yellow, create a warm atmosphere.
Barbara Castor has created an impressive Whisky Lounge, a
peaceful haven with black and mauve-grey furnishings, with hints of dark
cyan and teal where only the reception back office was previously.
Lighting in this club-like space is noteworthy: the witty overhead light
fitting has been created from a clutch of old whisky decanters and on
either side of the space, lit display cabinets showcase whiskies from
around the world. The Whisky Lounge’s furnishings do a good job of
evoking an appealing private members club as guests relax in sumptuous
black and mauve-grey club chairs with hints of dark cyan and teal.
The library area is similarly furnished and has a luxurious, calming
atmosphere with a bespoke bookcase to one end, a practical multi-station
work desk, plenty of very comfortable seating and both task and subdued
lighting.
As part of the lobby refurbishment, the mezzanine-level meeting rooms
will also undergo renovations, including the creation of an
octagonal-shaped meeting room, seating up to 18 delegates boardroom
style, with floor to ceiling win
dows on six-sides. An additional
mezzanine meeting room will cater up to 40 delegates, taking the total
meeting rooms on this level up to 11.
Once complete, the refurbishment will increase the lobby floor space
by 60% and double the number of restaurant and bar options. Five new
bedrooms will also be created, raising the hotel’s total number of guest
rooms and suites to 1059.
The changeable lighting playing on the furnishings – albeit the camera does accentuate the colour somewhat
The new 20ft bar with the feature
The change of atmosphere is impressive
A range of comfortable upholstery furniture is in mink/grey tones
The brand new check-in pods
The furniture at the bar
The library has a relaxed feel with plenty of comfortable seating options and a sizeable workspace
At one end of the library is a bespoke bookcase
The witty overhead lighting features old decanters
and engineers who were appointed as lead consultants for
this project by the client TDIC.
North point only did a concept design which was later
redesigned by Malta to reflect the UAE Architecture.the
project was therefore redesigned,design developed,design
detailed and construction administered by a team from
dubarch acting as the lead consultant and architects for
the project.
please correct your credit
statement for the Architects on this project.
Regards,
Barbara Castor