Archive for April, 2012
W St Petersburg
by X2 admin on Apr.25, 2012, under reviews
In the hands of Italian designer Antonio Citterio the W brand has created a contemporary hotel for the Old Russian capital St Petersburg that sits comfortably with the city’s heritage and its former taste for opulence
Architecture: Grigoryev and Partners
Interior Design: Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel Partners
When Italian design company Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel Partners took on the task of designing a hotel in St Petersburg for W – a lifestyle brand with 41 hotels and retreats including 14 W-branded residences – it decided that there was no better inspiration for the hotel than what was all around.
The man behind the design concept, Antonio Citterio, spoke of being inspired by the architectural ancestry of the city and jewel tones of the famous Fabergé egg, first seen in 1885. ‘St Petersburg is a fantastic city, the dream of every architect and designer. Everything is monumental, the colours are amazing and the nature, light and panoramas are unique,’ Citterio states. (continue reading…)
Interview: Antonio Citterio
by X2 admin on Apr.25, 2012, under people
Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel founded Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel Partners in 1999, and since then the company has been operating at an international level developing complex long-term projects, including urban plans, residential and commercial complexes, industrial establishments, conservative restructuring of public buildings and planning of spaces for work, offices, showrooms and hotels. The practice is also active in the sector of corporate communication and implements projects for temporary events and exhibitions.
You said you took inspiration for the design of W St Petersburg from the city itself. What specifically about the city inspired you?
Our project took inspiration from the local environment, its spirit and architecture. (continue reading…)
The Zetter Townhouse, London
by X2 admin on Apr.25, 2012, under reviews
Inside the Cosy Zetter Townhouse, located just across the cobbles from the Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell, the rich and eclectic collection of furnishings and furniture make it look as though it is the home of an eccentric Victorian ancestor… Job done!
Interior Design: Russell Sage
The Zetter Townhouse is located just across the cobbles of St John’s Square from the original Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell, London. The 13-bedroom Georgian townhouse features sumptuous interiors by Russell Sage, whose previous work includes the design of The Goring Hotel and numerous Gordon Ramsay restaurants.
Owners Mark Sainsbury and Michael Benyan went to Sage with their vision of what the Zetter Townhouse should encapsulate – ‘A Zetter, 200 years ago’. They wanted a completely different look from The Zetter hotel across the road, but one that nevertheless shared its relaxed feel as well as its sense of quirky humour.
Each of The Zetter Townhouse’s two suites and 11 guest rooms is unique, featuring a variety of bold shades of heritage colours and eclectic antique furniture pieces. Sage continued the quintessentially English use of textile that The Zetter is known for, but this time used Gainsborough fabrics reworked exclusively for The Zetter Townhouse in contemporary shades. (continue reading…)
Interview: Russell Sage
by X2 admin on Apr.25, 2012, under reviews
Russell Sage Studio was established in 2004 by the quintessentially Englishman Russell Sage. He has been commissioned to revitalise some of London’s most iconic hotels, restaurants and attractions, and his handiwork is visible throughout the capital. Recent projects include The Goring Hotel, Sofitel St James, and Clerkenwell’s Zetter Townhouse, and numerous Gordon Ramsay restaurants including the Savoy Grill. Further historic work includes projects for St Paul’s Cathedral, English Heritage (Dover Castle) and the National Trust (Avebury Manor). (continue reading…)
Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam
by X2 admin on Apr.25, 2012, under reviews
Sleek and Chic is the hallmark of a design by Piero Lissoni, who has used a subtle colour palette and some of his own-design furniture to transform this iconic 19th-century bank building
Interior Design : Piero Lissoni
Award-winning Milan-based designer Piero Lissoni has transformed one of Amsterdam’s most iconic buildings, a former Victorian bank, into the luxury Conservatorium Hotel.
Built at the end of the 19th century to house the Rijkspostspaarbank, it became a landmark building in the regeneration of the museum district, which had previously been derelict. After the bank moved out it was left abandoned for five years until 1983, when the Sweelinck Music Conservatorium made its home there until 1998. A decade of neglect followed, until the building’s glorious past was recognised by developer Alrov, which bought it in 2008 and began an enormous renovation project.
Architect Daniel Knuttel, who had designed the building 114 years ago, has been praised for his ability to fuse simplicity and functionality – what the furniture and interior designer Lissoni has fused in the renovations with his hybrid modern and contemporary designs. He has succeeded in breathing new life into the late-Victorian building by creating a hotel with a new, modern spin that nevertheless is respectful of the building’s history. (continue reading…)
