design et al are delighted to announce that de Reus Architects & Philpotts Interiors have won Beach Hotel Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2017.
Philpotts Interiors and de Reus Architects were asked to complete the renovation of an existing hotel into Oahu’s first Four Seasons-branded resort. The hotel contains 358 guest rooms including 52 suites. It was originally designed in 1993 by iconic architect Edward Killingsworth, the design team was tasked with renovating and refreshing the old hotel into a place fit to host Oahu’s first Four Seasons-branded resort. Several principles defined the project including maintaining the enduring timeless classicism of Killingsworth’s original design, elevating the atmosphere to a Four Seasons quality, enhancing the Hawaiian sense of aloha in the designs throughout the hotel, and achieving a gracious, casual and residential-like atmosphere with the elegance of simplicity and quiet restraint.
The designers created an enhanced arrival experience by removing former walls of the lobby, giving unobstructed views to allow for an unforgettable first impression of the Pacific Ocean. Small living room-like gathering places were arranged throughout the public spaces providing a sense of comfort and casual elegance for guests. Guest rooms use tropical finishes, custom designed furniture, and contemporary stylings to create a perfect marriage between the Four Seasons brand and Hawaiian style.
The enhanced arrival experience is one of the favourite parts of the project for the designers. From regionally inspired landscaping to the warmth of wood panels and Tahitian sculptures at the exterior entry, guests experience “aloha” with all of their senses. Upon entering the impressive lobby atrium, guests feel and smell the warm ocean breezes while being greeted with a panoramic view of the Ko Olina coastline. The design works well because of the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean available at nearly every location within the hotel. The additions the design team made augmented these existing views by creating an indoor/outdoor character that didn’t previously exist. Through the collaborative design processes, they were able to hand craft spaces filled with undeniable warmth, comfort and elegance fit for Hawaii, and for the Four Seasons brand.