dmvA


Congratulations to dmvA shortlisted for Hotel Under 50 Rooms – Europe Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2018

design et al are delighted to announce that dmvA have been shortlisted for Hotel Under 50 Rooms – Europe Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2018.

dmvA have designed the Smallest Hotel in Antwerp, in a 17th Century House with an infinite staircase winding through the hotel. The owner of this ‘tiny house’, dating back from the 17th century, close to the Museum MAS in Antwerp, decided to convert it into the smallest hotel from Antwerp, the One Room Hotel.

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From outside the white plastered house looks to have a rectangular floorplan, but in reality it is L-shaped. The space behind the 17th century corner house was added later and is now used for service functions. The historical part is dedicated to the hotel. The open staircases wind through the house like an ‘architectural promenade’ ending up in the white patio where an infinity staircase looks over the city. Replacing parts of the wooden floors by glass tiles create diagonal views, enlarging the ‘one-room’ effect and the sense of one open space.

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Based on a design attitude of honesty and reversibility, all existing historical construction parts are painted white. Recently added elements like entrance door, stairs and terrace are executed in wood and are therefore clearly recognizable. The difference in colour and materiality emphasizes the synergy between old and new and creates a calm, warm and timeless atmosphere. dmvA’s  favourite aspect  is the rooftop patio with sauna and the infinite staircase looking out over the city centre.

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Nowadays, we live in a society of experience and perception.  People are always looking for new experiences.  The concept of the One Room Hotel fits in with this tendency and is completely different from the larger hotels chains.

The One Room Hotel is located in the historical city centre of Antwerp in a small corner house of just 2,5 m wide. The design approach is based on respect for the historical context. dmvA tried to preserve as much as possible of the interior of the 17th century. Later added elements were removed, so not a total make over, but just small interventions : a new entrance door, new staircases,  floor tiles in glass, a rooftop terrace and on top a viewpoint. The new ‘floor openings’ with the new added staircases and the glazed floortiles turn the historical house into an open bright airy space. dmvA’s idea of painting the historical beams, ceilings and windows white and to use pinewood for the new added floors reinforces the ‘promenade architecturale’.  Doors cladded with mirrors create moments of reflection for the passers-by.

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