design et al are delighted to announce that HBA have been shortlisted for Hotel Under 50 Rooms – Asia Pacific Award in The International Hotel & Property Awards 2019.
Renowned as an architectural haven, Artyzen Sifang, Nanjing is one of the architectural world’s most highly-anticipated openings. Twenty of the World’s most elite architects come together to create one of the most anticipated architectural projects of the decade with interiors by HBA.
The Hotel is comprised of 22 buildings designed by nearly two dozen of the biggest names in international and Chinese architecture, among them New York architect Steven Holl, dissident artist Ai Wewei, Chinese Pritzker prize winner Wang Shu and UK-based David Adjaye. Most notably, the recreational centre within the complex was designed by famed Italian architect, Ettore Sotsass, and his architectural practice, Sottsass Associati. The architect’s enduring legacy is most remembered for his industrial design work. David T’Kint of HBA was tasked with creating bespoke interiors for a 22 key wellness boutique resort in harmony with the architecture.
HBA and David T’Kint were honoured to be part of a select group of designers and architects. A challenging part of the brief was to create a visual identity that didn’t compromise the guests’ experience and expectations. With 22 unique rooms designed for this property ranging from 43 square meters to 79 square meters, the emphasis was placed on the light atmosphere creating a sense of space with generous walk-in wardrobes and five fitting bathrooms featuring freestanding bathtubs. The visual impact rests on the views toward the surrounding nature. Entertainment is focused on traditional recreational pursuits such as mah-jong, as well as table tennis and KTV.
David developed interiors that married Sotsass’ exterior architecture. Everything is based on geometrical volumes and touches of colour without being overwhelming and blended with the softness required to make this space the wellness centre it was intended to be. The balance between hard and soft is studied in every area to avoid the feeling of being in a museum. The walls, for example, are divided in an irregular gridline of shapes, whereas their texture is a warm white stucco. The floors are rhythmed by woollen rugs, designed as geometrical forms. The furniture is an eclectic mix of bold contemporary items, with the right balance of neutrals and colours, accessories decorate the spaces and add to the casual feeling overall.
The recreation and culture centre are set within luxuriant woods and incomparable scenery. It contains the social occasion sections including the pub, the reading room and the KTV houses; it is also equipped with sauna rooms and spring massage rooms. The social occasion sections function as the main entry to the building, which has prominent visual effects. The springs for recuperation circle around a large-sized winding corridor; long and circular walls embrace the rooms in different sizes and create an internal garden.
Sifang is managed by Artyzen Hospitality Group, whose operating philosophy of embracing “art, culture and emotional wisdom” echoes throughout the architecture and design of the project. The building’s interiors celebrate the architectural language without mimicking it. Artyzen Hospitality Group is part of Shun Tak Holdings Limited, a leading conglomerate with core businesses in transportation, property, hospitality and investment.
