Dutch studio Concrete has kitted out the suites of an Amsterdam hotel with fittings that include retractable staircases, ceiling-mounted gymnast’s hoops and under-bed offices.
Concrete was approached by hotel brand Zoku to come up with a concept that could be rolled out to 133 suites in one block.
These suites can be rented for between one evening and several months, so the layout necessary to be flexible.
With an aim to create spaces that operated far more like homes than hotel rooms, the designers planned the rooms as a series of micro-apartments that could give occupants adequate room to entertain guests.
They function open-program residing and dining locations, miniature offices and physical exercise products – all slotted into just 25 square metres.
“A space at Zoku is much much more than just a hotel room. It is a spacious micro-apartment,” said the architects.
“As space is becoming scarcer in urban regions, the way we use it sustainably to meet lengthy-phrase accommodation specifications is much more and a lot more related,” added the hoteliers. “Sensible remedies that produce the opportunity to use less square metres and facilitate 24/seven multifunctional use are required.”
The living region features a two-seater sofa and chairs by Danish furniture brand Muuto, as effectively as a dining table with a strong bamboo prime.
A rug positioned by the sofa distinguishes the lounge from the dining area, while a pair of gymnast’s rings hang from the ceiling in among.
A totally kitted-out kichenette allows guests to prepare home-cooked meals alternatively of the normal area-services fare. Bamboo flooring is utilised throughout the residing and dining places.
The bedroom is on a mezzanine level, accessed via a set of retractable stairs that recede into a cabinet when not in use. Cubby holes beneath the stairs can be utilised to show personal objects this kind of as framed household pictures.
Associated story: Wooden strips coil all around staircase at Strasbourg hotel by Jouin Manku
A slatted display folds across the front of the bedroom to give privacy from the residing space.
Huge windows in the facade can be covered with thin white drapes to mute the sunlight, although black-out curtains can be drawn at evening.
A wardrobe and office nook are located off the entrance hall beneath the base of bed, even though a bathroom sits on the opposite side behind the kitchen.
The bathroom functions an oak medicine cabinet, ceramic fittings and mirrored surfaces that help to maximise the compact room.
Concrete came up with two variations of the design for Zoku. The hoteliers hope to roll the notion out internationally after the Amsterdam launch in July.
Photography is by Ewout Huibers.
Task credits:
Designer: Concrete
Venture crew: Rob Wagemans, Ulrike Lehner, Ayca Dogan, Maarten de Geus, Bart de Beer, Murk Wymenga, Sofie Ruytenberg, Femke Zumbrink, Jolijn Vonk, Cathelijne Vreugdenhil, Matthijs Hombergen, Jeroen Vester
Architect: Mulder Blauw
Consumer: Zoku and Beyond, HotelsAhead – Hans Meyer, Marc Jongerius
