|
privacy for the commode — partitions or screens if not actual walls — and always a walkin shower , which needs both good plumbing infrastructure and a quality shower head . But integrating functional components with the overall experience is tricky .
“ It ’ s hard to design something that feels bespoke and unique while also being repeatable in construction ,” said Zilberman , who recommends using modules from the manufacturer or fabricator to experiment with as parameters . “ The layout ultimately emerges from an integrated design process that bears those proportions and modules in mind .”
Designing bathrooms isn ’ t all austere utility ; there is room for , and even need , to evoke a
|
sense of wonderment , joy and surprise . “ There was a hotel in Milan where the bathroom completely ‘ wowed ’ me — every surface , from floor to ceiling and in between , was entirely clad in satin-finish brass ,” Zilberman said . “ Several functioning elements were concealed behind brass panels , with the commode behind a brass door with no hardware . Such a bathroom design requires rigor and commitment — and ultimately was so memorable for us .”
POLISHED PERSONAL SPACE “ Bathrooms are a very important part of any hotel , as it is where the guest spends much of their time ,” said architect and designer Lauren
A bathroom at the boutique Studio Allston Hotel in Boston designed by Dyer Brown & Associates .
|
Rottet , founding principal and president of Rottet Studio . “ A good bathroom experience translates to a good hotel experience .”
They are also , Rottet pointed out , an important part of a hotel ’ s budget . Through the cost of water proofing , plumbing , electrical , fixtures and more , it ’ s one of a property ’ s costliest aspects . But Rottet is not one to skimp on details , either — especially lighting . Indeed , hotel operators often tell her that “ guests remark on how well-lit our bathrooms are ,” she said .
Her projects are lit through backlit mirrors , flush-mounted ceiling lights or strategically placed sconces and downlights behind the head . Windows are an added luxury , but require a way to block out light , too .
In one project , The St . Regis Aspen Resort , French doors were incorporated on the bedroom side of the soaking tub , opening the view to the Aspen mountains . “ In others , Rottet said , “ we ’ ve placed a strategic window between two mirrors above the vanity , or a glass wall between the shower and the bedroom .”
Equally important is how well guests can maneuver around . Rottet Studio designs vanities intended for two people , with counterspace for two toiletry bags , as many drawers as possible — including a separate one to conceal the hairdryer — and shelves beneath for glasses and towels , often bordered by medicine cabinetsized wall niches to store the
|
cosmetic products . And while matching the overall aesthetics of the hotel is not “ not a challenge , but a must ,” it ’ s important to vary the materials . “ We do not use the same material in the bathroom that we use elsewhere ,” she said . “ No one likes to see the same stone on their dining table as on their bathroom floor .”
COMMODE CONFIGURATION “ Having the proper layout is critical , though what ’ s possible depends on the type and price point of the hotel ,” said Brent Zeigler , president of design firm Dyer Brown & Associates , whose work includes The Langham , Boston and Studio Allston Hotel , also in Boston . “ Often in single-user
OUR PRIMARY MISSION IS TO INSPIRE GUESTS AND CREATE A MEMORABLE SENSORY EXPERIENCE
– LAURENT MARCHAND , CEO ,
GROUPE GM
|
September 2024 hotelsmag . com 65 |