The World of Hospitality Issue 34 2019 | Page 26

26 the World Of Hospitality Sofia Hotel 5-star Sofia Hotel in Barcelona uses DecoMetal in conceptual redesign Hotels Sofia Hotel is a lavish 5-star hotel on Avinguda Diagonal in central Barcelona. It has been completely refurbished to contemporary, high specification, using Formica Group DecoMetal® products in its design. Now a spectacular and unique architectural work, all of the hotel’s spaces have been completely reimagined to meet the desires of contemporary guests. The new concept was designed by architect Albert Blanch of Blanch + Conca Arquitectura, whose previous work includes the expansion of Terminal C at Barcelona El Prat airport. The project was realised by the high-end hospitality group Selenta and award-winning interior design and landscape architecture firm Jaime Beriestain, experts in luxury hotel design, with past clients including Hyatt Regency, Marriott, Waldorf Astoria and Hilton. The presence of Formica products in various designs dominates the entrance hall. Formica HPL and Formica Decometal® in aluminium and silver are applied to the ceiling, in original suspended triangular sculptures forming mirrors in columns on the walls, creating a unique space. A total of 2,300m2 of Formica® laminate sits alongside other materials such as ceramics, marble and natural wood, together forming a luxurious atmosphere. Formica products can be found both in the foyer, welcoming guests, as well as the exclusive VIP floors above. On the VIP floors, the interior design team also selected Formica Group’s AR Plus® high gloss laminate in Fossil, an understated grey tone that provides the sophistication appropriate for this exclusive area of the hotel.