WINNER
Gold Key – Hotel Luxury
The Highlights: As a national monument, special attention was paid to the preservation of the original colonial architecture throughout the renovation. And with a sensibility that is much more contemporary than its previous design iterations, there’s an emphasis on maximizing scale through the careful curation of custom furniture in sumptuous shapes, ornate screens, locally sourced heritage antiques, and impactful lighting. In the elegant reception, the original black and white contrasts with caramel, shades of green, and creamy neutrals. Light floral references and gilded trimming along with a bejeweled chandelier add a layer of refinement.
Guestrooms feature rich teak floors, vertiginous ceilings, and a three-part floorplan. Colonial references are complemented by quiet Chinese and Indian accents on a palette of rich blues, terracotta reds, and shades of white. The dark chocolate wood furniture in each room was intentionally designed to be inviting and luxurious, with a locally produced British Colonial style bed with a carved headboard nodding to the hotel’s original versions.
SOURCES
Design Firm: Champalimaud Design, New York | Architecture and Purchasing Firm: Aedas, Singapore | Client: Katara Hospitality, Doha | Photo: Ralf Tooten
Click here to read about all of the 2020 Gold Key winners and finalists.
