THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS.

«Then you should read this post because…»

Premise. It seems fair to make a premise. 

Dear passionate reader, you will have understood that these article subjects are the details. Let’s talk about those little tricks that make the difference in any project. 

Attention to details is what transforms a good project into an artwork, often determining its success. Too romantic?

We define ourselves as “detail-obsessed”. Our approach is based on the idea that details are the key to creating a memorable experience.

The attention to details begins from the project conception

It lies in the elements such as functionality, aesthetics, sustainability. Each decision has an impact on the building quality and on the lives of those who will use it. 

This aspect plays a fundamental role for both architects and technicians, although their perspectives and approaches may differ in some points. 

So, what did we do? As our team consists of both architects and technicians, we interviewed the two. 

We’ll explore the importance of attention to details for both professionals, compare their approaches and reflect on how this affects the final project result

We’ll do a lot of things then; that’s why you should read it.

Let me introduce you to Laura (architect) and Samuele (technician).

«Side architects»

Architects are often considered the artists of design

Their attention to detail is manifested through a combination of creativity and functionality. Each project element, from the largest to the smallest, is evaluated and integrated into a harmonious whole. 

They pay particular attention to stylistic coherence, ensuring that every aspect is perfectly integrated in the surrounding context. 

From the orientation of the building to the choice of materials, each decision is guided by the aim of creating an environment functional, aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the remainder. 

But now I’m gonna shut up and let Laura talk; I’m just asking questions. 

«Laura, do you consider attention to detail important in your work?»

Of course! If I say otherwise, I’d be banned. 

I believe that details are the key to creating a memorable experience. Every element, every material, every light is carefully considered to ensure consistency and beauty in every corner. 

The building’s aesthetic appearance is what catches people’s attention. The choice of quality materials, the innovative colors used, the care of decorative details can give life to spaces that inspire and enchant. 

I think that the details allow us to express our creativity

But I’ll tell you more. For us architects in Gitaly, attention to detail goes beyond aesthetics; we also consider sustainability, ergonomics and user experience. 

This is why we carefully study how people will interact in spaces. 

Attention to details also means choosing one type of seat rather than another according to the type of project – I would never put a nice but uncomfortable chair in a restaurant project – or designing spaces in order to allow an intuitive flow.

«Very well. But in our articles can never miss examples, you know»

Assuming I could tell you about all our projects, but if I had to choose one I would talk about Sketchiz Karaoke & Games

The customer’s idea was clear; create a fun place with several rooms inside.

Each room is different from the others, a world in itself, characterized by a determined concept

Well, in this project really every aspect and element was studied in detail

We did a thorough research and designed unique solutions to recreate the refined atmospheres and scenic effects required

We move from choosing a wallpaper that reproduces a fake library to a reflective one for the disco room, from designing solutions in which to integrate arcade games to creating a fake window typical of a mountain chalet.  

We also worked on the smallest details, such as the tile coating around the bar counter that prevents the floor from staining if drinks fall or comfortable seats in front of the game consoles.  

Sketchiz Karaoke & Games - Gitaly contract
Sketchiz Karaoke & Games - Gitaly contract
Sketchiz Karaoke & Games - Gitaly contract

«Technical side»

We move on to the other side. The technicians carry on the architect work with particular attention to precision and technical rigor. Yes, don’t hate me for this, they are more boring but their attention to details is just as crucial. 

Man, they translate the architect’s design into reality. This requires absolute precision in planning and implementation. Every measurement, every construction detail, every calculation are essential to ensure that the project is executed correctly and complies with the required standards of safety, regulation, quality and aesthetics

Our technicians create custom furniture and components for every project. This requires extreme precision in the detail drawings and those for production but also a care and knowledge in the choice of materials

Each material has its own unique characteristics, understanding how to manipulate to achieve the maximum result requires a keen eye for detail. Enriching each piece of furniture with different, studied, reasoned, finishes can transform a simple piece of furniture into an artwork.

From a technical point of view too, attention to details is closely linked to usability

If a hotel is destined to a young target it is normal that more durable, less delicate materials will be chosen and the elements will be designed taking into account their needs. 

But also this time I am silent and ask the same question to Samuele.

«Do you consider attention to detail important in your work?»

I can only answer as Laura; certainly! One of the main challenges in my work is finding a balance between creative vision and functional and budget needs. Attention to details plays a crucial role. 

When I quote or design in detail a piece of furniture or a custom furniture solution I must often review some choices. That’s the beauty of my job. It happens that I have to research and propose alternative materials that ensure the same aesthetic result but that respect the client budget or it happens that I need to review some decisions based on the element function.

In addition, coordinating the work of different suppliers and artisans can be complex, but it is essential to ensure that each component is perfectly integrated with the whole and that each aspect is optimized to the maximum. 

I like to play, I admit it. Giving life to banal solutions is not in my style, or rather in our style. 

For this reason, I always try to pay my attention to every detail and make sure that, even in the production and installation phases, everything is performed with precision. 

«Perfect. But you know I need an example»

Of course. Attention to detail is our stylistic signature, a recurring factor in every project.

But today, I wanna speak about the “Meuble de Vie“ of the Marmont Hotel rooms project. 

Together with the architects, we had to make sure that this piece of furniture could fulfill various functions: TV stand and safe, desk, coat rack with mirror and bench/suitcase rack. All of which had to be kept to the minimum size, and the maximum depth had to be 20 cm.

Of course, it had to fit in completely with the style of the room.

In order to make the furniture as good as possible, it was necessary to make several revisions in terms of design and samples, because it was not easy to adapt it to the different functions and to make it flexible to meet the client’s diverse needs.

From a stylistic point of view, after considering various alternatives, in order to make the piece of furniture essential and in harmony with the vintage atmosphere that dominates the whole, we opted for brass-coloured tubular structures enriched with grating modules in the same color, combined with walnut finish elements with leather handles.

But look at the leather handles. Our shoemaker in Fossombrone made them and I think they represent a real gem.

«The union makes the strength»

What does that teach us? That union always makes strength.

Although architects and technicians have different approaches to attention to details, both are crucial for the project success. The dialogue and collaboration between these two figures are essential to ensure that attention to details is present at every stage of the design and implementation process. 

Together, they can create projects that are aesthetically beautiful, functionally effective and constructively solid; spaces that inspire people. 

Well, in Gitaly we have technicians and architects and designers, the game is done.

Thanks Laura and Samuel, that the attention to detail is always with you 🙂

Short guide for durable projects, instead - Gitaly contract

SHORT GUIDE FOR DURABLE PROJECTS, INSTEAD.

SHORT GUIDE FOR DURABLE PROJECTS, INSTEAD.

by Elisabetta Boldrini - Commercial Manager

«Change your mind»

Here I am back, or rather we are back because I write on behalf of the entire Gitaly team

You’ll wonder, what does ‘change your mind’ have to do with the subject of durability. Well, let’s take a step back. 

Until a few decades ago, the hotel management logic perfectly embraced the American model. The hotel life cycle was short and renovation took place within a couple of years. 

Any renovation or construction project started and was structured on the basis of this logic and philosophy. ‘We’ll change everything in a few years anyway’ was the slogan (to put it drastically). 

Today, I would say that this conception has been totally reversed. 

Evolution, change and new trends have led to a rethinking of hospitality formats. Management requires durable solutions and projects. Durability that takes on several meanings, but we will talk about this later. Be patient. 

There is an increased focus on sustainability, ecology, “go green” (how often do we hear that), quality is demanded not only in construction but also in the materials used in the project. 

Designing well means making people feel good and today design is moving in this direction. It is used as a means to improve well-being and the living quality.

The mindset has therefore changed, today we look at the future with a different eye; and here is the link that escaped us at the beginning of the paragraph. 

«4 shades of durability»

Yes, it is not 50. We have identified four but they can be many more.

I start with a question; how many years would you give this hotel? Would you be able to tell me when you think it was designed? (search on Google is not allowed). 

I don’t think you could answer either the first or the second question, I can’t even do it. Here comes the first meaning of durability understood as aesthetic durability. 

Let me explain. What we should do when designing a hotel is to avoid the passing fads of the moment. 

Fashions decay, our project and hotel should not do the same, we hope. 

You cannot design something at the risk of it being ‘old’ tomorrow. 

It is necessary to have a forward-looking vision, renouncing excessive gestures that can grow old prematurely and become obsolete in favor of functional solutions that people can understand intuitively and that can remain and be relevant over time.  

Just like this hotel, the N’Vy Hotel, which I now reveal… we designed in 2012.

We focus on something ‘evergreen’, to stay on the green theme. 

Simple lines, neutral colors and tubular structures without too many frills are preferable. Of course, style must not be overlooked; each hotel must have its own character, and this must be reflected in the design. It is therefore necessary to strike the right balance and design forward-looking solutions.

Let’s continue with our matters. Another durability aspect concerns the longevity of the elements that make up the project, the design of technically durable solutions.

The choice of materials, as well as the choice of design, becomes crucial. When we realize a piece of furniture or a custom solution, we think and focus on its function of use, only then we can identify the best performing materials to make it. 

For example, if marble is included in the project for a bar cabinet, knowing that the latter is a very delicate material that is easily damaged, and therefore not compatible with the bar use function, we propose alternatives that are aesthetically equal but better performing. In this way, the furniture  life cycle is extended considerably, and, at the same time, the maintenance and cleaning costs are reduced

For the restaurant or the public areas project, we choose washable and stain-resistant fabrics for seating. This allows guests to experience the spaces freely knowing that they will not upset the hotel manager too much should they spill their coffee on an armchair 🙂  

Joking aside, the choice of materials is fundamental, almost obvious to say, to ensure the solution will last and be optimized from a technical/functional point of view as much as from an aesthetic point of view. 

The use of materials, always considering durability, depends also on the Hotel target

For example, for the Victoria Hotel & Residence rooms project, as it is an edu-resort intended mainly for students and ski schools, more resistant, less delicate materials were used so that the solutions realized would not be ruined in the short term.

In addition, the design must be functional. Let me explain. 

Each element included in a project must be useful, usefulness that can be technical or purely aesthetic, it matters little. What matters is that it is designed well to fulfill its function, only in this way it will be durable and not fall into disuse. 

Of course, you need experience and knowledge of the different materials and their characteristics. You have to rely on the right people, and we are (advertisement for today done). 

"You can find the last two here"

Yes, I broke up, the sight of too long paragraphs made me anxious. Another meaning of durability is closely related to maintenance. As already mentioned, the quality and performance of the materials and design affects the cost of maintenance and the type of maintenance.

If the hotel owner is also ecologically and sustainably aware when it comes to cleaning and the products used to do it, the argument is amplified. 

For example, at the moment we are carrying out the Base Genève project which is moving in this direction. 

Norwood launched the innovative and eco-responsible “Base” concept for aparthotels

In 2017 we were in charge of the Base Vevey project, this year the Group has decided to entrust us with the Base Genève project. These two projects have in common the underlying thought. The concept in fact is very clear; build smart, sustainable, technological and comfortable hotels.

Although this year’s project is more or less similar to that of 2017, the customer has modified some solutions and fabric choices. Precisely, because the Group takes these issues to heart, each material and fabric proposed was subjected to prior approval so that the cleaning could be planned and the ecological products chosen to do it could be verified as suitable for the type of material proposed. In this case, more attention was paid to technical aspects rather than design.

Maintenance is a cost and an activity that all hotels have to bear/do. 

Evaluating these aspects prior, at the design stage therefore, can prevent not only damage to some of the solutions realized, but also reduce the costs to replace any damaged elements.

We got almost to the end, I was good this time. 

Sustainability. This aspect is closely linked to the other 3 facets of durability. ‘Being sustainable’ has become a real factor on which many companies base their competitive advantage and business. A theme that is becoming increasingly important in the Hospitality world

Therefore, in order to reduce waste, exploitation of resources and materials, chains, management, and hotel directors demand durable projects that lengthen renovation cycles by moving them to approximately every 12 years. 

Again, the key to achieving these goals lies in the design, in the use of materials and in the construction process. Recycling and conservation become important topics. 

Here is an example, please allow me. For the Victoria Hotel & Residence public areas project, in order to fully comply with the sustainable design concept, not all persistent elements were removed. 

In fact, some solutions have been readjusted to preserve the original materials. 

The handrail of the persistent wood-paneled staircase was not removed, but was encapsulated within black glass to give it a more modern connotation. 

I could give many other examples. This has reduced the disposal costs and ‘waste’ produced by the project,  with a positive impact on both the environment and wallet 🙂

OK, we are at end. Conceiving, designing and implementing durable projects is for us one of the key points in our work. 

Perhaps a little counterproductive, the renewal cycles are thus lengthened (good for you, bad for us), but we will never sleep soundly without knowing that we have done the best for our clients and without having the conviction that we have been able to optimize each project aspect.

Prototyping - Gitaly contract

PROTOTYPING: AN EARLY REPRESENTATION OF AN IDEA SOLUTION.

PROTOTYPING: AN EARLY REPRESENTATION OF AN IDEA SOLUTION.

by Elisabetta Boldrini - Commercial Manager

«Learning by doing»

You missed me, I know. Let’s start today’s talk with the ideaIf you think about it all comes from an idea and we can’t change things today, can we? I’d say no. 

Well, having a good idea at hand, the so-called light bulb that turns on, is already a good start.

So yes to revolutionary projects, new concepts, technology, custom solutions, think outside the box, but no to flying donkeys please.. 

What do I mean? That the idea must be achievable or at least you must think it is. 

But by just putting it on paper, drawing it, can we really be sure that it is? Can we analyze every aspect of the project and see if there is a chance to optimize something? Direi “so and so”. Remember? The devil is in the details. 

Even the simplest ideas, which do not differ too much from the established ones, can present problems or can be improved in something. 

For this reason, a fundamental phase of our work is prototyping

The title of the article is not by chance, prototyping is for us the representation of an idea of solution. But not just one, no. We can prototype everything. 

Prototyping in itself is testing a new design or a new production process, “learning by doing” (another title not chosen at random), I would add, learning in a tangible way from the process and the result. 

It is a phase of verification and study therefore, and this learning can take place on everything. 

No matter what the object to be prototyped is, from the detail of a piece of furniture to a sample room, to a portion of a building, every challenge is met with passion by our team of professionals and reliable suppliers.

So when a client or an architect like you entrusts us with a project, we focus on this phase. Our goal is to optimize your idea, the result and this, as already mentioned, can only be done through experimentation.

«The elephant in the room»

I believe, and I think you will agree with me, that it is better to deal with “the elephant in the room” immediately.

Yes, because during the prototyping you can notice that you have made a wrong assessment that you would never have seen if it was not made.

And if making a mistake on a prototype is permissible, it is not wrong on the result and on the final phase. 

Only the real awareness of what was realized allows us to adopt the right corrections. 

So this phase affects the quality of the final result. Live and learn

But it’s not over. When we prototype a design element for the first time, this step gives us the opportunity to identify a number of advantages and actions that are then applied to the entire series produced. In some cases the prototyping of something custom leads us to modify shapes, finishes, details

These advantages can be replicated over time and are going to strengthen our daily experience. 

In addition, the installation of a sample room, for example, allows us to experience a series of seemingly invisible advantages on the final result but which are vital to improve the process and/or to optimize the timing. 

Experimenting leads us to improve the details, to study something more in depth, to review the concept behind the element, to choose different finishes and materials for its realization and, in essence, to bring even more to your project. 

Okay, we talk about ourselves a lot, so I don’t want to be boring. I know you’re trying to figure out what advantages you can get. And what am I doing here? I’m telling you now. 

«We no sell a bill of goods»

You’re right, I used “we” also in this title, but I wanted to clarify that what we write represents reality.

Let me be specific. Why do clients or architects often require us to make a sample room or, for example, to prototype a detail? I guess you’ll know better than I do, but I’ll tell you anyway. 

They want to touch what we “sell” on paper, to have therefore the absolute certainty that “we no sell a bill of goods”, to refer to the title. The desire is not only to make an assessment from the aesthetic and functional point of view, not. Often the realization of a sample room is a test to test the quality of the result or our organizational and management skills

And I, I’ve always been good at tests 😛

But we’re a little more romantic. Our job consists of creating spaces of daily life and designing scenes of this. We therefore believe that immersing ourselves in these prototyped spaces can be the most immediate way to analyze its pros and cons. It says that it’s hard to assess something “when you’re too deep in it”. I don’t think so. It’s only by really living the spaces, looking at them from the inside and impersonating themselves in those who will live them that you can have a global vision of the project and you can be able to make changes to optimize everything.

The relation with the customer is a fundamental point of our work, that’s why we love this phase. Everyone’s sure to have a voice,, we exchange ideas and it is from the comparison that the best things are born.

Perhaps you realize, as in the project of the Hotel Geneva City, that the sink shaped cylinder design and championship reminded that of a historical figure that does not enjoy great fame.

Prototyping therefore helps us to draw up a list of corrections that can also relate to our engineering, to optimize some aspects, to make you understand if the end result is what you expected, to improve the process, installation and to reduce the timing (installed one chamber, for example, then the others are made accordingly).

Moreover, we believe that “on paper” or through 3D images you can not fully appreciate the project, for this reason we often propose the realization of the sample room or the sampling of custom furniture or details. 

Even you, architect, can benefit from prototyping. Why? Simple, because you have the opportunity to refine even more all aspects of your work and your project, from the aesthetic to the functional ones. When we work with you, we take the samples. 

In essence, prototyping index very much and positively on the final result and on the expectations you have of the same. 

It is impossible, difficult to realize and expensive of economic resources to think of being able to make the corrections into the final phase. Do you take it for granted?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prototyping - Gitaly contract
Prototyping - Gitaly contract

«What have we learned?»

As I told you at the beginning, for us prototyping means “learning by doing”. But what have we learned by doing?

I’ll tell you. 

For example (could not miss) from sampling the custom element of the bar of the Crowne Plaza Zurich we learned a lot. 

This element was very important for the project as it provided, at the bar, a certain connotation.

To make the customer appreciate the value of the design and study in more depth every single detail, we prototyped a small sample. In addition, there was a strong lighting component in the cabinet, and it’s know, the light must always be carefully studied and calibrated.

Sampling and inserting the element in the designated space, we showed that the finishes chosen for the sample were too dark and darkened the environment. For this reason, we changed the finishes and the technical details for the maintenance of the light bodies were revised.

 

The realization of the sample room 01 of the Hotel Geneva City was also useful.

The client  required a series of furniture and elements that come out of ordinary demands; Cylinder-shaped washbasin, a cart that serves as a table, bedside tables in perforated metal that project a message to the ground and who has more who more of it. 

In addition, the logistics and the yard (the Hotel is located in the heart of Geneva) were also complex. 

Ah, the realization of the sample room was not only helpful to us, but also to the customer.

It allowed him to decide, after seen both achievements, who among us and one of our competitors had reflected, understood and made his ideas real in the best way (we were chosen).

I dedicated a whole article to this project, so you can only imagine the things we learned from prototyping.

Here are some, in case you haven’t read it 🙁

The bedside table of the rooms was designed to project a message legibly on the floor through a carving in the sheet. 

When we laid it during the installation of the sample room, we realized that the room, although large, did not have the necessary dimensions to be able to project the message from the bedside table to the floor (it was impossible to read the whole message). 

So, we reconsidered it by choosing to turn the writing upside down so that the message could be read directly on the bedside table.

Also for the Mobile De Vie the sampling was useful to adapt it to the different functionalities for which it was conceived.

Prototyping - Gitaly contract
Prototyping - Gitaly contract

The sample room 03 of the Victoria Hotel allowed us to understand if the project was feasible or not. It was also helpful for the architect to fully convince the client of the project. 

There were some details that were modified, after sampling, as requested by the architect. Other details proposed by us at this stage were approved by the architect for the realization of the series. The presence of our technicians at the installation phase made us think a lot about the assembly process and what works could be optimized.

The changes as a result of sampling allowed us to be sure that we complied with the very tight production and installation planning.

«To make a long story short»

I could go on and on with the examples, but okay that’s enough. I hope I’ve managed to make you understand why this phase is extremely important to us and that it must be important to you, too.

Prototyping affects the success and quality of the final result. Seeing the project only on paper is difficult both to assess the feasibility of everything, have a global vision and to improve every detail.

Only by touching things with your hands can you refine processes, results, quality and reduce timing. 

Victoria e Residence - Gitaly contract

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO RETHINK THE HOTEL LOBBY?

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO RETHINK THE HOTEL LOBBY?

by Elisabetta Boldrini - Commercial Manager

«As a city»

You’re telling me, weren’t we supposed to talk about lobby? Sure, but let’s take it slow. I like to think of a Hotel as a big city. This is where the parallelism between urbanism and interior architecture lies. And if we can compare the private homes to the rooms of the Hotel, the streets to the corridors, we can also create a parallelism between the square (fulcrum of aggregation) and the lobby.

What a magnificent figure of speech.

The lobby, as well as the “square” of a city, is the central heart of the Hotel, the most important space that promotes aggregation, conviviality, a sense of belonging

Needless to say, maybe because I have already said in a previous article (if you have not read it, run to do it and take as much time as you want, I wait for you here), that the first impression is what matters. And what is the guest’s first impression based on? Facades apart, on the first thing they meet; the lobby. And once judgment has formed it is difficult to change it.

But back to our parallelism. A square, as already mentioned, isn’t only a place of passage, but it’s a space, a place where people live experiences. And so the lobby, or rather it must be. That’s why I’m talking about “rethinking” this environment.

We must abandon (we have already done so) the old concept of a lobby as a transit space whose only purpose is to allow guests to check-in and check-out. 

We need to give it deeper meaning. The “new” traveler expects something more from us, from you.

The needs of your guests are, today, extremely heterogeneous. They want to meet, relax, socialize, work, and the boundaries between work and relaxation therefore thin out. 

And it’s important, I would say fundamental, to consider all this when we design a lobby. Only in this way,  your guests will have the feeling, experiencing the space, that this place has been designed “tailored” for them and this creates a sense of well-being and confidence.

So, basically, to make a long story short, the lobby must be thought of as an experiential space, as part of the journey, as an inclusive and convivial place.

Victoria e Residence - Gitaly contract
In the Victoria Hotel and Resort project we placed the emphasis on the concept of conviviality. The lobby is a lounge space, where the furniture, the writing on the walls invite guests to live moments of aggregation and encourage them to be together.
Victoria e Residence - Gitaly contract

I’ll tell you more, these spaces, that before were just waiting or passing areas, are rediscovering a new life, becoming not only community hubs, but real levers of branding through which the brand can immediately communicate its philosophy and values. They can also reflect the image of the Hotel as a whole, what it represents and what it offers. 

Yotel has been doing it for years. The lobby of its hotels perfectly communicate the distinctive features, values and standards of the brand. Luxury hotel accommodation, who use space smartly, allowing their guests to refresh, relax, connect and sleep, abandoning the traditional Hotel model of welcome > check-in > sleep > eat/drink > check-out. Design and architecture must not only respect the standards of the brand but must serve to create spaces capable of living the experiences desired by Yotel. In addition, there is a constant effort to innovate the guest experience through the use of technology.

Every space of a Hotel Yotel is characterized by this philosophy. 

Considering the lobby, this environment isn’t only characterized by the colors of the brand that immediately create a memory and impact the mind of the customer (when he revises those colors will immediately associate them to the brand) but also by a series of technological services that perfectly reflect the DNA of the chain. Among these Yobot that replaces the traditional baggage concierge and then stores the luggage of the guests, check-in kiosks through which the guest can do check-in, designed to be easily located and visual, Phonebooths designed to allow solo travelers the opportunity to find a small private space to take a quiet conference call, finish pages for that new blog or do some private study, Digital Signage that provides guests with a constantly changing, modern approach to fresh, interactive signage and messaging, it can be used for a variety of reasons, for example, from indicating services and rates, to food/beverage, I put a stitch and then I continue.

Here, I keep telling you that I could continue for so long, but I stop, I think you have understood the essence: through the lobby you can communicate the characters, the philosophy of the brand and create important associations in the customer’s mind. 

«The best is yet to come »

Come on, you didn’t think the article would just run out in 416 words. If you are our trusted reader, you already know that this is impossible. I already anticipate that there is still much to say, only at the end of the article I will have given you a comprehensive answer to the question “Why is it necessary to rethink the Hotel lobby?”. So yes, you have to read it to the end. I won’t bore you, promised.

Let’s add another piece to our issue. We must, by now it’s no longer fashionable, abandon the old concept of assigning each space of a hotel its intended use. This is not feasible, especially if a Hotel isn’t large, but even if it is, it would be impossible to create as many spaces as the needs of guests.

So? So let’s move away from the old compartments of environments and embrace the idea of multifunctionality and flexibility.

We give to the spaces, especially to the lobby, that remind you to be the fulcrum of the Hotel, these characteristics.

We create a space that offers guests a complete experience. We incorporate in this environment a multitude of functions, so that, even if the Hotel doesn’t have large dimensions and therefore it would be impossible to create a waiting, a work, a relaxing space, we can also meet all the needs of the customer. And even if your facility is large, let’s do the same, so you can use the multitude of spaces for other uses. What uses? Well I refer you to this article.

Let’s go back to our lobby. How to make it a multifunctional space? Through the design and setting up, easy isn’t it? Through the use of a good design and accessories, furniture, colors that make it easy and allow at the same time to relax, meet, socialize, work and much more. 

Lounge furniture helps to design an equipped lobby, combining aesthetics and comfort, meeting the new needs of new areas used for work, communication, aggregation. 

At the Crowne Plaza Geneva we have moved in this direction. In the 2019 project that concerned the two lower floors, which is accessed directly from the outside, we recreated, in front of the conference room, a real “lobby” in which spaces for relaxation and work perfectly coexist. This is to meet the guests’ needs to work but at the same time to be able to relax between meetings and enjoy a few moments of rest. The combinations of seats present in the environment also encourage conviviality while the high tables allow both co-working and the work individually.

Crowne Plaza Geneva lobby - Gitaly contract
Hotel N'Vy lobby - Gitaly contract

At the Hotel N’Vy, to resume the discussion of abandoning compartmentalization and designing hybrid and complete spaces, the lobby is perfectly integrated and contaminates/ mixes with other environments, creating, almost, a single large area. They differ only in style, which, overall, creates a perfect boho-chic theme, with artwork extraordinarily integrated into the spaces. 

«..I got to cut ties»

Let’s abandon, today is a day of abandonment, even the old concept that lobby must be different according to the category of the Hotel.

Today this categorization is somewhat lacking.  

The boundaries between business, lifestyle and luxury Hotels are narrowing and it is no longer possible to make a clear distinction. This is because the styles, the basic concepts, the design, are mixed with the sole objective of creating experiential spaces in which the guest can “feel good”.

So, who’s to say that the lobby of a luxury Hotel must be designed in a certain way while that of a business hotel in another? None.

Of course, it is always important to listen and understand the needs of the guest and design suitable spaces for him (on this I open a parenthesis later). But I’m talking about style. Not necessarily the lobby of a luxury Hotel must be marked by rare marbles, expensive finishes, “immaculate” furnishings, to be clear.

For example, for the Crowne Plaza Zurich, despite being considered a business Hotel, we tried to break this concept a little, designing a lobby with a more modern and different style, as requested by the customer.

Not being able to change the size, given the presence of two elevators in the lobby (a must for a business Hotel), we created inside the lobby mini lounges that meet different needs (work, relax, socialize etc.) underlining them with different floorings than the one used in the whole space. The furniture and furnishings of each living room are also different depending on the intended use of the space. We have included furniture such as colored lamps designed to contaminate the environment and also assign them a character tending to the “lifestyle”.

 

Crowne Plaza Zurich lobby - Gitaly contract
Crowne Plaza Zurich lobby - Gitaly contract

But yes, I go back a moment, here is the parenthesis I was talking about before, keep in mind who will “live”  in the spaces, it is fundamental. As I said at the beginning the guest must have the impression that that particular environment was designed for him, as we would say here in Italy must feel that “calza a pennello“, but let’s say it in English “fit perfectly”

For example, if the target of your Hotel is young or you have to design a Hotel of this type, in this case the lobby, and in general the entire Hotel, must be eclectic spaces and meeting places for people of every where, all united by the desire to get to know each other and exchange ideas.

Creative environments, therefore, where the best ideas and meetings can be born.

Aesthetics also play a fundamental role for this target. In fact, the concept of “instagrammable” comes into play, the more a space will incorporate features that encourage guests to take photos, the more your property will be on display on online channels. The guests will then become ambassadors of your brand.

In conclusion, we have reached the end, rethinking the lobby of a Hotel means conceiving it as a space of aggregation, conviviality, experiential, usable as a branding lever, multifunctional, flexible, creative, abandoning preconceptions and categorizations.

If you’re anxious after all these words, contact us, we’ll find a way to bring them all together in your lobby. 

IN THE CLIENT’S SHOES.

«Not one but three pairs»

Well, before I get to the heart of the matter, I want to take away a doubt. Why do we feel the need to “wear your shoes”? It seems almost obvious the answer, but maybe it isn’t, so I say it: to understand you better.

Yes, because what we try to do every day is not to look for customers to whom we offer our solutions but to find solutions for our customers. Okay, I stole the phrase. But I hope you get the point. Every time we are entrusted with a project, we analyze it in every element, interpreting requests and needs of that specific client.

In fact, for us no project is the same as the other, you are not. For this we cannot and we don’t want to offer you the same solutions. That’s why the way we relate, what we offer is different every time.

In essence, we try to shape our work according to the needs of the customer that we are facing at that precise moment.

Do you follow me, no? Just a moment. I want to take away another doubt. Why not one but three pairs? (I refer to the title). 

The answer is very simple, because you, our customer, who at this moment are reading this article (I hope), you could be an owner/director of a structure, or an architect or work in a construction company (if mathematics is not an opinion we have come to three pairs).

Here, these are our three types of client, and you’ll understand that each of you have different needs and demands that we try to satisfy by offering different things. If you are an architect you will not require us the same things as a construction company (for this reason we have also decided to dedicate a different page to each of you on our site).  

Obviously, each project is a unique artistic gesture for which even the same type of client will have similar needs for some aspects but at the same time heterogeneous. So, the pairs of shoes we wear are many. But enough about us, it’s not an adv, we’re talking about you. 

«The first you»

I state, it’s not an order according to importance, you’re all important to us.

I’m talking about you, owner, facility director, realestate, hotel purchasing manager. But stop it all. If you aren’t among them, I advise you not to skip the reading and not to go to the next paragraph. Yes I know, our articles are always a bit long (we have a lot to tell you), and you can’t wait to leave out parts that surely do not interest you. But I ask you not to, because you do care. If you are an architect or work for a construction company I imagine that it might be useful to know or review something about your customers, that maybe often, are the same ones I mentioned above. 

So, even if in this paragraph you are not directly “called into question” and even if with the word “you” I do not address you directly, know that I wrote this paragraph for you too. 

Over the years, for 30 years now we have been doing this work, we have understood that what interests you most (owner, manager of a structure, Realestate, purchasing manager of a Hotel, I repeat) is the final result. Obvious no? FFor you it is important that everything positively affects the judgment of your guests, you do it for them, as we do for you.

How romantic we are today, I know.

For this you need concreteness, and for this we dedicate a wide range of services offering you an overview of the project, implementation and budget, from the earliest stages. 

You also need that every aspect of the project must be functional, technical, respectful of the rules and standards imposed by legislation or your brand, but at the same time great from an aesthetic point of view. And how to blame you.

And what do we do for you? First of all we listen to you and then we put our knowledge at your disposal to be able to optimize every aspect of the project and realize together the best solutions.

I’ll tell you more, our consolidated experience (we often wear your shoes), allows us to choose, to advise you, to propose to you the materials, the elements, the solutions, the most right and performing items for every type of environment.

An example? Maybe in your project you have inserted marble to make the bar counter, or the flat tables of the breakfast room (beautiful marble), but we, knowing that it is a very delicate material not suitable for this function of use, we are looking for and we propose a material that looks similar to the eye but that is more performing from a technical point of view.

We also know, in particular in the case of a Hotel, that the needs contained in a project derive from a plurality of subjects. And so we sit at the table, we hold meetings, for example, with the heads of Food and beverage to integrate their requests into the realization.

Besides, let’s be honest. We verify feasibility, safety of every aspect of the project and therefore we are able to indicate what you can and what you can not achieve and/or if you can do it better.

I also told you that every project for us is a unique artistic gesture, which must be distinguished from the others; for this reason we characterize it both with elements of known brands and with custom solutions, custom designed and made for that specific customer.

«Actions speak louder than words»

You know me and you know I like to be concrete, yes, for me actions speak louder than words. That’s why we make the facts, we concretize what I said above.

A unique gesture, different solutions, feasibility, right stylistic and technical choices, functionality and so on. All beautiful words, but how do we make them real every day?

Of course I’ll give you an example, I don’t know any better way to follow up on words than by giving examples.

Let’s take the Crowne project. If you know us and have visited the projects section you will ask me which one. This is where I want you. Both; that of Geneva and that of Zurich. Same client, same chain. We could replicate what we did in the Zurich project to realize the Geneva project. But we didn’t. Why? Simply because we were able to listen to different requests even if coming from the same customer. We have interpreted the different destination and use of the spaces, a totally different project and the desire of us, of the client and of the architect to personalize and distinguish the two Hotels, including different custom solutions, while maintaining the values, the standards of the brand.

For example, the custom counter in the breakfast room at both the Crowne Zurich and the Crowne Geneva can look similar, but they aren’t.

In fact, the different shape of the furniture, the choice of different materials, the updating of the technology of the induction plates and the customized request of the customer, have ensured that each of the two pieces of furniture is a unique element, different in conception and in realization.

«The second you»

All right, let’s move on to you, architect. I ask you, the same favor I asked before, if I haven’t spoken about you yet or I have already spoken, continue reading, we know that you continually deal with architects.

I know, maybe because I’m an architect too, that when you contact us, you do it mainly for two reasons. You have very clear in your head and on paper the project for your customer, but you need to know how much it costs, ask us an economic analysis of the project, or to realize the detail drawings of solutions you idealized, especially when they are custom furniture.

We can meet both of these needs. We are able to quote every element both custom or purchase and every type of intervention needed (paintings, masonry works, etc.), and to provide you detailed drawings of each tailored article of the project (we have a technical office at your disposal to do this). We can also count on the fact that many things, thanks to our experience, we already know how they must be realized.

In addition, doing this work for many years now (even your shoes we have worn very often), we can offer you indications and we are able to propose to you the materials more performance for your project, suitable to meet both your requests and those of your customer.

For example, in Villars Alpine Resort’ project, the architect had chosen wood as a finish. The material chosen, however, had very long supply times, which did not respect the customer’s timing, so we put in place a research to identify a similar material that could satisfy both parties. We know how important your client is to you.

Okay, I’m gonna go out on a limb. Our strength lies in the fact that we have a broad competence; our team is composed of a plurality of people, with different roles, skills, experiences and this allows us to understand every aspect of the project. We understand the artistic gesture behind it, thanks to our architects, designers, and we can translate and concretize the intention thanks to our technical office.

Wow, that sounds like poetry.

But if you’re not convinced, I’ll give you just one example. For the Crowne Plaza Geneva, we collaborated with the architect and designer Celia Chu who had chosen finishes available only in the market where his studio is located (Taiwan) and therefore impossible, for many reasons, to buy them.

Understanding, however, the intentionality of the architect, the stylistic choices and the concept, we have remade all the moodboards and the sampling inserting variants available but at the same time able to “go” towards the direction desired by Celia Chu and by the client.

Detail drawings for our client - Gitaly contract
Set of samples to be mubmitted to the approval of the architect - Gitaly contract

«The third you»

If you remember how many “pairs of shoes” were, you know we’re almost done with the article. The last but not the least, you, what we define, with a general term, construction company.

What about you? Ah yes, I start by telling you that we partly do the same work as you, so we fully understand your needs and requirements.

I’ll tell you two, the most important in my opinion (then let me know if it really is). Budget and timing. Am I right? For this reason, when you contact us, we provide you with a detailed estimate of all the elements that make up the project, “breaking” them down into all their parts. We check, in advance, before inserting it, that what is quoted is available and respectful of the fixed timing and, if it isn’t, we provide you with alternatives.

In essence, we focus on the timing and costs of purchasing, production and installation, thus respecting your deadlines and budget.

And you’re gonna tell me, can’t you put the organization in? Of course. I’ll tell you what, we guarantee our presence at all times. In fact, thanks to our organizational skills we can manage all the teams present in the construction site or the various problems that may arise. We do that not only at a distance, but we ourselves get our hands dirty, attending and checking on site the progress of the work.

But you think I don’t set an example for you? Of course, I want to end on a high note. Let’s talk about the Hotel Nash.

The society of construction Grisoni Zaugg contacted us in mid-summer and by the end of October we had already delivered and installed all the materials. So, in this case, thanks to our organization, we have placed the focus on velocity of execution, but always respecting all the steps necessary to assure a quality final result.

We managed to coordinate the production, logistics and installation respecting the deadlines that we had agreed with Grisoni and the client.

Here we are, we have reached the end. I hope you understand how well we know you and how much this aspect allows us to understand you, realize and give life to all your requests.

But if you have more requests or want to deepen something, we are here, always predisposed to comparison, write to us (this applies to all).

Our network - Gitaly contract

FALLEN IN THE NET(WORK).

«It takes two to tango... sometimes three, four...»

Here we are again, or rather, I came back to tell you another part of us. Yes, I know, the title seems familiar to you, and indeed it’s. I’ve already used it in another article. I hope you’ll forgive me, but I liked to start where we left off and delve into the subject.

I have already told you that to dance the tango well, you have to be at least two, but empty dance halls do not like anyone, so to make a good show you need a multitude of people.

Well, that also applies in our work. It’s unthinkable to even think of being able to realise a successful project without having a team behind that knows “dance well” to stay in the theme.

Today I want to talk about this, our dancers, or rather, those people who work for us and with us and who contribute to the realisation of your project: our network.

Is it important that you know? I think you do. If I were you I would like to know that part of the work that very often risks to remain in the shadows, but fundamental, because it affects the success and quality of the project itself and therefore your project.

Let’s get this over with. What is our network? Of course, it’s all our suppliers. For us, however, it is much more than that. It’s the set of collaborators we interact with and confront to try to find together the best possible solutions for you.

We are linked to many, almost all, by a consolidated relationship, which has lasted for years and years and which allows us to work well and with confidence, together. 

Our supplier network is really vast. It’s, in fact, made up of both national and international brands that sell buying products, such as Pedrali, Flos, to name a few, and those who sell raw materials or semi-finished products, such as Abet that provides laminates, but also by those who provide and work or only work raw materials such as our carpenters, marble workers etc..

We could, almost, divide it into a perfect half; artisans and national brands. Both allow us to distinguish each project with two important characteristics and values, the craftsmanship and the Made in Italy, two of our strengths. 

Each project is in fact the result of a mix of these features and therefore incorporates both fashionable elements, design, in vogue, both handmade elements, unique, custom made for that precise customer. 

Although there is no precise logic to this, we carefully choose who to turn to based on the elements of the project, for example we opt for well-known brands and known for elements such as seats, lamps, while we use local artisans and suppliers to make made-to-measure items.

Given our long and persistent experience in the sector and given our continuing desire to update, offer new solutions, keep up with the times, our network is solid, but at the same time, constantly expanding. 

But how do we work with it? Alas, you’ll have to continue reading to find out.

«Here I answer what I asked above»

Yeah, I know, it’s not the best headline, but at least I’m honest. When a customer, an architect, a construction company like you, entrusts us with a project, as already mentioned, we invest it in every element of it in order to find the best solutions.

The way we work and interact with our network depends on the nature and type of the project. 

In fact, for more specific projects, more complex technically speaking, we prefer to rely entirely on them to identify the best way to achieve certain elements. This is because we are sure that that specific supplier, specialised in that sector, can have a more in-depth knowledge and therefore allow us to offer you the best.

Let me give you an example. We recently happened to make a bakery, where they served refrigerated counters that had certain characteristics able to satisfy the customer’s requests and the intended use. That’s why we turned to our supplier Ciam, who specialises widely in these elements, as we say is “their daily bread” and we were able to offer the customer the most performing solution both from the aesthetic and functional point of view.

In other projects, instead, it’s our technical department that supplies the drawings in detail to the supplier chosen to realise that specific element, carrying out then a direct control, in the case in which we turn to local suppliers, on the production. Obviously, different suppliers are chosen for each project also to create a single element if the latter incorporates more solutions.

This is to ensure that every “piece” is highly performing.

Also for the choice of materials to use we compare a lot with our network. We usually transfer customer requests for materials to them, and we always receive feedback or advice if there are better solutions. This allows to increase the quality of the project and therefore the functionality, while preserving the aesthetics. 

We can therefore combine functionality, aesthetics and durability in a better way. 

You will see that you will thank us when your maintenance costs are reduced or when these choices affect the well-being and emotions of your guests. 

«What is your advantage?»

I want to be very direct, very clear-cut, because I know you’re wondering “where I’m going with this”.

Having an established and constantly updated network allows us to have, and therefore to offer you, a series of advantages. 

First of all, our network is a key point for us because they are actually the ones who shape what we put on paper and contribute to its realisation. I would call them the heart of the production process, they are “production” and “purchasing” in our approach, even if we confront them since “engineering”. And you know, different minds think better than one, and something much better comes out of it, I might add. 

In addition, the long-lasting relationship, the differentiation and the breadth of our network allow us to realise any request and any type of project, whether it be this of a hotel, bar, restaurant, shop, office or home. 

This is because we can draw on a different know-how and specialisation. 

If that’s not enough, I’ll tell you more. In addition to accepting all our and therefore your request, the consolidated relationship and direct dialogue and being now “at home” allow us to take precedence over others and not to have to wait long before receiving an answer from our suppliers.

This, of course, you will see for yourself that it allows us to reduce time and expectations considerably.

Even the well-established relationship with internationally recognized brands allows this, ensuring your project to have that touch of glam and be “fashionable” and therefore focus on aesthetics as well as functionality and technicalities. 

The choice that sometimes falls on local suppliers and artisans, some of which are within walking distance, also ensures, especially for custom furniture, greater control and monitoring on all stages of production. In this way we can assure you the optimization of quality and timing

Ah, you can check the progress and status yourself, thanks to the photos or reports we can send you periodically (having them near we can do it). So you won’t worry. 

You will have understood then, that in addition to allowing us to meet your every request, reduce expectations, timing, increase quality, being able to count on a wide network and specialising each in their own profession allows us to ensure a better value for money. 

I just add, that we rarely choose the same supplier to create different elements of a project, in order to make each element unique, and to assign it to those who are most suitable to realise that specific aspect. Obviously everything is tied by a wire and leads to a final result perfectly integrated.

We succeed in doing so thanks to the differentiation and the breadth of our network, made up of suppliers particularly specialised in different sectors.

«The union makes the strength»

Well, now that you have no more doubts about it, even if the subject is vast and impossible to deal with everything in this article (we’ll think about it later), I want to give you some examples of when the union really made the strength.

Where do we start? Ah yes, from this that I really like and I’m very proud of; the bottle holder we made for the Crowne Plaza Zurich

For this element of the project we coordinated and coordinated with several suppliers to find solutions “to creativity” of the customer and the architect. 

In fact, in order to realise the different elements of this element we have turned to several suppliers, each one highly specialised in a component. Just think, the same element has been treated by different suppliers to be able to ensure the desired result. 

Starting from the supplied concept we take care of prototyping, sampling, industrialization up to the final assembly. Every little aspect is followed and monitored, coordinating everything within the deadlines and budget.

And that’s just the result.

Our network - Gitaly contract
Our network - Gitaly contract

Always to satisfy the requests of the client and the architect of the Crowne Plaza, this time in Geneva, however, who wanted a fabric in jeans for the lining of the seats of the restaurant, we tried “for seas and mountains” a supplier that was able to make a fabric in jeans stain and water repellent (essential characteristics).

Being fashionable (it’s a joke) and not having found a supplier of furniture for Hotels that had a similar material, we turned to a manufacturer of jeans, able to replicate a fabric with these characteristics. 

Also for the Crowne Plaza Geneva, we have created a breakfast room counter that incorporates materials and solutions from different suppliers, such as Laminam or Silestone. You can find it in our Newspaper

I have already told you about the bathroom washbasins in the rooms of the Hotel Ginevra City of M3 Hospitality.

But if you missed the article about it, I’ll mention it here. 

In order to produce the “prince” shaped corian wash basins, the classic top hat emblem of the 18th century that dates back to the building, perfectly in line with the philosophy of the M3 group, an intense collaboration was required with our supplier of corian, of which we accepted all the advice, to give the element the desired appearance.

It was not easy to model a resistant material like corian. To do this our supplier has made a multitude of different samples in shape and colour to be submitted to us for approval, only so we could locate the appropriate portion.

I just want to go back and tell you that locating the material to do this was a difficult task. We succeeded thanks to a direct dialogue with our different suppliers of materials, which, thanks to their know-how, have allowed us to identify the corian as the best material to use.

Even for the Hotel N’Vy, every solution has been studied by our designers and technicians together with various suppliers of our network. I could talk to you about many, too many elements, but there is one in particular that you will surely like; ; the partition wall of the perforated metal restaurant.

So behind this idea was a deep study of metal carpentry that made it possible to make the round tunnels in the wall. I can tell you that we are good and have extensive knowledge in many things (yes, I dare say it alone), but we would never have been able to achieve this without the help of our suppliers specialised in this industry.

I could go on indefinitely, but the last example I give you, you can also find this in many other articles is the Oste table that we have created for Le Domaine Du Mas De Pierre Hotel Resort & Spa – Relay Châteaux.

Unique element of its kind, 6 metres long, has been designed by us in every single detail, and our suppliers have been able to provide us with wooden boards of the length needed to make it. 

And now? I hope that at this point, you have understood how important our network is for us, but not only for us, but also for you, for your project, to be able to realise your idea by optimising quality, aesthetics, functionality, timing and of course the economic component: your budget. 

Skiing holidays - Gitaly contract

SKIING HOLIDAYS.

«..Break the ice»

Let’s talk about holidays in the snow, right? So how to start this article if not with “break the ice”?

I’ll break it. I know you were expecting some sort of “publicity” on which Hotel to choose for Christmas holidays. Maybe, you also expected a discount or a brochure with a series of activities to do. We see a lot of them these days. 

I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not talking about that. 

Come on, I don’t think it’s the right place and it’s not our job.

I also add that for us our customers are all the same, or rather they are all unique; for this reason we would never favor one over another.

So what’s this article about? Simple no; how to be chosen by customers for the holidays.

How to be chosen? By doing good advertising. And how to make good advertising? Having a good “product” to advertise.

Yes, because everything starts from here, it’s useless to invest exorbitant amounts in the promotion, if the product or better the experience, because we are in 2021 and the word product seems a bit outdated, that “we sell” is not of quality and does not meet the customer’s needs.

So, today’s article talks about this, how to make the project of “Hotel in the Snow” a winning experience. 

To do this I will tell you about some Hotels, of this type, that we have realized.

«There is not a single way to do beautiful things»

As we always say, there is no right way to do things. Every Hotel we design is conceived as a unique and artistic gesture, dictated also and above all by the ideas, inspirations, feelings of the moment. 

Perhaps this is the beauty; everything takes shape spontaneously, because when you have the means, experience, knowledge, you do not need much reasoning. 

We come back concrete. Of course, when we think about a Hotel on the snow, where to spend the holidays, we immediately think of wood, a space with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, a characteristic style, and a fireplace.

You’re imagining it, right? Was I good at pitching you this set of images?

Surely, therefore, since we have to realize not only what you want but also what your guests want, the design of a Hotel of this type will have to take into account these elements, otherwise the guest will find it strange to open the door of your hotel and find bamboo walls, to understand. 

But it’s not enough to choose a little ‘wood, a little’ red, a little ‘faux leather printed cow to have a fantastic Hotel in the mountains. Of course it’s not enough. 

Also and especially for these projects the choice of materials is important. It has an intact influence on the style and atmosphere you want to recreate, for example a wood or an imitation wood of poor quality could give the space an artificial and artificial appearance. In addition, when using wood for projects, it is also important to consider wear and maintenance, and therefore the costs of the same. Especially if the wood, as often happens in these projects, is used in almost all the space. 

It is therefore necessary to find a solution that reduces these two aspects to the maximum. 

With characteristic style, of which I spoke before (are you following me true?) I don’t mean only the purely “typical”, come on, you understand which one.

In fact, in recent years, even for Hotels in the mountains, it’s increasingly using a language linked to modern architecture, which brings design at high altitude. 

A contemporary style, sometimes even futuristic avant-garde while maintaining the “somatic traits” typical of these structures. 

The last Hotel among the snows that we had the pleasure of realizing was designed in this sense.

Wait a minute, I’ll tell you about it. 

«No panic»

Sorry to keep you waiting, but the rules tell me not to make too long paragraphs. I don’t want you to get scared and not keep reading. I care about you, you know. 

Where were we? Ah yes, to the idea of designing a modern mountain Hotel for the holidays.

We abandon, for the moment, the idea of a usual mountain hut, with all due respect for the huts, and we embrace that of the last Hotel on snow that we have created: Villars Alpine Resort

This large complex in the heart of the Swiss Alps in Villars-sur-Ollon comprises three completely renovated Hotels: Villars Palace 5*, Victoria Hotel & Residence 4*, and Villar Lodge

The latter had already been restructured previously, so no renewals have been planned this year.

We took care of the other two. Villars Palace 5* works will end in 2022, so, for now, I won’t spoil anything for you (stay tuned). 

Today I want to talk to you about the Victoria Hotel & Residence 4* that will open soon. 

This Hotel, as already said to you, is somewhat detached from the conventional idea of the Mountain Hotel and wanted to stand out for its commitment to sustainability.

The design is totally inspired by nature, to create a connection between exterior and interior. We have tried to give life to the refined and innovative concept signed by the artistic director Ottavio Di Chio

Just think, the lobby will have a vertical garden that recalls the green and the surrounding woods, the seats of the sofas are made of wood from the nearby woods while the stone tables of Dranse give that extra touch to the environment.

If those above are not enough examples to make you understand the uniqueness that will have this environment, I also tell you that we have created, always for the lobby, a “BONSAI vase”, if so we can define it, size 2200x1000x1000 mm, which contains a large bonsai. 

The rooms, in total 150, with a contemporary design, are distinguished by the cement and greige shades that are perfectly connected with minimalist and futuristic elements.

I’m not telling you about the hard work we did to find the right wood finish that respected the timing, Samuel already told you about it.

The restaurant Peppino, a gastronomic restaurant, perfectly embraces the same style.

Which you probably don’t know, since you already knew about the search to find the right finish (have you read the article?), that all the materials used are sustainable and respect the codes of Swiss interior design.

So? Therefore, for example, no plastics were used and thanks to major investments in the renovation of the building, to solve the insulation problems, the overall energy impact of the Hotel was also reduced. 

Ah, another thing, the spaces have been made functional and flexible and therefore suitable for nomadic workers and coworking, because you know, work does not go on holiday. 

«Mix»

You don’t necessarily need to have a vertical garden in your lobby to be modern and offer a sensational experience to your guests. Just admit it’s brilliant. 

You can also do this by finding the right mix and combining high standards of craftsmanship and iconic design pieces.

That’s what we did for the Crans Montana Chalet. Yes, I know it’s a chalet, but who said it can’t be replicated in a Hotel?

And then maybe you own one and you’re thinking of renewing it, we can do it (the only advertising in the article).

For this project, we focused on the choice of quality materials, used in different environments: from the absolute black granite and glass in the bathrooms to the bois streets carefully worked by specialized artisans to create all the furniture made to measure (and this is where the devil hides). 

I once told you “that you have to be in two to dance the tango, sometimes two, three, four”, and also for this project the dancers were many. 

We have in fact made use of our consolidated network of artisans and prestigious design brands with whom we have been working for years in order to combine design elements and craftsmanship. We also searched for a new craftsman for the treatment of the wood present. 

The result? A luxurious Chalet for relaxing moments. 

Crans montana chalet - Skiing holidays - Gitaly contract

«But what did the typical do to you?»

I answer the above question: nothing. In fact, for a Hotel in the snow, where guests can spend beautiful holidays, you can also opt for a typical mountain style, come on, I guess there is it in your mind. Did you do that?

We did it when we designed the Edenarc 1800. This Hotel is a true hymn to history, the decorations recall the typical style of Savoy and evoke in a suggestive way the history of this region. We used warm and noble materials such as wood, stone, rich woven fabrics, able to immerse the guests in a traditional and sober atmosphere. 

Just think, we specifically designed the “feet” of the coffee table and set them in an iron cross. Also in this case I don’t tell you about the amount of drawings that we had to realize to make the architect’s project real, instead I tell you; so many.

«I'II tell you a secret»

Not necessarily to propose a good “product” or better a good experience (we said that the word product is not corrected), it’s necessary to twist its structure. 

In fact, just a few touches are enough to improve the existing one. We did it for the Hotel Edelweiss, opting for a soft and non-invasive renewal. We have given a touch of modernity, distorting the color of the wood in the colors of gray. All furniture was changed with more modern shapes. All rooms and public areas are decorated with black and white photos of the Swiss Alps.

Today, the hotel is called “the most Swiss in Geneva”.

Materials for Hotel project - Gitaly contract

TO MAKE A TABLE YOU NEED WOOD…AND THE OTHER RIGHT MATERIALS.

TO MAKE A TABLE YOU NEED WOOD…AND THE OTHER RIGHT MATERIALS.

by Samuele Tordini - Technical and Manager Director

«A stitch in time saves nine»

Yeah, I came back. I came back to do one of the things I do best, talk about my job, after doing it, of course. 

Why do I have to talk to you about this? Simply, because “a stitch in time saves nine”. 

For those of us who speak Italian the most pertinent idiomatic expression is “prevenire è meglio che curare”. In French we would say “mieux vaut prévenir que guérir.”

And in German? Well, I’m sorry, no offense, but I don’t know German. 

Back to where we belong. What should we prevent? The failure of a project, of course. 

How to do that? The components for a successful project are a lot, one of these, as we told you in another article concerns the choice of materials.

Yes, this stage is very delicate. It goes without saying that the choice of one material over another will affect the duration and maintenance costs, but it does not end there.

In fact, even the character and style of an environment will depend to a large extent on the choice of these elements, but it does not end here either.

Yes, because the use of suitable and quality materials influences the well-being and emotions that the guest lives within the spaces and arouses pleasant sensations that involve the senses: sight, touch, smell and sometimes even hearing. 

Not surprisingly, we usually use moquette for rooms and corridors of the Hotels, this material that better absorbs the noise of walking or luggage passing. Even for offices, for the same reason, the choice falls on the moquette, although in this case we opt for a more technical moquette, short hair, easier to clean. 

And you will see that your hearing will be repaid. 

But how to make the best choice?

«Like riding a bicycle»

Immediately, to the question above I would answer you, relying on the right people and adding “one precisely to us”, but I would be too self-referential, and we are not. We always leave the final judgment to our customers.

But I can tell you about the things I have learned over the years about materials, how to choose the right ones for a project and I can add that you must always rely on someone who has a vast knowledge of them.

Why? Because it’s necessary that the materials identified are compatible with the function they will have to perform.

Let me get this straight. We often propose alternative materials that are more functional than those chosen by customers or architects.

For example, if an architect/client wants marble in the design of a bar, knowing that this material is very delicate and therefore not compatible with this type of space, we look for and propose alternative solutions, equal from the aesthetic point of view, but more performing. 

So it’s important to consider when choosing the function of the materials and type of project in which they will be used.

It goes without saying that, for restaurant projects or public areas of hotels we always choose for upholstery, washable and stain-resistant fabrics, velvets and eco-leather.

This allows the guest to be completely free to live the space, without worrying too much about what happens if the coffee falls in a seat.

Surely, this affects your well-being and that of your guests and, of course, your wallet.

Another issue concerns wood. Ah, how beautiful the parquet is. But is it a wise decision to use it in a Hotel or in a public space?

I would say no. In fact we recommend this material for private residential use, and we have often included it in projects of this type.

This is because the parquet is very delicate, requires great maintenance, is easily damaged and therefore is not suitable for an environment used every day by many people. We can’t ask the guests to wear slippers, no?

Therefore, when we are required to use this material we recommend using another. Today, in fact, wood is replicated with many materials, suitable for different uses and able to guarantee the same type of design and the same final effect.

An example? Tiles or PVC that really look like parquet. 

We used them at the Crowne Plaza Geneva, to ensure that the final effect is that of a parquet, able to stimulate positive feelings in the guest, recreating a welcoming atmosphere, but at the same time allows to reduce both the initial cost and those for maintenance and cleaning.

Even for furniture, wood, difficult to manage even in these cases, is sometimes replaced with laminates. The latter are reaching a very high level and are often mistaken for real wood. For example, we often use the Kaindl brand.

Of course, we must also take into account the budget. Marble, for example, is a highly fashionable comeback finish. However, it is expensive and often the budget does not allow you to use it.

Don’t panic. In many projects, to meet all the needs of the customer both aesthetically and economically, we have researched and opted for excellent tiles that look like real marble.

Look at the picture, did you ever think that this isn’t real marble? I don’t think so.

Or, for worktops, there are highly performing compounds suitable to replace marble. 

I could go on and on, but I want to tell you about something else, too. 

I can only add, to close this point, that for me to use the right materials “is like riding a bicycle”, once you have learned, you can no longer fall, and then fail.

«Aesthetics or functionality? This is the dilemma»

You’re right, Shakespeare said “to be or not to be” is the dilemma. But also choosing between functionality and aesthetics is the dilemma.

And so I ask you, why do I have to choose? It is unthinkable. Or at least that’s how we work.

In every project, we never penalize aesthetics or functionality. We try to find the right mix. 

The desire, and the ability to choose and insert functional materials in each project comes from our experience as a company. We feel a kind of responsibility both present and future towards the customer, a responsibility that pushes us to focus on this aspect. We would never want that after a year an element is to be changed because you have not chosen a material compatible with the function of use that had to perform, for example. 

On the other hand, however, precisely because our team is formed by architects, designers, technicians, then by a plurality of people with different visions and focused on different aspects, we know how to grasp every aspect of the project, understanding that in addition to functionality there is aesthetics. 

We understand that for the client or for an architect a material must certainly be functional, but also beautiful, able to fascinate guests.

So, when a project is entrusted to us, to choose the right materials, me along with the technical department, focus more on finding something that is functional and performing, while for example Elisabetta and the design office take more into consideration the aesthetic aspects.

We compensate perfectly, we are two halves of an apple (too romantic?), and together we find a solution that perfectly encloses the two aspects.

«Like riding a bicycle...or rather»

Do you remember? I told you that for me knowing how to choose the right materials is like riding a bike, once you understand how to do it you can not go wrong. However, there may be obstacles, and we must try not to fall and therefore to remain in balance.

What obstacles can we encounter and how do we dodge them?

I already told you about the budget. Often the materials requested by the client or by the architect don’t respect the budget. For this reason, we propose alternative solutions that have the same effect from the aesthetic point of view but that are cheaper and therefore respect the budget better. 

Another obstacle is supply. It happens sometimes that the materials chosen and approved have higher delivery times than those provided in the planning.

It happened to us recently, in one of the latest projects we’re completing. In fact, for the Villars Palace Resort, although there isn’t a great variety of materials required, there was a real challenge against time. 

This is because we had to carry out a thorough research to identify the wood finish for the rooms that respected the timing and that allowed us to deliver the Hotel to the customer on the agreed date. 

Then put that this year the wood is practically unavailable, given also the world pandemic, and the game becomes even more difficult.

To overcome this challenge, in addition to careful research, we also turned to our consistent network of national and international suppliers, and we did it.

Often the obstacles in identifying and choosing the right materials are related to the nature of the project. Hotel N’Vy, for example, is a concentration of finishes and customizations of artistic gestures of the architect Patrick Ribes. This has made inevitable for us the implementation of a deep search for alternative solutions capable of making the architect’s idea real.

Last, but obviously not the last (there are plenty of them), an important aspect that I want to talk about is the availability of materials. 

This is also an important obstacle, I have to say.

It can happen that the materials of a project are chosen by the architect and/or customer and they are available only in the country or region of origin of the latter, and maybe the country in question is on the other side of the world.

Given, often, the impossibility of finding these materials, it’s necessary to find a solution.

That’s what we did for the ground floor project and the seventh and eighth floors of the Crowne Plaza Geneva.

Celia Chu, architect of this project, and her team, had in fact chosen and given to us as a reference, materials that were only commercially available in the geographic area where the architectural firm was located – Taiwan. Impossible therefore to find. 

But by using our network of suppliers and through relentless research by our team of designers supported by the purchasing department, we could meet all the architect’s requirements, finding alternative materials similar to those initially proposed but easier to find.

All the alternatives have been strictly evaluated by Celia Chu and her staff who have come to both Italy and Geneva for this purpose. 

We’re at the end of this article. I think you’ll agree with me that the subject is too broad to be described in a single article. 

And then, I can not tell you all the tricks of the trade, but I can use them for your project, if you entrust 🙂

A restaurant project is served. - Gitaly contract

A RESTAURANT PROJECT IS SERVED.

A RESTAURANT PROJECT IS SERVED.

by Elisabetta Boldrini - Project Manager

«A little learning is a dangerous thing»

You know, limited knowledge of a topic can lead to mistakes. And we certainly don’t want to commit them. So we analyze and evaluate the most important aspects of a restaurant project.

Having good food isn’t enough. As a good Italian I can tell you no pineapple on pizza. But even removing the pineapple is not enough (it’s a good start though). 

In fact, today a restaurant is seen not only as a place to eat, but has taken on other meanings.

It has become a place where we can socialize, relax, meet, and have fun, so it is necessary to create cozy, well-kept, harmonious environments.

In this, the design of the spaces make the difference.

To be philosophical, we say that behind such a project of this type there is always a story. And history is often linked to the brand identity and vision of the Hotel and the chain of which the restaurant is part.

This environment can be designed in different ways. 

It can be a simple service made available to Hotel guests, or a multifunctional space for different uses (breakfasts, meetings, work, meals) or a point of attraction for external customers.

Obviously according to use, the design will be different. 

In the second case, described above, you will have to focus on seats and tables of different sizes, suitable for different uses, in the third case, instead, we will have to give the environment a certain visibility focusing on colors, aesthetics and design

The restaurant inside a Hotel could also be a franchise. Here we will need to adapt the chain standards to the design, atmosphere, identity of the Hotel and find the right mix.

So how do we do a great job? Sit at the table with me. 

«Appetizer: the idea»

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know that everything starts here: from the idea. From the idea of what you want to achieve, what atmosphere you want to recreate and which style to adopt.

A concept is then defined, which can be in line with the other environments of the structure or have a character of its own.

Obviously it is important to consider the type of kitchen you will want to propose because, for consistency, design and furniture will depend in part on this choice.

If you opt for a slow kitchen, it would be strange to find “lace and embroideries” around, so to speak. But then, do as you please.

This phase will also be influenced, above all, by brand identity. So, by your values, your image, your vision. 

Well, there are no other rules, I’d say be creative, but I’d be trivial.

Then you know what? We must differentiate ourselves. Copying is not wrong, in fact all evolutions start from a base (otherwise there would not be an infinity of seats), but always ask yourself if “what you take inspiration from” can be improved in some way and put it into effect. 

Oh yes, before they “take away the plate”, I add that the concept can be materialised by you, or we can do it ourselves. You ask me how? Listening to you.

«First course: organizing spaces and functions»

Well, now that I’ve told you about the idea, let’s move on to space organization to make it work. The first thing to ask is: “who are my clients and what do they want?”. Is it important to do that? Yes, iT’s.  

Otherwise, it’s like I don’t listen to you and I did the project on my own , and I guess you never want to. even if you can trust me you know it.

Only in this way it’s possible to organize the space available in a functional way and to satisfy the various needs of the customers, without occupying space with useless things, which are not needed.

Thinks that the distribution of spaces, the organization of functions, the arrangement of furniture in the right positions can determine the success, or, the failure, of the environment.

This is even more true when the spaces to use as a restaurant are small. 

Here it’s necessary, in fact, a careful optimization of the space in order to exploit every available centimeter and maximize its functionality.

Restaurant plan - Gitaly contract

«Second course: materials and furniture»

In addition to designing the right arrangement of furniture, complements and divisions, it’s necessary to choose the most suitable ones both from a functional and aesthetic point of view. 

The same applies is true for the materials that must meet all the standards, set for this type of environment, as well as the style desired.

I’ll tell you a secret, just for you… how do we do it? Well, obviously I can’t tell you all the tricks of the trade, but I can tell you that, regarding materials, we do a careful analysis to choose the best.

Obviously we listen to the requests of clients and architects like you, we submit the samples and different alternatives in order to identify the most performing solutions from a functional and aesthetic point of view.

The materials can be the same or recall those used in other areas of a Hotel or can be totally chosen from new, even in colors. That is what we have done for the Crowne Plaza Geneva. 

In fact, we have, created a restaurant with a very precise character, with a residential and at the same time modern atmosphere. For this project, only 2/3 materials were used in the project of the other environments.

 

 

Even complements and furnishings in a restaurant project want “their part” in all senses. That’s why we often realize these elements custom. The goal? 

Adapt them better to the customer’s stylistic choices, giving uniqueness to the environment, exploiting the space and optimizing it and enclosing in a single element a multiplicity of uses.

Do you want seats for the restaurant of your Hotel of a well-known brand but in the catalog is not present that color or type of fabric that best suits the project? Don’t worry, just ask us and you’ll get it. 

Forniture for restaurant - Gitaly contract
Forniture for restaurant - Gitaly contract
Forniture for restaurant - Gitaly contract

No, it’s not telemarketing, don’t worry.

I just add, grant me, I care, that any element can be customized. Look at this table that we made for the Mas de Pierre Oste restaurant, a unique element of its kind.

Then of course you need the right lights and the right colors and you’re done. 

On these elements we must focus especially if the objective is to also attract the external clientele to the Hotel because they give to the space a certain visibility and make it able to attract the attention of the passers-by (we will do an article sooner or later on the use of colors, I promise).

 

«Dessert»

Oh, we’ve finally come to my favorite course. And what do you think I could match with dessert if not the thing I love the most when I write an article? 

But of course the examples.

Yes, I know, I’ve already made you some, but I want to show you different projects for concepts, thoughts, philosophy that represent and concretize the above.

And then, I want to give you some ideas (let’s go back to the famous ideas before), may it never be that you at this moment are planning to renew the restaurant of your facility, or are carrying out the project of this environment.

The restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Zurich is a clear example of a franchise whose standards have been adapted to the brand identity and concept idealized by the customer. In fact, the restaurant belongs to the Theo Randall chain.

The style of the restaurant and bar, visible from the street through very fine copper-coloured metal mesh, is characterized by black marble cladding enlivened by furnishing elements with metal finishes ranging from silver to gold, copper and chairs in elegant, yet decisive tones.

Instead, the restaurant of the Hotel Ambassador, has totally another style.

The ULIVO restaurant, in fact, reflects the mix of tradition, modernity and sophistication of Italian cuisine. In addition, the restaurant is located in the veranda of the Hotel and just to create a connection between the natural outdoor and indoor areas have been installed large windows and the colors are soft, relaxing, bright. 

I told you about differentiation, so I can’t not mention you about the restaurant of the N’Vy Hotel. What about.. Designed by the architect Patrick Ribes, and realized by us, the restaurant of the Hotel N’Vy is a different space, enriched with details, with gold and leopard finishes, hidden, perfect for the evening and for those seeking privacy and escape. The leopard carpet is a unique piece, designed by the architect.

I promise, the last and longer. This is something different from those described above, which is why I want to include it at all costs.

I am going to tell you about a restaurant on the beach of the Croisette in Cannes, that is Hotel 3.14

The whole Hotel has a special character. It’s defined as a journey through five continentes while remaining inside a Hotel. In fact, each floor is connected to one of the 5 continents called through colors, design and furniture. 

The restaurant, instead, located on the beach, is inspired by the ocean, to create a connection with the sea. 

For this reason the shades of blue have been used for all the seats, tables and accessories.The environment is relaxing and the curtains, soft fabrics emphasize the whole. 

Hotel 3.14 restaurant on la plage - Gitaly contract

«Icing on the cake»

And we’re not gonna put the icing on the cake? Of course we do it. 

Above, I’ve always referred to Hotel restaurants. But the same goes for restaurants in the strict sense of the word. 

Indeed, especially in this case, they must, without a doubt, have a certain visibility.

For this reason, in this type of project, we pay attention to design, colors, and supply, in order to achieve the main purpose: attract customers. 

Moodboard #2: a material moodboard - Gitaly contract

MOODBOARD #2: A MATERIAL MOODBOARD.

MOODBOARD #2: A MATERIAL MOODBOARD.

by Irene Izzo - Design Manager

«On the ball»

How to be “on the ball” and then do a good job? Let’s take it slow.

First of all, as in everything, the choice of materials must start from the study of the concept

It’s necessary to analyze the idea at the base of the project, the concept you want to give life, the atmosphere you want to recreate, and the experience you want to make their guests live. 

Only in this way, it’ll then be possible to identify the best solutions at a functional and aesthetic level. 

And believe me, the choice of materials is one of the most important and delicate phases of a project. 

Yes, both because the success of the project depends on it (obvious to say?) and both because these choices will affect the maintenance costs that you have to bear. 

So? So, you need study, analysis, sampling, a large network of suppliers and the game is done… or almost, because it also requires a lot of knowledge and experience to choose the best solutions or to propose more suitable alternatives of those proposed by the customer.

And that’s what we try to do every day for you 🙂 

Let’s go to moodboard. Today, I propose to you the moodboard that we have realized for the hall of Crowne Plaza Geneva.

We said we should start with the concept. It was clear here. 

The concept had to be respectful of the materials introduced in previous projects in other areas of the Hotel, which reflected the idea of nature and gardens. 

In addition, the colors for the hall had to be warm to recall the idea of elegance but also had to give a touch of warmth and hospitality to this area.

The idea was to create not a large hall but a kind of multifunctional “living room” in which the keywords are sharing and flexibility.

Which study did we do and which materials were chosen to recreate this?

«In this moodboard you find:»

Material moodoard for Crowne Plaza Geneva - Gitaly contract

«Shine»

I know, you expected to find the name of the material used. But I wouldn’t be original, and I am. So I’ve chosen, for every material I’m going to talk about, a characteristic of it, which is also given to the area where it’s used.

Which material is bright? The marble. We chose white marble to create, maybe, the central element of the hall, that is the wall which looks like a curtain.

In fact, the idea was to create a wavy wall that, with a play of lights, can give the impression of being a curtain, all to give less rigidity to the environment.

After a series of studies, we have identified that the grey veined white marble is the perfect material to give to the element the desired “chiffon” effect.

The marble was worked and made three-dimensional to create the wall, and today this latter looks like a real curtain.

The marble was also used on the table top to create a link between the spaces.

Moreover, contrary to what was designed, since the marble has not been treated, this element has not been realized at full height, for maintenance and cleaning reasons. The most curious guests would surely touch it 🙂 

Which other element is bright? The glass.

With the glass was made the balustrade of the stairs. Why did we choose glass? Simple, to not cover the view from the seats of the hall on the marble element described above. 

I’m not even telling you the amount of work we have to do to create this balustrade on an existing scale.

«Functionality»

Well, don’t you want to put the functionality in a respectable moodboard

Based on the assumption that all the materials we use in the projects are functional, here we have chosen just these two to create a piece of furniture that is both decorative and functional.

The materials in question are glass and fabric. 

For this element, a sliding system has been designed with very large doors customized. The customization comes from the fact that the doors were made of glass, with black metal frames, and inside the glass was inserted the fabric to give greater coverage and aesthetics. 

The fabric used recalls the wallpaper present in this area; In fact, these two materials have the same texture.

«Continuity»

Of course, I think you agree with me, in any area or space of a Hotel, there must be a certain continuity. It is also true that today, we have already talked about it, for example, making Hotel rooms in different styles has become a real trend, but we added that, even in this case, there must be a common thread to be sought in the choice of the colors and materials used.

So, to have continuity between the different environments of the Crowne Plaza Geneva, in this moodboard we inserted for the floor, the same tile in wood-effect stoneware that we had used in the project of public areas of 2013. 

In addition, the dark wood chosen for the furniture and walls of the hall is the same as used in public areas.

Crowne Plaza Geneva - Gitaly contract
Crowne Plaza Geneva - Gitaly contract

«Comfort»

Ah, for comfort I spared no expense, I inserted 4 materials.

What gives you the feeling of comfort? Well, to me, perhaps by professional deformation, think of a fabric and the bristles of a carpet, or rather of a moquette.

Yes, because these four fabrics, blue, turtledove, red and green, were used to make what looks like a carpet but is actually a moquette.

Fabrics of today's moodboard - Gitaly contract

We chose these materials to ensure that this solution is on the same level as the floor, which is not possible if we chose a carpet. 

Behind its realization, there was a careful study and analysis to not create the difference in height between the carpet and the floor. 

There was also a strong customization to make this element able to be functional from maintenance and cleaning point of view (if the coffee falls, it’s not a problem)(a normal carpet doesn’t have this characteristic) and also able to be comfortable as, instead, a real carpet is. 

For this reason, we did not choose standard braided short-pile materials, but we opted for custom materials.   

Drawings on drawings have been made to create this unique element of its kind.

«Malleability»

Come on, this time, I don’t even ask the question, another sample of material included in today’s moodboard is copper. 

Which other material more than copper is suitable for different uses? Nobody.

In the hall, in fact, several elements were made of copper, such as the self-supporting structure, the chandeliers and the feet of the tables. This material was also used in the breakfast room.

And if it is easy to adapt it to different uses, the same cannot be said about obtaining the same color. 

In this regard, also here we opted for a strong customization, making samples on samples to ensure that the colour of the copper used in the hall was the same used in the breakfast room. 

Hall realized with copper of moodboard - Gitaly contract

«Coverage»

The latest materials of moodboard have the characteristic of coverage. 

What am I talking about? Obviously about fabrics. 

We have chosen fabrics with warm colors as established by the concept, for the seats in this area.

The fabrics in question are in simil velvet and they respect the standard and the rules provided for the Hotels. They are also wear-resistant, stain-resistant and flame-retardant. 

For each seating, after several studies, we have matched these fabrics with the legs to give to the space a more aesthetic touch. 

Hall realized with copper of moodboard - Gitaly contract
How to redesign your public areas - Gitaly contract

HOW TO REDESIGN YOUR PUBLIC AREAS.

HOW TO REDESIGN YOUR PUBLIC AREAS.

by Elisabetta Boldrini - Project Manager

«...Go back to the drawing board...»

Way to go back to the drawing board? The reason is obvious. There are not only rooms in a Hotel

That’s why we have to go back to the drawing board: to redesign public areas as well. 

On the other hand, after the facades, these areas are the second element on which your guest based his opinion. Anyway, before going to the room, he passes through these environments, no? So, let’s put our own here too.

And then you know, half things don’t happen, either for good or for nothing.

But if that’s not enough to convince you, I’ll tell you more.

Your guests’ needs change, and they constantly change, as does your target audience.

And if you don’t want to renew your public areas every year (of course we will be happy), you have to make these spaces functional to satisfy the various needs that may arise.

«What to draw?»

Now that we’re comfortable at the drawing board, my question is “what to draw?”.

Definitely more functional or better multifunctional spaces (I already said it?).

And so yes, to lobbies, breakfast rooms, small rooms designed to encourage conviviality, coworking and that can be used for different uses such as working, relaxing, eating, waiting, meeting for business meetings etc..

This type of design is useful especially for those who don’t have many/large spaces, as it allows not only to make the most of the existing ones, but also to optimize them and make them suitable for all the needs that a guest can have.

So, for example, don’t you have a conference room? It doesn’t matter (no extension is planned), just insert the seats and tables, in the breakfast room or in the lobby area, which offer guests the opportunity to work and also to hold business meetings.

So your breakfast room will not only be an area where your guests have breakfast but will become a real work space

And you know, with a croissant near everything is easier 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But that’s not enough. No, because I imagine that you would never want to have or design (in case you are an architect) anonymous public areas

For this reason, it’s important for me to also include personalized details, custom furniture, that also reflect the brand or the philosophy of the latter.

(Do you want seats, upholstered with custom fabrics? We can provide them).

The keywords for these elements are: aesthetics and functionality

Just as in high fashion, the dresses and accessories are characterized by the high quality commodity, the refinement, but above all by craftsmanship and creativity work; so, too, your’ Hotel, your projects can be marked by these factors, assuming a unique and valuable aspect. 

And if you have a chain, this speech is worth even more.

Because, even if every Hotel must have its own distinctive character, it is beautiful and right to include common elements, maybe revisited, to create a link and to represent a factor that strengthens your brand identity.

Not to mention the case in which the restaurant of your structure is also open to external customers. 

In fact, here, it’s necessary to design an attractive environment, that’s able to intrigue passers-by and push them to enter, for this design and subsequent work require more time and study. 

I think you agree with me, right?

And also, the experiential component it’s fondamental, for this reason it’s necessary to pay attention to the choice of materials, colors, and furniture. But we have already written an article about this; so, I won’t dwell on it too much (if you’re as curious as me, read it here).

Obviously, the public areas must be in harmony with the rest of the Hotel, but not only in color, materials, style level, but also in terms of the atmosphere and philosophy that you want to recreate. 

For this reason, we shouldn’t focus only on the rooms, or public areas, but on the whole structure. 

Finally, public areas must have an essence: yours essence.

«We open AutoCad»

Eh, yes, we have to design public areas, so we have to open AutoCad to create the project.

And then, we have to make real what we have idealized and analyzed.

Well, public areas is a general term, let’s go by areas, what do you think? We start from the lobby and reception area.

I’ll show you, you know I like them, three different lobbying projects that we’ve realized.

Let’s start from the first, Crowne Plaza Zurich.

The Crowne Plaza Zurich has a sparkling style, characterized by a perfectly harmonious dialogue between the public areas and the rest of the Hotel.

For the design of this area, we started from the drawings of the architect Guglielmo Ori, and we refined the choices of finishes, furniture, lighting and decorations. 

The colors are bright, and the soft tones have been enlivened by touches of color more intensely, and the seats and tables of different sizes and styles create a lively and modern environment and they also give, to this area, a certain multifunctionality.

We have created different fake carpets, under each space with seats, to break the continuous flooring, and to enclose, emphasize, point out the different functionality of these micro-areas and then give, to the guests,  the impression to have more privacy.

And the before and after is just great.

The lobby at Crowne Plaza Zurich is a perfect combination of functionality and style.

On the other hand, the lobby and reception area of the Hotel Base Vevey is quite different.

Here the keywords are: comfort, services and smart technology

In fact, this area, although small, offers to the customer the opportunity to check-in and check-out independently, to print tickets for anything and to see in preview, through screens, your own apartment-room booked. 

In addition, high-quality and sustainable materials were used for this project to embrace the eco-responsible and innovative concept of “Base” idealized by the architects of the company Norwood.

I promise you, one last example and then we move on to another “drawing”.

The last lobby I want to show you is that of the Boutique Hotel Ambassador

Here too, the style is totally different from the others.

In fact, it was decided to recreate a refined and elegant atmosphere, made possible thanks to the use of soft but decisive colours, as well as elegant furniture. 

The large windows also create a connection between inside and outside, immersing the guest in the surrounding landscape.

«Let’s move on to another drawing»

I promised you, so let’s move on to another drawing.

The public areas don’t only concern the lobby and reception area, but also the restaurant area is a “part of it”.

We have already seen what characteristics this area must have (do you remember them?), so, now, I want to show you some projects concerning the Hotel’s restaurant.

To do this, we fly to Guinea, precisely at the Oyala Complex Palace.

And in this five-star complex, gentlemen, we don’t have only one restaurant, but three.

In fact, on the sixth floor there is an Italian restaurant with a kitchen and terrace. On another wing of the Hotel there’s a three meal restaurant, on the first floor there is a lounge bar and a steakhouse restaurant.

All these environments are characterized by our stylistic touch, and great attention was paid to detail and to the choice of materials, combining the use of the most classic and the most innovative ones, for a touch of absolute modernity.

These projects are also characterized for the absolute immensity of spaces.

The Italian restaurant, in fact, has 104 seats inside and 100 outside, the three Meal restaurant instead 304 seats and finally the Steakhouse Restaurant has 268 inside and 96 in the terrace area. 

Oyala Palace Complex public areas italian restaurant - Gitaly contract
Oyala Palace Complex public areas restaurant - Gitaly contract

Let’s go back to our areas, specifically in France. Here we have recently concluded the project of Domaine du Mas De Pierre.

Samuele has already told you about this artistic project in an articleToday, I want to focus on the restaurant area of this project. 

Yes, because here, we have created a real masterpiece: the Oste table. The Oste is a table of 5.6 made entirely of oak wood. 

I’m not telling you about the immense research that the technical department had to do to search suitable oak boards, and all the post work that we had to do to realize it.

Even the counter has been completely restored by us, as well as the boiserie, the seats and tables, to give it a more modern touch while respecting the atmosphere of the Relais

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

«The latest drawing»

Lastly, then we can rest.

In your opinion, can we miss the Spa? Not, of course, it’s a part of public areas.

What to say… a Wellness area obviously must not only respect aesthetic standards but also functional standards, and the materials used must ensure high-performance in terms of durability and hygiene. 

For the construction of this area of m2 1650, we opted for the combination of classic and innovative materials. Spotlights have been inserted in the ceiling of the wall above the pool to create an intimate and comfortable atmosphere, especially at night.

In addition, there are some partitions that divide the different spaces of the Wellness area without separating them permanently.

Spa one of pubblic areas of Oyala Palace Complex - Gitaly contract
Spa one of pubblic areas of Oyala Palace Complex - Gitaly contract

«Switch off AutoCad»

Yes, the public areas project is finished.

If all these areas analyzed coexisted in a unique Hotel, it would just be great, wouldn’t it?

And who said it can’t come true? Of course tant It can come true and we can help you do it.

As you can see, it isn’t necessary to make major interventions to improve public areas, but to make the right ones, in order to exploit and optimize every space at its best. 

Remember which are the key words to redesign public areas able to meet the heterogeneous needs of your guests: functionality, multifunctionality, customization, attractiveness, services and experience. 

Obviously, the speech would be endless, and I can’t reveal all the tricks of the trade, contact us to know them all.

Camilla and Elisabetta design on the computer - Gitaly contract

HOW TO RESTART POST COVID: LET’S START FROM DESIGN.

HOW TO RESTART POST COVID: LET’S START FROM DESIGN.

by Elisabetta Boldrini - Commercial Manager

«Black swan»

Do you know what a black swan is? Yeah, I know you’re thinking about the movie, but you’re out of line, and no, there’s no Natalie Portman either. 

All right, now that the introductions have been made, let’s get back to the speech. 

Black swans, or rather the black swan theory, in economics is a metaphor that describes an unforeseen event, and that has relevant effects.

The Wassily chair also known as model B3 designed by architect and designer Marcel Breuer is an example. Who would have thought of such a thing in 1925? 

Okay, it’s not exactly a black swan, but I’m still hooked and I love it’s design.

Coronavirus is a black swan instead, both for its unpredictability and for its effects.

The hotel industry has suffered and is still suffering a great deal.

You will tell me, as they say in Italy; “you have discovered hot water”, that I didn’t make a great discovery.

You’re right, but today I want to talk about how to start again, starting from the spaces, or rather from their design, to be able to adapt to all the effects and all the consequences caused by the current situation.

«A penny for your thoughts»

Who would you pay to know what he thinks? I guess the answer is: the customers.

Yes, because you want to know what they want, what they need, what are the new trends, what they think, to be able to satisfy them at best (I would like to pay you).

Well, but don’t break the piggy bank, there’s no need, a penny saved is a penny earned.

I took care to “pay” for you.

Let’s say that the coronavirus has greatly changed our habits and our lifestyle leading us to new awareness (if I think that I cut my own hair, I pass out).

We’ve become more technological, in fact we’ve used technology to work, to study, to keep in touch. 

We worked remotely looking for a balance. I have to laugh but.. the searches for “comfortable office chair” or “adjustable high desk” as well as “walks in the woods nearby” to unplug jumped to the stars. 

We looked for new forms of fun or virtual visits to museums. There are also those who have been for months in an apartment maybe on the 10th floor without even a garden.

And that, as I said, affected our habits and behaviors, which are the same habits as the guests of your facility or the guests of your client’s facility in case you are an architect.

So, we have to take that into account, when we design spaces and environments, in order to be able to offer something that meets these new needs. That’s the only way you’ll be chosen over one of your competitors.

But we go into more detail, I certainly didn’t pay to know only this. 

«Bleisure»

Have you ever heard of bleisure tourism? If the answer is no, I’ll explain. It is the possibility of reconciling work and relaxation, and it is a growing phenomenon, much appreciated by workers-travelers.

Remote work, in fact, became a “mainstream” during the pandemic, this has generated, as I told you, a substantial increase of people who are looking for longer trips, so as to combine work and pleasure.

We will therefore see an increase of the “workstation”, which is travelers who will try to extend their holiday experience to stay a week or more to work remotely, away from home.

And so I ask you, what do we do? We design spaces in line with this new trend, It’s not rocket science.

How? By making them more flexible and functional, it’s not rocket science part 2.

In fact, considering public spaces, the new keyword becomes flexibility, that is, spaces in which different functions can coexist.

So, for example, a customer in a lobby can find a space to relax, work, and perform business meetings. 

This obviously requires an adaptation or rethinking of the current space and furniture, diversifying it.

The Manotel Group at Hotel N’Vy has moved in this direction.

In fact, we have just finished the work in the breakfast room and in the “zone du ciel étoilé”.

The aim? Making spaces more flexible .

What did we do? In the breakfast room we have differentiated the furniture, inserting normal breakfast/meal tables but also high tables and at last various types of seats: standard, lounge, high.

In this way the guests can, at the same time, have a normal breakfast, but also work in these spaces both at breakfast and in the various moments of the day, or organize an appointment for breakfasts or business meetings

This new project also had another aim: making sure that the breakfast room did not remain an unused space.

In fact, following the coronavirus, the Hotel has witnessed an increase in requests for breakfast in the room; therefore, the breakfast area risked to remain a “dark” space, for this, and for the reasons explained above, was given one/more new functionality.

Even the “zone du ciel étoilé”, has been designed in this sense, making it an alternative and emotional space in which guests can relax.

New design for the "zone du ciel étoié" - Gitaly contract
New design for breakfast room of Hotel N'Vy - Gitaly contract
New design for breakfast room of Hotel N'Vy - Gitaly contract

Or you can expect, as Yotel already did before the pandemic, rooms suitable for long stay, provided with a multitude of different services. 

In addition, you can decide, in the event that in your structure there are spaces currently unused or obsolete, to use and convert them, into common areas or private rooms, to better meet this new need.

«..saving for a rainy day»

You save for difficult times, I already did the “dirty work”.

And you know what I found out? One of the keywords to restart post covid is technology.

Think about it, over these two years, we’ve become more and more technological, and those who didn’t know it before, have discovered how much technology simplifies life.

And now? Now we absolutely don’t want to go back. Of course we wouldn’t want to go back to seeing people just through a screen, but for other things, now, we almost demand the use of technology. 

An example? For check-in, or for the transport of suitcases in the room.

Having a contactless check-in or automatic luggage transport system, would reduce not only the minutes lost at the reception or to bring luggage into the room, but also the contact between customers and operators and, at last, the cost of staff (that, in covid time, is not unwelcome).

Yotel did it before the coronavirus, yes, they’re ahead. On the other hand, they base their design and brand on the use of technology.

Wouldn’t you want to try if the luggage system really works and the suitcase comes directly to your room? I’ll do it.

Technological design to bring luggage directly to the room - Gitaly contract
Technological design for check-in - Gitaly contract
Technological bed - Gitaly contract

«The call of the forest»

No, not even here I’m referring to the film, but to the new trend of nature travel, away from crowded places, in search of the well-being of the mind and body.

Do you remember the famous people who lived for months in apartments on the 10th floor? There are many, and these people have only one need: to be outdoors.

But, the speech is worth a little for everyone. It has been difficult months of “confinement”. 

And I’m not lying. I have the testimony of one of our clients

In fact, the Everness Hotel & Resort **, located in Chavannes de Bogis, has experienced a real boom in bookings.

The hotel, as you can see, is surrounded by nature and the surrounding vineyards, and is not far from Lake Geneva and the Alps.

But, the favorable position wasn’t enough for the owners: in recent months we have finished the work of the facades to create a greater balance and connection with nature and the surrounding vineyards.  

In fact, the facades and the exterior staircases have been completely redesigned

For the first, we opted for a reflective material that could reflect the sky and change color according to light, for the latter, instead, we chose to cover it with a geometric texture module with perforated triangles to recall the idea of vine leaves.

Everness Hotel & Resort **, the exterior design is connected to the nature - Gitaly contract

(Do you want to know more about the design of facades? I wrote an article about this.)

But, and here’s a big “but”, how to meet this trend if your facility is not positioned on top of the Alps but in the city?

Also in this case we’ll help you, in fact, we have written an article on how to design your own interior spaces to create a connection with nature (maybe in addition to working in the contract sector we will also become writers one day).

«Game in hand»

Yes, we have the game in hand. We have already analyzed many aspects, but we still have a “game” to play. In sports terms, this is an advantage because there is another possibility to collect points and to overcome the opposing “teams”.

So let’s get the game home.

As I said, during the pandemic we looked for new forms of fun, and the stress of everyday life brought  people to want to pull the plug and to look for new forms of evasion.

For this reason, as we told you in a previous article (did you read it?), you are looking for something more than a simple stay in a Hotel. 

We are looking for something that can surprise us, interrupt this new heavy routine, have fun and not let us think about everything that happens around us.

I can assure you (since I’ve been working on a project of this kind for months), that is increasing the demand from Hotels or simple customers/architects to design spaces and use them as entertainment areas.

We already talked to you about the Selfie Hotel, too. At the Alpha Palmiers Hotel, in fact, no less than twenty-four rooms have been emptied to create an interactive world in which there are several sets.

And I’ll tell you a secret: every day, a myriad of guests are welcomed.

We are also working on a project of this kind.

In this case it’s a games room in which, inside, there are rooms with different characteristics, worlds, styles, and furniture. 

There is for example the karaoke room with pop art style or the Tokyo style or the chalet style, and imagine, an existing elevator will be transformed into a selfie room.

I think, correct me if I’m wrong, that, adding also this last advice to design the spaces, to better intercept post covid trends, we win the game.

Now you’re ready, you just have to contact us.

Design of karaoke room - Gitaly contract
Design of karaoke room - Gitaly contract
Design of karaoke room - Gitaly contract
Architect by profession - Gitaly contract

ARCHITECT BY PROFESSION.

«Unity is strength»

I know, I may be a bit banal, but I believe in it, and so I say it, unity is strength.

I think that by working together, bringing each one their own knowledge, experiences, ways of doing, will be easier to achieve a certain aim.  

It’s like in a relay, everyone contributes to the final result and everyone, of course, has to do his part well to reach the goal (we don’t want to get second). 

Is it for this reason that an architect like you contacts us? To archive the final result together? 

Let’s go step by step, don’t run too fast, we’ll need our legs later.

Let’s start with the starting line, your idea, which also represents arrival, because the goal, I think you’ll agree with me, is to realize it.

So you start running, you develop the idea or the concept and you “sell” it to the client. 

And now? You can pass the “witness” and decide to contact us, so the race is up to us, to our network, and to all figures who compete to  achieve the goal(and you can catch some breath). 

Yes, architects like you come to us for three main reasons.

  1. They have developed and sold a concept or idea to their customer and are looking for someone to make it happen.
  2. They ask us to assess the costs and feasibility of the project.
  3. They are looking for a company to report to their customer to carry out part of the business or to perform the functions of a general construction company.

From the moment you contact us, as I say, you will not run alone, not because you can not do it, but because, I repeat, together it will be easier to realize your project.

I guess you’re wondering, “What does Gitaly do in her stretch of race?”.

«Pillars»

You’re an experienced architect, so you’ll know what the pillars of a building are, but let’s say it again.

These are steel or reinforced concrete frames made of vertical pillars, which have the task of supporting the forces acting on it.

Well, we are not made of steel or concrete, but we perform the same function as the pillars for a building, we support you.

We’re not even standing still, and we do not prevail over you. 

I don’t want to make a telesale, listing you all the services that we offer you (and no pillows aren’t free, hands off).

I just want to say that we are trying, right from the start, to interpret and understand your idea, through an in-depth study of the project.

We then evaluate feasibility and budget, we provide detail drawings for each item, we search for the most suitable materials and furniture, we prototype and so we represent a solution idea that’s a detail of a piece of furniture or a sample room, we supervise the production, we take care of the purchases making use of our network, logistics, fit-out and installation.

We run a lot, to return to the famous relay race before, without skipping any passage and always guaranteeing quality.

This is to respect timing and budget, on the other hand for a good runner, time is everything.

But…

«We make the point»

….all very nice, but let’s get to the point, were we really able to give life to the ideas of architects with whom we collaborated and then to do our part in the race? 

And how did we manage this collaboration?  

This time I will not follow the order, let us start from this last question.

How did we manage this collaboration… Well, I can tell you that the main aspects are a continuous communication and a constant exchange of information in order to learn the requests, needs, address issues, discuss any doubts, align, update and then continue according to a common logic.

And that’s what we’ve always done, organizing construction site meetings, calls, or even feeling daily on the phone like good old friends.

Secondly, I can say, from experience, that it is vitally important to facilitate the work of the other, putting your own experience into practice and preparing a clear and precise work.

Lastly, teamwork, and then having to set “your ego” and accept suggestions, advice, alternative proposals never stop in front of an element rejected by the architect, but rather take this thing as a challenge to do better.

Then you’ll understand better when I answer the first question.

To do this, imagine a little, I’ll give you some examples, yes my beloved examples.

«From Fossombrone to Taiwan»

For those who do not know, I imagine you will be in many, Fossombrone is a city located in the Marche (Italy), where our company is located.

What about Taiwan? Well you know it, but maybe you don’t know that in Taiwan there is the studio of the architect and designer Celia Chu with whom we collaborated for the Crowne Plaza Geneva project. 

In this case, the concept of the architect was clear, the design had to be focused on natural elements and then recall the idea of nature and gardens. 

The collaboration was not easy, the 8 hours of time zone did not help (it must be impossible to call), so we had to meet on many aspects. 

Celia Chu has prepared precise project management to facilitate the relationships, creating plants, concepts and detailed technical sheets for each material and furniture that we wanted and to which we had to adhere as much as possible.

Architect by profession.

We, on the other hand, have checked and researched every material, proposing similar alternatives in line with the original ones, as requested by the architect, to ensure that the choices better respected the budget and the functional aspects required.

In fact, many materials and products chosen by Celia Chu were not available in the European market, but only in the geographical area where the studio is located.

For this reason we have resorted to the network of our artisans and suppliers to find alternative solutions that could satisfy and be in line with the requests and wishes of the architect but at the same time respecting the budget and needs of the customer.

We always made mokeup and specifications for each support/ accessory, sent samples of materials, to be submitted to the approval of the architect.

Set of samples to be mubmitted to the approval of the architect - Gitaly contract

There were also meetings in our headquarters to better understand the architect’s design, compare and align.

Let us now answer the question: Have we succeeded in giving life to the idea of the architect?

Value yourself.

«Boho chic collaboration»

No, the title was not chosen at random, because the collaboration with the architect Patrick Ribes for the Hotel N’Vy project, was just in a boho chic style, like the Hotel on the other hand, for the multitude of finishes, materials, unique pieces, innovative solutions required. 

One among many? The architect wanted a suspended bed for the Hotel’s rooms.

Not being able to realize it because of constructive constraints, but wanting to satisfy the architect (I am an architect too and I know how frustrating it is not to see their ideas realized), we thought and we found a solution.

So we created a bed, surrounded by mirrors that reflect all the surfaces making it look suspended. This idea was designed and built, then improved in detail and the final cherry was the addition of light.

The requests, as already said, were many. 

In the dining area we made to measure, following the details of the architect’s drawings, a gray consisting of round elements painted one by one, which served as a separé.

Or again, in the public areas we built, also under the architect’s design, plasterboard columns in which a light was placed and these elements were painted in gold color.

Even the textures are special, in the lobby, for example, we installed a truly striking mosaic of Bosazza, not to mention the zebra wallpaper.  

The requests, as already said, were many. 

In the dining area we made to measure, following the details of the architect’s drawings, a gray consisting of round elements painted one by one, which served as a separé.

Or again, in the public areas we built, also under the architect’s design, plasterboard columns in which a light was placed and these elements were painted in gold color.

Even the textures are special, in the lobby, for example, we installed a truly striking mosaic of Bosazza, not to mention the zebra wallpaper.  

A treat for you? The architect predicted that in some rooms there was a window in the shower (really original idea for 2012). 

In others suites there is a bathtub glazed in three sides that in addition to repairing from sketches allows the light to leak from the window throughout the room, avoiding dark spaces.

What do I want to tell you? That we are able to manage and give life to the architect’s project even when, rightly, we are asked special requests for furniture, finishes, custom furniture and highly personalized, that can best respect his style and that of the customer.

Do you absolutely want a seat in your project but you want a material or a color not present in the sample? We’ll take care of it. We are still working on the realization of the famous donkeys that fly.

«Don’t you want to go to Zurich?»

Have a little more patience, I promise you this is the last example, but I wanted to tell you it so that you can have a complete picture.

What am I going to talk about? The Crowne Plaza, this time in Zurich.

And also here, another project, another architect: Guglielmo Ori.

Ah, I have to tell you something, sometimes it happens, that we call architects with whom we have pleasantly worked in the past, to support us in some projects (double convenience to work with us :P) and in this project it was so.

As always, at the design level we started from the drawings drawn by the architect and we refined the choices in terms of finishes, furnishings, lighting and decorations. 

To amaze the customer we have created custom elements, designed by Guglielmo, such as the bar counter and the breakfast counter, really unique pieces. 

For the restaurant of the Hotel, the design was longer because it should be attractive and have a certain visibility from the outside. 

In addition, the client decided to entrust the restaurant to a well-known franchise Theo Randall, so we had to adapt some choices to the franchise’s concept.

The concept for this area, idealized by the architect, was immediately clear, all the materials, the stylistic choices had to recall Italianness.

Render of architect - Gitaly contract

For the breakfast room instead, the architect, to meet the trend of experiential marketing, decided that the predominant element for all furniture was white marble to evoke the feeling of relaxation and tranquility in the guests, that relaxation and tranquility sought in the early morning.

For this reason, together with Guglielmo, we followed the laying and installation of the marble, paying attention to the various veins of this material, with the aim that the desired effect would result. 

Last thing, then I come to conclusions, I promise. 

To enhance, draw attention or enclose certain elements, have been created rectangles called “carpets” that break the continuous gray wood flooring, common to all three areas.

Each carpet reflects the features of the area in which it’s located, and, as I say, underlines and encloses some elements.

For example, in the breakfast room it was realized under the main counter to emphasize this particular element, while in the lobby, it was designed to enclose the seating area, and not give the idea of dispersion.

To meet this request, we had to look for suitable materials that best fit with the style of the reference area and reflected the idea of the architect

An example? In the restaurant area were inserted as a carpet of tiles in the shape of an octagon black with white squares that recall the motifs of the columns and the elements of the bar counter.

«Winning team doesn’t change»

Here we are, we’ve come to the conclusion, I promised you, and we always keep our promises, how we always respect your project.

You will have understood that we always try to do our best, so that your ideas, the solutions you designed, even more innovative and disparate, can be realized.

Of course, it’s not always easy, but I don’t want to talk about it here. I wrote another article about it (I’d be happy if I read it).

This time I just wanted to tell you about some aspects of collaborations with architects with whom we have worked.

Now, if it’s alright with you, before saying goodbye I would answer the question I asked you at the beginning (I’ll bring it back below, you don’t need to go up with the mouse).

Are we able to give life and respect your project?” The answer is yes. 

And I tell you more, we really want to continue to collaborate with architects like you, as we have done so far because all this is welcomed as a challenge by us, and then as they say “team that wins doesn’t change” and in these years, together, we won a lot.

It's holiday time - Gitaly contract

IT’S HOLIDAY TIME.

«Wait a moment»

What are the trends for holidays 2021? We know that people’s habits are changing, also due in large part to the situation that we are experiencing. Some tourist destinations are confirmed from year to year, others instead lose positions or otherwise advance.

I imagine you’ll be ready, smiling, to welcome your incoming guests.. but wait a moment and allow yourself to read this article.

I tell you, in advance, that l will treat the subject in an unusual way, but in the end I am sure that the article will serve you, not only to make sure that your structure has all the characteristics required, but to better understand your target audience.

«This year do not change the same beach, the same sea»

An old Italian song of the great Mina said “for this year do not change, same beach, same sea”.

You know, summer holiday is an evergreen.

Let’s imagine in the office, it’s winter, and the holidays still seem like a mirage. 

Outside it’s 0 degrees, it’s raining….. If we thought about the summer holiday we would immediately think of the sea (even a spritz).

In Italy we would say that the word summer holiday and the word sea “go hand in hand”.

And even this year the holidays in this place represent a real boom. 

But what are the features that a structure “at the sea” must have? What do the guests search? Air conditioning apart 🙂

To find out, we will wear the shoes of Michele.

Yes, we will create those figures which in Marketing language are defined as  “personas”, which are possible “users” of your structure.

I’m sure the term is not new to you, or at least it should not be, because it is very important, in every project, to create these imaginary figures to get closer to the mentality of your real customers, to empathize with them. with them and then understand their goals, desires, needs and requests (we do it for every project you entrust us).

Let’s go back to Michele. 

Michele is 30 years old, he is engaged but not yet married, he works in the bank. Michele is meticulous, precise, attentive to details, has excellent communication and relational skills.

Michele is tired, he needs rest and relaxation, that relaxation that only the noise of the sea and the waves can give. So he’s looking for a structure at the sea.

And here comes the beauty… What will Michele look for and what will be the ideal bathing structure for him?

We have said that he is young, that he needs to relax, that he is a sea lover and therefore he definitely wants to find this “climate” even inside the Hotel that he will choose.

And if you have structure by the sea, what do you have to do to make you choose?

Well, surely your structure will definitely have a fresh look, the style could be classic but cheerful, in line with the characteristics of a young clientele, the walls could be painted white, in such a way that total white can be combined with warmer chromatic shades, such as yellow, orange.

Particular attention should also be paid to the prints, which in turn should take up the colors and atmospheres of the sea.

In alternative you could opt for a modern pop style.

Interior design experts recommend revisiting the pop furniture that was fashionable in the 1960s and making it more contemporary and contemporary through the use of bold and intense colors. 

We also said that Michele is engaged, so the room must also have a romantic atmosphere and constitute a kind of love nest. 

Then of course you can not miss a nice terrace, with lounge seats for intimate moments of relaxation, and if there is also the sea view, the game is done.

We have incorporated all these elements into the Grand Hotel Cannes.

A 5 star hotel, located in the famous Croisette.

The style is completely inspired by the 60s.

So all rooms are characterized by bright colors, customised patterns, wood elements and furniture with metallic structures. The atmosphere is cool and romantic and the large windows customized create a contact between the indoor and outdoor spaces and of course with the sea.

Grand Hotel Cannes bedroom living room lit by large window. - It's time to holiday - Gitaly contract
Grand Hotel Cannes room, soft colors like pink and orange create a a warm atmosphere. - Gitaly contract

«Back to the origins»

A famous film was called “back to the future”, while today, one of the trends of the holidays 2021 is “back to the origins” or rather is linked to rediscovering nature.

In fact, more and more people feel the need to reconnect to nature, to find peace in its vastness, to move away from everything else, and to rediscover a bit of that beauty that surrounds us.

In addition, we are increasingly attentive and interested in issues related to respect for the environment, sustainability, recycling, aspects that we want to find even in the facilities where we stay.

For this reason, facilities such as campsites, mountain chalets, mountain Hotels, farmhouses, cottages lost in the countryside are chosen, and terms such as “glamping” or “agricamping” have been born.

But what to do if our Hotel is located in the center of Geneva and in front of there aren’t parks but streets and buildings?

«Idea number one»

We realize a Hotel that looks like a real mountain chalet inside, so that the guest can feel in the mountains even though he is located in the center of Geneva.

If you’re an established reader, you’ll already know what I’m talking about.

Yes, exactly, Hotel Edelweiss in Geneva, a project created by us for the Manotel Group.

A different Hotel, which you wouldn’t expect in Geneva, a real mountain chalet, transplanted in the city center.

 

 

«Idea number two»

We connect the style of the Hotel’s interior spaces to the idea of nature.

We did it for the Crowne Plaza Geneva, collaborating with the architect Celia Chu.

This project will certainly be remembered for the collaboration between our design department in Italy and that of the architect located in Taiwan.

To recall the idea of nature, we used colors such as green in different colors, brown, ocher, and materials such as wood and stone.

The design of the CCD studio in Taiwan often involved materials and products that were only commercially available in the geographic area where the architectural firm was located, that we were able to find through our network.

In addition, the large windows that filter natural light, create harmony and a connection with the surrounding landscape.

Crowne Plaza Geneva a perfect Hotel for holiday in contact with nature - Gitaly contract

«All roads lead to Rome»

Yes, even if in this period the heat is felt, the holiday to discover new cities remains a cult.

They say “travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”, and it’s true.

There is nothing better than “diving” into a new city, exploring monuments, museums, galleries, discovering history, customs, and traditions.

And so I ask you.. What should your Hotel have if it is located in the center of Rome or if your target is people who travel to discover or rediscover new cities?

Well, we wear the shoes of Marco, present in your target.

Marco is 60 years old, is from Milan and works as an engineer for an automobile company. He’s married, he’s got two kids who don’t travel with him anymore. 

Marco decided to go on holiday in Rome, there have been other times, but you know Rome is always a new discovery.

Marco expects to find a distinctive Hotel, characterized by the charm of Rome.

He would never want to open the doors of the Hotel and not understand where he is because the interior has nothing distinctive and could belong to any Hotel located around the world that’s Rome, or London or New York.

And this is especially true if the building is a historical and architectural palace.

The Hotel De Russie in Rome, of which we have dealt, is the classic example of a Hotel that Marco would choose for his stay.

In fact, the baroque style, the classic furnishings, the use of pastel colors from green to blue, the ivory-sand with sophisticated shades of amethyst, the brushstrokes depicting some monuments of Rome, the linear furniture, some of Asian inspiration with precious black and orange lacquers, reflect and reconstruct inside the Hotel, the magical atmosphere of Rome.

Hotel De Russie, a perfect Hotel for holiday in Rome - Gitaly contract
Hotel De Russie, a perfect Hotel for holiday in Rome - Gitaly contract
Hotel De Russie suite living room with view of Rome. - Gitaly contract

«Work doesn’t go on holiday»

…or rather you go on “holiday” for work.

Finally, let’s not forget about all those people, who travel but they do it for work and therefore they will need and look for  different characteristics, in a structure, than those who travel for pure pleasure.

Let’s go back to the famous personas and put on Anna’s shoes this time.

Anna has.. does not say the age of a woman! She works as a commercial in a telecommunications company, she dedicates a lot of time to work and often travels for business. She is attentive and punctual.

Studying Anna, we immediately realize what will be her needs, even here Wi-Fii apart.

She will need to set up meetings, maybe in the structure where she stays, send an email or organize a call at any time of the day and has a space in addition to the room where she can work or relax after the meeting.

And… If Anna is your real client?

Well, for example, at the Hotel N’Vy in Geneva, we redesigned the breakfast area to make it more flexible and multifunctional.

For this reason, in addition to new classic breakfast tables, we have inserted high tables that allow business travelers to be able to have breakfast and work at the same time, or send an email or even organize a business breakfast. 

The same goes for the old seats that have been replaced by new seats of different sizes (high, standard, lounge).

A new work space for worker's holiday - Gitaly contract

For the Crowne Plaza Geneva instead we redesigned the spaces attached to the conference room.

In fact, to encourage conviviality with collaborators or relaxation after the meeting, lounge chairs have been inserted, they are custom and they fit together with each other, realized with selected fabrics and colors that match perfectly.

Crowne Plaza Geneva, render of conference center. - Gitaly contract
Build around the word - Gitaly contract

BUILD AROUND THE WORLD.

BUILD AROUND THE WORLD.

by Edgardo Moretti - CEO

«Easy does it»

Let’s take the title “literally” and proceed calmly. I would start with the presentations, public relations are my forte.

I’m Moretti, CEO of Gitaly. After almost 50 years in the company I felt the desire to tell my experience, even though I’m already doing it, because everyday, to work successfully, I try to spread and transmit to my team what I’ve acquired in these years. 

But today I want to do it for you. I know what you’ll think, what do I care?

Instead, you should care, the reason? I repeat, we proceed calmly.

You have to trust me, moreover trust is the basis of our work. 

When customers entrust us with a project, they trust us, and so must you.

I’m telling you, no one’s ever been disappointed.

«The whole world is a country»

Well, back to us. In almost 50 years of work, I had to deal not only with different projects but also with different realities, ways of working, requests.  

We’ve done almost 400 projects, I’d say it’s normal, it’s the risks of the trade, let’s say.

We have never set geographical limits.

Of course, as I have already anticipated, the obstacles to be faced are different, and when I say that the whole world is a country, I say a great truth.

I can affirm, from experience, that wherever you go you must be prepared, because there will be plenty of problems and many will depend on the very nature of the place.

But what do you say? No pain no gain. 

Build around the world… Yes, in these years we haven’t only built in many places, but we also collaborated with architects from different parts of the world.

I was “born”, and I would add, “I grew up” as a foreign agent, so working overseas never scared me, in addition  I always had the certainty that I could count on my team to do it.

But let’s get to the point, what are these famous issues that need to be faced?

«...the elephant in the room»

….What’s the elephants got to do with it? They center, because for those who do not know, “the elephant in the room” is an expression typically used to indicate a problem or an annoying truth that you do not want to face.

And what is this truth in this case? It’s that: you have to be organized to build in different parts of the world, not think you are, but really be.

Yes, because not only is it necessary to be able to manage relationships with clients or architects or construction companies located abroad, but it is also important to be able to monitor the progress of the work and keep the situation under control. 

Of course, today’s technology helps keep in touch, but that’s not enough, and then, as I said, Gitaly has always worked abroad, and the words “conference call”, “Skype”, “Google meet”, didn’t even exist.

We also think that the direct relationship with the customer is important, and then imagine monitoring a construction site at a distance, would be unthinkable.

So how do we do that?

Simple (to say no to do), we are always present on the spot, we have construction site meetings in front of the project managers , we “move” project managers and specialized personnel to the place, and of course, we organize the famous “conference call” or simple update calls.

In addition, we have agents who help us manage and maintain customer relations.

I go to Geneva, together with members of my team, almost every week, for meetings with customers, to monitor the construction sites, to manage the different companies (we are in the contract sector) and to ensure respect for the quality and performance that have always distinguished us.

And we do this both in Geneva, a city in which we have been working since 2002 and which is now a comfort zone for us and in all the countries where we are working.

In partnership with the Piccini Group we have realized different projects in Africa.

And if it is difficult to manage the organization in Geneva, 7 hours “from home”, let alone in Africa, on the other side of the world.

But we succeeded, moving from Italy 2 project managers, 10 internal staff members who followed the different construction sectors and organized precise and advance planning. 

Build around the world precisely at Guinea - Gitaly contract

They were complex projects, such as the Oyala Place Complex in Antigua, of which we built all the interiors of the Hotel and 50 villas. 

A project build around the world - Gitaly contract
Build around the world: Oyala Palace Complex project - Gitaly contract
Build around the world: Oyala Palace Complex project - Gitaly contract

«...on thin ice»

Another problem? The logistics and we would add the installation.  

If you really have to do it on the ice, the conversation gets complicated. 

Yes, because for the Edenarc 1800 project located in Mont Blanc, we had to manage these two phases in adverse weather conditions.

The delivery was estimated for January, and to respect it, we worked and managed a yard even with the presence of two meters of snow.

The trucks that transported the goods have arrived at their destination thanks to the snow cats that were driving them. 

And the installation? I personally spent days and days climbing the furniture with the freight elevator.

But the result and satisfaction of our customers have rewarded us with all our efforts.

Build around the world - Gitaly contract

Not that things are easier elsewhere. In Geneva for example, being a city, is busy and spaces are restricted, many events are also organized that can include the closure of stretches of road.

Therefore it is necessary to seek appropriate solutions at the logistical level.

Also for the projects in Africa we had to organize the logistics at best and anticipate the purchases of the supply.

In fact, the transport took a month, because the delivery was by container and then truck and, in addition, local infrastructure is not very efficient.

The same goes for the projects in Greece, where we have managed double transport by truck and by ship to respect delivery times even in remote places.

In this case it was necessary a precise coordination between the shipping office in Italy and the team members present on the spot.

«We see eye to eye»

The last problem I want to talk about, not that there are no others, is related to particular requests or certain aspects considered important that require adaptation of our work.

Obviously each project is different, as are the style, the requests, the needs of customers, architects or companies like yours and we try our best to make each project unique and highly customized. 

However, I think you’ll agree with me (right?), that a seaside structure must differ from a structure in the mountains, then we also built a hotel in the center of Geneva in chalet style, but this is another speech. 

But, not to be trivial, by special requests I mean the client’s or architect’s desire to recreate something, that is a furniture, a piece of furniture, a finish, linked to the place where the structure is located.

An example? Also for the Edenarc 1800, we have been selected by the customer because we have been able to realize better than others and respect “to the letter” the drawings of the architect, regarding two particular details.

The details in question are the wooden feet of the coffee table in the living room, which have a spherical shape and in which we managed to set the Savoy Cross. 

The other detail concerns the decorative wooden panels that have been printed by us inserting textures and symbols belonging to the Kingdom of Savoy.

All this was requested by the customer to create a link between the Hotel and the precise place where it is located and then with history.

Also in Greece, precisely in Sparta for the Hotel Menelaion, we managed to realize and to give life to a particular request of the customer always in this direction.

The Hotel Menelaion, owes its name to the king of Sparta Menelaus and is a historical building, located near museums and important places of the city and therefore the style is strongly influenced by history, vicissitudes and by the geographical place where it is located.  

For this reason we were asked to build and create elements reminiscent of Greek history such as bas-reliefs and prints.

Example of classic Hotel rooms - Gitaly contract

Last important thing. It’s necessary to know the market and the aspects considered important.

To do so, the famous experience comes back into play.

That experience that allows us to build and satisfy our customers in Geneva for 19 years now, and to believe that one of the most important aspects for the Switzerland (if you are, I agree if I’m wrong), is punctuality.

For this reason we work every day establishing and following precise planning, considering the fact that we are a contract company and therefore we must coordinate with other companies.

«The ball is in your court»

Obviously we have carried out projects in other parts of the world; France, Cyprus, Spain, Morocco, in our homeland Italy.

It is not by chance that the article is called build in the world.

But an article is not enough to tell you all the work experience of these years. That’s why I refer you to this page.

And now, to conclude, let’s return to the famous question of the beginning “what do I care?”.

I’m finally telling you why you should care.

Because, that you want to renew, modernize, redesign the facades of your structure located in the middle of the forest, or on the slopes of Everest, or in the middle of New York rush hour traffic or on a desert island, or you have to manage a project or a construction site in these places, we are able to support you and do it well.

How? Manage these and other issues, and I proved it to you.

HOTEL ROOMS: THE VARIETY OF STYLES THAT YOU MUST KNOW. - Gitaly contract

HOTEL ROOMS: THE VARIETY OF STYLES THAT YOU MUST KNOW.

HOTEL ROOMS: THE VARIETY OF STYLES THAT YOU MUST KNOW.

by Elisabetta Boldrini - Project Manager

«Beautiful outside but...what about inside?»

Yes, I know, I’m not crazy, I’ve already asked you this question in a previous article. Didn’t you read it? What are you waiting for? Read it, l’ll wait here, sitting at my desk.

We came to the conclusion that a Hotel must be as beautiful on the outside as it must be on the inside.

We took care of the outer beauty last time, today we are sentimental and romantic and we talk about the inner beauty.

Yes, because it is true that the first impression a customer makes of your Hotel depends on the external image of your structure, but then if you want that this positive consideration persists, it is necessary to ensure that the inside is at the height of the outside. 

Do you remember the fateful flying elephants? Let’s put them.

No, seriously, let’s leave the elephants where they are already on the verge of extinction and focus on the rest.

We consider the spaces that a guest lives most. What are they? The Hotel rooms.

Yes, the rooms.The internal judgment on your structure will depend in large not only by the services and experience provided but also by the style, comfort and beauty of the rooms.

Don’t you believe me? Take a tour on booking or tripadvisor (to name two, we don’t sponsor anyone), and read what people mostly review.

No, wait, do it later, now read the article. I put so much effort into writing it that it would be a shame if you stopped reading here.

If this is not a reason enough for you, I give you another: discover how to make the rooms of your Hotel unique, and what style is right for you.

«Keep up with..»

…the change. Buddha said “the only constant of life is change” (I told you that today we will be sentimental), and he was right.

The choice of furniture and the style of the hotel rooms is also strongly influenced by the continuous changes and novelties that affect this sector.

If you want that “keep up with the change” is not only a title (it would be a bit sad) but your way of being, you have to consider that it is essential to design each individual structure analyzing some essential aspects in order to achieve a final result that is satisfactory for you and that surprises your guests.

To choose the most suitable style for your Hotel rooms or the project that you need to realize in case you are an architect, It is necessary to keep in mind not only the type of stay you want to offer but also the type of image and personality that you want to give to the structure, always pointing to originality and uniqueness.

When it comes to Hotel rooms style, we usually refer to two main types: the classic and the modern.

«Old but gold»

In Italy we would say “old chicken makes good broth”, yes, today I have a love for animals.

However, the classic style, forgive me the pun, is a great classic that never sets, always beautiful, always current.

It is easy to recognize it, the Hotel rooms in this style are characterized by the decorations, the furnishings that recall the historical style until the early 900.

They are usually chosen sober colors such as beige, powder blue and light spots are carefully studied, all to lighten the environment and avoid excesses.

The furniture is usually made of fine wood, abundantly decorated, in contrast to the neutral color given to floors, paintings and fabrics.

This style best fits for the large spaces, able to enhance the design and elegance and suitable for large furniture sizes.

We have met several times to realize this style for our customers and considering that the furniture must give the sense of uniqueness and exclusivity in this style, we have often turned to master craftsmen who, following our designs, have made unique pieces.

Examples among many? Let’s move to Greece and then go back to Rome (no it’s not a film about the Romans).

In Greece precisely in Sparta we have realized as well as the public areas and the restaurant, the rooms for the Hotel Menelaion.

The goal was to preserve the beauty, neoclassical style and history of this structure.

For this reason we opted for a classic style, paying particular attention to functionality and equipment to ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay. The colors chosen for the rooms are soft, neutral, the large boiserie and the desk were made of wood.

The light points, carefully studied, lighten the environment creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere.

The classic style has been mixed with elements reminiscent of Greek history such as bas-reliefs and prints.

Example of classic Hotel rooms - Gitaly contract
xample of classic Hotel rooms - Gitaly contract

We return to Italy, precisely to Rome, precisely near Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, precisely to the Hotel De Russie.

The Hotel rooms have undergone a total change and a new concept has been designed to ensure a better level of aesthetics and a better exploitation of the spaces. 

Here too, the classic style of the rooms is highlighted by the choice of pastel shades from green to blue, to ivory-sand with sophisticated shades of amethyst

The furniture and furnishings are linear, in wood, with precious black and orange lacquers.

«Modern times»

I start by telling you that even in this case it’s not Charlie Chaplin’s modern times movie, but I liked the title.

We consider the opposite style, even if not too much (we know that opposites attract), of the classic style that is the modern style. 

The modern design is characterized, despite the continuous changes, by the dynamism, the asymmetry of the lines, the use of unusual materials, the colored furnishings and the contrasting combinations.

A classic example? Or rather a modern example? You know I like them.

The Crowne Plaza Geneva suites.

In collaboration with the architect Celia Chu, we have created modern suites without falling into the trends of the moment, except for some elements such as the pied de poule fabric for the sofas.

The rooms are characterized by clean lines, the spaces are open to give the idea of amplitude and freedom, the bathroom is exposed and in some suites there is a hot tub near the bed.

The colors are as bright as the acid green chosen for the bed wall, while the carpet is characterized by geometric shapes.

Example of modern Hotel rooms - Gitaly contract
Example of modern Hotel rooms - Gitaly contract

«There are other fish in the sea»

I told you I’m obsessed with animals today. Anyway, let’s get serious.

Those just described are two extremes, easily recognizable, whose design follows guidelines from which you start to be able to create unique and highly customizable projects.

From these styles are born contaminants that can have characteristics all their own or recall some elements or traits of these.

The possibilities are endless, then depend, as already said, by the image and personality that you want to give your structure.

I want to give you some examples.

«Evergreen»

You know my titles are never randomly chosen. The word “evergreen” expresses something that is always current, something that never goes out of fashion, that does not end up being considered obsolete, without time.

Chanel’s handbag is a classic example, or in our sector, the Flos bow or the 1919 armchair by Renzo Frau, to be clear.

For me the elegant and refined style is an “evergreen”.

With its contaminations, its possible applications, and its fit perfectly to other styles, it is an “evergreen” and can be used perfectly to “keep up with the change”.

We consider the Hotel Royal in Geneva for example.

We recreated a welcoming, elegant and refined atmosphere, finding the right balance between the fabrics, neutral colors, finishes, furniture and furnishings carefully selected and made. The colors carefully chosen for the Hotel rooms tend to silver and they are illuminated by the  touches of brighter finishes.  

The elegant materials of the fabrics and the attention to every single detail, make everything perfect.

Imagine it in 2050, it will still be beautiful and current.

«So cool so trendy»

The term trendy can be applied to a multitude of fields and designates everything that is the latest fashion. It’s necessary to intercept the trends of the moment, this involves research but also passion, and put them in the field, obviously always adding your own personal touch.

A person can be trendy (are you?), but also a movie, a song, an item of clothing and why not also Hotel rooms.

Are you waiting for an example of this style? Here it is: the N’Vy Hotel in Geneva, a real art Hotel.

The Hotel rooms are characterized by modern details that perfectly coexist with details of street style, futuristic works and a wide range of bright and bright colors.

The graffiti above the headboard of the bed, the zebra walls, the mirrors with a singular shape, make it a Hotel “out of the box”.

The design furniture is in Fusion style, the light points and the carefully selected technology such as RGB LEDs allow you to choose the color of the light you want, creating an urban atmosphere, which invites you to relax.

Ah, to create a highly futuristic environment, considering the design of architect Patrick Ribes we have created solutions to give the impression that the beds are suspended and floating.

«..be characteristic»

What does it mean to “be characteristic” for a style? Beh, it means to collect and incorporate in itself all the distinctive and typical features of a place that you want to recreate, whether it is near or far.

In this case it is necessary to research authentic, distinctive and characteristic materials, colors and furnishings, because you know, anyone likes fake things.

So, why not recreate the typical atmosphere of a Swiss chalet in the center of Geneva?

This is what we did for the Hotel Edelweiss.

The Manotel Group operates six hotels each with a unique concept, clearly distinguished one from the other, while sharing the group’s key values about hospitality. 

The idea for the Edelweiss was to offer to the customer all the uniqueness of a Swiss chalet and to create a different place in the heart of Geneva.

Thanks to our craftsmen we were able to make this place more modern, sandblasting the wood (the main element of the rooms) and denaturing it in the colors of gray, which fits perfectly with the elements in stone and wrought iron.

In order to better characterize the Hotel rooms, furniture with softer lines has been created and black and white photos of the Swiss Alps have been inserted.

I said before “that it is a place near or far”, and we have recreated in Geneva a place as far away as China and an art as far as Feng Shui.

I’m talking about Hotel Jade. 

The Hotel, designed by architect Patrick Ribes, is totally inspired by China and Feng Shui.

To recreate this atmosphere, for the rooms we chose colors such as ocher, red, blue, green, white, associated with the 5 elements of Feng Shui (earth, fire, water, wood and metal).

The finishes are made with authentic and refined materials such as bamboo, wenge, ikat, to give a touch of serenity and balance.

Hotel Jade, an example of characteristic stye for Hotel rooms - Gitaly contract

«Is not beautiful what is beautiful but what pleases»

The subject is very broad, we could talk about it endlessly, but I don’t think I should do it now, I’ve already written over 2000 words.

I end by telling you that the possibilities of choosing a style for Hotel rooms are endless, and that and the characteristics of each style are just guidelines, then you need to put some imagination, creativity and care, especially in the choice of materials, finishes, solutions and in the realization of custom furniture.

I know it well, I do it for years for my customers and architects.

Moodboard #1 for a bar - Gitaly contract

MOODBOARD #1: STYLE IDEAS FOR A BAR.

MOODBOARD #1: STYLE IDEAS FOR A BAR.

by Irene Izzo - Design Manager

«There's a method to my madness»

I was thinking about the subject for this article. And so, as a good Italian I wanted to be in a bar to drink something fresh, for us the hour of aperitif is sacred. But not in any bar, in a nice bar, stylish.  

I admit, for professional deformation I always pay attention to the details, the furnishings, the colors of the spaces.

So I said, since I have to stay here in the office (it’s 3:00 pm still), why not combine “the useful to the pleasant” and then my work to the aperitif hour, and create a moodboard for a bar?

I’ll start by telling you right away, although I guess you already know the meaning, that a moodboard is a style board (creating them is part of my job).

In fact, for almost every project I create one, defining materials, fabrics, furniture according to the requests of customers or architects like you.

The aim is to characterize and make each place unique, giving it its own personality and identity, make it characteristic so.

I don’t want to bore you telling you how much study, research, and passion is behind it, but believe me, there’s so much.

Let’s go back to our bar, today’s moodboard is dedicated to everything that can make this space attractive and engaging.

It is important to have a clear idea of the style you want to recreate and consider that a bar usually performs different functions, so the choice of furniture must be accurate.

I imagined creating for you a moodboard that would reflect a classic timeless place.

Are you curious? Read more.

Moodboard #1 for a bar - Gitaly contract

«In this moodboard we find:»

1. Royal blue sofa 3 seats.

Sinuous shapes, the concept of “family” makes the collection suitable to furnish different areas of the project, in fact the style is the same and also fulfills different seating needs. 

Can I add my own comment? Yes I do. This sofa is very comfortable, the customers will sit and will not go away anymore. What can I say, seeing is believing. 

2. Royal blue velvet pillow.

This velvet pillow gives a touch of elegance to the project, the finishes in a dark blue tone make it perfect for a wide range of interior styles.

Yes, I know, pillows only have decorative function, but I personally love them. A sofa without pillows looks like a mojito without mint leaves on it (staying on the theme).

3. Metallic edge brass table.

This table is a real trend in terms of furniture for restaurants, bars and Hotels.

I personally guarantee (do you trust me?) that the solid foot makes the table not wobble, I hate when it happens, and putting the cardboard under to solve the problem is not aesthetic.

Marble effect brass table, Cactus collection, element of the moodboard - Gitaly contract

4. Bar stool.

Solid beech wood structure, padding on belts with high intensity flame retardant foam.

The padded backrest makes it perfect to enjoy a long aperitif (in Italy after 20 is called “apericena”) and stay late. Stop with rigid stools, they’re beautiful, but uncomfortable. 

Collinet scale stool, moodboard ' s element - Gitaly contract

5. Contardi Mikado, collection of jewel lamps.

The collection is characterized by the combination of rectangular brass tubes and parallelepipeds in engraved glass, with two types of processing. Think, the name “Mikado” comes from apparently random combinations that instead follow a precise pattern.

6. Table lamp in glass Kitta Ponn by Aromas del Campo.

Collection of table lamps designed by AC Studio for Aromas del Campo in coloured glass with fixed arm.

7. Material of Onyx&more collection.

The collection combines elegance, sophistication, brightness and poetic onyx with porphyry grafts, a discreet and informal stone material. This allows a material with a strong expressive charge that plays on the harmonic contrasts and on the chromatic blend that only nature is able to give.

8. Plyboo by Smith & Fong.

Plyboo is an architectural bamboo plywood, can be used in a variety of applications, including interior wall coverings, suspended ceilings, retail displays, furniture construction and much more.

9. Ironblue wallpaper belonging to the floral collection, designer Inkiostro Bianco.

This revolutionary coating is the result of the collaboration between Inkiostro Bianco and Mapei. It has a dubious function, decorative and protective; in fact it has greater stability, efficiency, lightness and flexibility if we compare it to a traditional wallpaper.

10. Fabrics:

Sabby Velvet by Flukso.

Sabby Velvet by Flukso, fabric of the moodboard - Gitaly contract

Flame-retardant knitted fabric made of a single body, which makes it ideal for making upholstered furniture even with special rounded shapes for hotels and public places. The thin fleece is very soft and pleasant to the touch.

Gorgeous by Flukso.

Gorgeous by Flukso Demitec line, fabric of the moodboard - Gitaly contract

Fire-retardant velvet of high quality and beauty, the slightly opaque appearance is suitable for any type of style, classic and contemporary. Demitec combines elegance, enveloping textures, the prestige of fabrics with the high technical performance typical of contract fabrics.

Drop by Kvadrat.

Drop by Kvadrat by Anderseen & Voll for Febrik, fabric of moodboard - Gitaly contract

The multicolored drop is a slightly three-dimensional, playful knit fabric that creates different perceptions based on how the fabric reflects the rays of light from different directions.

11. Decorative frame by us.

Frame for ceiling and walls with embossed designs with clean design, choice to emphasize the outline of the ceiling, create panels on the walls or around the doors and more, to create elegant boiserie.

We made lots of them, they’re like parsley, they look good on everything.

Decorative frame by Orac Decor, decor of the moodboard - Gitaly contract

«A picture is worth 1000 words»

Do you understand the great work behind creating a moodboard even though I didn’t explain it to you? Every time, I amuse myself by searching among the thousands of catalogues that I have in my office, contacting and asking estimates to the suppliers, appealing also to my experience and knowledge in the field, the right complements to make each project unique and characteristic.

Did you like this idea of style to decorate a bar? I hope so, I’ll be back soon to write more.

If you really can’t wait for the next article, but you want me to make one for you, click here.

Sense, Feel and Act, three dimension of customer experience. - Gitaly contract

HOW TO BECOME AN EXPERIENCE PROVIDER.

HOW TO BECOME AN EXPERIENCE PROVIDER.

by Anastasia Arduini - Marketing Department

«...Make a long story short»

How to start a story? The “once upon a time” seems to me outdated, banal. Let’s leave it to fairy tales.

I would rather focus on what is the experience, if we want to become a provider we must first know “what we sell”.

How to define it…I believe it is connected to what you feel, that you live when you come into contact with something, for example, an object or a space. 

The two great levers of experience are emotion and relationship.

I know what you think..Why are experiences so important? Does experience involve our job?

But we take it slow. I don’t want to spoil you the final, l hate when the others do it to me.

Like in a respectable story, there are two protagonists: the main one is called the customer and the secondary one is the “seller” of experiences. The narrator in this case is Experiential Marketing.

He says that the behaviour of the consumer has changed, so today it is no longer enough to offer him a product as such, but it is necessary to create meanings able to let him live news experiences and emotions

This is the only way to create a deep and lasting relationship with the customer and be remembered.

I guess you’re figuring out where I want to go, the idea is to break the object-use binomial and give it a deeper sense. 

And by doing so, a simple space, a simple armchair, a simple wall can become something more, imagine it as the pumpkin of Cinderella that becomes a beautiful carriage.

The magic wand is in your hand and we are the magic dust that makes it possible. It’s only necessary, in every project, to focus on the customer or on the guest and create solutions for what he really wants, not based on what we think he would want.

«Abracadabra»

It’s time that I told you the story’s ending. There is therefore, as already mentioned, a connection between the design of spaces and environments, experiential marketing and the concept of creating positive and meaningful experiences for your guests.

Imagine how sad it would be if a guest didn’t remember anything, not even a detail of your facility. Surely this would also affect loyalty and the possibility of positive word-of-mouth.

But we don’t think about returns (yes I know they are important) but those are the consequences. What you need to do is to do a good job, put yourself in the shoes of a guest and ask you what he would like to live, how can you make his stay unique and memorable.

I want to tell you another secret, in the Hotel and catering industry the future’s not have luxury facilities but provide experience.

There are more and more projects of great architects and owners or directors who join with the aim of creating unique spaces for sensations and emotions, where the main pillar (to stay on topic) is the interior experience of the guest.

Do we choose one at random? Philippe Starck. Perhaps the precursor of this trend. Just look at his project for the Mama Shelter in Paris, a place like himself defined where everyone can be united, rich, poor, known or unknown, artists, whose furniture with its pleasant and well-balanced volumes makes the guest feel at home, at “Mama”home.

The goal was to create not a place to spend the night, but a modern kibbutz, a secular monastery, a place where friends can gather around a table to share a meal, where everyone can be themselves.

The graffiti in the ceilings, the sea-life donuts inserted to cover the pipes in the bar area, the yoga space, the seating tables in which are combined classic chairs and sofas, the long table where you can play in 8 with on the side of the tents that represent human faces with outstretched arms as if they wanted a hug, are perfect examples of what l said.

Getting to the point, how do you become an experience provider? It’s possible to act across five dimensions, of which three are: sense, feel, act.

«You should also please the eye»

Let’s start with Sense. The sense as you can imagine is connected to the senses. The aim is to create sensory experience through sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. The presence of the same fragrances, palette of colors, design, furniture, complements of a Hotel chain makes the guest, in whatever part of the world he is, entering a Hotel recognize him and associate with that brand the emotions that these elements provoke in him.

Let’s give a little concreteness to all this abstraction, it is our work.

Yotel has been doing it for years.

They conduct research on their targets to identify personas and put themselves in their shoes to discover their interests, what they would like to find in the Hotel, why they travel, what services they need.

Look at the images below. Do you see any similarities? I would say yes, despite being three different spaces of Hotel, the purple color palette is always used to distinguish the group and generate a memory in the customer.

Corridor

Yotel experience spaces - Gitaly contract

Public areas

Yotel experience spaces in public areas. - Gitaly contract

Rooms

Experience room of Yotel. - Gitaly contract

Also at the entrance of all Hotels of the chain located in different parts of the Word there are always arches with the signature “Yotel” cold white, totems, also for the walls, carpets and ceilings are always used materials or colors chosen from a selected set. The furniture? Similar or even the same.

«Do unto others as you would have them do unto you»

The Feel refers to the customer’s inside feelings and its aim is to create experiences that arouse feelings and emotions.

How do you feel about this picture beside?

I personally feel relaxed. It’s this feeling that our customers considered when they asked us to design the counters for the breakfast room at the Crowne Plaza Zurich.

 I don’t know your habits, but to start a day well, besides a good coffee (that can never be missing), I need peace and quiet.

To evoke these feelings and emotions we have designed counters for the breakfast room using white marble able to arouse and make the guest feel relaxed.

It’s not over yet. If you want to become an experienced provider you have to know more, a little learning is a dangerous thing”.

Crowne Plaza Zurich counter, designed for a relaxing experience - Gitaly contract
Lounge chiar for conference areas to create a relaxing experience. - Gitaly contract

The Hotels’ lobbies are increasingly valued and transformed from living rooms of transit to real offices. The Reason? Creating places of aggregation in which it is possible to spend time, converse or carry out formal and business meetings.

The idea is to give space and furniture not only a functional value (armchair=sit), but see behind something more and give it a deeper meaning such as that of conviviality.

We did it at the Crowne Plaza Geneva, not in the lobby, but in the spaces attached to the conference room.

Imagine getting out of a meeting or waiting to get in. What would you prefer; high tables with stools or comfortable lounge chairs in which you can relax or spend a moment of conviviality perhaps with your owner or your collaborators? Wouldn’t that improve your relationship?

We preferred the second option. In fact, lounge chairs have been inserted that fit together with each other, custom, with selected fabrics and colors that match perfectly.

What about the wall adjacent to the stairs and the conference room? It looks like a tent I know. That was the goal.

Actually, it’s textured, modulated marble with stripled inserts on it. The idea was to create a vibrant effect, lighten the wall and create something that could transmit positive and energetic sensations to encourage work, as they say good vibes only“.

Experience chandelier of Crowne Plaza Geneva - Gitaly contract
Experience wall in marbe - Gitaly contract

«Make it happen»

And finally the Act. The aim of the Act is to influence the experiences of the guests in first person, lifestyles and interactions, and to encourage them to act.

Have you heard of the Selfie Hotel? Surely if you live in Switzerland, precisely in Lausanne you know it.

For the others, I’ll explain, of course if you like. The Selfie Hotel is a temporary and interactive museum that will be installed this summer at the Hotel Alpha Palmieres by Fassbind in Lausanne.

There will be 24 themed rooms where you can take selfies or take memorable shots from professional photographers. The Act dimension is not only satisfied by involving the guest in something, pushing him to action, sharing social posts and then creating a community, but also by the type of content created.

In fact, all the rooms were created to raise awareness and affect people’s lifestyle, the themes are recycling, green, the reduction of waste and environmental impact.

I promise, one last example and that’s it.

Also in the design of the Student Hotel’s spaces has exploited this dimension. Its founder was convinced that the students deserved something better than simple accommodation. In addition to a place to sleep they needed a stimulating space to find their way, to realize their potential, and why not change the world, we always need someone to do it.

The spaces were designed to encourage interaction, to learn from each other, to have their own place where they can find inspiration. 

For this reason the halls are completely unstructured, there are not only the seats, the reception, the bar and the restaurant, but also co-working spaces, shared study areas, video games and much more.

The spaces’ boundaries are blurred to promote connections, creativity and fun.

«It's up to you»

I know you’ve got the urge to make your facility or start a Selfie Hotel project, I’ve got the urge to go.

Seriously, this is not a perfect manual to become an experience provider or how to create a project in this regard. 

The important thing is to consider that there is no right or wrong way to do it, great ideas arise in the most disparate way and break the patterns. If we had talked about experiential marketing to “fathers” of traditional Marketing they would have thought we were fools and if we had told them that this could be applied to space design, he would have laughed at us.

But today it is the reality, a reality that is becoming more and more important and that cannot be ignored. 

It’s only necessary, in any project, focus on customers, just so we can do a good job.

Do you have any ideas in mind? I’ll take this opportunity to tell you that we are here to support you if you want.

Custom design - Gitaly contract

IT’S EASY TO SAY CUSTOM DESIGN.

IT’S EASY TO SAY CUSTOM DESIGN.

by Elisabetta Boldrini - Project Manager

«Well begun is half done»

Let’s start… I can’t find a good way to start and yet the beginnings of custom design projects are so romantic, everything seems possible, achievable, easy… but what it seems to be is deceiving.

If you want to make this type of project come true, you have to face a number of challenges and issues.

First of all, you need architects (like you or like us) who are able to develop the client’s idea… no, wait, let’s take a step back… first of all, you need clients (like you) who have an idea, a desire, a dream, an effective concept in mind, and then companies like Gitaly are essential, who take care of all the project development phases, from the detailed drawings to the actual installation and assembly.

Let’s start from the beginning: the idea.

You need to always have one in mind, original and innovative. You need to decide what kind of look you want to give your Hotel, what style you want to embrace, what kind of experience you want your guests to have, because you know, their opinion is what counts in the end.

Obviously, what you want must be feasible, or at least you have to think it is (so: no donkeys flying!).

Let’s move on; the development of the concept.

We need just as much skill, it’s a matter of making concrete on a sheet of paper, or rather on AutoCAD or 3D Studio (we’re technical people) without forgetting Photoshop, what the client has idealized, trying to make everything feasible and achievable.

Well, l’m already feeling the sense of fatigue you’re feeling (it’s normal), but it’s not over yet because, as we’ve already said, all this has to be made real, it has to be turned into real furniture, facing all the difficulties that this entails (don’t worry, we’ll take care of that).

Just to get you even more in the mood, l want to give you some examples of custom design furniture we have made.

«The devil is in the details»

In my opinion, there is no better title for this topic.

That’s right, the devil is in the details, an expression invented by Gustave Flaubert used even nowadays, especially in custom design projects.

This is because designing in detail and then making something that does not yet exist or that exists in a different form, in a different material, always hides problems to be faced, which sometimes require the revision of the design itself.

Here, I want to tell you about those details (which are not so secondary because they affect the success of the furniture itself) that no one ever talks about, through some examples of custom furniture for the Hotel Marmont of M3 Hospitality.

«Chapeau»

The title is not chosen casually, it is not only a nice way to describe the custom-made washbasin l want to tell you about, but it is also a way of thanking my team, the architects, the client, suppliers and craftsmen (I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone) for having made it.

M3 Hospitality has a clear idea of wanting to personalize each of its Hotels by giving a unique shape to the washbasin in the bathroom of the rooms, a uniqueness that must be connected to the context in which the building is located.

For the Hotel Marmont, the initial idea was to make it in the shape of a cup, essentially similar to the one designed for another M3 Hotel Ferney Voltaire Genève Aéroport, but to make the project even more centred, given that the Hotel is located on the famous Princes Street in Geneva, it was decided to give the washbasin the shape of a so-called “prince”, the classic top hat emblem of the 18th century to which the building dates.

All wonderful, but the problem was to make it.

Do you remember the famous details and challenges l mentioned earlier? (If the answer is no, scroll your mouse button up). Well, in this case there were several.

First of all, the design in detail considering all the engineering elements in order to be able to move on to the production of the article.

 

Washbasin with custom design - Gitaly ContractIt was also necessary to find a durable material (having to use it for a washbasin), which could be moulded, sculpted, cut and jointed to achieve the cylindrical shape designed; after several studies, corian was chosen as it was able to perform these functions and give the final result a continuous line.

I guess you will agree with me that making a washbasin worthy of being called a cylinder and working with the corian sheets, bending them to give it this shape and joining them to the other elements is an arduous task.

Which is why we had to make a multitude of different samples in shape and colour to find the right portion and approve all the details; l can’t deny you (l would never lie to you) that at first the result was not the best, but we went ahead.

Just when it was about to get better, something happened: we were told that the shape resembled (not by our own will) the hat used by a well-known historical figure, who is not very famous (l won’t name him, l’ll leave the research to you), so we had to recreate a new shape.

I can anticipate that we succeeded.

«Post tenebras lux»

Well, if you are not bored of me already, l would continue the discussion, telling you about another customized piece of furniture, other details, another challenge.

Still for the Hotel Marmont we were asked to make customized bedside tables, similar to those already made for M3 Hotel Ferney Voltaire Genève Airport. We know (thanks to the famous figure) that similar is not synonymous with easy and not always a positive meaning.

These bedside tables differ from the others in that not only for the cylindrical shape and legs, but also for the method of reading the message, chosen by M3 consistently with the design, backlit.

Precisely in this last detail lies the devil.

In fact, the client’s request was that the message from which the light comes out carved in the sheet metal be projected and read on the floor.

Unfortunately, not everything turns out as it should. The rooms, although large, are not big enough to project the message from the bedside table onto the floor, so that the quote could not be read in full.

For this reason, although the concept had already been prototyped, we had to rethink and redesign it, choosing to turn the writing upside down so that the message could be read directly on the bedside table.

It wasn’t easy; for the prototyping and testing of the product we had to improvise as real artists, sometimes even abandoning technological progress, by using cardboard.

«Meuble de Vie and Meuble Chariot»

This time I didn’t have to think of unusual titles to try and impress you, the name given to this furniture by the client is wonderful in itself.

The “Meuble de Vie”, so called because it is the “living furniture”, the real furniture of the room, was designed to be able to make the most of it.
Together with the architects, we had to make sure that this piece of furniture could fulfil various functions: TV stand and safe, desk, coat rack with mirror and bench/suitcase rack. All of which had to be kept to the minimum size, and the maximum depth had to be 20 cm.
Of course, it had to fit in completely with the style of the room.

In order to make the furniture as good as possible, it was necessary to make several revisions in terms of design and samples, because it was not easy to adapt it to the different functions and to make it flexible to meet the client’s diverse needs.

From a stylistic point of view, after considering various alternatives, in order to make the piece of furniture essential and in harmony with the vintage atmosphere that dominates the whole, we opted for brass-coloured tubular structures enriched with grating modules in the same colour, combined with walnut finish elements with leather handles.
The element created is a unique custom piece of furniture that will be replicated in the entire chain of M3 Group.

Are you still there? Don’t worry, unfortunately we are almost at the end…

Where were we? Ah yes, at Meuble Chariot. Of course, you all have the classic coffee table in mind, but this one is different.

In fact, the architects of Studio La Cellula, in order to meet the client’s idea of creating a vintage style coffee table to which the whole concept refers, designed a coffee table with two opening shelves on a cart-shaped structure.

Here too, the details were tricky. In fact, we had to conceive and develop a suitable structure with functional wheels to allow the guest to move it wherever he wanted, enriched with aesthetic and functional details capable of making the cart look good and perform its function as a real table.

«It takes two to tango... sometimes three, four...»

Would you ever be able to dance a tango on your own? Maybe you would, but the result, would not be the best…As in dance, in our work too, we need a series of reliable partners (we don’t want to fall to the ground during a hold) on whom we can rely to realize a project.

Without a mutual exchange of ideas, knowledge, reflections, points of view, no project would take shape in the desired manner.

This is why, especially for the creation of custom furniture, it is necessary to make use of the rich network of craftsmen and suppliers with whom we have been collaborating for years. And this is what we do.

Just as in a perfect couple’s dance, there is always someone who leads and someone, of equal skill, who follows the steps; so, too, in our case, we provide the technical drawings, the guidelines, while the suppliers and craftsmen, putting their own hand to work, make what has been designed come true.

In the project of the Hotel Marmont, the production of the corian washbasin requested by the client required an intense collaboration with our supplier, who not only immediately accepted the challenge, but also gave us all his useful advice to achieve the required final result. 

Every craftsman and supplier we work with is highly specialized in something and selected for their level of quality.

We rarely choose the same person to make different elements; in this way we can make each element unique and able to fully reflect in every detail what customers and architects like you want and have designed.

«Every cloud has a silver lining.»

Making a custom design project a reality, as you have probably understood, is not an easy challenge.

There is great work behind a chair, a washbasin, or a stylistic choice.

Imagine it as an iceberg, what we can see is only a part of everything that lies underneath.

Are you also thinking about the classic image with the word “success” and under a series of words that make it possible?… nothing could be truer.

Despite this, when you get to the end of such a complex job, see that we have succeeded in fully realizing the architect’s project and respecting it, which for us is fundamental because our aim is to support you, and seeing our clients satisfied because able to offer unique sensations to their clients and the desired user experiences, repays us.

Too obvious? Bah, is reality.

Meuble de vie and meuble chariot with custom design - Gitaly Contract
Bathroom washbasin with custom design - Gitaly Contract
Custom Design - Gitaly Contract
Technician restores a antique furniture to give life to the art project. - Gitaly contract

PICK A TECHNICIAN, AN ART PROJECT, BLEND IT ALL TOGETHER.

PICK A TECHNICIAN, AN ART PROJECT, BLEND IT ALL TOGETHER.

by Samuele Tordini - Technical and Manager Director

«As easy as drinking a glass of water... or almost.»

How to break the ice?

I’ll start by telling you right away – so there are no secrets between us – that I am the technician in question (to be blended), while the other key ingredient in our recipe, the art project, concerns the Mas De Pierre Relais Hotel Châteaux , which I was in charge of.

When the client commissioned us with the project for the total renovation of the public areas, l imagined that l would have to ‘do my own thing’ as in any project. It is not that my work is not complicated, quite the contrary. Every day there is always something new, a problem to solve, a challenge to overcome, and I am used to it.

In this case, however, I had to try something different… Let’s go step by step.

First of all, l’ll answer the question, for those who don’t know (for others it will be a brief review) what a technician like me is called upon to do in any project that clients and architects like you commission from us.

It is not easy to explain. In brief, together with my colleagues, l deal with the purely technical part, more specifically, I check the feasibility and budget of each imagined element, l develop the detail drawings for the production of each component either for the supplier or directly for the machine, and l monitor each step of production, checking its quality.

Oh, and of course I also supervise the construction phase.

I thought I had to do this in this case too (easy enough) but as l said, it wasn’t quite like that. Perhaps l should have already guessed from the name given to this place, namely “bastide”, or from the architects who have worked on this project over the years, or simply from the style of the structure, l don’t know.

«...Comparing apples to oranges»

Comparing apples with oranges, l think you’ll agree with me, it doesn’t make much sense.

They have almost nothing in common except the rounded shape.

For those of us who speak French, the most pertinent idiomatic expression is “Il n’a rien à faire avec la choucroute”.

Well, let’s just say it was a bit like that, between me and this project.

I will now describe what l have been called upon to do in this case, offer my point of view, show the project through my blue eyes and you will understand why l have chosen the title above.

Before starting, l will give you an overview of what Mas De Pierre Relais Hotel Châteaux is.

How to define it? An enchanting country house, a chateau, a picturesque luxury retreat, a wonderful Hotel nestled in the Provencal countryside.

There is not a single effective description. The property is a combination of these things, a well-designed five-star historic place with Provencal charm and appeal.

Over the years, the spaces and rooms have been renovated and redesigned to make this place even more enchanting. Familiar names such as architect Philippe Caron, interior designer Patrick Ribes and landscape architect Bruno Ricci have taken care of it.

We were commissioned to refurbish the public areas, or rather the furniture in these spaces, including carpentry work.

You already have a first idea of the differences from my usual work.

Let us continue. This was not just a simple renovation, but a real restoration in style, what those of us who speak French call “à l’identique”. Everything had to be studied in detail and reflect the initial project. To complicate matters, no two pieces of furniture, restored or new, are the same. So, a variety of supplies and materials such as solid wood (walnut, oak, etc.), treated with natural techniques.

Not only did this take longer to design and manufacture, but it made mass production and the use of machines impossible. Yes, my beloved machines had to be abandoned.

A further requirement was to be in harmony with the surrounding Provencal landscape, while maintaining the 1950s style.

When faced with such an artistic project in historical terms and with a very precise style, without being able to use machines for production, having to deal with details, finishes, particular furnishings, it was like comparing apples with oranges.

Did l succeed? Read on to find out.

«...Let's blend the ingredients»

Let’s start with the furniture, the main object of the project. The existing furniture was redesigned, making it necessary to dismantle it and restore it; we created the new furniture according to the style, finishes and details of the existing one, mixing it with the typical atmosphere of the 1950s that we wanted to recreate.

The knobs look like real antique gold brooches, used at the time to charm and embellish hats matching women’s and men’s clothing.

Each piece of furniture is different from the other, made of solid walnut, oak and whatever else, treated with natural processes.

The upper part of the concierge unit consists of a front panel made of fireproof MDf fixed to a wooden frame, and drawers and doors with invisible hinges in the lower (storage) part. All parts were coated with a siliconized mirror with polished edges.

For the wall-mounted storage unit, we used black melamine wood while the worktop is made of silestone. For the coat rack in the restaurant, we opted for a melamine wood with chrome turbo.

The furniture is really artistic. I personally have restored 19th-century canvases, paintings and frames using innovative techniques. There are also a number of colourful mirrors in special materials, some of which are tinted.

The frames are identical for all fixtures, furniture and fittings. We have also included silver decorations for the various counters.

If you haven’t yet understood how far this project is from my world, let me tell you more.

In an effort to recreate the atmosphere of the 1950s in the bar, we chose iconic furnishings, such as woven straw chairs, typical French bistro tables with metal feet, a custom-made bistro-style bar counter according to the existing model, consisting of an antique brushed oak facade and frames, a pewter top with a thick shaped edge. The bar stools were upholstered in aged leather or faux leather, chosen from the “Antic line” selection, vintage model.

The restaurant called “Bistrot de Pierre” has been renovated to a more modern look, but its authenticity and conviviality has been preserved and its “home & casual” spirit maintained.

The Provencal style has been recreated through the use of authentic and natural materials, while the casual style is expressed through the choice of comfortable and modular furniture. The chandeliers with their handcrafted character and artistic form make the guest feel at home. The setting is characterized by a real show kitchen, the colours are those of old Nice, yellow ochre and red ochre.

The project also included the supply and installation of framed black and white photos in various formats depicting 1950s Nice or scenes from black and white French films such as “La gloire de mon père” or “Manon des sources”.

I’ll stop here. I don’t want to go on too long, but if you want to know more, I will definitely write an in-depth article sometime in the future, that’s a promise.

The time has now come to open the blender and see what we have obtained.

«Like for like (Birds of a feather flock together)»

By this point, you might have understood that I was able to face and complete this challenge.

At the end of the day, we were not too different. Just as apples and oranges are similar in shape, maybe l have something in common with this project.

The ability of the Gitaly team to adapt their work to the client’s requirements certainly helped.

As a technician, l can assure you that l never even expected to have to write a blog article like this and yet, here l am.

Business card with inserted the image of the facades of Everness Hotel. - Gitaly contract

HOW NOT TO BE ASHAMED OF OUR FACADES ANYMORE.

HOW NOT TO BE ASHAMED OF OUR FACADES ANYMORE.

by Elisabetta Boldrini - Project Manager

«Beautiful inside... but what about outside?»

Here l am, writing again, and l’m going to go against the tide.

We always refer to inner beauty, “the important thing is to be beautiful inside”, l imagine you have heard this at least a hundred times. This is a very correct concept when referring to people, but not so correct, in my humble opinion, if related to a Hotel.

Imagine that you are a guest: you book a room, you arrive at the place and, even before entering, you find yourself in front of an old, ugly structure, with the worst colours or terrible facades. Well, maybe inside you might come across flying elephants, pink unicorns, fire breathers and the most innovative design in the world, but your first impression of the Hotel is not a positive one.

Even worse, let’s assume that we are just ordinary travellers, that we have not booked and are wandering the streets looking for a hotel. We find three on the same street to choose from. Obviously modern technology helps us make the decision, but we will largely rely on what we like best from the outside or what evokes the most positive feelings.

So, while the fact that a hotel is well-designed, functional and aesthetically appealing on the inside is crucial, so too is the exterior.

If you don’t want your Hotel to look like a prison from the outside (yes, l can tell you that this could happen), read on.

«Rome wasn’t built in a day»

So now that we have answered the question “beautiful inside… but what about outside?” with “equally beautiful”, l want to share another obvious truth with you: designing the facades of a Hotel requires study, research and time. The result, like Rome, will be magnificent.

I like to give some substance to what l say, and it is not by chance that l work at Gitaly, whose main objective is to make your ideas, projects and desires come true. This is why l would like to deal with this subject by mentioning a project we have worked on, which concerns the facades of the Hotel Everness & Resort***.

It was beautiful indoors: the new strategy was to distinguish itself from the standardized and depersonalized hotel industry and to entertain a deeper connection with the customer. This research was reflected in a series of facilities: a new wellness area, modernization of the rooms (we took care of this, EVERNESS HOTEL), development of a bar-restaurant concept, transformation of the lobby. Everything was beautifully done, but from the outside the facades did not match the image of the interior.  Let’s say that from the outside it looked like a completely different structure (remember the example above? This is the case).

Moreover, the Hotel is clearly visible from the motorway linking Geneva and Lausanne, the main road leading to Switzerland’s main cities, such as Zurich, Bern and Basel, so it was important to give character to the structure, which looked very insignificant from the motorway.

As the building is located in the middle of nature, the idea was to make it more surrounded by it by redesigning the facades.

In addition, we developed a concept that could “break the modules” by interrupting the extreme regularity and rigidity of the structure (look at the picture, it’s worth a thousand words) and also give it more verticality, considering its horizontal development.

Edgar Allan Poe said: ‘to hide something, you have to put it in full view’. Well, in such cases never do that, never paint an external staircase red to “hide” it if it doesn’t look the way you want it to.

In fact, we had to redesign the external staircase to make it part of the structure and achieve aesthetic improvement, thus harmonizing it with the concept of nature.

«A, B or C?»

I know what you are thinking but this is not a game show with one right answer. These are simply three different options that we analyzed in order to realize the facade project for the Hotel Everness & Resort***.

Let’s summarize our goals in 4 points:

● greater contact and harmony with nature and the surrounding environment;

● giving verticality;

● breaking up the modules, thus making the structure less rigid;

● improving the external staircase, by integrating it into the volume…

We carried out an in-depth study to develop the concept and to choose the materials to be used, selecting different options.

Option A

Concept for facades linked to the colors of the sky and the lake. - Gitaly contract

Materials and geometries inspired by the colour of the sky and the surrounding lake, capable of evoking strong vibrations.

Option B

Reflecting materials that could capture the surroundings and the sky for facades. - Gitaly contract

Reflecting materials that could capture the surroundings and the sky.

Option C

Natural materials such as stone or wood for facades. - Gitaly contract

Natural materials such as stone or wood to create a strong link between the structure, nature and its surroundings.

In developing the concept, we were inspired by great masters (you can always learn from the best) and l am going to mention some of them for your knowledge and to show you the great work of preparation behind each of our projects.

Who better than the new residential building designed by Cino Zucchi at the Darsena in Ravenna to express the concept of harmony with nature and the surrounding context? Just think that the building was designed with a double face (I don’t mean that in a bad way, eh): on one side it responds to the existing urban layout and on the other it connects and opens up towards the water front of the adjacent river. The structure looks like a real mosaic, giving it verticality, while the colours recall nature.

For the choice of light-reflecting materials, we looked at projects by APA Zalewski Architekci in collaboration with the Trespa company, in which they used these elements for the facades, creating a kind of union and “play” with light and the environment.

«Which option would you have chosen for your Hotel? Which one did we choose?»

If you have come this far, l hope this topic will be of interest to you. Which of the above options would you have chosen for your project? Don’t worry, there is no wrong option and you don’t win anything. We chose option B.

We opted for a light-reflecting material, because our main idea was that the facades should reflect the sky and be able to change colour according to the sky and sunlight, which, when manipulated, can become a real design element, giving the facades a unique and different look at different times of the day.

The materials chosen are HPL panels by the company Trespa from the latest collection called Lumen, available in three finishes: oblique, opaque, diffuse (they differ in their reaction to light), capable of reflecting the surrounding environment, thus perfectly integrating the structure into it.

The colour thus comes to life through light reflections.

Photorealistic rendering of facades designed for Hotel Everness & Resort. - Gitaly contract

Now, a big question: what happened to the red external stairs?

I have already told you that they have been redesigned, but let’s see how.

For the development of the concept of the external staircase we completely embraced the idea of nature and vine leaves.

We wanted to create an association with this concept because the Hotel is surrounded by vineyards and both the bar and the restaurant serve various kinds of wine from the surrounding organic vineyards, as the Director proudly reminded us several times.

The stairs were therefore covered with a geometrically textured module with perforated triangles, illuminated at night by the interior lights, creating an intersection between the interior and exterior, incorporating the staircase more into the structure.

We were inspired (to name but one) by the designs made by the international architecture firm Snøhetta for some of their clients; we revised the shape and geometry to make the project unique and branded Gitaly.

Concept of external staircase inspired to the idea of nature. - facades - Gitaly contract

Look at the images, do they remind you of anything? Well, being the nostalgic Italians that we are, it takes us back in time to Expo 2015, Italy Pavilion. You may have seen a similar texture before….

We produced drawings on drawings to optimize the cutting and drilling of the panels and reduce material waste, and then we managed to install these elements without difficulty and make our customers satisfied whilst keeping timing and budget.

Pavilion Italy - Expo 2015 designed with geometrically textured. - Gitaly contract