As with all W hotels and residences, the newly opened W Guangzhou in China seduces the senses with playful, dynamic interiors and an inventive play of light.

That same spirit translates readily into the design of Fei Ultralounge, conceived by Aoyama Nomura Design (A.N.D.) –  a Japanese firm that has worked on many well-known restaurants and hospitality projects in Japan and, increasingly, around the world.

According to the team at A.N.D., the original space was a large cubic area spanning 938 square metres, with 18m glass walls rising on three sides. A voluminous starting point.

While W Hotel’s core clientele are “the young”, A.N.D. share that the client’s brief was broaden the appeal of the venue, creating a “sophisticated space where mature adults in their 30’s, 40’s and over could also enjoy”.

The enormous, cold glass curtain wall has been treated with a film of light bringing warmth to the space, binding the various levels into the same venue. The colour and flicker rate of the vast film, made up of countless glass fibres, can be sensitively manipulated to envelop guests in changing light. The film also creates a facade that sparkles and beckons to passers-by on the street, a rainbow waterfall.

Employing a “carefully devised technique” the design team have managed to reflect and amplify the light with less light emitting products. During the day, the same film becomes a translucent screen that serves to soften the sunlight pouring into the space.

Spatially, the insertion of multiple levels and sporadically placed vertical walls creates segmented, individual rooms of differing density and taste such as a VIP area and several private rooms, allowing guests to pick and choose a space that best suits them.

The diversity in materials range from custom stone work to intricate metal latticing and solid timbers.  The result, paired with the evolving light play throughout a visit, is immersive and entirely decadent, meeting W Guangzhou’s brief, perfectly.

Aoyama Nomura Design 
and-design.jp

Images © Nacasa & Partners Inc.