Alexander Lotersztain and the Limes Hotel design process
As a designer who has been a nomad for almost six years, hotel rooms and planes have always been an important part of the lifestyle of the Limes Hotel designer, Alexander Lotersztain. Positioned now as a "semi-settled" nomad, Alexander's influence was drawn from the experiences of this wondrous transient lifestyle.
Focusing on the fundamentals was the main factor in the design of Limes...
From his initial discussion a common thread linked Hotel's vision with Derlot's design philosophy. A strong understanding of the client's requirements is essential, as well as extensive experience in the "art" of traveling for a decisive and worldly design result.
"I wanted to make Limes a design experience, however stripped of the associated design ideals of something unattainable. I shifted the design focus to make the guest feel special, yet not afraid of jumping into the bed like it was their own."
The design approach focused on the Hotel in its absolute entirety; considering the intended look and feel, and paying heavy attention to the interiors, furniture, surfaces and finishes, as well as extending the design influence to Limes' music and drinks list. The Limes "facade" has been tangibly branded with the Limes logo on a gross scale, also represented on details throughout the Hotel lobby, rooms and rooftopbar and cinema.
By leaving no facet of the hotel to chance, one feels what I can only describe as the "spirit" of Limes when in its presence. There is a strong feeling within the doors of Limes and a residual impact realised on returning home. The bedroom design process was focused on the efficient use of space, and prioritising use and features. This train of thought led Alexander to the desired end result of the room being visually spacious yet cosy. The orthodox hotel room desk was avoided and updated as all travelers now use laptops and Alexander (among many) use the bed to work and check emails; Limes is completely wireless internet enabled but not forgetting of course, that people do still use internet the traditional way, the kitchenette bench too caters for use as both a casual setting to eat and as the work station equipped with Ethernet points.
Something as simple as mirroring the wardrobe door for versatile use as a wardrobe door and a place to review one's reflection. Where design permitted, mundane items such as rubbish bins and cables were minimised or completely hidden. This not only made the room look visually appealing, but also from a practical aspect, made the servicing of the room more efficient.
The material selection for the rooms was based on its durability, maintenance and appeal. The result: a delicate balance of sophisticated warmth. The rooms feature custom Corian (by Dupont) kitchen benches and toilette vanities, Blackbutt timber bed heads, custom powder coat aluminium door handles, splash-back and floating bedside tables, Luna Textiles curtains and bathroom wall tiles by Bisazza.
Each room has an individually hand painted feature wall created by using a mineral coating technique (Julien Fantone, Idea Creations). The rooms also feature derlot's "lerod" barstool and lounger with NZ black sheep skin, "bolet" lights, balcony "stump" stool, "45" bathroom hardware and the limited edition "twig" table exclusive to Limes.
