Hotel Central Bucharest

The architectural project

The 62 rooms with their bathrooms, the restaurant and lobby were renovated and the façade underwent a facelift to enhance the hotel’s image while respecting the historical character of the building and the surrounding environment.

For the renovation of the rooms all carpet floors were replaced with new vinyl floors, bed headboards dismantled and restored with new finishes, surfaces of existing furniture were replaced or restored to create a uniform appearance. Lighting fixtures were replaced with modern ones and new additions were made wherever it was needed. In the sanitary areas, new tiles and bathroom accessories were installed.

In the restaurant the ceiling and walls were painted and a new wallpaper was added. The lighting fixtures were replaced to match the new atmosphere of the area.

The corridors went through a total restoration, the old carpet floor was removed and replaced with new one. The doors and walls were painted with new color and by using stencil technique to create a unique experience while walking through the hotel. Art pieces were also added to enhance the experience.

In the lobby area the existing functions were transformed in order to meet the current needs. By respecting and following the existing forms of the space the old reception was moved and the new reception was placed in the old bar area. Two new comfortable sitting areas were created and a co-working space. After evaluating the needs of the client and the space, storage spaces were added in the reception area co-working area and in the back area for luggage storage. All surfaces follow a uniform look to create consistency and guide the guest through the space.

The façade was restored by respecting the historical heritage of the building and the surrounding area. Whole façade was repainted. The horizontal and vertical courses of the building were enhanced by differentiation with color and light, in order to remind and promote the historical character. The logo position was changed and the logo was highlighted to distinguish in the urban environment. The entrance was enriched with a new canopy and new lighting to enrapture and lead the guests inside the building.

The design concept description

The design integrates modern elements into the existing character of the building. Soft touches were added where it was needed and major restorations in the spaces that needed the most, always with respect to the building and to the client’s needs. Materials, lighting and finishes were carefully chosen and integrated to create a unique urban experience for the guests of Hotel Central.

The overall concept of the design is to create a modern environment with unique elements which highlight the urban experience and reflect the modern city life.

The rooms are reflecting the urban city concept. Wooden and metal elements are dominating the space creating clean lines which help to clear the mind. Soft modern fabrics are added on headboards and accent color to the wall which enliven the room. The concept is completed with new lighting fixtures and mirrors which create a cozy atmosphere and contributes to relaxation. In the suites modern furniture and decorative elements are also added to enhance the feeling of “being at home” and make accustomed the guest with the space.

The sanitary areas are coated with new contemporary tiles combination in order to highlight certain elements and give character to the space.

In the restaurant soft colors are used on the walls and ceiling and the existing lines are highlighted. A modern vibrant and colorful wallpaper is added which is stimulating the senses and echoes the vibes of the city. New lighting fixtures are placed on the walls and the ceiling which diffuse light evenly and maintain a cozy environment.

The corridors are painted with soft dark colors with a modern pattern created with stencil and the use of different colors in similar tones. The doors are also painted and become a part of the overall pattern to create a uniform environment. The old carpet floor is changed with a new modern vibrant carpet which completes the design experience. Modern art pieces are carefully chosen and placed so the guest goes through a luxury walking experience.

In the lobby the existing lines are followed and enhanced. Wooden elements, combination of dark and soft colors, green columns and carefully integrated lighting are creating an exceptional and captivating welcoming area. The old bar counter is covered with a carefully design pattern made from wooden elements and enhanced with hidden lighting, which creates a “moving form” and embraces the guest into the lobby. In the area behind the reception a combination of black, wood and green elements is used which make the reception area to distinguish and lead the guest towards there while he is coming through the entrance. In the ceiling the existing lines are enriched with the placement of wooden beams which create the illusion that the ceiling is hanging. In the seating area green elements, soft colors and fabrics are used to create a cozy environment and “protect” the guests from the noise of the street. The co- working space follows the same design principles as the rest of the space, storage spaces with identical design as the reception is added to create uniformity and serve the needs of the room. In the back area of the lobby another storage space is created with alike materials, for the luggage’s storage.

The design of the façade is based on carefully and extensive research about the historical area, the surrounding buildings and the surrounding architectural styles. The colors were chosen after thoroughly analyzing the color palettes’ of significant buildings in Bucharest. The design concept suggests the horizontal and vertical courses differentiation with colors which adapt to the surrounding environment and respect the historical heritage. Two colors are used to succeed that, white and light gray. The white color enhance the different directions and enhance the character of the building. New vertical elements are also added to give a modern and unique touch without “disturbing” the historical character. The logo is also in white color to be clearly visible. A new glass and metal canopy is added above the entrance which contributes to a modern detail and enhance the entrance.