The Hotel Grand Windsor, MGallery in Auckland’s CBD is a heritage building that has been extensively redeveloped transforming this 1920s art deco site into a luxury 5-star hotel.  Recently awarded the ‘best new hotel’ at the World Boutique Hotel Awards, Hotel Grand Windsor is a perfect blend of classic and art deco design with accents of elegance.

The original architecture and interiors provided lead designers, Space Studio with a great foundation in which to create the luxury aesthetic that is identifiable with an MGallery Hotel.

“To ensure the interior scheme was carefully coordinated throughout, a consistent colour palette has been used in the wall coverings with room themes achieved through applying different interior elements and soft furnishings.”

The brief for Space Studio was to turn what was a 3-star, dilapidated backpackers into an international hotel brand reflecting a boutique and feminine aesthetic.

In doing so, they researched the history of the building and worked on the concept of the Windsor Jewels.  This resulted in four key themes: Aquamarine, emerald, tourmaline, and amethyst that have been introduced though the guest rooms.

To ensure the interior scheme was carefully coordinated throughout, a consistent colour palette has been used in the wall coverings with room themes achieved through applying different interior elements and soft furnishings.

Key to the project brief was the specification of fit for purpose fabrics that meet all the necessary standards for a hospitality/commercial build while delivering the brief on colour, quality and aesthetic for each space.

Space Studio worked closely with the James Dunlop team to source specific fabrics for all furniture upholstery including sofas, chairs, headboards, poufs and accessories such as cushions and trims as well as drapery.  Heavy duty, fire resistant and fire retardant fabrics that delivered a high end aesthetic were crucial to the success of the Windsor Jewels concept.

Fabrics were selected based on their ability to create the different themes yet at the same time, keeping it simple for housekeeping. The interior design needed to be as uncomplicated as possible. Headboards throughout the hotel were specified in Chateau, Barbarian and Code with other key furniture and accent pieces featuring:

Sofas – Rich, Astoria, Izmir, PebovinoCushions – Rich, Couture, HudsonBar stools – Joker, MaestroDining chairs – Maestro, JokerLounge chairs – Ripple, Amigo, Bahia, Maestro, Limelight Velvet, PebovinoDesk chairs – Crocovino, Ripple, GrandstandPoufs – RippleCurtain blackout – ObeliskPrivate dining curtain - Seasonal

Chairs were designed with decorative fabrics on the back and a heavy duty upholstery fabric on the internal side. Space Studio specified James Dunlop fabrics for their design and ability to look good over time.

The hotel lobby, restaurant and bar were designed as one flowing space.  You can eat anywhere within these areas, giving guests the flexibility in how the space is used.  This required the furniture to be able to withstand high traffic, stains and spills. Durable, easy clean fabrics were vital for this project and the James Dunlop range offered Space Studio the ideal solution.

Alongside the fit-out, branding delivery and customer service were carefully considered, keeping the continuity throughout so that the total scheme resonates.

The entire redevelopment was completed over a two year period, while the backpackers was still operating.  Gradually, the fit out was undertaken from the top floor down with completion in July 2017.