Striving to conceive world-class design that reflects and respects a true sense of place, the design narrative of Andaz Xiamen takes bountiful inspiration from the local tropical Nanyang style. This hospitality facility was created and conceptualised by BLINK Design Group following the acquisition of Jaya Ibrahim Design. BLINK Design Group envisioned the design of the hotel as a modern mansion and the city’s sobriquet as a ‘Garden by the Sea’ to reflect the rich historical tapestry as told over generations of this coastal town.
A MODERN MANSION REFLECTING THE TROPICAL NANYANG STYLE
Located in the heart of Xiamen, Andaz Xiamen houses 304 elegant rooms, including 20 suites with separate living rooms enjoying vibrant views over the city. Andaz Xiamen also introduces a series of immersive dining and drinking venues that showcase the authentic local flavours inspired by the sights, sounds and tastes of the city.
The hotel captures an environment where old meets new and east meets west in every aspect of its detailing. The designer has created a deep sense of nostalgia of the tropical Nanyang style reinterpreted in the form of a modern mansion full of adventures through different spaces and a collection of art accessories.
THE DESIGN JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF THE MANSION
The visual journey begins at the hotel’s entrance gate which would take place in European manors with a magnanimous entrance gate constructed with subtle stone details on the facade that is elegantly paired with oversized modern glass doors. It is inspired by the native bird of Xiamen, the Dalmatian Pelican, with the artwork realized using a traditional wood burning technique.
As in typical local homes, Andaz Xiamen features high ceilings, repeated arched detailing and living spaces linked by walkways open to cooling tropical breezes. Throughout the hotel, an abundance of speckled terrazzo, timber louvres, tactile wicker and rattan and graphic tiling and carpeting create continuity between spaces and reinforce the Nanyang feel.
The interiors of the hotel are elevated by the placement of individual art pieces by local artists inspired by the Xiamen scenery and landscapes along the corridors. Ceilings have been inspired by pergolas and trellises to evoke an outdoor atmosphere and much of the artwork feature tropical flora and fauna. Arches at the concierge area lead to the east and west hallway beyond, whilst floor patterns and modern terrazzo provide a hint of the old Nanyang era.
The design journey continues at the heart of this grand mansion within the light filled Artelier Lounge on the third floor which is decorated with accent shades of green throughout the lounge drawing a close connection to Xiamen as a lush coastal city. The different Peranakan floor patterns in this lounge have been composed based on influences from the individual shophouses in Nanyang and deliver a fresh twist and interpretation of old memories. — Construction+ Online
