A new inclusion has been made to the list of high end Hotels, with
design aware spaces, lounging atmospheres and immaculate detailing. We
are proud to announce that this new club member to the elite is located
in
Greece and even more surprising Thessaloniki. Of course it’s none other then
The Met Hotel part of the leading hotel chain
Chandris Hotels & Resorts Group. The project was brought to reality by
Zege Architects, a practice based in Greece that is known for its dynamic architecture and its prime attention to detail.
The hotel consists of 212 guestrooms accompanied by accommodations such
as Spa, VIP Lounge, Conference rooms, Gourmet Restaurants and
atmospheric bars. This contemporary hotel welcomes you to the space
from the instant that you pull up in the driveway. The lobby/reception
area is generously open plan inviting you to walk through the space and
explore the mod living in front of the dynamic fire place or the
lounging comfort of the alternative living ambiences. There is a
strictness and seriousness expressed in the interiors which is put
forward through the straight edge clear cut furniture combined with
artistic accessories and dynamic artwork. Just looking around the lobby
you will only recognize items and furniture from high enders.
This same concept of ‘High End’ has been carried through to one of the restaurants ‘
Chan’ designed by
Andy Martin which may remind you the famous
Blue Frog
by Chris Lee and Kapil Gupta in Mumbai. The language however is
extremely different here, giving a variation to the interiors and
treating it like a ‘boutiesque’ project. Here there is a space within a
space approach designed for intimacy and privacy. The soft materials
relax the diner and make him feel isolated and intimate within the
circular forms of seating. As opposed to the lobby which is for the
public this interior makes you instantly understand that beyond these
entrance doors is an interior for the more private and the exclusive.
This notion is not carried through to the second restaurant which is
designed with an approachable ambience.
One of the most dominant architectural features is the surrounding
glazed atrium between these two restaurants. This inside/outside space
is the prime focus of the ground floor allowing natural day light to
trespass within the interior and at the same time creat an urban area
within a paved ‘cityesque’ surrounding. This environmental presence is
the perfect balance between the strict mod language of the interior and
the natural earth like quality of the landscaped exterior.
Glazing and natural day light plays a prime role. In the Spa the design
language is kept simplistic and edgy. Day light is present in a
controlled form and throughout the whole interior a hygienic essence is
present, which is achieved through the clean-cut detailing. The light
toned materials reminisce the naturality of it all, in contrast with
the strong glazing surrounding the pool.
Every interior has the same design approach, maximizing and minimizing
the levels of intensity according to its function. In the corridors
leading to the bedrooms we experience volume and warmth through the
structural wood panel forms. Arriving inside the bedrooms there is the
presence of wood, lacquer and glazing. Three finishes combined with
smooth fabrics to create a luxurious but approachable space. An
interior that reminds you of a glamorous guest house were you feel
comfortable in the room but at the same time you are cautious within it
as you understand its of prime importance.
The Met Hotel is a leading example to contemporary
design. It has form, ambience, luxury, sexiness and comfort. A building
that understands the language of the visitor and the essence of a very
important word in the Hotel Industry ‘exclusive design’.
from contemporist
