*인더스트리얼 디자인, 브룩클린 호텔 A Textile Factory is Converted Into The Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

위스호텔은 고전적인 디자인 속에 현대적인 모던니즘을 겸비한

숙박시설로 브루클린 워터프론트에 위치하고 있습니다.

그렇게 1910년대 텍스타일 공장은 이스트강 사이로 열려진 두개의 공간을

매우는 72개의 객실과 8개층으로 구성된 호텔로 리노베이션 됩니다.

여기 오래된 목재와 노출벽돌 그리고 낡은 강철기둥은 단순히 흘러간 이전 시대의

기능적 공간을 이야기 하는 것은 아닙니다. 이전 산업시대의 시간을 고스란히 담아낸

그릇과 같은 건축요소들은 빔프로젝트가 스크린에 영상을 맺히게 하듯

현대적인 모던 스페이스 안에 이전시간을 투영시킵니다.

어쩌면 과거의 전통을 소중히 여기는 건축가의 섬세한 재구성을

통하여 스스럼없이 입혀 졌는지도 모르겠습니다. 이러한 빈티지 막을 통하여

여기 퍼블릭스페이스는 필터링되며 걸러져 순수함의 결정만 남겨진 것인지도

모르겠습니다. 저는 여기에 세련됨이라는 단어도 추가하고 싶습니다.

저에게 세련됨을 여쭈어 보신다면 세련됨이란 오래시간동안 길들여지고

시간에 단련되어져서 더이상 뺄 것이 없는 상태, 즉 잘 다듬어진 상태를 이야기 합니다.

그런 의미에서 빈티지와 세련됨은 동일한 단어 입니다. 여기 위즈호텔에 입혀진

빈티지는 지금 막 뽑아낸 백색의 공간보다 세련되고 유연합니다.

게다가 편안하기까지 합니다. 이제는 생각합니다. 하얀 테이블 위에 가지런히

책을 어떻게 놓을 것인가의 고민이 아닌 투박한 고목테이블 위에

책을 어떻게 흐뜨려 놓아야 할까에 대한 고민을 하게 됩니다.

그래서 이곳에 이스트강 건너편에 있는 맨하튼보다 정겹고 사람을 끌어들이는

마력을 지니고 있는지, 모르겠습니다. 브루클린의 랜드마크라는 거창한 이름보다

이정표가 되는 공간이 되었으면 좋겠습니다.

reviewed by SJ

The Wythe Hotel’s location is nothing short of outstanding in the heart of Brooklyn, standing proud on the Williamsburg waterfront. Built in 1901, this former textile factory has been meticulously converted into a 72-room, 8 storey hotel offering service and amenities at a level yet to be seen in this trendy New York borough. A few decades ago Manhattenites, pushed out by increasing property prices, started migrating over to Brooklyn, eventually followed by hipsters, eventually settling in Williamsburg. This area’s seen quite an evolution which inevitably meant a level of gentrification. Gentrification provokes mixed opinions but in one the world's most recognisable and fashionable cities it's inevitable and Brooklyn still holds onto a lot of its gritty history, tightly in its rough palm. The Wythe Hotel’s an important part of this evolution: a strong example of when gentrification can deliver something outstanding. Since its opening on May 1st 2012, The Wythe’s received an abundance of praise. This impressive hotel is a shiny gem in Brooklyn's crown, but not an over polished jewel that shines too bright for its surroundings; as this buildings industrial roots and sturdy urban character’s been beautifully preserved.

Despite its size, Wythe Hotel's impressive design feels as down to earth as the area it sits in the heart of. The design of this hotel embraces the original building and surrounding area's hearty industrial charm by showcasing original features such as wooden ceilings, exposed bricks, steel columns and impressive arches. This old familiar building has been sympathetically transformed with care to ensure that it remains relevant amongst its landscape and thereby feels familiar. Its discreet corner entrance ensures that it doesn't seem showy and out of place in an area renowned for its nonchalant  laid back cool. From within, the hotel’s views of old school retro graffiti, urban rooftops and the iconic steel stairwells make the hotel feel part of, embraced even, by its location. What ensures that this hotel doesn't negatively stand out from its surroundings, is the overall maintenance of a sense of history in what is an overall clean modern design scheme. Details, such as traditional sinks, dark wood, and the preservation of original deco tiles, add a quirky and welcoming dimension to this hotel's overall personality. This large, imposing building has a strong character but a soft centre where, despite its sturdy hip physique it encourages you to feel perfectly at home.

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The reception is very modern with wall of floor to ceiling windows, simple and functional lighting - that looks raw and industrial with its wires exposed against the brickwork - and simple timber seating blending into the impressive solid wooden floors. The hotel contains a range of venues that include a main event hall, a private dining room, large guest lofts and a 60-seat screening room. Renowned Brooklyn restaurateur Andrew Tarlow of Marlow & Sons, Diner, and Romans, manages the hotel’s expansive food and beverage program making this a go to place for New Yorkers and visitors alike. The restaurant, Reynards, is extremely elegant, containing a wood-fired oven and grill, and courtyard seating. The beautifully preserved wooden floors and impressive ceiling height add a sense of space while the inclusion of pristine white table cloths, vintage chairs and deco lighting bring a touch of nostalgia. The reception and entertainment spaces also include Ides - a 6th floor bar and terrace with stunning Manhattan and Brooklyn views with a 1920’s Deco feel. The use of glass in the huge windows and doors floods the space with light in the day, whilst the grand bar stands as a focal point, surrounded by a splattering of tables-in matching dark wood-impressive columns, wooden beams. Stunning spherical lights seem to float like flying saucers, waiting to magically transform the room when the sun sets. The exposed brick coupled with striking panelling, the rugged wooden floor and intricate tiled floors are contrasts that have been enhanced by the use of an earthy, natural colour palette. The modern retro armchairs, large floor to ceiling book shelves and a mixture of lighting features, make the reception space feel eclectic warm and personal. This detail in the design adds interest and a personal dimension to these large industrial rooms whereby there is   a real overall sense of authenticity.

After an evening spent enjoying the entertainment spaces, the bedrooms, with their neutral décor, are the perfect place to finally rest your head. Oversized windows ensure that visitors are fully immersed in the Brooklyn surroundings whilst rough concrete floors and exposed brick walls effortlessly blend the interior with the urban landscape that lies outside. Heated floors and high original wooden ceilings are features that culminate in making these rooms feel like the absolute fashion find. The king room features the signature modern simple furniture that includes custom made beds made from re-claimed ceiling timbers, but introduces traditional wallpaper and breath taking views over Brooklyn factory rooftops towards Manhattan, give this room an edgy sense of opulence. The rooms very much vary in capacity and style, again showing the eclectic and adaptable nature of the hotel’s overall design, and include band rooms and bunk rooms. Each room's different size, shape and aspect has been used to create a character, but they all share a sense of modern functionality that fits with the original building and surrounding area's relaxed vibe.

This renovation demands attention for the very best reasons. For the care that's been taken to create it and the amazing design that doesn't scream to be noticed, but can’t fail to be anyway. This hotel is not a limelight seeking diva but a hip Brooklyn gem that feels part of the area’s future. It has a subtly brilliant style and natural substance that effortlessly provokes admiration. The Wythe Hotel encompasses Brooklyn’s gritty vibe and sense of over-arching authenticity. A stunning but not in the least showy hotel, The Wythe’s like a fashionable old school friend rather than a showy new acquaintance.

from  yatzer