Salon Wonder
Swiss design studio ZMIK have refurbished a hair salon in Basel, wallpapering the entrance with photocopies from Vogue magazine.
We love this design here in the office and think that it is a great use of the space. The contrast between the entrance area and the salon itself adds drama to the overall experience for the end user and is executed beautifully.
Called Nafi, the salon is divided into two distinct areas by the change in wall and floor coverings, from vintage prints and timber flooring in the reception area to the minimal white salon.
Paul@McCabeDesign
Fresh Talent…
We our delighted to announce that a new member has joined our design team!
Paul Finnegan, having recently graduated from DIT in 2009, where he received First Class Honors in Interior & Furniture Design, joins the team in the role of Interior Designer. Paul has already proven his talents with design proposals for Waterford Crystal, Lifestyle Sports, O2 Retail and the concept design for Swan Cinemas which opened December 2009.
Paul also won Interior Design Student of the Year 2009 from DIT which was sponsored by ourselves at McCabe Design Partnership.
Liberty Hall, Dublin
Lite Haus
Paul’s design thesis proposal was to transform Liberty Hall in Dublin into a five star luxury, design led hotel to be operated with the Morgans Hotel Group – the originators of the “Design Hotel” concept in 1984. By removing the existing interior of the theatre within Liberty Hall, Paul has created a dramatic new entrance to the building.
Lobby
The existing pre-stressed roof structure has been retained and sprayed white. Five 10m high illuminated glass columns divide the lobby in two with the Lite Bar, the Nite Bar and the Restaurant stacked on one side of this enormous hall. The lobby also features a glass floor with swimming pool below.
Lite Bar
Lite Bar features a 20m long bar and has custom designed modular furniture system on tracks that can be arranged to suit the mood whilst catering for large and small groups. The system includes two seats, a low table, glazed panels and light fittings. The seating is designed to promote interaction between the hotel guests.
Nite Bar
Nite Bar has a duel personality. During the day, it serves as a conference facility/function room for the hotel. As night time approaches, the edges of the room’s profiles gently illuminate as it transforms into a trendy cocktail bar. The colour of the light changes smoothly through the spectrum or can be set to one colour, depending on the desired ambience.
Restaurant
The Restaurant is elevated on the top of the stack, giving the patrons an elevated view of the lobby. A dramatic atmosphere is achieved by the use of lighting and the contrast between the new installations and the existing roof structure.
The core concept of the entire project is “Interaction” – Interaction of Shape & Form, Interaction of Spaces/Activities within a Space, Interaction of the independently run enterprises which share the site (Gym, Hotel & Cafe), and finally, the Interaction of people within these spaces.
Suite
The bedroom suites occupy the majority of the tower and take advantage of the breath-taking view over the capital. The bed itself seems to float above a luxurious yellow carpet. The window sills have been deepened to provide informal seating (there is enough clearance for one to stand/walk too). The console table has been ‘stuck’ into the sill at an angle – it can be used from both sides, using the window to rest your back.
Gymbox
In the basement, there is a private member lifestyle gym, featuring a top of the range spa experience. Hotel guests will also have direct access to these facilities. the 2 lane, 25m pool is located directly below the glazed floor in the lobby – whilst the glass is not directly see through, the light and shadows cast create an atmosphere unique to the project.
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Check out www.paulfinnegan.com for further projects and information.
Barry@McCabeDesign
Newly finished projects this January
So McCabe Design bloggers have been off the radar for the last few months…we have been so busy working on our ongoing projects that we’ve found it hard to keep up with our news! One of our most exciting projects of 2009 has come to fruition with the opening of two new pilot concept stores for the national petrol station brand Topaz.
We not only worked with Topaz on envisaging a new concept and style for their interiors, but were responsible for the fit-out of one of the stores. Our concept, which has been well received in store, was to create a more localised experience with the focus on fresh and quality products. Our “Topaz Market” includes the use of bleached wood effect tiles, alongside birch-ply display units and rich solid surface counters.
This is just a snap shot of what we’re working on currently, we shall keep you posted on more exciting projects throughout 2010!
Barry@McCabeDesign
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