AB Concept has unveiled its designs for several interior spaces at the new Waldorf Astoria Xiamen, China
For the 30,000m2 hotel, the design practice has created several public spaces including the main lobby area which includes the entrance, concierge and reception, and an independent VIP room and a courtyard lobby lounged entitled Trellis.
The studio also designed banquet facilities spanning a number of F&B venues including bar and restaurant, Peacock Alley, and a private dining experience, Chef’s Table.
In its work for Waldorf Astoria, AB Concept looked to capture both the historical and contemporary thriving essence of Xiamen, paired with the timeless luxury for which Waldorf Astoria is renowned.
In response to the overarching interior brief, the studio devised a design journey that is romantic and elegant, reinterpreting European architectural form through expressive contemporary elements as well as incorporating sculptural intrigue with typical Amoy features, such as arched gates, pillared hallways, mullioned windows and parquet.
Creating a sense of expectation from the moment guests approach the building, AB Concept has crafted an entryway that is set back from the beautifully landscaped drive, revealing three tall archway doors flanked by lanterns. Giving the impression of a magnificent manor home, guests enter a porch-like space and concierge desk, then onwards through more arched doors into the ‘courtyard’.
In the lobby lounge Trellis, seating is arranged in small groups to allow intimate social or business gatherings and afternoon teas. In this impressive double-height room, AB Concept has fostered an outdoor look and feel with large arched windows, indoor balconies and skylight-like lights to achieve a sense of natural light. The materials and palette add textural richness with marble, warm timber, velvets, green tones and bronze trims.
The reception counter is set back in a recessed archway in blue tones – referencing the nearby sea – with metal inlaid fretwork detail to echo a gateway. AB Concept has also created a neighbouring VIP reception room, a sumptuous space with a private library feel, as an area for discreet check-ins.
Located on the third floor, the suite of event spaces includes a ballroom, a multi-function glass ‘Sun’ room, bridal room and meeting rooms. These spaces are located off a hallway that feels sculptural, bright and gallery-like.
The meeting rooms have bronze-framed textured glass to give scale and intimacy and a flow of light between the exterior windows and the third-floor lobby, which opens into a grand corridor with 8 metre-high ceilings, leading to the Sun Room and Ballroom.
The Sun Room again employs textured glass in its tall, arched French window-style doors which open onto a long room with large windows overlooking the verdant Lotus Park below. A multi-function space with the romantic feel of an elegant conservatory, greens and greenery pop against bronze frames, mirrors and settled wood tones – it is a room perfect for smaller private gatherings or drinks receptions.
The entrance to the expansive Ballroom is through three tall arched bronze doors opposite the Sun Room. The Ballroom’s neutral colour design will provide a sophisticated backdrop for celebrations and corporate events, illuminated by a multitude of crown-like crystal pendant ceiling lights that represent a shimmering, modern interpretation of a crown.
Connected to the main area of the third floor is the final, jewellery box of a room, the Bridal Room – which is designed like a private boudoir in a pearlescent palette with bevelled mirrors and sensual, elegant furnishings.
The fifth-floor Garden Foyer lounge and day-to-night F&B space connects to a large outdoor terrace; an elegant playground incorporating a swimming pool, mini golf and barbeque area.
Again, bringing the outdoors in, natural elements echo throughout the Peacock Alley’s colour scheme and design details. A flower room reception welcomes guests to the entrance of this long space, which is cleverly divided with open, metal-work screens in the shape of a peacock’s tail. This creates intimate areas without blocking the flow of the room or impeding light from the large open doors to the terrace that run its length. The stucco ceiling references Victorian European interior details, while the delicately patterned parquet floor is typical of the rich trade history of southeast China. Green trelliswork adorns the walls on the terrace side, creating a garden-like dining area.
At the end of the room, an internal staircase – with a winding, colonial-style balustrade – links to the sixth-floor restaurant, under which is the marble Peacock Alley bar with dome-shaped metal frames (another echo of the European architectural arches) which hold cake stands or display fine wines and liquors – an ideal spot for refreshment after outdoor activities or pre-dinner drinks.
The whole space utilises a multitude of natural textures and materials, including onyx, marble, leather, rattan, light wood, and antique mirrors – as well as a spectrum of greens and warm colours for a soft, romantic, nostalgic feel.
An exclusive, chef’s table dining experience serving refined locally-inspired cuisine, this small room is both elegant and dramatic.
AB Concept designed this room to echo the southeast Chinese culinary creations with a deep, solemn palette of jades, saturated light green, grey and teal hues, warm timber and bronze details – including an intricate ceiling feature – paired with luxurious leathers and contemporary finishes. A green lacquered door opens to reveal the private kitchen where the chefs can be seen at work from the central circular table.
“Working with a brand that epitomises timeless luxury in such a culturally interesting location has allowed us act as visual storytellers, integrating the area’s history and craftsmanship into a contemporary interpretation,” says Ed Ng, Co-Founder of AB Concept. “It is especially satisfying in such a challenging time to see this vision come to life.”
“For more than 100 years, Waldorf Astoria has been a true icon of timeless luxury and unparalleled hospitality to discerning travellers all around the world,” comments Nils-Arne Schroeder, vice president, Luxury & Lifestyle, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Launching in a key gateway destination which has been named one of the most liveable cities in the country, Waldorf Astoria Xiamen plays a significant role in the growing momentum of our Waldorf Astoria brand presence across the region
