The Funky Monk, Durham
Space ID was commissioned to design luxury serviced apartments for Ramside Estates in Durham, based on a fictitious monk character transitioning from a DJ lifestyle. The design had to balance a calm, sophisticated daytime aesthetic with a vibrant, dynamic energy at night. Five luxury apartments were designed, each with a unique style, reflecting the ‘Funky Monk’ persona that we created as a narrative with our brand team. The apartments cater to diverse groups, offering both short stays and long-term rentals. Space ID worked alongside Curate to provide bespoke artwork and branding to complement the theme. The project achieved a distinctive blend of luxury, functionality, and creative energy, providing an unforgettable stay experience for guests.Hospitality
THE BRIEF
THE SOLUTION
THE RESULTS
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Brisbane House Hotel, Largs Scotland
As trusted partners with the Award winning Manorview Hotel Group, this is the 10th Hotel we have been commissioned to design since their fruition in 2008. Brisbane House Hotel is situated on the seafront of Largs on the Firth of Forth with magnificent views over towards the Isle of Cumbrae and Isle of Bute, Manorview wanted to transform this already successful hotel into an exclusive wedding destination offering luxurious facilities and a stunning outlook. All areas of the boutique hotel have been refurbished, but the extra special touches include a stunning duplex honeymoon suite with private balcony and spa, a dedicated wedding Bridal Dressing room, and an upgraded glass-fronted function suite with doors that slide open to an extended terrace – all boasting panoramic views of the Clyde. 6 small single rooms have been re-configured to provide 4 brand new stunning double rooms and an outside ceremony area has been integrated into the scheme with a garden area for the all important wedding photos. The photos speak for themselves and with the impressive CGI’s produced by Space VR prior to completion allowed the hotel to maximise its wedding sales and showcase the venue in all its glory.Hospitality
THE BRIEF
THE SOLUTION
THE RESULTS
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Falklands Islands Treehouses + Houses
As the last stop to Antartica the client was looking for a solution for both residents of the island but also tourists and visitors stopping off. We were tasked with creating cost effective, environmentally conscious interiors and exteriors using materials that would be resilient to the weather conditions which are very inhospitable at times and with a need to be lightweight for transportation costs. A tight budget was imposed and a need to create a neutral housing scheme alongside a billionaires playground experience with the stand alone, off grid sky lodges. To maintain the ethos of the location, we needed to visit the islands and see why the buildings looked they way they did and what had been learnt over the centuries with regards to the materials used and the environment. The population was small and the community very close in spirit. The lack of imposed planning and access to materials for both initial construction but also maintenance resulted in a very simple, but unique rhythm to the buildings and their look. Neighbours working together to ensure each plot works alongside the next. A primary set of colours alongside neutral white cladded buildings. Architecturally a move from Victorian brickwork (not out of place in areas of the mainland UK) through corrugated panels to more modern cladding systems of Cedral. The interiors a modest, clean but modern approach targeting the youth and more mature aspirations. Following design styles common the UK housing market, but simplified to approach for shipping of materials. Still in construction, the houses and cabins are still yet to be unveiled. The design and approach were rigorously analysed for cost feasibility and target aspiration approval. A resounding acceptance of both elements leads the way to further work with the client group.Hospitality
THE BRIEF
THE SOLUTION
THE RESULTS
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Ramside Treehouses
Having worked alongside Ramside Estates for over 20 years, we were tasked with helping the client redefine their very successful main business by developing a new area of accommodation and flexible experiences. Using a growing trend on the market, the client was keen to capitalise and create a new set of ‘treehouses’. From the ‘battleship’ houses for upto 12 people to a more boutique experience of an A Frame for up to 4 people. The main element and a much used cliché – the client wanted the WOW factor. The key, to create an immersive experience you would not find at home. Each treehouse was to have a different interior. We nestled unique shaped structures within the woodland to the boundary of the site and clad them in materials that complimented the backdrop and deliberately but slowly age. The interiors of the Battleships became flexible hire spaces allowing different sized groups and function uses from small weddings to team building weekends. The spaces escapist with champagne luxury. From Emperor fur covered beds, to dual showers and hot tubs on the balconies with high end integrated kitchens with chefs for hire for a personal party. The landscaping became the interior and elevated walkways lead you into a timber clad get away. With occupancy levels near 90% a majority of the time, the client has commissioned a further 28 to be considered and developed.Hospitality
THE BRIEF
THE SOLUTION
THE RESULTS
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The Impeccable Pig, Sedgefield
The brief from John Adamson was to transform the old Grade Il listed Hope Inn pub into a beautiful restaurant serving bistro style food and fine wines, with 10 rooms in the coach house at the back of the building, and a pub at the front that is welcoming to guests, locals and travellers alike. This project was to have a lot of character. With the name ‘The Impeccable Pig’ we were to make this one standout from the crowd in Sedgefield and feel warm and inviting to clientele. Working within a listed building within a sensitive conservation area made expanding the venue into a commercially viable venue challenging and pushed both the boundaries of the architecture and fabric of the existing building. Exposing the previous existence of the structure allowed hidden features to be explored and enhanced, giving rise to a mid-level exposed fireplace, lending itself well to the village pub feel we were keen to maintain. We commissioned Amy Dover to illustrate him for the brand identity as a well-travelled, Victorian gentleman in the form of an “impeccable” pig and form three huge portraits of him. We created human characteristics for him, and a tone of voice for the project that flows through every piece of the customer journey. The results were an interesting space with unique features, including three commissioned artworks, a horseshoe shaped bar, glazed atrium, bespoke marble floor, vintage leather ribbed oval seats, marble tables, a canopy of olive branches and fairy lights, emerald green drapes, black wrought iron balustrade with gold highlights and polished brass rails, 14-seater dining mezzanine area with suspended canopy of wisteria, a handmade table and an imported French mural.Hospitality
THE BRIEF
THE SOLUTION
THE RESULTS
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Armathwaite Hall Cocktail Bar
Carolyn and Charles Graves invited us to advise, in competition with others, on the new look of the bar for the old family home, come hotel. The main bar within the recently extended venue was starting to look tired. The hotel, up against the stiff competition, had managed to maintain its high occupancy levels by integrating a successful spa, function room and brasserie to its offering. However, the appeal to the next generation of visitors meant a new approach to the food and beverage rooms within the main body of the hotel. With an air of class and sophistication, the level of service and dining offering was exceptional. The presentation of these services, however rather tired. We looked to create an escapist, timeless cocktail bar where pre-dinner drinks and afternoon tea could be enjoyed in a sumptuous, opulent environment. Traditional fielded timber panels with original oil paintings of the Lakes, accented with modern crystal chandeliers and an aged brass counter top were strong features of the room. The original peat bog fire surround, filling one wall was brought back into use with a renovated grate and fire back. Richly upholstered deep buttoned modular seats were placed side by side in the bay window, on wheels to allow them to be moved around – looking out into the gardens or into the room. They could also be moved away from this area together with the petal-shaped European velvet sofas. Giving the room layout great flexibility. Covers are now increased with a raised Champagne booth nestled into the corner of the room, which has a vista across the full room and into the garden through the tall stone bay windows. The traditionally crafted timber bar with aged brass crinkled front and top, matching the integrated brass table lamps, provide both more seating and a view to the large selection of gins, whiskies and Champagnes. An elegant place to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.Hospitality
THE BRIEF
THE SOLUTION
THE RESULTS
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Commerce House Middlesbrough
Working with a large-scale investment vehicle we were commissioned to provide interior design services to a dilapidated office block within the financial district of Middlesborough. The aim to provide serviced offices with the latest technology and security within a high-end environment but a tight budget and delivery timeframe. We looked at current thinking in the marketplaces of New York, Singapore, Dubai and of course, London to see what flavoured interiors businesses were aspiring to the higher end of the market. We then adopted a neutral colour scheme to allow the individual brands to stand out within the complex and utilised a timeless pallet of materials and finishes. Longevity was key, so in high-traffic areas, we specified vinyl-backed wallpapers and timber panelling. Always key is the lighting so in transitional areas we looking to use mood lighting and layered these task lighting. Energy-saving LEDs in Passive Infra Red sensors and a DALI system were key to both the feel but also the energy-saving needs of modern-day users. Offices maintained the required Lumen levels for safe working practices. The success of the development can be seen not just in the 100% occupancy level, but also with surrounding businesses including the local authority wishing to use the spaces and most significantly the Wall Street style boardroom.Hospitality
THE BRIEF
THE SOLUTION
THE RESULTS
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Longsands Fish Kitchen
The space itself was too small for what the client required and for how a traditional fish and chip shop needs to work. The back of house area far larger than the front of house area. Having worked within the industry for many years with different operators we understood the operation. First we needed to extend the property, a challenge and concern of the client. They wanted to use all the space for the customer. An honest discussion brought realisation into the actual need for the supporting spaces. Employing a leading chef in the North East compounded the result. After we worked the back areas and ensured we had sufficient covers to maintain the business model commercially, we then looked at the interior. Stepping away from trends and what was in fashion (what is in fashion goes out of fashion) and looking towards the raw nature of the operation and unique food offers within the restaurant, we opted for a simple colour pallete and honest use of materials with longevity in mind. Recycled fishing boat timbers were used for counter faces, upgraded marine lighting rehomed. Newly formed cast concrete raised floors were polished with a seashell fossil aggregate and sweeping trowel effect to mimic waves were used. The new roof extension timberwork exposed and protected and workings of the mechanical left exposed. Alongside the popular produce provided by skill full team, the award winning space is still fresh and has stood the test of time. Aside from occasional fresh paintwork to the exterior due to the salty, corrosive weather, the space is untouched.Hospitality
THE BRIEF
THE SOLUTION
THE RESULTS
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Boclair House, Glasgow
This was to be the clients’ largest development to date and a chance for them to showcase to the industry their true arrival into luxury hotels within the affluent and competitive area of Glasgow. Having worked alongside Manorview Hotels from their inception over 15 years ago, we have seen them become a dominant force in the market. Boclair House was a very important project. The budget was deemed secondary to the client experience and the uniqueness of the interior. They wanted something not seen before, but would ‘last 100 years’! To look to the past to understand the future. Our research into the true houses of luxury took us around the world and through time as we selected the key elements of luxury and style. Over 6 months was spent on research alone as we targeted each space within the heavily listed structure. Dealing with the architecture in house we were challenged by the authorities, build materials and methods and generally how to deliver the essence of these houses with the costs and labour forces of the modern day. The key we discovered was the detail. The small elements in the finishes that when grouped together gave a space worthy of the surrounding building. A multiple award-winning space that met the clients’ expectations and was within budget. Each area is tailored in its approach maximising the impact while minimising the cost. In-built flexibility of the spaces in the early development stages, allowing the business to be fluid its approach to suit the customers’ requests. Overall, the venue runs at a high capacity and has even been featured on television. (if Ant & Decs prize giveaway counts) Photography by Lisa Lee.Hospitality
THE BRIEF
THE SOLUTION
THE RESULTS
like what you see?
let’s talk