October 27, 2023
The spaces we inhabit can have a profound effect on our experiences and emotions. This is highlighted by the PIPA 2023 awards’ recognition of the hotel design at the Six Senses Douro Valley and the commercial design of Marktkauf Ratingen
The recent edition of the Porcelanosa International Project Awards (PIPA) focused on the importance of residential design on the one hand, with hotel and commercial projects on the other. Together, they create unforgettable moments.
Architecture and interior design have the ability to transform these spaces into places that inspire and captivate, turning a functional space into the setting for unforgettable experiences. The winning projects in the PIPA 2023 awards ceremony in the “Hotels” and “Public and commercial spaces” categories are clear examples of how design can impact both aesthetics and the way we experience the world around us.
Clodagh Design won the 2023 PIPA award in the Hotels category, thanks to their involvement in the refurbishment of the Six Senses Douro Valley hotel, located in Samodães, Portugal.
Six Senses Douro Valley presented its updated facilities in the summer of 2021: seven new suites/villas and three bedrooms designed by Clodagh Design, a design firm based in New York. These new spaces have been harmoniously integrated into the existing finishes and the soft colour palette. The entrances are large with lots of natural light, providing guests with stunning views over the delightful wine country.
The décor incorporates authentic materials from the Douro Valley, such as lamps crafted from old wine bottles, vineyard tools, and murals inspired by wooden boxes.
Harmonious interaction with the vineyard landscape, the sophisticated use of colour, textures and textiles, and the meticulous selection and use of local materials, were key elements that convinced the jury.
Overall, the new suites and bedrooms at the Six Senses Douro Valley offer a blend of natural beauty and authenticity in design, providing a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Portugal’s wine country.
The German supermarket Marktkauf Ratingenlocated in Düsseldorf, Germany, won the first prize in the category “Commercial premises and public spaces”. Its sophisticated and cutting-edge design was planned by the studio Kinzel Architecture.
The PIPA jury lauded its modern design and content, highlighting the “beauty, luxury and high-end details that were created to extol such a mundane activity” in the German supermarket.
This property stands out for its sombre yet cutting-edge design. The interior features various materials such as wood, cement, stainless steel and green urban elements. The combination of these materials give the spacious market a clean appearance and create a pleasant atmosphere for customers.
The department separators, made of perforated and semi-transparent stainless steel, create a sense of division that cleverly counteracts the spaciousness. Porcelanosa’s ceramic floor tiles, inspired by cement, are also a key feature. The continuity is interrupted by a black linear tile, guiding customers through the various departments.
Marktkauf Ratingen is particularly notable for its wine section, with a bright black décor adorned with outlines of wine bottles and light strips on the sides.
The lighting is unique and even surprising, with hanging lamps made from wooden frames with built-in light strips. Futuristic lighting elements, shaped as circular or vertical bands of light, are strategically located on the suspended ceiling panel, gently extending to the rear wall where the customers can find the various display counters.
Marktkauf Ratingen is to be lauded for a simple and minimalist approach to design, which, in addition to contributing to excellent customer orientation, provides an unforgettable shopping experience.
The members of the jury granted an honourable mention in the “Hotels” category to Sofía Aspe Interiorismo for its work in “the renovation and interior design” of The Alest Hotel.
This boutique hotel, located in Polanco, Mexico City, offers an exceptional atmosphere with 19 rooms and exclusive private areas. The fusion of British influences and classic European elements reflects the rich architectural diversity of Polanco, creating an elegant oasis in bustling Mexico City.
Highlights within the hotel’s spaces include soft colours, customised furnishings, and handcrafted Mexican details, adding character and life. The Alest Hotel offers visitors a unique experience that celebrates Mexican craft and culture within a European environment.
The 2023 PIPA Awards for Hotel Design and Public and Commercial Spaces focused on how architecture and interior design have the power to transform our spaces, whether everyday or for those special occasions, into the backdrop to create wonderful memories.
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