klapsons Redefines Business and Design

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. June 02, 2010

May 30, 2010 - klapsons, The Boutique Hotel was introduced in Singapore in October 2009 and was naturally inducted as a member of Design Hotels. Purpose built and aimed at redefining the utilitarian function of commercial buildings, klapsons is the first in Singapore to construct a hotel property as an annex to an office building in the central business district. Spearheaded by Jit Sun Investments, the design of the property was conferred to contemporary design forerunner William Sawaya of Sawaya & Moroni. The boutique hotel combines five-star hospitality services with leading edge contemporary design sensitivities, and is conceptualised to provide an exclusive experience for business and leisure travellers.

“With klapsons, The Boutique Hotel, we saw the opportunity to bring a new, refreshed perspective to the meaning and experience of a business hotel. Keeping pace with the dynamics of Singapore's changing landscape, the hotel is set to redefine commercial spaces, in particular the perception of these spaces, and inject revived vibrancy to the hotel sector in

Singapore,” said Mr Adrian Lee, Director of Investments, Jit Sun Investments.

“This project sparked off so many ideas with its potential. We were very excited when we were approached to undertake the project. We felt the owners were very brave in their approach but most importantly that they understood and appreciated design. After seeing what Singapore had to offer, we wanted to set a new standard in hotels in terms of design and functionality. Design is about working with constraints through a practical thought process. I think what we were able to achieve is testament to design,” said William Sawaya, Sawaya & Moroni.

From sketch to reality

The task of creating a fluid integrated hotel extension to the adjoining office block was riddled with numerous architectural and design challenges. Testament to the hotel's philosophy of challenging and pushing benchmarks, the transformation saw the introduction of organic forms, shapes, clever colour play and the reinterpretation of structural function and material use, particularly in the public spaces of the hotel.

Greeting guests upon entry to the hotel is a handcrafted five-meter in diameter stainless steel sphere that functions as the reception and guest check-in point. Overhead, the three-tiered organic ceiling illuminates the hotel lobby with an infinite gamut of ambient hues to arouse feelings of stepping into another space. Strategically placed, the iconic „Moraine‟ bench by Zaha Hadid together with celebrated furniture pieces such as the “Maxima” armchair, “Leggy Peggy” chair, “Ribbon” chair and Klapsons; coffee tables by Sawaya and Moroni add dimension to the rest of the space. To top it off, a wall of industrial wire mesh used in conveyer belts and air filters discretely screens the passage to the guest rooms.

The klapsons experience

At klapsons, each room is individually characterised such that no two rooms are alike. Passionately crafted by William Sawaya right down to detail, the aim is to offer guests a practical yet innovative alternative to mainstream perceptions of hotel stay. For a twist, the shower is unconventionally placed within the bedroom and takes on shell-shaped, cylindrical and open-cube forms. Others are flanked with full length mirrors, outfitted with colour changing LED lights and outdoor jacuzzis.

Custom made fittings invite refreshed expectations of contemporary room design, comfort and the indulgence of a different experience with each visit. Whether it‟s a choice of the standard rooms or the klapsons suite experience, guests can expect a thoughtfully configured room with unique settings.

Satisfying the palate

Located on the first floor of the hotel, Chef de Cuisine Gabriel Cher heads Lucas, which conjures up classically-inspired contemporary European fare and classic desserts.

klapsons is managed by Wisteria hotel management. It is a subsidiary of catalyst listed Select Group.