Dakota House of Design have been shortlisted for Hotel Design – UK Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2023.

Dakota House of Design has recently completed an impressive hotel design project for the renowned Malmaison Hotel situated on Princes Dock, at the edge of Liverpool City Centre. The project focused on revamping the hotel’s public areas, which had previously showcased the city’s cultural and musical heritage.

The primary objective of the project was to update the existing areas and create an uplifting atmosphere while maintaining a clear distinction between the restaurant and the bar. Dakota House of Design successfully achieved this by incorporating various design elements that opened up the spaces while preserving their individual identities. The renovation encompassed new flooring options, including a range of materials, as well as the installation of illuminated suspended raft features. The flow between the open areas was further enhanced with the inclusion of curved linear seating, guiding guests seamlessly from one space to another.

One of the highlights of the project was the lobby, where Dakota House of Design showcased their creativity and innovation. The carpet design, inspired by an abstract view of the Mersey River, not only adds a unique touch to the lobby but also serves as a pathway that leads guests into the bar. In the evenings, the lobby undergoes a remarkable transformation as the lights are dimmed, the mirror ball is activated, and the area takes on an entirely different ambiance, defying conventional expectations of a typical lobby.

Situated between the lobby and the restaurant, the bar required a visual connection with both areas. Dakota House of Design achieved this by opening up the space in both directions, providing a clear line of sight from the front entrance through the lobby, bar, and onwards to the restaurant. The new seating layout offers flexibility for various events, allowing for both sit-down functions and stand-up gatherings. The seating arrangements cater to the preferences of guests, whether they are a couple enjoying a drink or a group of colleagues unwinding after work.

The restaurant area initially felt disconnected from the rest of the public spaces, necessitating a solution that offered both privacy and integration. Dakota House of Design addressed this challenge by removing the double-height wall between the restaurant and bar, while retaining the option to separate them with oversized curtains when necessary. To enhance the dining experience, suspended illuminated planted raft features were added just below the exposed AC ductwork, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere for restaurant patrons.

Location: Liverpool, UK

Interior Designer: Michaela Jerwood

Hotel Group: Malmaison

Construction: HB Birmingham

Dakota House of Design

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