The Silverbirch is a well known family run hotel, providing the highest levels of accommodation, conference and cuisine. The extensive property enveloped three zones – a restaurant, public bar and lounge. The three zones were split up by dividing walls, level changes and varying themes. Low ceiling heights, low-level walls and poor lighting made for difficult circulation and a lack of ambience. The space lacked a ‘heart’ and did not relate. Any solution needed to be contemporary yet sympathetic to the rural setting. Simply creating a city hotel feel was not enough and space planning would dictate the overall concept layout.

Linking all spaces within one overall concept would lead to a more open plan approach but with four distinct zones each with there own specific offer.

A central origin for the entire project was established and all lines emanate from here. The sweeping curves in the seating, low-level walls and ceilings generate a natural flow between each area. The original restaurant area is retained but the visual barriers removed, giving a clear field of vision from the centrally located main bar/informal dining area. The restaurant perimeter is dressed in natural stone with feature insets show casing specially commissioned art. Descending steps take you into the main focal point – the ‘organically’ shaped bar dressed in natural stone with colour changing Led wash to the drop front. Classic Italian Bizzaza mosaic forms the decorative back drop to the back bar again washed in coloured light.

The sweeping bar takes you through to the public bar area located to the rear of the space servicing the sports enthusiast but out of the way of the family diners or tired salesperson. The public bar again is split into two levels one adjacent to the bar itself the other providing comfortable built-in seating and bleeding into the hotel lounge area beyond.

The lounge level distinct in it’s richness of colour and comfort relates to both the public bar and bar dining areas with the sweep and flow of fixed furniture. The perimeter of the lounge circumferenced by built-in seating booths with both horizontal and vertical fluting in rich wine colours provides comfort levels second to none. The origin point for all radii is marked by a ‘floating’ oak panel suspended from the ceiling with colour changing fibre optic heads. Gold curtaining frames the original linear windows and sand blast effect graphics on the glass brand the entire space with the new logo.

Comfort is paramount and chairs, stools and seating are upholstered in durable yet natural tones of terracotta, wine, rust and chocolate all sympathetic to the prevalent use of natural materials. In fact it is this use of natural shape, texture and tone that makes the space unique.

The sculptured ceiling is heightened with strategically placed recessed ‘Riva’ colour changing Led fittings softening the overall feel of the space but bringing dynamism and movement.

Italian lighting compensates for the low-ceiling heights with drop pendants and surface mounted fittings evoking the feel of balloons in a summer morning skyline.

Sculptured feature chrome pull handles are the finishing touch that mark the concept as a unique example of the so called ‘contemporary/classic’ genre with the mix of new materials and lighting finely balanced with naturally produced products such as stone and timber.

Newly named ‘Barreta’, this solution marks a turning point in the design of hotel bars and restaurants. The luxurious ness of a boutique hotel married with the practicality of a quality hotel that is well known for its unrelinquishing standards of hospitality, service and fine dining.