Classic design

4th March 2010, 2:35pm

The four-star Felbridge Hotel & Spa in East Grinstead, Sussex, has been completely rebuilt and extended over the past 40 years, spending a massive £6 million. Wendy Clark, of Occa Design, gives us an in-depth analysis of what it took to get the deluxe establishment into ship-shape condition.

What was your aim when designing this hotel?

Our brief was to transform what was a 2/3 star airport stop-over and it's myriad of worn-out buildings into a stunning 4 star hotel and spa within 18 months. Having focused on improving the function of the hotel, the interior design was developed to create a visually stylish and contemporary scheme that embodied a sense of calm and welcome throughout. The former tired property had original buildings dating back to 1916 which over the years had been extended and altered with a variety of additions.

How did you achieve this? For example what fabric, furniture etc

We worked with a number of suppliers and consultants key to supplying the hotel sector and I have listed a few below:

Project manager – Pat Frankum, Frankum & Co
Main Contractor – Fairlands construction
Carpets – Ege Carpets
Restaurant furniture – CS furniture
Lighting – Heathfield
Artwork – Indigo
Curtains - Artefact Fine Soft Furnishings.

Fabrics were from a wide selection of suppliers that included, Harlequin, Osborne & Little, Panaz, Romo, Skopos & Sinclair fabrics
Wallcoverings – Tektura, Seltex & Altfield Ltd
Tiling – Ceramic tile distributors.

What would you describe as the key and unique features?

Unique features include the 500 cover ballroom which is probably the most stunning transformation within the hotel.  Also the building is very deceptive - from the outside it appears quite small scale and it is not till you are inside that you discover the many spaces that unfold within.  I think people who don't know the building would be taken aback to know its actual magnitude & the facilities on offer.

Does your team have a particular signature style?

Within the studio we all have really individual styles which we tailor to each job.  Each design is unique and we aim to work to a client's brief to bring what is right for the space.  Generally being flexible and open is the best way to bring quality to a job whilst always respecting the clean lines of classic design.

Stage by stage, how did you approach this project?

While we worked to respect the "traditional" Felbridge, we also took the decision to strip the property back to a shell. Then, working initially on the internal architecture, we built back up again to suit a leading hotel operating in the 21st century.  

The change in the interior is outstanding. Most significant are the reception and public areas, including the bar, two restaurants (Anise recently won best Sussex eating experience 2010) and 500 cover ballroom with associated meeting rooms and lounges.

Re-planning the internal architecture also enabled us to transform the original gym and create the fully refurbished Chakra Spa and pool complete with Elemis treatment rooms. Additionally all 120 bedrooms and suites were extensively refurbished throughout incorporating state of the art facilities and designed to take advantage of the adjacent newly landscaped courtyards.

Where did you get your inspiration from?

Drawing on influence from the client's travels in Europe and the Far East, the sophisticated palette of colour and texture were complimented by touches of glamour and drama to suit the theatre of hotel and enhance the guest's experience. 

What is the size of the venue?

120 bedroom hotel
500 cover ballroom and associated meeting rooms
Bay tree restaurant
Anise fine dining
Qube Bar
Five treatment rooms
Pool & Gym
Two tennis courts & landscaped courtyard area.

Timetable, how long did it take from start to finish?
18 months.

If you were to change or improve anything about the design, what would it be?

We recently reviewed the design with the client and we are currently working on some extra enhancements to compliment the existing scheme which is always nice to be asked back to do a couple of years down the line, but I wouldn't change anything dramatically. 

Who are the key members of the design company?

Kate Mooney (managing director) - An award winning designer with strong project management and business skills, Kate's speciality for the past 16 years has been hotel and leisure design. She has a track record of creating stylish and striking interiors that embrace her client's operational and commercial needs - her strength lies in her experience & understanding of these needs.

Wendy Clark (director) - Experienced on a wide range of projects specialising in the hotel & leisure industry.  I am involved with project design from inception to completion.

We are backed up by a team of dynamic designers with varying skills sets from different backgrounds which gives us a great balance in the studio.  Hotel & Restaurant design is very specialist and it is important to us that as designers that we know how places function operationally – it is no good just making a space look fabulous, it has to also make the guest or diner feel relaxed and be really workable for an owner and operator.

What are your recent projects?

We have recently finished the refurbishment of the banqueting and conference suite at the Holiday Inn Woking, The complete internal refurbishment of the Landmark Hotel Dundee and past projects also include the Montagu Place Boutique hotel in London.

What are your plans for the future – are you working on any other hotels, restaurants?

At present we are completing the refurbishment of a number of Holiday Inn projects including a refurbishment & extension of a 300 bed Hotel near Heathrow & we also have some very exciting 5 star projects about to start so watch this space…More recently we have also launched an online side to the business www.occa-home.co.uk which aims to bring hotel chic to the domestic market and educate people as to how to create a lifestyle that uses key pieces that we specify in top hotels. 

This has also prompted interest from restaurateurs and hoteliers looking to accessorise their establishments as they trust that we know what we are specifying and with exciting new products being added all the time we can offer an additional service.

Final comment on the venue

The general manager and his staff are a real credit to the hotel as they keep it in tip top condition.

What do you like the most about the design of the hotel?

The fact that it respects what was there before but has given it a new beginning and a new direction.

What made you use the tones and shades you went for?

The palette used neutral tones and rich textures to create an international feel.

If you were to pick your favourite room in the hotel, which one would it be? 

I love the ballroom with its glamour & also Anise as it is intimate and great for enjoying a fabulous meal cooked by the resident chef.