W Edinburgh
We were delighted to be part of the creative spirits, carefully curated to create a unique Scottish hotel for the Iconic W Brand in our very own capital city.
The Hotel comprises of 3 unique buildings - The Iconic ‘Ribbon’ Building, the contemporary ‘Quarter House’, and ‘James Craig Walk’ - a renewed and fully refurbished Georgian townhouse.
W Edinburgh (Arrival lobby by St James Square)
Bespoke lighting solutions were created, often based on using standard components tailored to the space - resulting in flexible, energy-efficient, optimized spaces + systems which are easy to maintain.
Virtual Reality Application - fully navigable application to review lighting around the site in 3D
When the global pandemic resulted in lock downs and site restrictions, we were able to use the concept models and develop project specific software applications - to test out and inform some of the more critical design details during that period. (Helping to keep the project on track and inform key decisions relating to lighting equipment specifications, locations, orientations and access requirements - before they were able to be physically constructed on site).
Calculation checks and tests - review, refine and inform key design or installation decisions
We provided an intuitive pre-commissioning pack to help illustrate the desired configurations in each space at different times, optimize the controls sequences, scene settings, and to make the commissioning process more efficient.
Software and digital tools can inform the approach - this doesn’t replace the need for physical mock-ups but can help to refine + streamline the process, ensuring that works on site can be approached on a more strategic and organized way.
Digital Tools and live information - providing input, guidance, and control throughout
The Spirit of W Edinburgh - Design Themes and Narratives
We took inspiration from the Jestico + Whiles Architecture and Interior Design Narratives in each unique space – Embodying Scotland’s rich cultural tapestry, a multitude of narrative streams are interwoven across the hotel’s three buildings, including:
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The Festival City
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Ancient Pride & Land of the Free
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Scientists, Inventors & Visionaries
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Secret Passages & Mythical Creatures
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The playful Scots - Warrior Poets & Disruptors
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Untamed Energy, the Volcanic Heart of Scotland
The Trophy Wall - proudly presenting the 'National Animal of Scotland' to waiting guests
The Cinema Tunnel 'close' - A Secret Passageway between buildings, artwork accents of pictish blue
The Architects tools feature - inspired by James Craig (the Architect of Edinburgh New Town)
Encouraging exploration - Light Art provides wayfinding guidance, functional light and feature
Framing Majestic Views - The Ginger Fringe + custom fixtures framing fantastic views
Fantastic Views + Festival Spirit - Bespoke + integrated lighting provides functional light and feature
Chef's Table feature - 'Mythical Creature' inspired Bespoke LED hand-blown crystal chandelier
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Chef's Table feature - 'Mythical Creature' inspired Bespoke crystal digital chandelier
Complimentary layers of light- dynamic + responsive, integrated + concealed from view
Conceptual and Design information provided included the following:-
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Lighting Sketches and Concept Renders
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Calculation Models and Renders
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Technical Guidance and Lighting Application Toolkit
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Fully Navigable 3D Virtual Reality Application
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Design Intent Images and CGIs for all key spaces
See comparisons between the Design Intent CGI's and Photography below:
CGI images versus Reality - Many areas closely match the original design intent CGI images
Bespoke and Tailored Solutions
Lighting features and customised hand-crafted furniture with programmable lighting elements, have been carefully integrated to provide extraordinary spaces which stimulate the senses - delivering an immersive and memorable guest experience.
Abstract Copper Tree Canopy feature by central bar - Digital Light Art + subtle curated animations
Bespoke and Tailored hand-crafted furniture - Integrated lighting to bed, Vanity and Mirrors
Tailored to each space - Concealed and integrated lighting to bed (reading + night lights), Concealed within curtain reveals, Vanity area and Mirrors - to preserve views and disappear by day
Unique rooms and suites - Custom integrated lighting - within curtain coves, furniture, bed + Mirrors
Spirit of Adventure - Alchemy-inspired bespoke beaker lamps by the volcanic rock-bar
Customised and innovative lighting features throughout guestrooms and suites (Sustainable materials, replaceable parts and upgradable components)
All designs were progressed using 3D software with equipment and materials selected to optimise and minimise the embedded carbon throughout.
Bespoke and playful features - provide functional light and feature in unexpected and inventive ways
Celebrating Art and local artists - Sculptures, Murals, Artworks and Light Art throughout key areas.
Embracing and Celebrating Art - Aside from the integrated Digital Light Art/Features, a series of Bespoke Artworks from talented local artists have been created and celebrated throughout the guest suites and key public areas...
Jestico + Whiles worked with the marvellous Scottish photographer Jodie Mann, to create, develop and produce a bespoke collection of artworks featured in guest rooms across the 3 distinct hotel buildings. A series of 'Ancestors’ Portraits' portray ethereal figures on the Highlands, brimming with romance, poetry and history. The artworks are celebrated with light and aspire to encapsulate the true essence of Scotland, using a modern, bold approach while complimenting the W Edinburgh’s striking contemporary design - https://jodiemann.co.uk/w-edinburgh
Elegant Clutter and Michael Corr were engaged to provide the wonderfully vibrant 'Koi Mural' within the SUSHISMABA Private Dining Room, and 'The Geisha' overlooking the 14-seater intimate Chef's Table dining space shown further above - https://michaelcorrartist.co.uk/pages/murals
The hand painted “Beyond the Fusion”mural was executed by the talented Jody Thomas and showcases the “Acrylic Fusion” paint pouring technique on a grand scale. This artwork pushes the boundaries of creativity by inviting viewers into a world where art meets innovation. The artwork not only captures the essence of Scottish culture and history but also propels the spectator into an immersive experience where creativity knows no limits - https://craig.black/project/w-edinburgh-hotel-beyond-the-fusion
Lighting throughout has been designed and developed to subtly showcase, compliment, and not compete with the artworks in each location.
Exclusive Suites with carefully curated tailored Artworks - Art + Photography by Jodie Mann
Artwork and Photography by Jodie Mann - framed by Bespoke integrated vanity mirror lighting
Seamless integration - Art, Furniture + Lighting - 'Ancestors Portraits' + Photography by Jodie Mann
The Blue Room - 'Beyond the Fusion' Artwork + Photography by Craig Black / Jody Thomas
Light, Harmony and Wellness - Light can help to change and influence the mood, promote relaxation and enhance human wellness in many ways. Immersive Spa treatment rooms, corridors, and suites, combine complimentary layers of light. Scenes are automatically varied to suit the time or treatment, to create environments which are comfortable, and responsive to type of treatment or targeted experience, and support the therapist's and occupant needs.
Light Therapy - experience a range of unique treatments in the 'Fire' themed Treatment room
Transformable Design - dynamic and responsive light - tailored to suit each space, time, or treatment
A place to stop and unwind - concealed and integrated lighting within the spa/sauna suite
Selected feature elements include:
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A deconstructed woven tartan sculpture (and pendants) sails through the entrance lobby,
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A Trophy Wall with bespoke Unicorn heads (The National animal of Scotland),
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‘Architects tool’s pendant inspired by James Craig (the Architect of Edinburgh New Town),
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Themed and Immersive Spa treatment rooms, treatment corridor and Spa suites,
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Handcrafted and tailored furniture and joinery with integrated programmable lighting elements,
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The surprising cinema tunnel within a ‘close’ between buildings,
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Alchemy-inspired beaker lamps on a volcanic rock bar,
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Tree canopy lighting feature surrounding the main bar,
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Central Bar Tree feature with abstract copper tube Tree Canopy lighting feature,
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Mythical Creature inspired LED hand-blown crystal chandelier,
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Concealed and integrated lighting throughout the W deck roof-terrace,
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Low-impact integrated façade ribbon lighting- (concealed sources and subtly reflected light)
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Soft amber/red glow emanating from within in selected areas, the Landscape and Splash (where the façade ribbon meets the ground in St James Square, by the main hotel arrival),
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Light Art sculptures provide functional light, feature, and wayfinding guidance,
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Customised and innovative lighting features throughout guestrooms and suites - (All based on sustainable materials, replaceable parts and upgradable components)
The result is a flexible, dynamic, and vibrant city-centre hotel destination, which can be tailored to suit specific times, events, and occasions.
W Edinburgh @ St James Quarter - Bespoke Virtual Reality Lighting Application
W Edinburgh - Lighting Vimeo Show reel
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Link to Project Summary, Themes + Narratives
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Link to Bespoke + Tailored Solutions
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Link to Sustainable by Design
Images Copyright: Marriott / Ed Reeve Photography