23.06.2020Project Reports

Relying on mafi natural wood floors at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace


Content:

+ Design concept by studio wrightassociates

+ Connecting local traditions and modern style

+ Wooden floors as style statement for the hotel

Reading time: 2 minutes

Our design strategy is based on balancing respect for craftsmanship, the quality of the materials used, and local traditions to achieve a unique, urban aesthetic.
Sonja und Keith Wright

 

 

The transition between traditional and modern has shaped the hotel design and is probably also the secret reason why it exudes such a special charm. The choice of wooden flooring for the bar area consistently continues this approach.

Insider tip: Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, lies south of Russian and west of the Caucasus, the mountain range that forms a natural border between Asia and Europe. Influenced by Soviet and Byzantine influences, the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace was built in 1989 as a flagship of the Soviet Union's tourism industry.

The property reopened as a luxury hotel in June 2019 after four years of renovation. With breathtaking views of the city center, the Mtkvari River and the surrounding mountains, the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace represents the new gateway to a contemporary world and sets an advanced standard for lifestyle and luxury.

Studio wrightassociates from Munich, Germany was responsible for the hotel's high-end concept and successful implementation.

Studio wrightassociates connects local traditions and modern style

The design elements throughout the interiors make targeted use of the many rich traditions of Georgia. Centuries-old weaving patterns and graphic abstractions of the Caucasian mountains were incorporated into modern carpet designs and printed glass elements. As a result, the reference to the locality is continuously, but subtly reinforced.

The ten-story atrium offers a particularly impressive sight. Guests are greeted by an oversized sofa surrounded by imposing floor lights. This modern interpretation of the inside of a caravanserai serves as a social space for guests to gather and meet.

Slats made of wood and metal surround the atrium and once again feature the Caucasus as a motif. The design lends structure to the entire atrium while offering appropriate privacy for guests.

mafi Oak Clear in the restaurant area

About  170 m² of hand-selected oak planks ground the restaurant area of the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace. The grading is pure, which creates a particularly elegant and calm overall look without losing the naturalness of the wood.

The surface was given oiled once in its natural color and then again in white. The result is a very unadulterated oak color that can be easily combined and exudes a timeless character.

The planks are 240 mm wide and 2.4 m long. They were laid in the direction guests would travel, optically creating a subtle, subconscious guidance system. The micro bevel on the long sides of the planks reinforces this effect.

The open-pore surface of the wood makes it easy to clean while improving the indoor climate sustainably. A healthy indoor climate and balanced humidity levels have a very positive effect on the well-being of the guests.

A modern interpretation of tradition: the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace and mafi end-grain hardwood

The transition between traditional and modern has shaped the hotel design and is probably also the secret reason why it exudes such a special charm. The choice of wooden flooring for the bar area consistently continues this approach.

The mafi Domino Larch Vulcano used there is an end-grain hardwood flooring. Wooden blocks with standing tree rings are cut then laid together to create a lively play of colors with the focus on the tree rings. Technically, this type of hardwood has the advantage of being incredibly resistant.

That is why this type of floor was previously used in workshops and industrial halls. mafi has reinterpreted this old design, with 40 x 40 mm blocks and a surface simply treated with just oil. Standing wood undergoes considerable swelling and shrinkage, so the wood is thermally treated before finishing to reduce the effect considerably. If installed correctly, mafi Domino is a long-lasting statement piece for any interior concept.

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