Our second project for the Locke Living Hotels concept, their first Aparthotel in Zurich is a combination of luxurious modernism and elegant Swiss Riviera. Aiming to create a space where hotel lifestyle meets home living, the Locke hospitality brand is quirky, cool and very current, elements that are very close to our own brand drivers.
A very well situated hotel in Zurich’s Enge quarter, close to the train station, home to many businesses, opposite the FIFA museum, next to Lake Zurich, near historical villas and the botanical gardens the Locke Am Platz caters for everyone.
An infamous hotel previously, that had originally opened in 1954, named The Ascot, the building offered the challenge of a meaningful refurbishment, making sure the history was not forgotten. A hotel that was a popular spot amongst stars and was the host of many premiere parties to films shown at the city’s most popular cinema, exuded British style and traditional English elegance. The transformation has not been one of a traditional updating, but more of a total change of direction, resulting in both a fun and a serene interior.
Whilst reinterpreting the space, it was important to retain the inviting and cosy atmosphere of the 1960s building, at the same time as fulfilling today’s expectations. Shapes, materials, and directed lighting were used to give a warm, comfortable and nevertheless urban and modern feel, which would be familiar to international business travellers, while remaining unique. Colours are earthy but contemporary, shapes are reminiscent of the past but feel at home in current times, and materials are layered expertly to create a sophisticated look.
Spanning 6 floors and offering 80 units, including rooms, studios and suites, The Locke is intended to be more than just a place to spend the night: besides the kitchens (in selected apartments), there are laundry rooms, living rooms, and communal areas. Designed by Tatjana von Stein, the interiors are inspired by Zurich’s cultural identity, representing warmth, vibrancy and modernism.
Tatjana von Stein’s approach to design really comes through in this project, making sure the psychology of the space they are working on is considered thoroughly, their designs offer movement, warmth, references to design history and a contemporary twist. ‘We designed Locke am Platz with a layered approach, juxtaposing modernism and the grandiose Zürich lake life, inspired both by the building, the city and local icons’ work such as that of Le Corbusier,’ shares Tatjana von Stein, founder and creative director of Tatjana von Stein.
Further to our good working relationships from the Ember Locke project in London, we were asked to get involved and produce a large amount of pieces for this project as well. Working in line with the designers, the building’s history and the ideology of Locke lifestyle, we created pieces for the rooms and the public spaces. Concentrating on multiple designs and items at the same time, we really enjoyed the production process and were thrilled to see the interiors come alive in real life.
Products crafted by Parla, such as headboards, pouffes, sofas, armchairs all add to the bold characteristics of this updated hotel, transporting you into a parallel universe where you can unwind, recharge and dream.
