ARABTEC CONSTRUCTION L.L.C. BAFCO - WA …inspired by the many fortresses and castles in and around the Capital and felt that their textures and architecture could easily be reinterpreted

Wa INTERNATIONALESTABLISHED THEIR INTERIOR DESIGNSTUDIO IN DUBAI IN 1993, TO MEET THEDEMAND FOR THEIR INTERIOR DESIGNSERVICES IN THE RAPIDLY GROWING 5-STAR HOSPITALITY SECTOR OF THE

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RENOWNED FOR CREATINGEXQUISITE INTERIORS FOR THEHOSPITALITY MARKET, WaINTERNATIONAL’S MANY AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS SPEAK VOLUMESFOR THE DESIGN TEAM’S CREATIVITY,PERFORMANCE AND COMMITMENT TOUNIQUE INTERIORS IN THE UAE ANDINTERNATIONALLY.

A leader in hospitality design, the team is

keenly attuned to the pulse of changing

industry trends, embracing the influences

of location, new technology and fresh

ideas. As they strive to create exclusive,

avant-garde and viable solutions that push

the aesthetic boundaries, their projects

truly influence design standards at a global

level.

The Client list speaks for itselfWa International believes that just as no

two Clients have the same requirements,

no two design solutions have the same

approach. And as a result, the company has

built its reputation through innovation, not

formulae.

The company has built an enviable

portfolio of esteemed clients and diverse

projects, many of which have been subject

to regional and international design awards

for their innovation, and creativity. Always

designed with an appreciation of local

aesthetics, materials and conditions, Wa

International continues to create some of

the world’s finest

interiors in the

hospitality sector.

“It isn’t enough today,

just to meet current

international standards,”

says Claire Craig, Design

Director of Wa

International, “you have

to ensure that your

building and its interiors

are not only better than

the competitors but also

unique.

Wa International boasts

a portfolio of interesting

and iconic projects in the

region from the One &

Only The Palm and The Address

Downtown Dubai to the independent

Asiana Hotel, Dubai. Farther afield, the

team have just completed work on the JW

Marriott Absheron, a flagship property in

Baku, Azerbaijan, as well as the exotic Four

Seasons Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A strong history inspires anaward winning propertyWa International is celebrating its most

recent hotel completion with yet another

interior design award. The JW Marriott

Absheron in Baku was awarded the

prestigious accolade of Best Hotel at the

CREATING INSPIRATIONAL HOTELINTERIORS ACROSS THE GLOBE

Wa INTERNATIONAL 67

Wa INTERNATIONAL

PO BOX 42

DUBAI

UAE

TEL: +971 4 266 3050

E: [email protected]

W: WWW.WA-INTERNATIONAL.COM

JW MARRIOTT ABSHERON BAKU - POOL

JADE RESTAURANT



Wa INTERNATIONAL 69International Hotel Awards 2012 in London.

Completed in June 2012, this

contemporary Azerbaijan hotel design is

based on traditional textures and the fluidity

of the Caspian Sea. The famous historic

fortresses found dotted across the rugged

Azerbaijan landscape also provided further

influence to the interior design.

The 5 star property, which is located

opposite the Azerbaijan Parliament Building

in Baku’s most prestigious business district

has become the exclusive destination for

business and leisure travelers. Situated on the

coast of the Caspian Sea with a relatively

Mediterranean climate, Azerbaijan has

enjoyed a long and varied history. And this

history provided the inspiration for Wa

International’s award winning interior

design.

Joey Samera, Associate for Wa

International, who worked alongside Claire

on the project said, “Azerbaijan has such a

strong history that we were immediately

inspired by the many fortresses and castles in

and around the Capital and felt that their

textures and architecture could easily be

reinterpreted in the interiors of our design.”

The challenge to bring it all to life was

met head on by Srini Mohan, Project

Manager for Wa International. Mohan’s vast

experience in solving complicated site issues,

ensure unique design features were not

JW MARRIOTT ABSHERON BAKU - RECEPTION



Wa INTERNATIONAL 71

diminished but instead beautifully executed.

Colour popping the space with purple

floor rugs, silk cushions and jewel toned glass

accessories, adds character to this neutral

palette and brings welcome warmth into the

space. Fluidity is brought into play with

large fountains, delicate water features and as

a main focus, a custom

made hanging glass

‘bubble’ chandelier

from Lasvit, a specialist

glass lighting company

from the Czech

Republic, located off

centre in the lobby

which gives the illusion

of thousands of water

droplets simply

suspended in the air.

According to Joey,

the design brief was to

provide a prominent landmark which could

perfectly sit alongside the surrounding

prestigious buildings while providing one of

the most sought after food and beverage

offerings in the city. “Baku is just beginning

to benefit from its huge development plans

and the JW Marriott will no doubt feature

heavily in these plans over the next few

years. We wanted to create a hotel design

that is fit for every occasion and satisfies the

tastes of the discerning 5-star guests. The

lobby and reception areas are a perfect

example of the balance of roughness and

fluidity, with smooth polished Palisandro

marble floors and a back-lit three

dimensional feature wall created with woven

whitewashed oak panels, a raw material

which is widely used throughout the hotel.

A contemporary take onAndalusiaThe One & Only The Palm, Dubai is an

Oasis of stylish energy and tranquility,

secluded amidst lush gardens, fountains and

pools along the shimmering shores of the

Arabian Gulf.

Taking its influence from Andalusian

architecture, Wa International worked closely

with One & Only and Mirage Leisure and

Development to create a contemporary

Moorish interior and an exclusive enclave of

impeccable style.

Helen Skea, Associate at Wa International

explained, “Architecturally, the hotel took its

influence from Alhambra, a 14th century

Moorish palace in Granada, Spain. Our

inspiration for the interiors also reflected this

style and period, while simplifying the

traditional interior detailing somewhat, to

create pure architectural forms with clean

lines and contemporary finishes.”

Utilizing a diverse array of materials, such

as marble inlay to the floors, decorative

textured plaster walls, mashribiya screens,

back lit etched glass and embossed metal, Wa

international created an exotic, yet relaxed

interior to this luxurious destination retreat.

For the reception lobby in the Manor

House Wa International was inspired by

NEOS - THE ADDRESS DOWNTOWN DUBAI

ONE&ONLY - THE PALM



Wa INTERNATIONAL 73traditional Arabesque courtyards, the lobby is

light and spacious, with a central fountain

and tall arched colonnade highlighted with

subtle detailing in an Ottoman inspired floral

motif. Combining Crema Marfil and white

Thassos marble with Azul Macuba,

reminiscent of the vibrant blue colour of the

sea beyond, an oversized intricate Moorish –

inspired floral pattern is water-jet cut in the

lobby floor. This pattern effortlessly flows

throughout the public spaces, and can be

seen in the decorative frieze details or

adorning the etched glass backdrop to the

reception desk.

For One& Only The Palm’s signature

restaurant, Stay, Wa International created a

dramatic backdrop for Michelin 3 star chef,

Yannick Alleno. This lavishly opulent and

glamorous interior with a contemporary

twist was designed with classical French

elements such as highly polished, rich

Makassar ebony timbers and a

monochromatic palette of black and silver

with hints of rich burgundy.

The firm’s work on the One & Only The

Palm led to the team scooping a high

commendation for Best Hotel Interior and 5

Stars for Best Hotel at the Arabian Hotel

ASIANA HOTEL - RECEPTION



Wa INTERNATIONAL 75

Awards, propelling them to compete on the

world stage where they collected

International Award for Best Hotel at the

2012 International Hotel Awards in London.

“To be recognised for our work on an

international level is such a great honour,”

said Claire, “and to be competing against so

many top hospitality designers on the global

stage indicates just how tough the

competition has been.”

Variations of Gulf landscapes go DowntownWa International collaborated with

Dubai’s premier property developer, Emaar

and Mirage Mille Leisure and Development

to create the stunning showpiece that is The

Address Downtown Dubai, which sits

alongside the world’s tallest building, the

Burj Khalifa.

Such is the uniqueness of this truly

ground-breaking hotel property which is the

flagship property of Emaar Hospitality’s The

ONE&ONLY THE PALM


Address Hotels + Resorts, that it has been

awarded numerous regional and

international awards. In March 2009 it won

the New Hotel 2008 at the World Hotel

Awards, and after this, Wa International

collected the prestigious CNBC

International Property Award for Interior

Design for Arabia in 2009, and Bloomberg’s

Best International Design Award in 2010.

The overall inspiration for The Address

multi award-winning hotel interiors was

taken from the dramatic and diverse

landscapes of the Arabian Gulf region

ranging from the rugged Hajjar mountains

to the golden sand dunes of the desert, the

brilliant blue hues of the Arabian Sea to the

reds, oranges and golds of the beautiful

sunsets.

Helen explains, “In our design we chose to

emulate these influential landscapes by

layering texture, form and colour into the

spaces, and generously using natural finishes

such as rough stone, smooth polished marble

and warm woods.

The curvilinear shape of the building

naturally dictated the unusual and uniquely

formed interior spaces, with wonderful

volume and full height glazing adding to the

grandeur of the public areas. More than 200

custom-designed awe inspiring chandeliers,

using over half a million crystal beads, glass

shards and blown glass droplets add a

theatrical ambience to the elegantly

glamorous interiors.

Claire said, “The coveted location of The

Address demanded an interior that would

inspire and impress; Northpoint, the

building’s initial concept architects, and

Atkins, the architects of record, created

wonderful architecture and with the unusual

shape of the building we were able to

conceive truly unique and innovative designs

for this high profile property client.”

Essence of Asia in DubaiWhen two savvy, Dubai-based

businessmen had a vision to create a 5-star,

Asian-inspired haven for business travelers to

relax in true Far Eastern style, Wa

International was given the honour of

creating the ‘essence of Asia in Dubai’.

Since Asiana opened its doors to the public

in 2011, this contemporary fusion of Asian

design and hospitality has become the ‘go-to’

hotel for both Asian and Western travelers

coming into Dubai.

The Hotel’s cutting edge interior draws

upon the influences of the ancient

civilisations of the Far East and merges them

with contemporary design principles to

create something rather unique.

Claire explained, “The use of Far Eastern

elements – Wood, Fire, Water, Earth and

Metal - automatically creates a serene and

tranquil Asian interior space. Asiana’s public

areas are airy with a subtle use of light

throughout so we mixed organically textured

Asian materials such as bamboo and white

stone in muted and neutral tones, creating an

interior of welcoming comfort and aesthetic

calm.” For a contemporary feel, modern

textures were added to wood, metal and

stone, including vibrant and tactile fabrics

such as silk, chenille, leather and suede.

Upon entering the lobby the 12-metre

wall next to the reception features huge

Asian lilies embossed in plaster. Hundreds of

glass bubbles float throughout the space

representing the tropical rains of Asia. The

Asian garden ambience is further enhanced

through the use of preserved evergreen trees

from Korea.

“The use of greenery and flowers such as

the Asian lily and Phalaenopsis orchid should

not be underestimated and is very important

in Asian culture, while the sound of flowing

water from water features create a calm and

relaxing ambience,” explains Claire.

The colour palette of the public areas

follow much the same principles, combining

neutral variations of white, beige and cream,

with pops of rich and vibrant jeweled tones

like red and purple adding warmth to the

guestrooms. Joey explains, “Asian culture is

all about the Yin & Yang – everything has to

be balanced – and this is particularly the case

with the use of colour in any Far Eastern

inspired room.”

Wa International’s design brief also

included the conceptualisation and design of

Asiana’s five dining and entertainment

outlets. In each of these outlets, which range

from Japanese to Chinese, Seafood, Filipino

and Korean cuisine, the walls and floors

made of wood and stone are reminiscent of

the sea, the landscape and ethnicities of the

cuisine. Unique pieces, such as ancient

artefacts and authentic art, were sourced

from the Far East, whereas ancient poetry has

also been transposed into backlit wall panels

and decorative pieces of art in Asiana’s

Korean restaurant, Sonamu and its Chinese

MANOR HOUSE

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76 Wa INTERNATIONAL


78 WWW.TPG-MEDIA.COM

78 Wa INTERNATIONALoutlet, Jade.

Asiana has created a peaceful union of the

riches from Asia, providing its guests with the

perfect mix of the ancient and modern for

which the Far East has become rightfully

renowned.

Tango and polo inspires FourSeasons Buenos AiresrenovationWhen Wa International was invited to lead

the renovation of the lobby, guest rooms and

suites at Four Seasons Buenos Aires, the

traditional Argentinian pastimes of Tango

and Polo were top on the list of inspirations

for the design team.

“Polo is the ‘Sport of Kings’ and when in

Buenos Aires you feel the pure energy and

passion for the sport, which was our

inspiration for much of the hotel interiors, “

explains Claire. “We wanted to create

something timeless and traditional yet with a

modern, Argentinian twist so we used lots of

leather and polished woods on a neutral,

classical palette.”

The Four Seasons’ two storey lobby

features polished palisandro marble flooring

in creamy tones with luxurious bronze and

gold veins that catch the light cast by

hundreds of blown-glass curvilinear crystal

pieces suspended from the ceiling – a

sculpture that was again inspired by tango

dancers.

A luxurious carved and hand-tuffed

custom made carpet sits centrally in the

entrance lobby. The deep blue carpet with

creamy silver highlights provides a warm

grounding for the classic contemporary yet

glamorous furniture pieces placed on top.

Claire said, “Our first impression of the

existing entrance lobby was that it was a

great double height space, so we wanted to

further express this height by reshaping the

interior architecture and vertically extending

the structure up through the balcony level,

up to the ceiling.

“We also removed two columns

supporting the balcony and

reinforced the cantilever to create a

larger opening for our new

reception desks. The new backlit

desks are clad in translucent blue

agate stone, a semi precious natural

rock sourced in South America.

The vivid blue tones of this unusual

stone reflect both the blue sky of

Buenos Aires and the river Rio de

la Plata, the mouth of the Argentine

Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.”

Featured behind the unique

reception desks is a painting by the

renowned Argentinian artist

Alejandro Moy. The painting

portrays glorious white horses in

full gallop, a further reference to the

game of polo.

The reception area features

screens with tango-inspired

patterns, while oversized furniture

and exotic raw materials primarily

polished Makassar ebony,

throughout the lobby lounge give a

bold twist to this otherwise

classically timeless design.

Timeless elegance with a

contemporary twist truly defines

the newly refined rooms of the

Four Seasons Buenos Aires.

The completed guest rooms and

suites carry accents of polo-centric

materials and soft furnishings.

Leather clad sliding doors divide

the bed and bathroom,

complimented by leather wrapped

handles, nail-studded trims and

carved horse lamps. Locally made

alpaca-embossed headboards frame

the beds and chenille, silk and woven leather

scatter cushions, hand loomed exclusively by

Ronchamp of Buenos Aires, on the new

high-back sofas, add comfort and plushness

to these elegant, spacious rooms.

Bathrooms incorporate polished walnut,

Italian crema marfil marble, and blue and

turquoise glass mosaics. A generous

freestanding bath tub sits centrally on the

new opening, while impressive edge lit

mirrors with an inbuilt LCD TV provides

the latest in bathroom luxuries. The new

sumptuous rain shower completes the almost

spa-like experience of the new bathrooms.

More from WaInternational….internationally!Whilst work continues in Africa, Asia and

the Middle East, Wa International is also

working on more projects across the world.

Two luxury ski resorts in Azerbaijan are

already well underway, as is Phase 2 of Four

Seasons Argentina. Closer to home, work

has begun on a Luxury Collection property

in Ajman, UAE.

In these markets and beyond, Wa

International continues to create world-class

interiors in the hospitality industry,

surpassing their reputation with each new

project and continuing to exceed Clients’

expectations.

Looking to the future, Claire concluded,

“With some very interesting prospects on

the horizon, we very much believe that Wa

International will continue to go from

strength to strength not only in this region

but further afield.

“Our studio continues to stretch the

boundaries of design, striving with each new

project to create truly inspiring interiors.

Combined with the desire to create more

sustainable projects, we feel the future has a

great deal to hold for Wa International as a

driving force in the design of hotels and

resorts across the globe.”

CALIBAR BAR & LOUNGE

SPA TREATMENT ROOM


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ARABTEC CONSTRUCTION L.L.C. BAFCO - WA …inspired by the many fortresses and castles in and around the Capital and felt that their textures and architecture could easily be reinterpreted