“Introducing nature into the hotel” was the premise of International Hospitality Projects (IHP) for the fulfillment of this incredible interior design project. The changes in how the space is arranged and the use of next-generation materials like HI-MACS® have transformed the renovated Novotel Madrid Center into a model for contemporary design.

With the primary objective of reorganizing the space to make it more functional, IHP made the most of the large area that was available to create many more open zones, updating the interiors to give a sensation of spaciousness.

The challenge was a vast 360º remodel that gives the hotel an attractive, contemporary image that will remain, even as time goes by. To achieve this, IHP brought in its interior design and equipment, architecture and engineering teams for the facilities.

HI-MACS®, the star of the huge lobby

The view of the main lobby is made of six large HI-MACS® pillars with backlit rhomboid patterns that portray a geometric abstraction of the trunks of the trees and their leaves. These epic structures in the form of asymmetrical prisms are the focal point of the lobby and make up the backbone of the hotel.

With the aim of giving the hotel an updated, contemporary image, three straight structures with diffuse underlighting were chosen for the majestic reception desks, made even more attractive by the presence of three large “smokestacks” hanging from the ceiling above and illuminated at the base, spreading warmth throughout the reception area. All of these elements are made of HI-MACS®, in Alpine White, in contrast to the back part of the desk, which is printed crystal.

A new side entrance for groups was also created, where a large trapezoidal structure lit from within, likewise produced in acrylic stone, delimits the space between the staircase and the ramp. “HI-MACS® gave us the ability to create impactful elements, while still being a material that is neutral, long-lasting and easy to maintain – all of which were characteristics that the client required”, asserts Paolo Mauri.

“The choice of acrylic stone was a step forward. We moved from a classic, traditional, material like marble to an innovative one with many different esthetic possibilities,” explains the project’s designer.

A bar with personality

On the same main floor are the bar, another spectacular area in the Novotel Madrid Center, and the restaurant. The actual bar is six meters (20 feet) long, in a single steel piece that marks the edge of the lobby. The front of the bar, covered in backlit Alpine White HI-MACS®, is changeable and, combined with the large video wall, lets the hotel vary its atmosphere.

Spacious, flexible conference rooms

The Novotel Madrid Center is the only hotel in downtown Madrid to offer some 3,000 m2 (32,000 sq ft) for conferences. With the aim of increasing the versatility of the lower floor, the original fixed wall has been replaced with moveable partitions that make it possible to rearrange the spaces to suit the needs of the moment, resulting in absolute flexibility.

Invitingly comfortable rooms

The rooms at the Novotel Madrid Center combine modernism and elegance, technology and full equipment. Also in the space, timeless aesthetics were applied, playing with natural, beige and brown tones, with discreet touches of colour. The bathrooms mainly consist of a dramatic over-sized shower, sufficient to suit every need.