Interior design studio Goddard Littlefair has unveiled its new design of Hilton Vienna Park hotel.
The redesign is the final stage of the hotel’s 18 month multi-million dollar renovation project which has seen the design studio transform all guest rooms, restaurants, bars and event spaces.
Goddard Littlefair’s new design concept seeks to create a greater sense of place and locality by highlighting the city’s understated elegance and adopting the style of the Secessionist movement to add a layer of historical reference throughout the interiors.
“The key to the project was to ground the overall design in the local design vernacular, so visitors and locals would feel its sense of place,” explains Martin Goddard, co-founder and Director of Goddard Littlefair. “Adding energy and animation to the public spaces transforms the experience of the hotel, which aims to draw in the Viennese and capture the international guest.”
The design studio’s approach to the restoration was inspired by the etymology of the name ‘Vienna’, which derives from the Dutch word ‘vedunia’ meaning ‘forest stream’. The Lenz restaurant acts as the ‘Source’ of the ‘forest stream’, running throughout the public areas finishing at Selleny’s cafe and bar.
A dynamic floor plan through means of axis and vistas, horizontally and vertically through double height spaces create a flow connecting the public spaces. The four elements – Air, Water, Earth and Fire – illustrate the design, colour scheme and ambience for each area strengthening the connection to nature.
The vision for Lenz was driven by the desire to create a relaxed yet elevated space that could transition from day to night, from morning breakfast to upscale evening dining.
Symbolic of ‘Air’ and influenced by the Vienna Secession, Lenz has a modern style featuring detailed historical references such as the lighting which nods to Josef Hoffmann’s art deco Glassware. Gilded glass screens evocative of Gustav Klimt’s flowing ornamentation create zones and private corners in the external facing dining room with an adjoining outdoor terrace.
With furniture inspired by the revolutionary bentwood designs of Gebrüder Thonet, the flexible choice of seating throughout contributes to a social and vibrant atmosphere.
Meanwhile at the Buffet restaurant, ethereal ornamentation meets geometric shapes under a dynamic ceiling inspired by Adolf Loos’ American Bar and illustrates the water component of the overall design narrative.
The relaxed and flexible space appeals to groups and individuals, offering buffet style service and an open kitchen theatre. Private dining zones are created using full height screens with high and low tables nestled alongside royal blue banquettes and illuminated by the glow of lighting derived from Wiener Werkstätte’s innovative metalwork.
Designed as the hub and the central focus of the ground floor, the new rotated geometry of the hotel Lounge drives the flow of the space, linking each area physically and connecting them visually.
Bold patterns and elongated proportions have a playful feel, whilst comfort is created through patterned rug borders influenced by Gustav Klimt’s Secession Exhibition Posters. The angles and positioning of intricate geometric screens allow glimpses of intimate corners yet create an open, flowing space encouraging guests to experience all areas of the ground floor.
Referencing the Earth element, warm colours and crafted textures feature in the Wiener Werkstätte patterned scatter cushions and the glow from lighting derived from Adolf Loos’ designs refracted by Josef Hoffmann-style stained glass freizes.
Elsewhere, Selleny’s Bar symbolises Fire, focussing on the dual cocktail and food counters, providing an intriguing draw from both the exterior and the interior.
Supporting an informal breakfast service in the mornings and lounge service during the day, the bar becomes the theatrical focal point in the evening with theatrical embellishments such as Otto Wagner-style bar stools with curves and geometric mosaics and upholstery inspired by Josef Hoffmann.
The design studio has also transformed the Suites, Presidential Suites and guest rooms with new finishes and decorative elements that create a cohesive Secessionist style look.
Goddard adds: “The hotel rooms and suites follow the style of the Secession movement whilst at the same time creating a very residential feel with calm colours and textures. We are rightly proud of the work our studio has put into making a truly landmark Hilton hotel.”
In addition to the overhaul of the existing spaces, 78 additional guest rooms and suites with panoramic views have been added on the 15th floor, taking the property from 579 to 663 keys.
“The significant investment highlights Hilton’s long-term commitment to Vienna – the hotel is a beacon of hospitality in the city and one of 10 hotels trading or under development across Austria under five distinct bands. Hilton Vienna Park will undoubtedly provide an incredible setting for Austrian and international visitors exploring the city.”
