< Previous48 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN Travel VISIONARY HOTEL DESIGN CHECK IN AND MARVEL Architecture can impress, surprise and open up new new perspectives. Let yourself be enchanted by places where spectacular architecture, exclusive comfort and culinary delights form an fascinating combination. M any hotels are far more than just accommoda- tion: they are architectural masterpieces that impressively combine design, atmosphere and nature. Some blend harmoniously into their sur- roundings, while others make a bold statement with their avant-garde shapes. They all tell stories, provide inspiration and make your stay a special experience. Here are three extraordinary hotels whose visionary architecture and unique design will fascinate you and maybe also brighten up your next trip. Most of the rooms at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal have a unique zigzag window front with a view of the valley. The hotel was officially opened in October 2006 with a visit from the then King of Spain, Juan Carlos I.VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 49 Travel In the heart of the Spanish wine region of La Rioja, Hotel Marqués de Riscal is an architectural jewel designed by Frank Gehry, one of the most important proponents of deconstructivism. The iconic titanium elements in pink, gold and silver are reminiscent of flow- ing wine and endow the building with its almost sculptural appearance. But it’s not just the façade that fascinates visitors: the interior also reflects Gehry’s signature style: asymmetrical windows, curved shapes and warm colours create an ex- traordinary ambience. Guests can look forward to elegantly designed rooms, a spacious spa area overlooking the vine- yards and exclusive tastings of fine wines from the legendary winery. A visit to the Michelin-starred restaurant, where local specialities are reinterpreted with mod- ern influences, is particularly rewarding. Whether you’re a lover of architecture, wine or wellness, the Marqués de Riscal promises an unforgettable experience for all your senses. With titanium and stainless steel, the design of the building reflects the colours of the winery: the rosé of the wine, the gold of the bottle protector and the silver of the bottle cap. HOTEL MARQUÉS DE RISCAL SPAIN ARTFUL ARCHITECTURE IN THE WINE REGION H O T E L M A R Q U É S D E R I S C A L • H O T E L M A R Q U É S D E R I S C A L •50 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN Travel Dubai is known for its pioneering architecture and spectacular construction projects – of which Atlan- tis The Royal is a prime example. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the hotel has an impressively striking silhouette of stacked blocks that offer stunning views across the Persian Gulf. The 795 stylishly designed rooms and suites have all the latest technology and the highest degree of comfort. But the real highlight is the experience you can enjoy outside your own four walls: over 90 swimming pools, including a floating infinity pool at a height of around 96 metres, as well as hanging gardens and an exclusive beach area create a unique resort atmosphere. Atlantis The Royal also sets new culinary standards with 17 restaurants and world-famous top chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and Ariana Bundy. This hotel impressively under- lines Dubai’s reputation as the city of the future. ATLANTIS THE ROYAL DUBAI FUTURISTIC ELEGANCE ON THE PERSIAN GULF The resort is located on the outer crescent of the Palm Island, over- looking the Arabian Gulf, the lagoon and the Dubai skyline. The interior design comes from the G.A Group, a leading studio for luxurious hotel and residential concepts. AT L A N T I S T H E R O Y A L • A T L A N T I S T H E R O Y A L •VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 51 If you want to experience peace, originality and de- sign in perfect harmony, the My Arbor – Dolomites in South Tyrol is a unique retreat. Built on stilts, the building literally floats above the forest floor and its generous glass fronts open up spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Designed by Armin Sader, the tree hotel makes use of materials such as wood, glass and stone to create a warm, inviting atmos- phere. One special highlight is its extensive spa area with panoramic saunas, an outdoor infinity pool and exclusive spa treatments using Alpine essences. But ac- tive holidaymakers also get their money’s worth here: picturesque hiking trails and ski areas start right on its doorstep, making My Arbor the perfect base for all na- ture lovers. A hideaway for body, mind and soul in the midst of the picturesque South Tyrolean mountains. MY ARBOR – DOLOMITES SOUTH TYROL A TREE-TOP HAVEN IN THE MOUNTAINS Built on stilts, the My Arbor hotel blends harmoniously into the forest landscape, allowing nature and design to become one. Guests can also enjoy pure relaxation with Alpine flair at the marvellous outdoor pool. Travel M Y A R B O R – D O L O M I T E S •52 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN Craftsmanship culture REVIVAL OF CRAFTSMANSHIP MASTER- PIECES FOR ETERNITY MASTER- PIECEVON POLL REAL ESTATE | 53 Craftsmanship culture W hile mass production primari- ly focuses on efficiency, manual production stands for individuali- ty, durability and character. Every handmade piece – be it a table, a vase or a chair – is unique. Small irregularities are not flaws, but the vis- ible traces of human creativity. They give the objects their unmistakable charm, something that machines can never reproduce. A statement against the fast pace of life For a lot of people, the return to artisanal production is more than just a style decision: it’s also is a conscious protest against the fast pace and arbitrariness of the consumer world. These pieces are not just items for everyday use, but values that can be passed on from one generation to the next. Tradition and innovation harmoniously combined Traditional techniques, often refined over centuries, now go hand in hand with modern design. Furniture manu- facturers such as DRAENERT and Thonet impressively demonstrate how crafts- manship can be given a contemporary twist, combining, as they do, the pre- cision and dedication of craftsmanship with an unmistakable, modern style. Thonet: classic craftsmanship For almost 200 years, Thonet has stood for outstanding craftsmanship and timeless design. Its famous No. 14 bistro chair from the middle of the 19th cen- tury is still considered a design icon to- day. And even today, the firm in Frank- enberg (Hessen) still produces furniture that stands out on account of its quali- ty and authenticity. The technique of bentwood bending, where solid wood is bent under steam, is just one of Thonet’s characteristic trademarks. At the Thonet production site, every piece of furniture is created with great care, craftsmanship and a distinct understand- ing of well thought-out design. Classic Thonet wickerwork is particularly robust and durable thanks to the integrat- ed polyester underlay. Anyone who appreciates the highest quality and timeless design in furniture and accessories deliberately opts for traditional craftsmanship. Today, creations made by hand with the utmost degree of precision are symbols of style and value. Not only do they stand out because they look good, but they also tell stories that make them unique.54 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN DRAENERT: furniture with artistic appeal For over 50 years now, DRAENERT has stood for exclusive designer furniture that unites traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Its manufac- tory on Lake Constance creates unique pieces that are notable for their precise workmanship and the use of high-quali- ty natural materials. The company’s dining tables made of natural stone, which skilfully bring out the grain of the material, are particular- ly well-known. Functionality meets the highest design standards – for pieces of furniture that will last for generations. Craftsmanship as an expression of emotions Behind every handcrafted piece of fur- niture is a story: from the artisans, who often invest weeks or months in the pro- duction, right through to the choice of materials. This dedication is reflected in every detail and imbues each piece with a special emotional depth. Customers value not only the objects themselves, but also the processes and people be- hind them. Sustainability as part of the design In an age in which environmental awareness and re- sponsible consumption are becoming increasingly critical, handmade products appeal to consumers thanks to their durability and resource-saving produc- tion. Whoever invests in such a piece opts for materi- als such as solid wood, leather or natural stone, which, thanks to sustainable processing, are not only environ- mentally friendly, but also particularly durable. Many manufacturers also prioritise regional raw materials and fair working conditions. Furnishings with substance and soul The revival of traditional craftsmanship clearly illus- trates that true beauty lies in the attention to detail. Handcrafted furniture and accessories are not only stylish companions, but also an expression of an atti- tude: the appreciation of quality, origin and craftsman- ship. They have a soul – and that’s what makes them so special. Precision accompanies every step – from the first cut to the final polish. With a sure instinct and a passion for master craftsmanship, every table at DRAENERT is unique. Craftsmanship cultureVON POLL REAL ESTATE | 55 Craftsmanship culture MASTER- PIECE56 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN INTERIOR DESIGN APPS THE SMART WAY TO CUSTOMISE ROOMSVON POLL REAL ESTATE | 57 Lifestyle It has never been easier to realise visions of the perfect home using a tablet or smartphone: thanks to modern interior design apps, rooms can be planned precisely, furniture arranged effortlessly and ideas visualised in impressive quality – and all without pen and paper. Here are the best free apps that combine planning, design and inspiration. Houzz is the world’s leading platform for living, furnishing, renovating and building, and the most well known. With millions of photos, inspiring remodel- ling ideas, diverse expert addresses and a whole lot more, the app is an almost inexhaustible source of ideas for a stylish home. Special features: • Access to millions of inspiring photos, filterable by style, space and budget • The possibility to find experts in your area and exchange ideas • With “Houzz Pro”: house layouts in 2D and with virtual 3D tours HOUZZ – THE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION Whether room or floor plan planning or renovation, with the online room planner software, there are virtually no limits to individual ideas. The intuitive user inter- face with a wealth of practical functions appeals to both amateur and profession- al interior designers. Special features: • Detailed room planning with a large selection of furniture • 360 degree visualisation for impressive virtual tours • Tools to calculate material and installation costs ROOM PLANNER – PRECISE AND SIMPLE Roomle is the ideal digital room planner for designers with an eye for detail. The app lets you design rooms and experi- ment with different furnishing styles and picture them realistically – perfect for in- teractively putting ideas into practice. Special features: • 3D room planning with realistic images of material and textures • Virtual tours so you can explore the planned rooms online • Project synchronisation using PCs and smartphones ROOMLE – FOR CREATIVE MINDS W hether you’re renovating, furnishing or decorating, interior design apps make designing rooms easier, more precise and more inspiring than ever before. With just a few clicks, you can test colour concepts, move furniture around and redesign entire living spaces virtually. Timelessly elegant, modern or cosy and rustic, digital tools help you to try out different styles and realise individual living dreams. Explore the almost limit- less possibilities of these smart helpers and find out which app best suits your needs. Next >