Maximum impact: DZ Design renovates the Citymax Hotel in Business Bay
DZ Design unveils its latest sustainable refurbishment project for Citymax Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai, achieving 40% savings through upcycling, reusing, and recycling existing furniture and finishes.
“The Citymax Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai, was ready to be opened to the public in February 2020. However, when the owner visited the hotel, he was not satisfied with the overall look and efficiency of the space,” explains Zain Belgami, managing director at DZ Design.
Given that the project was complete, allocating more funds for additional refurbishment was a worry. DZ Design was given AED3mn to rebuild and upgrade the lobby, public areas, public restrooms, three F&B units, the spa, gym, pool bar, conference rooms, and 22 suites, while 350 rooms will be refurbished during the second phase.
“Our team came on board the last-minute, proving that the design process that’s careful yet simplified can meet tight timelines and limited budget. This project is about the well-planned refurbishment that elevates and impacts the guest experience while recycling, retaining, and upcycling the existing finishes and furniture,” adds Dina Murali, design director at DZ Design.
Bold, warm, vibrant and full of life, Citymax is a distinctive hospitality experience focussed on delivering high-perceived value. Due to its typology, the hotel caters to long-stay business travellers and local guests; however, with greys and whites previously dominating the interiors, the client felt space was “too clinical”.
DZ Design chose a contemporary modern design, bringing warmth through timber finishes and indoor greenery associated with four-star hotels. The greatest impact was made in the lobby area. After the refurb, the lobby coffee shop doubles as a work café.
“They wanted us to look at the furniture details as they were unhappy with the overall look and feel and felt that the ethos of the brand did not stand out in any manner,” explains Murali. “We have reused existing storage counters, shelving, tables and chairs while existing sofas were re-upholstered. They’ve also created light fixtures from beer kegs in the bar instead of purchasing accent lighting. The furniture was also made locally, using the frames of existing units.”
DZ Design’s team also conceptualised the artworks in lobby and other lobby areas.
“Through thoughtful design and space planning, we’ve managed to increase the overall capacity in all public areas while adhering to the required social distancing guidelines. The lobby area was increased from 38 to 50 people; all-day dining from 60 to 91, and a roof-top pool bar from 20 to 30 people,” adds Belgami.
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Over 57,000 employees across 42 companies and 9 academic institutions participated in the Let’s Create a Healthy and Happy Workplace campaign organised as part of Dubai Chamber Sustainability Week 2020
Like all sectors, paint businesses are focused on protecting public health, particularly the safety of employees and customers. Frequent communication is also vitally important, whether that be amongst internal employees, or external partners and customers, to manage expectations. As a global business, we already have the technology and infrastructure to swiftly adapt to remote working. Video conferencing is already used widely across the company and on an international level within the whole group. Designers and decorators are potentially feeling the pinch, with non-essential maintenance and decoration being delayed or postponed. For existing projects, business price pressure is increasing. “Re-pricing” is now the new normal in the construction industry, which increases the existing price pressure in the market. On the one hand, it increases the need to become more efficient in the construction processes by a more standardised approach using BIM, modular construction, and 3D printing techniques among others. On the other hand, the price compression on building materials might lead to lower quality levels in construction. Despite the effects of the virus and even more of the low oil price, there are certainly some signs of positivity in the mid-term. Construction remains a vital part of the economies in the region. Many countries have development plans, which might now be delayed, but will continue with the support of the local governments. People are also becoming far more conscious of the health benefits of different types of paint.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced the launch of an innovative information platform to follow developments and impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19) on the economy and business sector in Dubai. The new platform, called “Business Connect”, aims to help companies and institutions in Dubai to overcome the economic repercussions of the spread of the virus. The page includes news, economic and educational resources and various economic viewpoints related to the existing challenges and ways to confront them.
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