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Not so long ago, hotel interiors were virtually interchangeable. From the reception to the bar, there was a uniformity that was both predictable and uninspiring. Today, however, architects and designers are looking to create points of difference that will make a hotel stand out from the competition.

For the Ibis Hotel, it is the innovative joinery that creates this distinction. Christchurch-based joinery specialist Modulink Interiors was commissioned to manufacture, supply and install all the joinery for the hotel, including the reception area, restaurant, business bar, bedroom joinery and office furniture.

Modulink managing director Roger Syme says the project posed a number of challenges, including sourcing material in New Zealand to meet the Australian architect's specification.

"In some cases material was imported," Syme says. "The bedroom joinery features Melteca Kaya Mahogany and Formica Kaya Mahogany supplied by The Laminex Group. These laminates in Ibis Hotel corporate colours were sourced in Australia, with the Formica pressed onto MDF by a local manufacturer. The majority of the edging was solid timber clashing."

Syme says the size of the job, the time constraint, and the location provided further challenges.

"Being in the heart of the city, there was no parking and restricted access, which meant unloading and storing this amount of joinery needed careful planning. The project also had narrow deadlines. All 155 rooms, and the services areas, such as the bar, reception and restaurant, had to be completed within an 8-week window."

The joinery in the bars, reception area and restaurants features a number of different materials. These include Tribal Palm Formica, recycled solid rimu timber, and CaesarStone bar tops and coffee units.

Powdercoated steelwork features in the buffet, bar leaners and restaurant seating, while colour-backed glass adds a reflective sparkle to the fronts of the reception desk and bar.

Modulink specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of commercial furniture for offices, hotels, motels and property developers, as well as domestic kitchen cabinetry.

For more information, contact Modulink Interiors, 462 St Asaph St, PO Box 22293, Christchurch, phone (03) 982 1700, fax (03) 982 1704. Or visit the website: www.modulink.net.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas