Cheng Chung Design (CCD) renovated Hotel Central Macau, blending heritage hotel design with modern elements.
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A Historic Gem Reimagined: The Hotel Central Macau
Cheng Chung Design (CCD) was tasked with the revitalization of the Hotel Central Macau, a building steeped in history and literary significance. Once a prominent setting in Ian Fleming’s novels, the hotel has long been recognized for its opulent architecture and luxurious interiors, attracting the elite and celebrities of its time. CCD’s heritage hotel design approach aimed to honor this rich past while infusing the spaces with a contemporary sensibility, catering to the discerning tastes of modern travelers.
Delving into the Past: An Archaeological Approach to Design
During the site visit, the CCD team discovered a unique layering of floor tiles, a testament to the hotel’s past renovations and expansions. Each layer represented a different era, offering a glimpse into the hotel’s architectural evolution. Inspired by this archaeological discovery, CCD decided to incorporate a chronological narrative into the heritage hotel design. Each floor reflects a distinct period in the hotel’s 100-year history, with design styles gradually transitioning from vintage to modern as guests ascend through the building.
A Tapestry of Time: Blending Heritage and Modernity
The heritage hotel design showcases a harmonious blend of past and present. The building’s original colors, window patterns, and architectural lines are reinterpreted and juxtaposed with modern elements. Local Lingnan customs are celebrated through thematic paintings and decorative motifs. A striking mural adorning the staircase depicts the historical evolution of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and the Hotel Central itself, while portraits of influential figures associated with the building over the past century add a personal touch.
Celebrating Macau’s Heritage: A Curated Collection of Art and Design
CCD’s heritage hotel design extends beyond the architectural fabric, incorporating a curated collection of artworks that encapsulate the city’s memory and the hotel’s local history. These carefully chosen pieces serve as conversation starters, sparking curiosity and offering insights into Macau’s cultural heritage. Guests are invited to explore the hotel’s past and present, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
Culinary Journey Through Time: The Palace Restaurant
The Palace Restaurant, a highlight of the renovated hotel, offers a culinary experience that echoes the heritage hotel design philosophy. The menu is conceived as a historical narrative, with each dish representing a journey through time. The restaurant’s ambiance is warm and inviting, featuring a rich palette of colors and natural materials like wood, leather, and natural fibers. These materials are chosen for their ability to age gracefully, developing character and warmth over time.
Guestrooms: A Fusion of Nostalgia, Heritage, and Contemporary Style
The guestrooms within the Hotel Central Macau are designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia while embracing contemporary comforts and aesthetics. Each room is themed according to a specific era in the hotel’s history, with design elements evolving from the nostalgic charm of the 1920s to the sleek minimalism of the present day. The 1920s-themed rooms, located on the fifth and sixth floors, feature vintage wood paneling and low-saturation greyish-green textured paint, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Carefully chosen antique furniture and old newspapers transport guests back in time, offering a respite from the modern world.
A Bridge Between Eras: The Ninth and Tenth Floors
The ninth and tenth floors bridge the gap between the hotel’s past and present. The heritage hotel design here reinterprets historical elements with a modern touch. The refreshing mint green favored by early innovators is revived in the guestrooms, complemented by accents of black and white, black gold, and antique copper. Old photo walls narrate the passage of time, creating a unique ambiance that resonates with the hotel’s rich history.
A Timeless Icon: Preserving Macau’s Architectural Heritage
The renovation of the Hotel Central Macau stands as a testament to the power of heritage hotel design in preserving and celebrating a city’s architectural legacy. CCD’s meticulous approach has breathed new life into this iconic building, ensuring its continued relevance in the heart of Macau’s bustling center. The hotel’s elegant aesthetic captures the essence of its past while embracing the dynamism of the present, creating a timeless destination that will continue to captivate visitors for generations to come.
Project Information:
Project Type: Hotel Renovation
Architect: Cheng Chung Design (CCD)
Project Year: 2024
Country: Macau
Photographer: 安邸AD
