Singapore-based design house FBEYE International went back to nature with its styling of The Westin Singapore, with the iconic brand returning to the Lion City after a decade’s absence.
Located in the Marina Bay financial district, the new sky-high retreat for business and leisure travellers sits atop one of the district’s highest skyscrapers, occupying the 32nd to 46th levels of the upscale Asia Square Tower, and boasting one of Asia’s highest sky lobbies. Using textural interpretations of landscape imagery, earthy colour palettes teamed with natural elements like timber and stone, greenery and light are incorporated throughout all spaces.
FBEYE created a uniquely modern identity while respecting the brand’s legacy. Signature values of wellness and balance were the design focus throughout – from public lobbies, event spaces and restaurants to 305 suites. “Holistic styling was inspired by nature, and complementing the design elements to a contemporary setting set the tone of elegance and style for a city-chic retreat,” says FBEYE founder and lead designer Warren Foster-Brown.
On arrival, guests are greeted with a sense of serenity at the ground floor lift lobby, introducing the nature theme with a vertical garden of greenery, mosses and stones. The design centrepiece is a specially-commissioned sculpture entitled “Seeds of Singapore” on a black marble plinth, and a flower motif appears to float over the concierge desk.
A sense of place is introduced to the garden city of Singapore as a cultural melting pot, with a lift entry in warm, blond chequered timber panelling; colourful Peranakan pots perched on top, and lift buttons in crafted Chinese cabinets. Stepping out into the dramatic sky lobby at Level 32 to breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the theme continues with a palette of harmonious, natural colours and floral motifs in custom glass panels, flooring and suspended giant glass pendants.
Three reception ‘pods’ are in curved white stone, taking months to carve to exact size and resulting in the impression of flow, allowing guests to approach the desks from all angles. Merging into the main lobby theme are pillars clad in backlit glass veneer, which transition the lobby seamlessly from a flood of natural light in the day to a chic evening venue after sundown.
The open kitchen and dining layout is the perfect canvas with which to showcase the hotel’s food and beverage. Warmly-lit oversized lanterns draw the guest into deli-style venue Daily Treats, where fresh baked bread, wholesome fare and home-made chocolates are showcased on warm tones of blond timber against white and green glass palettes, with fresh herbs featuring on all tables. Cantilevered pendant lights and decorative screens organize the spaces and provide a canopy-like setting. The floor showcases different materials from crisp white marble to renewable bamboo floor planks.
In contrast, a gastro bar up a broad staircase from the lobby exudes an old-school gentleman’s club vibe. With floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, the expansive space offers superb views of the marina coastline. Combining the relaxed ambience of a traditional pub with contemporary elements, warm timber panelling and unpolished recycled wooden flooring lead to a long black marble-topped bar and luxurious leather sofas and armchairs. The bar is not only for in-house guests, but an inviting drinks and dining destination in its own right.
The ballroom and pre-function areas at Level Three similarly exude a warm ambience in dark timber, striking marbles and intricate mirror detailing beneath giant contemporary chandeliers. White multi-faceted archways are designed as a low-ceilinged ‘anti’ space on arrival, creating a dramatic entrance to the double-height venues beyond.
Drawing on the extensive experience in luxury hotels and design projects from around the world, FBEYE International ultimately delivers a complete design solution to the new Westin Singapore. “We are not just giving the hotel a sense of place and heritage, but a rounded and relaxing hospitality experience to recharge after an eventful day at work or exciting day of sightseeing,” added Foster-Brown.
FBEYE International, a global design firm founded in 2005 with offices in Singapore and Manila, boasts a growing portfolio of luxury hospitality projects in Asia and Europe.
