Studio HBA has completed two hotels in Santa Monica, California. The Courtyard Marriott and Hampton Inn & Suites were designed in tandem to complement one another, each reflecting a different element of the Santa Monica coastline. Courtyard Marriott is said to represent the beach town’s bluffs, while Hampton Inn reflects California waves. Exteriors for both properties were designed by Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio.
According to David Dunphy, principal at Studio HBA, the designs of the Courtyard Marriott and Hampton Inn & Suites were inspired by a road trip to the end of Route 66, and the experiences and elements of nature encountered along the way.
The Courtyard
Courtyard Marriott Santa Monica is located on the corner of 5th and Colorado. The 136 guestrooms all have an "earthy" design, with an overarching theme of the earth’s tectonic plates prevalent throughout. The front desk has edge-lit ceiling forms created by Illuminate lighting consultancy. Representing the earth’s plates, these increase in height to culminate at a “cloud-like” light fixture also designed by Illuminate. There is also a full-height media wall providing a counterpoint. Similarly, there are oversized digital “Polaroids” on display, allowing for Route 66 travel imagery to be shown in the lobby area. Illuminate also lit a three-dimensional topographic map of Santa Monica to serve as a focal piece behind the front desk with suspended wood planes floating above. Sustainable earth-toned stain was applied to the concrete slabs on the floor, rather than traditional imported floor tile. There are seating groups throughout the lobby. Interiors are accentuated by LED lighting and dynamic lighting controls.
Elevator lobby walls have local art, silk screened onto glass featuring the Santa Monica 66 “End of the Trail” sign and the Santa Monica Pier. A pool deck and terrace with glowing furniture and fire pits on the second floor overlooks the newly opened metro station and Pacific Ocean.
The guestrooms have a full headboard wall with a graphic image of the Santa Monica Pier in sunset-inspired hues. All case goods are customized with wood veneers in walnut tones and routed reveals recalling the tectonic plates from the lobby below. Abstract art in the rooms includes a graphic depiction of the 1950s era bathing beauties and a full wall in the bathroom showing bubbles ascending in water printed on wall covering. Top floor suites have balcony, outdoor seating, fireplaces and built-in bars overlooking the views of the Santa Monica Pier.
The Hampton
The 146-guestroom Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica is located directly across the street from the Courtyard Marriott.
The property's lobby has curved, edge-lit ceiling planes also by Illuminate, and sculptural “driftwood” front desk that runs through the entire ground floor of the hotel. Terrazzo flooring with recycled content was used. There is a series of carved stone surfboards and local surf photos just inside the entry. Seating groups were designed to appear as an assemblage collected over time, while hammock chairs are suspend from the ceiling next to rope light fixtures, alongside a woven wall of ship rope to add visual texture to the lobby.
Similar to the Courtyard Marriott, the elevator lobby walls have graphic art, silk screened onto glass featuring geometric patterns that culminate in an oversized image of a swimmer donning a bathing cap with three dimensional water drop patterns surrounding lights in the ceiling above. A deck on the second floor has bespoke furniture, a 20-foot fire pit, communal sofa and pool-length neon art depicting a series of swimmers moving across the space. Illuminate provided exterior lighting.
The guestrooms have an accent wall at the desk area, and contemporary art pieces placed on a shelf above the upholstered headboard with dramatic lighting. All case goods are custom with wood veneers in walnut tones. Wood and glass sliding doors into the bath area allow natural light and maneuvering space. Bathrooms use a light color palette, accented by a mosaic tile wall.
Top floor suites in the hotel have kitchenettes, living areas and balconies with outdoor seating and views overlooking Santa Monica.
Studio HBA is a division of Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA). Its completed projects include Courtyard San Francisco Union Square and Hilton Woodland Hills in Los Angeles. In 2016, Studio HBA’s Los Angeles office will unveil three local projects – Plaza la Reina in Los Angeles, Hampton Inn Santa Monica and Courtyard Marriott Santa Monica.
Illuminate is a lighting design consultancy and division of Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA).
Courtyard Marriott Santa Monica
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica
