Klaus K Art Hotel

Project year: 2019
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Team: Jon Eliason Design Studio

Interior concept for a contemporary Art Hotel in Helsinki. Create an updated concept of Klaus K based on brand input and ideas from staff and owners.

Design Thoughts and Research

Klaus K hotel used to be the center for creative people, the first design hotel in Helsinki. Through the years we have lost this position and found our brand identity eroded by many different design directions and unclear concepts.

Looking at the hotel scene in Helsinki today and our competitors we see an overall continental hotel expression and design concepts that could be placed anywhere in the world. Elegant, impressive and good service but with a similar identity. This gives Klaus K the chance to stand out and once again become the nr 1 Finnish creative design hotel, and by that gain a unique position in Helsinki hotel arena. The hub for Finnish creators and where our guests experience cutting edge culture.

To strengthen the local connection we create a concept based on the Finnish heritage regarding art, design & crafts.

From there we look forward to what tomorrow’s design expression will look like. We will create a base and platform, concept and brand identity, unique interior and design manuals from the essence of Finnish culture (materials, textures, colours, etc).

Neo Finnish Modern starts here!

A striking, modern interior. Let us be curious and brave! Explore known materials in a new way. Dynamic and expressive. Let us dare to be bold, and use grand expressions for our interior. Warm, inviting and constantly surprising. Something for our guests to experience and remember.

Chairs, stools, sofas, lamps, textiles, glass, ceramics, etc could be designed uniquely for Klaus K, not to be seen elsewhere. We will produce a new design based on our design manuals and invite local creators to participate in some projects together with us. We make and control the interior and concept, the invited designers follow the Klaus K design manuals under our guidance and produce brave designs, decor and arts within the boundaries of the concept. The latest Finnish design and art will be created together with Klaus K. Our hotel will continuously be updated with the latest local arts and crafts expressions. It will strengthen Klaus K identity and make it ”The Design Experience” in Helsinki.

Concept

NATURE………. BRAVE………. SHAPES AND COLOUR………. SIMPLE HONEST………. WOODEN………. SUSTAINABLE………. NATURAL………. DETAILED PRAGMATIC………. WOODS, LAKES

TOTAL SIMPLICITY………. MELANCHOLIC………. BOLD PATTERNS ORGANIC………. SHAPES………. CLASSIC………. FUNCTIONAL………. BOLD NATURE-INSPIRED………. TRADITIONAL

Conceptual ideas

Carpet Pattern Design

Carpet design patterns inspired by Finnish painter Akseli Gallén-Kallela.

To capture the colour and expression of a painter Gallén-Kallela and incorporate these in the interior we have made abstractions of his paintings. Colourful and expressive carpets will be a beautiful complement to our stylish interior and addition when colours are needed. In some parts of the Klaus K hotel, the patterns become wallpapers and create a unique atmosphere.

Every hotel room has it’s own pattern for the carpet.

Carpet Pattern Design “Akseli”

Corridors

Once every three months, we invite a graphic designer/ painter to exhibit in our corridors. The corridors turn into a gallery showing the latest local and international art. Fixed frames and sizes for the creators to fill with their art. We invite locals and press to take part in the exhibition at the Corridor Gallery, serving vernisage white wine and snacks between 13-18.00. The exhibition lasts for three months before it’s time for next exhibitor. Of course, the art is for sale, and Klaus K takes no profit!

Bedrooms

Function

We offer high-quality solutions and materials in our hotel rooms. Details are made with care and all rooms are individually adapted so that the function and comfort are maximal. The design and functions cover all areas in the room and no space is forgotten. Simplicity with multifunction. We have thought of all possible needs and covered them in a smart and well-designed way.Simplexity!

Design

Natural materials, smart solutions, delicate details, calm and relaxing colour combinations, functional design, every room has its own design on the carpet, lighting in many different ways and options (think theatre), Bluetooth loudspeakers and the best beds in town. Cosy cushions, books, humidifier with scents, accessories, etc., creates a homie atmosphere and your “living room away from home”. A mix of Finnish modern design and Klaus K’s own designs. We dare to mix unique with new. Every room has customized carpentry and the handcraft is of the highest quality.

Projections

Screens and movies as part of the interior

We work with screens and movies, sound and loudspeakers as part of the brand experience incorporated in the interior. We show the latest art and video installations regularly updated, and the music can be followed on our Spotify account, music reflecting the identity of Klaus K.

If we have a DJ playing, our guests can find the playlist the day after.

Important that the loudspeakers have a good quality no matter where in the hotel you are, and at the same time allow guests to have a normal conversation without screaming.

The first thing our guests shall see when they enter the hotel is the reception and our staff that welcomes them to the wonderful world of Klaus K. Personal, inviting and welcoming – the first impression lasts. The entrance walls, wall behind and front of our reception desk are covered with screens. On the screens we show the latest art and video installations, our guests step right into a piece of art when entering, and our receptionist is standing in the very middle of it!

Instagram moment!

Details

We suggest to keep the graphic profile and fonts but use the K more as a freestanding symbol – a logo. “The K“ can be used on staff clothes, glasses, cups, napkins, etc and shall be repeated until it is recognisable for everyone interested in design, food and Finnish culture.

The K is the key!

Our own design – Lamps for Klausk K

As much as possible of the products and items used in Klaus K interior should be designed uniquely for Klaus K, not to be seen elsewhere. We will produce a new design based on our design manuals and invite local creators to participate in some projects together with us.

Custom made lamp specially designed for Klaus K.

The invited designers shall follow the Klaus K design manuals under our guidance and produce brave designs, decor and arts within the boundaries of the concept. This will strengthen Klaus K identity and make it ”The Design Experience” in Helsinki. Here are some designs we sketched based on the concept.