A beach front Balearic structure from the 1980s transformed into W Ibiza, a social hub that sets the scene and sparks the imagination, whilst incorporating the bold and playful characteristic of the brand. The overall impression is of a refreshing simplicity expressed by a minimum of means: colour, sun and shade.
The existing structure was meticulously modified to introduce a dramatic ascending section of the entire ground and lower floor that follow from the main entrance esplanade to the outdoor pool and sea; a tour de force of ascending platforms that transcend their functionality to become an enticing place to connect and engage, celebrate life or just be alone together.
Outdoors and indoors are blurred by the ascending section of the main floor and the character of materials and finishes used for both.
The interior spatial arrangement is set between a concrete floor and steel-wired hand-woven laced ceiling; two dominating features which define an inspiring stage for self-expression. Amongst these two dominating surfaces, Balearic- inspired colors and textures culture prevail and handled with a refined sophistication.
Our design approach for W Ibiza is in tuned with a sustainable promise of promoting the wellbeing of guests and locals throughout. Starting with the construction phase where we kept the designated building and finding the silver lining with the existing conditions rather than tearing it down. Then, developing a design that is inclusive, engaging, intuitive and open-ended that resonates with the spirit of the island so that locals can recognize it and make it theirs as much as W's followers. And finally, collaborating with local suppliers that brought their indigenous know-how into the design process and inspired us with their love and devotion to their island.
the result is an idyllically escape injected with the playful charm of Ibiza and the W brand.
The "flower-power" mind-set regulated our design strategy and found its way onto the new rhythm of the facades through a playful presence of colorful ‘sails' that shade each and every guest room. Hence, the design of the façades is subject to the guests' desires.
The sense of arrival to W Ibiza was conceived as a passage through a magnetizing force that pulls us in and leads us towards the sea and the horizon; a welcoming gesture that sets the right vibes for an escape of body and soul. Inspired by the Venturi effect where fluids accelerate their flow while moving from a large collecting space into a narrower collecting space, the spatial arrangement of the public spaces resonate with Venturi's observation. A sea of masts collects guests and locals through a narrowing esplanade, pulling them towards an interior oasis of shade, water and blue sea.
While keeping the masses of the existing building intact, we proposed a new balance between interior and exterior, one that entices the town and its guests to enter and make the public spaces part of their daily life.