10 Jul 25Hours Hotel: Enriched in Culture
With an inspiring mix of color and pattern, 25Hours Terminus Nord, is a hotel paying tribute to a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Creating impact both ethically and aesthetically, 25Hours generously sources ethnic-inspired decor from an association that provides jobs for women, as well as uses recycled materials incorporating weaving techniques from different corners of the world. See what CEO, Andrea Kraft-Hammerschall, of Interior Design Firm DREIMETA has to say about the influence they’ve created through this hotel.
Why was it important that the hotel paid tribute to a “colorful melting pot of cultures” and what design elements reflects this?
“One of the core concepts of 25hours is that every destination is highly individual and tells a different story. For this hotel, the extremely colourful surrounding areas of its neighborhood played a crucial part in it’s design concept. Thanks to the cultural background of the various communities including people from Sri Lanka, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Senegal and Pakistan, a vibrant spirit has been brought to the streets of the 10th arrondissement, straight to the doorstep of the hotel.
Reflecting these rich cultures and flair of the lively streets, the hotel’s interior is a wild and inspiring mix of patterns and colours. Comparable to an “African Bazaar”, spaces like the reception and the coffee-to-go shop are designed in the style of a large kiosk with newspapers, snacks, and all sorts of knick-knacks to offer.”
The rooms incorporate pendant lamps made from recycled PET plastic bottles combined with traditional weaving techniques from different corners of the world. Can you tell us more about these?
“When sourcing the different design elements, e.g. these pendant lamps, we were looking for something to match the overall concept. The lamps are vibrant and colorful and refer directly to some of the regions that are reflected in the hotel. The whole philosophy behind the product seemed worth supporting to us: they carry out fair trade practices, they react to the global problem of plastic waste and increase awareness by reusing PET bottles, etc.”
Can you explain why the pillows and bedspreads made out of African wax print fabrics hold a special meaning for the hotel?
“The pillows and bedspreads are manufactured in Lomé, Togo, by a social project which employs single women with children, securing their livelihood. Needless to say, the fabric fit perfectly into the concept and we are proud to have found this collaboration with the company called Marose.”
What is perhaps one of your favorite rooms/spaces in the hotel and why?
“We are personally very fond of both the Sape Bar and the NENI Restaurant. In the bar, a movement of Congolese dandies (well-dressed men who appropriated and transformed European formal clothing) determined the style. In keeping with this, the bar is masculine and elegant, embellished with patterned fabrics reminiscent of the sapeurs’ suits and clothing.
By contrast, the restaurant is a tribute to women from a wide range of cultures. Haya Molcho, the creative soul and founder of the NENI restaurant, is also a strong feminine personality, who we chose to revolve the restaurant’s concept around. The idea was to create a kind of french boudoir paired with oriental elements, such as the floral romanian rugs that allude to Haya´s origin. We like this space because no matter what time of day, you always feel cozy and at home!”
What else would you like us to know about the mission of 25Hours Hotel?
“Regardless of where in the world the hotel is situated, the aim is always to create a home away from home. A place where people meet and feel at ease, a place where one can discover many little details, – many of which with a twinkle in the eye!”
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