Hospitality and Retail Design Update

Some of the latest trends appeal to owners, architects, users, and budgets alike

Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP

The rise and fall of the economy ripples across all building sectors but, outside of residential construction, perhaps those most affected are the hospitality and retail sectors. This was evidenced in a negative way with notable downturns during the recent economic recession. However, these sectors have been on a definite rebound for the past few years, and the projections continue to look positive. The well-known reports prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics predict that the current construction expansion will continue through the coming year as portrayed at the end of 2015 by its chief economist Robert Murray.¹ Dodge predicts that total U.S. construction starts for 2016 will rise 6 percent to $712 billion. That growth is still very positive even though it follows 9 percent growth in 2014 and an estimated 13 percent in 2015. Hotel construction, however, has continued to hold up with double-digit progress for the year. The independent business intelligence group known as IBIS World has documented that the hotel construction industry began its recovery in 2012 and corroborates the Dodge data indicating that this sector has grown faster than other non-residential construction and is expected to continue strong into 2016, albeit at a bit slower pace than past years.² In the meantime, AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, Ph.D., has noted “The office and retail sectors are expected to lead the commercial real estate market in 2016 with near double-digit increases in construction spending expected.”³

All of these reports and predictions bode well for design firms that are engaged in hospitality or retail work. However, to truly capitalize on the opportunity, design firms are working with clients on ways to creatively respond to the changing tastes and needs of customers of hospitality and retail establishments. Toward that end, we will look at eight ways to enhance hospitality and retail building designs, meet owner and user preferences, and stay within project budgets.

Photo courtesy of Hawa Group Americas Inc.

Hospitality settings have a variety of needs to assure that guest comfort and services are achieved and enhanced by the building design.

Windows and Guest Comfort

Hotel and motel guest rooms are designed to provide a comfortable, quiet environment for sleeping or other activities. Commonly, walls and floors between rooms are addressed for acoustical control and privacy, but exterior walls are important in this regard as well. In particular, windows in guest room walls need to not only allow for desirable light and views, they need to prevent undesirable sound or thermal transmission. The sound-limiting capabilities of windows is particularly important in urban environments, near airports, or other locations that are prone to higher levels of outdoor noise. Similarly, the thermal capabilities of windows are important to prevent drafts and heat loss or gain that can create uncomfortable conditions for guests. Recognizing these needs, window manufacturers have developed the products and the expertise to help architects meet the design requirements of hospitality projects of all types. This includes a wide range of window product options and installation systems, which can be tailored to meet energy efficiency and sound needs as well as owner requirements for return on investment (ROI).

In terms of energy efficiency, many aluminum products are available to provide thermally efficient windows, curtain walls, and storefront systems. Controlling heat energy is addressed in the same manner as controlling sound energy so addressing one or the other will usually mean good results for both. The details of the frames, the thermal breaks included in them, the glazing used, and even the spacers between the glass panes all play into the overall thermal and acoustic performance. These criteria need to be blended into the overall requirements for durability, unit structural performance, design profiles, coloration, and other factors. Architects can readily pick from a full range of such aluminum products with superior thermal U-factors and architectural-grade structural performance with an ability to manage hot and cold environmental fluctuations without sacrificing structural capabilities.

In certain cases, commercial windows made from a material other than aluminum may be desired. In those cases, frames and sashes made of wood, aluminum-clad wood, fiberglass, or vinyl are all commonly used in different types of hospitality projects. The specific material choice is typically driven by a variety of factors, such as aesthetics, cost, energy efficiency, durability, and low maintenance. For example, aluminum-clad wood double-hung windows have been used in historic buildings that also seek energy efficiency. Such windows can provide a historically correct appearance with a wood jamb, a finely detailed sash profile, and even authentic spoon hardware. Equally important, these windows can readily be equipped with energy-saving insulating glass, which can directly help contribute points in the Energy and Atmosphere category of the LEED green building certification program. In the case of renovation and retrofit situations, such windows can address the installation challenge of a complete tear-out by installing the windows in T-shaped subframes with applied brickmould.

Architects should also be aware that some window manufacturers provide a thermal analysis service to help the design team understand the difference in thermal performance between existing windows and new windows in buildings. By providing some basic information about the site, the building, the window openings, and the goals, different window attributes can be input to show a comparative analysis of the different options. This performance information can be correlated with cost information to help identify the relative ROI and other features to help designers and owners make final decisions on how best to proceed.

Images courtesy of Pella EFCO Commercial Solutions

Different types and configurations of windows are available to provide thermal and acoustic comfort to guests. Window manufacturers can also provide thermal analysis services on those windows to optimize the design and improve comfort for occupants.

Opening Glass Walls

Opening glass walls go beyond conventional windows and instead use large, door-sized glass panels that can be readily opened or closed on demand. Like any other type of building fenestration, this system does not carry any structural load from the building, but is reliant on being appropriately attached to the building and operates within a structurally supported opening.

In hospitality settings, opening glass walls provide exceptional opportunities for flexible, multipurpose, economical, and enticing spaces. In hotels, for example, an opening glass wall enables the creation of large, inviting entrances in the lobby area, thus eliminating the barrier between the entrance and the lobby and allowing a free flow of customer traffic. They can also be used as interior divisions in hotels and restaurants to allow personnel to quickly and easily incorporate or close retail space, dining areas, bars, and meeting rooms. Such a separation might be appropriate between a time-specific breakfast area and the hotel public space after the food service has concluded. Or it might be a way to quickly create private banquet rooms, meeting rooms, or retail spaces that can still transmit light but significantly reduce sound transmission.

In retail settings, a wide-open entrance similarly eliminates barriers by creating a seamless transition between street or mall and the store, helping to attract customers inside and increasing sales. The wide-open storefront also expands merchandising areas by utilizing street fronts, sidewalks, and mall walkways to display movable racks and bins that can roll easily through the spacious opening. When it is time to close up for the day, the opening glass wall continues to showcase the interior and provides a secure, energy-efficient, transparent facade that seals tight as a dust-control measure after hours. Restaurants are also able to benefit from opening glass walls that can increase seating capacity and boost revenue by opening a restaurant’s interior to surrounding outdoor spaces, such as the street, a patio, or balcony. In mixed-use conditions, it is possible to create unique and memorable indoor/outdoor dining atmospheres for shoppers to enhance and extend their shopping experiences.

When opening glass walls are used as part of the building enclosure, the performance of these systems is clearly critical. Comparing manufacturers and specifying opening glass walls that can stand up to the daily rigors of a hospitality or retail building is important. Equally, the opening glass wall needs to show documented capabilities to appropriately withstand the challenges of wind, water, extreme temperatures, forced entry, impact, acoustics, and structural load. This includes attention to details such as multipoint locking entry doors that may be equipped with extra-long, tamper-resistant locking rods between panels to ensure they meet or exceed forced-entry testing for commercial grade door panels. It may also include built-in adjustment and compensation points to ensure continued ease of operation if any building settling occurs.

Photos courtesy of NanaWall Systems

Opening glass walls can be used in hospitality, retail, or restaurant settings to either open an indoor space up completely to an outdoor area (left) or be closed to seal off the exterior of the building when the weather is not favorable (right).

Creative Interior Spaces

Hospitality and retail spaces are often in need of interior spaces that are space efficient, while still meeting differing and variable needs. This is particularly true in individual guest rooms where design criteria need to blend with space efficiency. One way to approach that efficiency is to use interior sliding or folding door hardware instead of swinging doors on such things as closets or bathrooms. Sliding doors do not intrude into the room (unlike pivot/swinging doors when opening), which is a benefit to hotels with rooms that have a smaller footprint where every square foot counts. Further, the materials used on sliding doors can vary such that dramatic finishes or even full glass can help enhance and bolster the overall interior design of a room or suite.

In public areas, sliding doors can not only allow access between spaces, they can create appropriately sized, transformative spaces for events, displays, or operations. When closed, sliding or folding multiple door panels produce privacy on demand. This helps control the use of spaces through concealment, while still providing easy access when needed. When the sliding doors are opened by users or facility staff, larger spaces can be easily created. Glass in various forms for the door panels is popular since it can introduce natural or borrowed light. This means that the space being enclosed does not need to be dark simply because the doors are shut. If privacy is needed, then it is entirely possible to use glass that is translucent, tinted, or otherwise treated to achieve the desired effect. And the size of the opening to the space does not need to be a limiting factor since sliding hardware systems are available to accommodate openings ranging from fairly small (5 or 6 feet) to very large (greater than 18 feet).

One of the key differences between different types of sliding door systems is the ease of operation, which usually comes down to precision engineering and very good quality hardware. The sliding hardware systems are usually made out of either steel or aluminum and include rollers, tracks, plates, pulls, and locks. The important part is that it produces smooth and quiet sliding properties with an ease of operation yet is durable enough to provide extended life spans in commercial settings. When it comes to meeting accessibility or ADA requirements, the hardware for sliding door systems usually excel here, too. Most sliding hardware systems require very little force to operate, can be top hung to eliminate any sill or threshold barrier, and have no bottom rail height restrictions since sliding doors move completely out of the way. This aspect of creating a complete opening may also eliminate the need for larger access areas commonly required for swinging doors, such as side clearances and approach aisle width.

There are several common operational options for this type of large-format sliding or folding door system. A standard version provides a straight sliding panel usually adjacent to a fixed panel such that half of the total width can be opened. Symmetric, bi-parting doors/panels will also allow an opening of about half of the total width but places the opening in the middle instead of the side. This is achieved by placing two bi-parting panels in the middle that slide outward from the center over two similarly sized, fixed panels. Telescopic systems allow multiple panels to be moved and stacked on one or two sides or be recessed into a wall opening such that the whole system seems to disappear. All of these systems work exceptionally well in guest rooms for bathroom doors, closet openings, and room separation. They also provide a lot of flexibility in common areas, such as breakfast rooms, restaurants, bar areas, and meeting rooms.

Photos courtesy of Hawa Group Americas Inc.

Sliding hardware systems, whether using full glass or opaque panels, can be used in hospitality and retail settings to define space in guest rooms and create flexible use of spaces in common areas.

Using Plantings for Enhanced Design

In natural settings, plants and trees are often recognized as outdoor landmarks as a means to help define an outdoor space, such as a yard or clearing, or to draw attention to a particular landscape feature. In urban environments, particularly in hospitality and retail settings, the introduction of plants and trees can do the same things to enhance and amplify an architectural design through the use of standard or custom-designed planters. Manufacturers of such planters can be used as a design resource to produce virtually any size or shape planter that can help with wayfinding, form places to gather, or highlight a feature that a designer wants attention drawn to. There is a large library of available styles, colors, materials, and finishes to select a standard product from. Custom fabrications are also possible to help create exciting, eye-catching elements with integrated lighting, designer materials, or even corporate logos. Many planter products are made to order with associated lead times to suit specified design requirements. This can be particularly important when incorporating branding customizable to suit the specifications and criteria of client corporations. There is also an array of standard and custom colors, textures, and styles that can be selected to suit a variety of natural and built environments.

A popular planter choice is one made of fiberglass that lends itself to a contemporary style with rectilinear angles, seamless lines, and clean trim. They are available in any shape or size, making them suitable as a great stand-alone focal point feature. Multiple units can be laid out as a clustered group in modular arrangements to assist with wayfinding, enhance privacy, or define places to congregate. Any of these design uses can be further enhanced by adding lighting to the planters for ambience or safety, toe-kicks or castors for maintenance ease, or even false bottoms to create different visual appearances.

Another option can be found in a more traditional planter with the appearance of stone. Commonly made with glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), these planters are modern in function with a subtle, texturized concrete aesthetic. Their steady and durable presence makes them suitable for high pedestrian and even vehicular traffic areas. Manufacturers of this planter type offer an array of unique shapes and sizes with textures suitable for any hospitality or retail setting.

Regardless of material or other design features, the intent of the planter is to provide something that actually grows and stays alive. Toward that end, planter manufacturers may also offer soil amendments and other planting products to help assure success. For standard rectangular, square, or round planters, it is also possible to specify self-watering reservoirs as an integrated solution to regular watering of the plants. This concealed reservoir sits inside the planter as a flexible, effective, and proven approach to plant irrigation. It is also a sensible, easy-to-maintain alternative to external tank-based self-watering systems, where the tank can become problematic due to dirt and mud migration. Not only do self-watering reservoirs reduce the times that a planter needs to be watered, they also improve plant growth and reduce water usage.

Images courtesy of Planters Unlimited

Manufactured planters can enhance the outdoor spaces of hospitality and retail buildings, particularly in urban environments. Contemporary, clean solutions in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes are available along with more traditional stone-looking planters, including custom units that can incorporate corporate logos.

Operating for Durability and Maintenance

It is commonly acknowledged that the public areas of a hospitality or retail facility are typically where most of the effort and money are spent in both design and maintenance. The common mindset is that front of house is where the guests, patrons, or diners will spend their time (and money) and evaluate it as part of their overall experience. But, what about the back of the house—places like kitchens, service corridors, employee lounges, administrative offices, loading docks, storage, and the like? There may be some design factors that a general manager or an architect might not always have in mind, but in the interest of smooth facility operations, long-term durability, and ease of maintenance, they really should.

The back-of-house areas are typically where the actual work of the business is conducted. For a restaurant, it’s the kitchen; for a hotel, it’s the administrative or catering office or laundry; in many retail facilities, it’s the storage areas and receiving docks.

Depending on the size of facility and the time of day, these spaces can be the focus of a great deal of activity, some of which may not be kind or forgiving to the building walls, floors, doors, or other surfaces.

Recognizing these demands, building designers must not only consider aesthetics and design appearance when selecting materials and finish products, they must also consider durability and the impact of their selection beyond first costs. It usually falls to the architects to act as the holistic warriors that can champion the appearance and performance of the entire facility—both front of house and back of house. Sometimes improperly executed value engineering is undertaken to reduce first costs, but it can then take its toll six to 12 months after the ribbon cutting. Corners that are cut through the selection of less expensive materials or the outright elimination of key products eventually show up through damage or vandalism. Then the property’s general manager or chief engineer has no choice but to find money in the operating budget to install new products to replace broken/torn ones or to fix damage—all of which would likely have been less expensive to install in the first place during the construction or renovation of the facility.

What type of products are we talking about? First and foremost is various door and wall protection products, including high-impact decorative wall panels, corner guards, and wall base. Heavy-duty interior protection products, such as wall and floor bumpers, door frame protectors, and expansion joint covers, are appropriately used in corridors and back-of-house applications where carts and other equipment move. It is worth noting that such corridors often include customer restrooms and may act as a passageway from back-of-house areas. It’s these transition zones that are often overlooked in design and planning, and end up looking war-torn and battered within months of the grand opening. In this case, a bit of protective forethought will keep this area looking new and undamaged. However, adding protection doesn’t mean that design needs to suffer. Woodgrain rigid vinyl sheet, stainless steel, and 3-D trim boards have been used extensively in renovating both elevator cabs and food service areas of hotels, restaurants, and retail facilities. There are also solid surface materials that can provide a clean, durable, high-end look emulating stone but at a fraction of the cost. When used in bathroom settings, these materials also help prevent mold and mildew since they typically don’t have the grout lines of other materials. Similar durable products are available that even incorporate wall art.

Durable fabrics are another product type that have become popular for back of house, front of house, and transition spaces. There are usually more places to consider durable fabrics than may first come to mind, such as drapes, nets, bedding fabrics, roller and vertical blinds, awnings, room dividers, upholstery fabrics, and wall coverings. Usually, the first consideration is fire code ratings for flame-retardant properties, which most commercial fabrics can meet. Beyond that basic requirement is the ability of the fabric to hold up over time in terms of the integrity of the fabric itself, its color-fast properties, and ability to withstand repeated cleanings. Of course, these fabrics are part of the indoor environment and may come in contact with people more so than other building products so their safety in terms of health effects on people needs to be documented.

Signage is another important aspect of facility maintenance and operations so choosing a signage system that can hold up to the rigors of commercial use should be considered. One-piece, back-painted photopolymer signs with frosted paint and colored accents have become commonly used in these situations. The use of photopolymer signs delivers two key design benefits. First, it allows virtually any design to be applied to a sign, including logos, artwork, and other unique markings. Secondly, the material has been tested and proven to stand up to heavy usage, abuse, and even vandalism.

Images courtesy of Inpro

Durability of wall surfaces in both the front-of-house and back-of-house areas often depends on the use of protective products, such as wall and door panels and bumpers—including some that look like wood, stone, or even incorporate artwork.

Technology Friendly Spaces

It wasn’t always this way, but today it is hard to picture going to a store, restaurant, hotel, or motel and not seeing anyone with a cell phone, laptop, tablet, or other electronic device. Architects and other design professionals are typically right there in the mix, often with some of the latest and best products in our hands. But, do we fully acknowledge that experience into the design of hospitality and retail buildings? If so, we are probably making it easier for guests and customers to charge, connect, or efficiently use their devices in a pleasant, convenient manner. If we aren’t, then we may be leaving it to maintenance staff or others to incorporate something into a carefully designed space that may or may not be consistent with the design intents. Therefore, incorporating appropriate hardware, connectors, power, and audio visual wiring in a controlled, well-designed manner up front has become an integral part of hospitality and retail design.

The first step in designing for technology is to identify the specific needs of the people using the facility. Electrical outlets and/or USB ports are needed for charging or operating devices. Similarly, access to wired Internet or other data ports are still preferred and may be necessary in some cases over wireless connections. If the locations of these outlets or ports is limited to walls or floors in a room, they may not prove to be particularly convenient for users to find or connect. Think specifically of hotel guest rooms, business centers, lobbies, and eating spaces that have minimal outlets, thus discouraging device-wielding patrons from going there in favor of places that make it easier. Instead of wall and floor access, the better method is to incorporate outlets and ports into the design of built-in surface tops and desktops or to include them in furnishings that can be connected to a wall source. Doing that in a manner that is elegant, cost effective, and code compliant usually involves the use of grommets or other hardware that are specifically designed for the purpose of convenient access to power and data.

With the needs defined and the most convenient locations identified, designers can choose from a surprisingly large array of manufactured power and communication grommets and products to incorporate where needed. Single and multiple openings are available in a variety of materials, colors, and finishes to either blend, enhance, or contrast with the surrounding surfaces. They can be shaped round, square, or rectangular, and can allow the outlet or data port to be fully recessed and finished flush with the mounting surface. In some cases, it may be appropriate to use products that pop up for use and hide away when not needed. In others, it may be appropriate to use under-desk or edge-mount items or even freestanding tabletop solutions. In all cases, the wiring to serve them can usually be concealed within the built-in cabinetwork or furniture that they are serving, allowing for an appearance that is much more deliberate and finished rather than utilitarian in nature.

There are also a number of specialty items available that reflect even greater integration and convenience. For example, it is possible to integrate power outlets into small lighting fixtures designed for desktop or tabletop use, thus providing a single point for all electrical needs. Another popular option is the use of a Qi wireless charging station that connects with a compatible smart phone or other device without the need for a charger or plug. This is particularly helpful for people who prefer to reduce the number of chargers and other miscellaneous items that they need to travel with. The station works by simply placing a Qi-compatible device on the charging mat surface, allowing the device to start charging automatically. Some use a luminous light ring on the cap to indicate that the charging is underway, although it does not light up until successfully connected with the phone. No wires, no mess, and no problem forgetting to bring a USB cable or AC adapter.

In cases where power and data are needed in a flexible environment, such as restaurant or hotel meeting rooms, there are also design options. Running extension cords and data wires has been the easy answer in the past, although not necessarily the safest or most attractive option. Instead, flat products that sit on the floor and connect to nearby wall outlets may prove more appealing. These can serve computers, projectors, and other audio visual devices that need to be located in open areas away from a wall or where other built-in solutions aren’t practical. The flat profile makes them safer for walking near, and they can use concealed or embedded wiring to feed both data and electrical outlets.

Images courtesy of Doug Mockett & Company, Inc.

Integrating electrical outlets and data ports for electronic devices into hospitality and retail spaces is made easier and more elegant through the use of a wide variety of products designed for that purpose.

Customizable Linear Lighting

One of the more striking trends in lighting applications, particularly in retail and hospitality settings, is the use of linear lighting systems either for general lighting or to feature and highlight areas along walls, soffits, etc. Sometimes, it is used in thin bands of light that climb up walls, cross ceilings, and continues back down the other side. Other times, it is used as a series of wider parallel lines of light running the depth of a space and providing uniform illumination. The surface of the light lens could be recessed or flush with the adjacent wall or ceiling surface. Different lens treatments can be used, including housings that help direct light to focus in a strip or flare outward. All of these treatments can enhance the appearance of a space and influence the experience of people using it.

Beyond sleek looks and versatility, the performance and energy efficiency of linear lighting can be controlled. That begins with the selection of the choice of lamp for the linear fixtures to use. Standard fluorescent lamping is an option but so are high efficiency fluorescent and even higher efficiency LED lamps. The width of the fixture can determine the number of lamps and thus contribute to its overall energy consumption and wattage. The details of the fixture will determine the effective light output and the number of lumens emitted. And of course, the total number of fixtures in the space will ultimately drive the overall watts per square foot calculation up or down accordingly. For locations striving to meet an energy code prescribed lighting power density (LPD), the availability of all of these options helps achieve a linear lighting design that is consistent with the design of the space and the lighting levels needed, while still working within LPD limits.

Installing linear light fixtures recessed into a ceiling usually needs careful coordination and design prowess to assure that the layout of the lighting works within the constructed or renovated geometry of a room or space. Designing a fixture layout more precisely than normal construction tolerances allow is usually a recipe for problems in the field. Of course, even if the conditions are realistic and achievable, things do sometimes change and need to be coordinated. Either way, if a situation arises where an electrician is ready to install a linear lighting system into a ceiling from wall to wall and there is either too little or too much room, then either a fixture needs to be eliminated or the built construction needs to be modified. Neither one is desirable from the standpoint of controlling the final design, while both suggest additional costs and delays in completion that could have been avoided.

One way to overcome the field installation issues described above is to include an on-site solution into the design. At least one linear lighting manufacturer has introduced an accessory product in the form of a field-customizable end plate that makes linear lighting installations look like they were made to measure, wall to wall. The plate fits into the end of a fixture and matches its width so that it looks like an extension of the linear light fixture. If the dimension of the space as designed or available is not consistent with the normal length of the linear light fixtures, then the end plate can be used the same way that a filler panel is used in cabinetry installations. The 6-inch plate can be cut or trimmed to fill in the difference between the modular sized fixtures and the non-modular size of the space. In the event that the constructed condition varies, the end plate can similarly be used to allow for an adjustment and create a tight fit. By allowing for this minor field adjustment in the construction drawings, there is no longer a reason to hold up a project while things get communicated, responded to, and resolved. And there is less opportunity for extra cost due to a delay claim. The result? Beautifully lit ceilings, with less time lost, more money saved, less aggravation, and a precisely crafted finish.

Images courtesy of Amerlux

Linear lighting systems are popular in many retail and hospitality situations but can run into dimensional problems during installation. The solution can be found in field customizable end brackets, which can be trimmed or cut to suit the design or construction conditions.

Energy-Efficient Cooling and Heating Delivers Comfort

Keeping hospitality guests and retail shoppers comfortable while controlling energy usage is a daily challenge for all who design, construct, or operate these spaces. The traditional way to do that is with a combination of central HVAC units and ductwork that delivers appropriately cooled or heated air to individual spaces. A different approach that is being successfully applied in hotels, restaurants, and stores is a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) zoning system. These systems use a central outdoor unit that supplies conditioned refrigerant to individual, zoned indoor air-handling units that use only the amount of refrigerant required to cool or heat a space. With VRF systems, design and installation tend to be easier and faster, while fewer materials are needed since there is no need to install ductwork—refrigerant is piped directly to an air-handling unit in a specific space. The compact footprint results in more usable (leasable) space and higher ceiling heights due to reduced plenum space requirements. With a variable speed compressor, refrigerant flow and compressor speed is increased with demand and decreased when demand is lower. This results in lower operating costs with VRF systems versus traditional HVAC systems. While the upfront equipment costs for VRF may be higher than traditional equipment, when the systems are evaluated on a total installed cost basis, the pricing is more comparable.

VRF zoning systems can meet the needs of an entire building and can be customized to meet the particular needs of just about any type of retail or hospitality building. Controls are available that allow for remote management of the systems and can integrate with other building system controls. Although somewhat modular and separated in nature, VRF systems are appropriate for entire buildings, whether new construction or renovation. The individual room or space zoning allows different areas of the building to be kept at different temperatures and gives occupants the ability to control their own comfort. VRF systems are also easily modified as the needs of a building or its occupants change.

From an operations and maintenance standpoint, VRF systems offer a lot of advantages as well. The latest compressor technology is typically used, which is highly efficient and uses only the precise amount of energy required to maintain occupant comfort. Further, they are inherently low-maintenance systems that are easy to service and do not require the entire system to be taken offline to service one zone. Hence, if a particular zone needs attention, it can be isolated and addressed while the rest of the building continues to operate smoothly.

The systems are also quieter than traditional HVAC systems and have been shown to satisfy users, particularly hotel guests. A seasoned traveler, Dennis Hertlein, a partner with the firm of Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein, in Atlanta, Georgia, has openly remarked that “Because of the super quiet VRF system with filtered air and outstanding indoor air quality, I had the best night’s sleep in a hotel I’ve ever had and woke up feeling great.” Given all of these attributes and positive capabilities, they are well worth considering.

Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) zoning systems use centrally cooled or heated refrigerant run to individually zoned spaces based on the demand for space cooling or heating.

Conclusion

Hospitality and retail facilities continuously renew and refresh their design and operations to remain appealing to customers. Motivated by better performance, enhanced image, and operational cost savings, many owners look for features to be incorporated into their facilities that are the latest available options. Architects and designers who take advantage of the variety of building products and systems on the market can help meet owners’ business needs, incorporate innovation into their designs, and create buildings that are durable and sustainable in the long run.

WINDOWS CASE STUDY

Photos courtesy of Pella EFCO Commercial Solutions

Project: The Peabody Hotel Renovation
Location: Memphis, Tennessee

The Challenge: The Peabody Hotel first opened in 1869 in Memphis, Tennessee, on the corner of Main and Monroe and soon became the go-to place for both business and social affairs. In 1925, The Peabody Hotel moved to Union and 2nd Street, where, over the following 56 years, The Peabody withstood wars and economic crisis, eventually helping to revitalize downtown Memphis during its 1981 renovation. Through it all, various traditions, such as the March of the Peabody Ducks

continued to draw in travelers from all over the world. When planning the renovation, former guests were asked for their advice to help determine what deserved the most attention. They voiced the need to shut out noise from the busy Memphis nightlife.

The Design Solution: In hopes of providing guests with a more restful stay, the hotel owners, a local glazier, and a window manufacturer teamed up to determine how to meet modern needs of sound control, energy conservation, durability, and guest comfort. All of this had to be done in the context of meeting the requirements of the building that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The solution emerged when the window manufacturer reviewed the original blueprints of the 1925 building and determined that they could create custom dies and component profiles to replicate the original window design. Because of the quantity of windows needed, this custom fabrication was able to be done within the project budget successfully.

The Results: Each of the new windows were fabricated to meet an AAMA Architectural Grade as a historical replica window. Multiple glazing options were available with double-pane insulating glass units decided upon. A thermal barrier in the frame improves thermal performance, enhancing energy-saving potential. The appropriate subframes, mullions, and architectural sills provided the complete solution for the fenestration needs of the Peabody Hotel. The result was a dramatic increase in both thermal and acoustical performance, resulting in a quiet and comfortable living area for guests.

OPENING GLASS WALL CASE STUDY

Photos courtesy of NanaWall Systems

Project: Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Designer: Design Continuum of Atlanta, Georgia

The Challenge: Looking to regain the sparkle and glamour needed to compete with newer Fort Lauderdale hotels and resorts, the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation. The 50-year-old modern classic hotel, situated on Florida’s Intercostal Waterway and featuring dazzling views against a lush tropical backdrop, was a property in need of a bold design firm to help burnish its mid-century luster, and Design Continuum of Atlanta was selected to make it happen. Along with the owners, it determined that one critical area of the renovation was the hotel restaurant. The design team felt it was important to both divide the restaurant from other public areas within the first floor and yet also have the option of dividing the restaurant up to accommodate varying numbers of patrons throughout the day. Installing simple, one-size-fits-all sliding doors was not an option.

The Design Solution: The president of Design Continuum, Woody Faust, explains how the solution arose: “We selected a wood folding opening glass wall system, which proved to be an ideal choice for the Hyatt renovation.” The selected system is top-hung and features monumentally sized, paired panels made of cross-grained, solid wood. The openings can range from two panels to as many as 12 (with each panel being up to 43 inches wide) with both inward and outward opening panels, which allow maximum design flexibility. A total of 72 panels with 14 openings were installed to provide the necessarily functionality. The three-layer, crossed-grained, solid wood frame and aluminum head jamb clad with matching wood fascia pieces on both sides create a harmonious, unified aesthetic.

The Results: According to Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Food and Beverage Manager Tamas Vago, “The opening glass walls allow the restaurant to divide the space to accommodate as many people as needed throughout the day, which is key to the restaurant’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Our restaurant handles 50 to 350 people, and we needed moveable walls to help us divide the large room.” The large glass panels allow light into the room, and the well-designed door system is easy for the hotel staff to use daily. The restaurant is more open and attractive, contributing to increased guest occupancy, and the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six is now restored to its original midcentury glamour.

INTERIOR SLIDING DOOR CASE STUDY

Photos courtesy of Hawa Group Americas Inc.

Project: Hampton Inn & Suites
Location: York South, Pennsylvania

The Challenge: This hotel is one of many Hampton Inns that provides all of its guests with a complimentary breakfast buffet as part of their overnight stay. The facility includes 100 guest rooms and suites, a 576-square-foot meeting room, heated indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and a designated area to serve the breakfast buffet adjacent to the seating area. The design criteria called for a means to make the buffet area readily accessible to guests when breakfast was being served but prevent guest access to this area when not in use.

The Design Solution: A telescoping sliding door system provided just the solution for the 18-by-7-foot opening between the buffet serving area and the common seating area off of the lobby. The system is comprised of two telescoping hardware sets that bi-part and accommodates three doors each that retract fully into wall pockets, making them disappear from sight when opened. Further, the top-hung system requires no bottom guide, which leaves a free and clear threshold thereby, eliminating any tripping hazards or accessibility barriers. This type of system incorporates multiple top tracks and a belt-operated system that allows the leading door once pulled to engage and open the additional panels, making the system very easy for the hotel staff to operate.

The Results: The telescopic sliding panel system has proven to be a durable, attractive and cost-effective door solution for wide openings in this hospitality setting. It’s availability in wood or glass and up to three panels per system make it easy to replicate at other properties as well.

PLANTER CASE STUDY

Photos courtesy of Planters Unlimited

Project: 1900 Market Street Custom Sloped Fiberglass Planters
Location: Philadelphia, PA

The Challenge: When approached to produce custom planters and accents for Philadelphia’s 1900 Market Street interior courtyard, the manufacturer worked diligently to deliver exactly what the design team was looking for. Incorporating approximately 80 planters in the outside space, the specifications required manufacturing the planters using a fire-retardant resin, per building owner requirements.

The Design Solution: Rising to that challenge, the manufactured planters followed the architect’s specific design for clean, simple fiberglass units in a contemporary style, but with a twist. First, the planters were clustered, and individual planters within each cluster incorporated sloped edges that extended out from the group. Next, the landscape architects wanted to create a seamless toe-kick perimeter for each planter group. This meant that the toe kicks would not go around all sides of each planter. This was achieved by customizing each planter, according to its cluster, to reveal a toe kick only around its outside edges. Overall, these planters were designed and built to exact specifications, seamlessly integrating into the architectural design of the building’s concrete, steel, and glass curtain walls. Once filled with an eclectic combination of succulents, grasses, small trees, and red blooms, the bright planters contributed to the upscale courtyard with the desired affect the designer sought.

The Results: By utilizing a premier-quality, custom planter manufacturer, the design team was able to help boost the market value of this commercial property.

PROTECTIVE SURFACE CASE STUDY

Photos courtesy of Inpro

Project: Embassy Suites by Hilton™
Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin
Designer: MSI General Corp., Nashotah, Wisconsin

The Project: A complete renovation of a privately owned hotel to a new Embassy Suites hotel consisting of five floors, 203 guest suites, meeting and conference rooms, and a grand ballroom and foyer.

Products Used: A full range of protective products were used in this facility to enhance durability and reduce maintenance needs:

• Door and Wall Protection Systems: Corner guards and wall guards in designer-selected colors to suit overall interior design
• Fabric Privacy Systems: Pinch pleat drapery and sheers in all guest rooms and specialty suites
• Architectural Signage: Back-painted photopolymer signs with frosted paint, a gold accent, and printed evacuation maps in each suite

VRF ZONING SYSTEM CASE STUDY

Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating

Project: The Hotel Wilshire
Location: Los Angeles, California
Architect: Killefer Flammang Architects, Los Angeles, California
HVAC Engineer: Creative Engineering Group, Canoga Park, California

The Challenge: Los Angeles real estate partners Michael Orwitz and Spence Mitchum have developed residential apartments, commercial retail projects, and boutique hotels throughout the city in partnership with OSM Investment Company. The sweet spot for these developers is finding hidden gems and overlooked opportunities in up-and-coming neighborhoods. In 2008, the pair identified a dilapidated six-story medical building situated on the Miracle Mile between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Where others saw an outdated structure, Orwitz and Mitchum recognized an opportunity to make a good investment in a great location. They saw the densely populated Miracle Mile as the ideal marketplace for a boutique hotel. To make this vision a reality, they assembled a team of experienced hospitality professionals and got to work.

The Design Solution: The design team, headed up by the architectural firm of Killefer Flammang Architects of Los Angeles, envisioned the Hotel Wilshire as a luxury boutique hotel with 55 guest rooms, 19 suites (including one rooftop penthouse suite), plus common areas, including an added roof deck with a swimming pool. Christine Cho, AIA, LEED AP BD C, Killefer Flammang Architects’ chief architect for LEED certification and sustainable design, says, “For our goal of LEED Silver for The Hotel Wilshire, we wanted the highest number of LEED EAc1 points [Optimize Energy Performance credits]. After researching many systems and options, we viewed the selection of the VRF zoning system as a good way to realize energy savings and earn the key LEED credits in the Energy and Atmosphere section.”

Walter Jukes, the project manager for consulting engineers Creative Engineering Group, says, “When Killefer Flammang asked us to join The Hotel Wilshire design team, I was interested, in part, to work on this electric VRF zoning system because it was still a new technology here in California. What we discovered was compelling.” He continues: “Several things stand out. Because we had very little real estate on the roof, the VRF outdoor units were ideal because of their small footprint. Furthermore, the system allowed us to combine condensers, saving even more space. With a traditional split system, we would have had a huge HVAC farm on the rooftop, which would have meant no room for the pool.” The VRF zoning system had other key engineering benefits, too. It is the only two-pipe system in the industry that can deliver simultaneous cooling and heating, which means less material to penetrate the roof membrane. Further, because thermal comfort control is an important LEED prerequisite, the indoor units’ ability to control individual comfort in each guest room was a huge advantage. And finally, the noise levels of both the rooftop condensers and the individual fan coils in the guest rooms are so low that guests often don’t know they are even operating.

The Results: Less than 12 months after its September 2011 opening, the hotel was awarded a Four Diamond Ranking by AAA, listed as one of the top 10 new hotels by Fox News, received kudos from Redbook and Harper’s Bazaar, and made California + Home Design magazine’s list of “The Top 50 Best Designed Hotels.” The hotel’s general manager, Debra Matsumoto, describes the VRF HVAC system as “seamless and silent.” She says, “As we all know, one of the most common complaints at hotels is the noisy, uncomfortable HVAC system forever turning off and on in your room. In contrast, The Hotel Wilshire indoor units are so quiet and the room is so comfortable that the sleeping experience here is unlike any other.”

Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP is an architect and green building consultant who has authored more than 120 continuing education and technical publications as part of a nationwide practice. www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch

End Notes

¹St. Denis, Nick. “Dodge Outlook: More Construction Growth on the Way in 2016.” The USGlass News Network™. USGlass Magazine, 2 Nov. 2015. Web. May 2016. http://www.usglassmag.com/2015/11/dodge-outlook-more-construction-growth-on-the-way-in-2016/

²“Hotel Construction in the US: Market Research Report.” IBISWorld, 1999-2016. Web. May 2016.http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/hotel-construction.html

³“ABC, AIA & NAHB: Residential, Nonresidential Construction Growth Expected in 2016.” Building Design + Construction, 3 Nov. 2015. Web. May 2016.http://www.bdcnetwork.com/abc-aia-nahb-residential-nonresidential-construction-growth-expected-2016