Standing out in the crowd
Moscow is recognised as one of the most expensive hotel cities in the world - and despite low occupancy rates, plans are afoot to increase the number of beds in the city by up to three times the current totals within three years. Making a hotel stand out in such a climate could be difficult - but Peter Silling of Hotel Interior Designs has achieved it with the newly opened Ritz-Carlton Moscow....
THE NEW Ritz-Carlton Moscow is situated on the historic site of Tverskaja Street 3, with views over Red Square and the Kremlin. It is a landmark in Moscow, a city with strong economic growth and a high demand for luxury lodging.
Originally asked to think about what would be involved in the construction of ‘the most luxurious hotel in Russia', Peter Silling decided that any new hotel build in Moscow should "honour the tradition of the golden days of the old Russia (Russian Empire in public areas and rooms), as well as blend with the new bustling economy and a fun crowd of people (contemporary design of O2 Bar on the roof top). We wanted the look to be grand; our interiors reflect the grandeur of Imperial Russia's Classicism Era (circa 1780-1840). We used two different elevators, for the hotel the design is more classic and the elevator leading directly to the roof top bar is a modern, open view steel/glass design. All the rooms are of course fitted with the latest technology."
It is this combination of old Russian traditions and a respect for the new, modern Russia, that makes the Ritz-Carlton Moscow so special. Peter Silling designed the hotel to fit in with the grand surroundings of the old City. He said: "The façade is developed following the architectural design and style of the neighbouring buildings of Tverskaja Street, so it blends well into the surroundings."
Silling is known for expertly mixing traditional and sophisticated contemporary elements in order to achieve an outstanding and unique design that translates into the modern Russia. Marbles were sourced locally in the Altai Mountains by Peter Silling himself. Together with his creative fiancée Anja Schoenbach who is responsible for fabric-design, decoration & art within the company, Peter Silling sourced and selected local and International artwork for the project.
Even if we focus on just two of the major features of the Ritz-Carlton Moscow, we can see the quality that Peter Silling has put into his design. The entrance lobby of the hotel is representative of the work put in throughout the building. It features an impressive balcony and a unique curved free-standing marble staircase leading to the ballroom and pre-function areas. The flooring consists of twelve different Russian marbles, set into an elegant empire style pattern. The hand gilded column heads were exclusively made in London following Silling's detailed drawings. For the lobby furniture Silling re-envisioned antique Russian design elements into comfortable seating, creating a sophisticated look. Heavy red velvet drapery is framing the huge windows, antique mirrors and vases, important sculptures and artifacts are decorating the huge entry space and create an atmosphere of grandeur.
In surprising contrast to the classic interior of the hotel, the Roof Top Bar O2 on the 12th floor is a cool and hip lounge. A black slate floor, cozy red velvety egg shape lounging chairs next to beige leather furnishings are waiting for their guests to be seated under an impressive glass dome, illuminated by a selection of huge round multicolor lightings that provide an intimate glow at night time. Three different bar areas provide a choice of sushi, caviar and cocktails for the guest. Two edgy white color resin statues, resembling a male and a female host with an overwhelming smile, are greeting the customer at the exit of the elevator that leads the guests non- stop from ground level to the Roof Top Bar. The dazzling bar area is extended by an impressive outdoor terrace, with a breathtaking view over Moscow's most important landmarks. Large and airy pieces of custom designed contemporary outdoor furniture provide space, but also comfort.
Working with a brand such as Ritz Carlton is something that Peter Silling loves doing. Now among 
the top five interior designers worldwide for the high end luxury hotels, Peter has always strived to improve. As he says himself, mid-sector hotels simply do not have the budget to let him fulfill his quality standards.
The ever-present factor of sustainability looms large over this project - as it does with all new constructions in the 21st century. The big hotel brands have strict and updated regulations for environment protection and energy saving. In the Ritz Carlton Moscow, the use of glass façades helps utilise the power of the sunlight to warm the building, and as a designer Peter Silling is keen to use as many local materials as possible.
Issues like quality control, language, and extreme temperatures were major factors in the design of Ritz-Carlton Moscow but they've all been overcome to help create a truly magnificent hotel development in an up-and-coming area of the world.