Urban Vibes

Laid-back urban ‘hangout’ has hints of modern metropolitan design.

A new urban-inspired lobby-lounge on the Seven Mile Beach corridor welcomes locals and visitors alike to this contemporary community space.

The Hangout at the Locale boutique hotel on West Bay Road features bright furnishings and bold, colourful art in a minimalist setting.

Open concept

An open-concept design integrates the lobby, bar, and restaurant, and the exposed ceiling accentuates the urban feel.

The combination of industrial and contemporary finishes and fixtures is the work of designers at Trio Architecture. They say the hotel’s location, on a busy strip of West Bay Road, encourages a city atmosphere as opposed to that of a beach resort.

Photos: Wil Bignal

“The objective of this space was to create a hub that can encourage interaction between travellers and locals in the restaurant and bar, and provide a comfortable lobby area for social gatherings,” says Kristen Mandish, an architect with the firm.

Furnishings throughout the space also bring the urban vibe. The white light fixtures that hang in contrast to the dark, industrial ceiling, are a twist on the common standard shapes, Kristen points out.

“The first pendant lights selected were inspired by large sun hats and felt like a playful way of paying tribute to being on an island but keeping true to the concept of the hotel,” she says.

Metropolitan mood

Cityscapes by local artist Carlos V. Garcia – one of the artists featured at this year’s KAABOO music festival in the Cayman Islands – add pop to the modern space.

He brought his large murals of Times Square in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto to the attention of developer and manager-operator HHG Advisory Services of Grand Cayman, and they liked what they saw.

“The artwork is intended to encourage the idea of being in a metropolitan area to stay on theme, but with a Caymanian twist,” Kristen says.

To keep things casual, the fabric colours and textures are inspired by soft denim, rich leather, and natural wood tones for a richer environment.

“The lobby atmosphere is meant to impart the feeling of sitting in a plush, comfortable living room,” says Kristen. “The millwork filled with mementos from abroad, the boat-shaped bookshelf populated with novels and travel guides, and the lush, saturated colour palette all contribute to having one feel welcome and at home in the space.”

Whether the lobby-lounge area is used as communal work space, or shared space for conviviality, it is meant to invite locals and visitors to meet, mix and break bread with friends, old and new.