Flexible spaces and efficient personnel management

In the hotel sector, sustainability has become an increasingly important issue, not only in terms of ecological materials, but also in terms of efficiency in operations and staff management. Chamade Ghent has embraced this trend by completely overhauling and innovating their hotel. For the interior - in the broadest sense of the word! - Inside from Bruges went to work. Tabula rasa. 

Carlo Toye, Inside project consultant: "In designing Hotel Chamade, we created a completely blank canvas, letting go of any existing structure and layout. This gave us the freedom to look at the space in its purest form and develop the most efficient and flexible layout. With the user and staff in mind, we reconfigured the entire space, supported by numerous studies and preliminary designs. This fresh perspective allowed us to completely reposition walls, spaces and functions, creating a dynamic environment that perfectly suits the needs of the hotel and its guests." 

Miquel Serlet, designer Inside: "Sustainability is of course an elastic concept. You can also approach it in a completely different way. One example? Using employees more flexibly. For instance, we realised a helicopter view at reception level. This means that fewer staff have a better overview of the hotel. Where previously three to four staff members were needed during busy times, this can now be reduced to two, without compromising service quality. This not only saves costs, but also creates a more streamlined working experience for staff."

The introduction of an Honesty Bar also contributes to this goal. This self-service bar is strategically placed so that reception staff can keep an eye on guests and easily step in when they want to get coffee. This reduces the need for extra bar staff and makes the hotel more operationally efficient.

A key challenge in the design of Hotel Chamade was to create a flexible space that could serve as an office for the owners, but would also be suitable for other groups who use the space sporadically. This required smart solutions to combine functionality with aesthetic design.

Miquel: "We took inspiration from elements of the Japandi style in the design, without strictly adhering to it. Although we embraced aspects such as vertical lines, calm colours and the use of natural materials, we wanted to create the serenity of the space mainly by keeping the design low and open. The choice to bring outside in with wood and fabrics also creates a calming atmosphere."

Of course, choice of materials also plays an important role in Chamade Gent's design. Carlo: "One of the most eye-catching features is the use of a cast floor that has been continued in both the reception and the breakfast area. This material not only has an industrial look, but is also extremely durable and easy to maintain. In addition, the bathrooms have been renovated with the same cast floor, creating a consistent and calm design.

The hotel also chose oak in their flexible wall systems. This wood was selected for its durability and timeless appeal. The verticality in the design, with high vertical elements and low horizontal lines such as the seating and low reception area, contributes greatly to the calmness of the space. This balance between high and low creates a sense of openness and serenity.

Finally, the corridors feature a vinyl-based woven textile, which looks like carpet but is much easier to maintain. An added bonus."