Silver is polished and the champagne coupe introduced in anticipation of the first cruise of Britannic Explorer – a new addition to the portfolio of Luxury Belmond and the first for England and Wales. As Exciment builds for a debut cruise, the designer team in Albion Nord attracts the curtain and speaks us through the vision for Britannic Explorer.
Credit picture: Belmond / Albion Nord
Hotel Designs: Britannic Explorer is described as “rich but carefree”. Can you talk about how your design underlines the concept?
North Albion: Britan’s explorer is designed to immerse a refined sense of British luxury, which feels more effort than sharp. Every detail, from the selection of materials to the tallow of textures, was careful to consider creating an environment that feels indulgent and inviting, reminiscent of a British cabin house or boutique. The wealth of interiors passes in handmade details, while the relaxed quality of residential quality is achieved by soft, natural substances and bold, sophisticated pallets. It is a space that encourages guests to sink and enjoy the day, hit the balance between classic elegance and contemporary comfort.
Credit picture: Belmond
HD: The interior of the train has been designed to suit and reflect the English and Welsh landscape that it passes – how was it achieved and what are the fibers of this ongoing through design?
YEAR: The British landscape, which guests passes on Britannic Explorer, will become a wallpaper on their journey, so we wanted the interiors to feel internally associated with these hills, harsh coasts and fresh forests. This connection is woven throughout the design, from botanically inspired color pallets in Grand Suites-Each, named after the native Flora Valerian, Juniper and Elder to Mel Campion, which contains in a powder room.
Dining cars draw inspiration from English gardens and wild loungs, where bold botanical production of Pierre Frey sets a tone that agreed with woven lining and ancient ceilings Mirrore. In addition, the design for the spa is influenced by coastal and sea botanical, with soothing blue tones, marble boards with wavy war veins and fossil limmon floors.
Credit picture: Belmond
HD: This connection with nature is the brightest through planting (unclect?) Found on board – what are the less obvious design notes that underline this connection?
YEAR: One of the finest but strongest ways to achieve this was through materiality – the use of surfaces that develop over time, similar to the landscape outside. The unwavering brass develops a charming patina with age, creating a timeless and classic look, while woven textile and wooden surfaces represent organic heat. The bar of the observation car is inspired by the Victorian pharmacies, nodding to the botanical heritage of Britain and the use of natural stone and earthy tones ensures that the train feels more like an extension of its surroundings than as a separate entity.
Credit picture: Belmond
HD: As a project of hospitality, Britannic Explorer on Nostalgia-HOW is the balance between nostalgia and the top offer of contemporary/luxury hospitality?
YEAR: Nostalgia is central for the romance of train travel, but we wanted to introduce it again in a way that FERT will rise today. Rather than creating a pasteche of historic railway design, we were inspired by textures, craftsmanship and narration of historical interiors and translated them into a more modern environment. Classic design elements – tent ceilings in large apartments, Incorite Marquery and traditional upholstery techniques – are again interpreted with a new perspective. Custom failure, together with carefully curatorial ancient links, creates timeless aesthetics that feel rooted in history, but undeniably modern. In addition, the compact size of the space is suitable for absorbing schemes – such as tent bedrooms and bathrooms Penny Mosaic – which are so powerful in their mixtures and playfulness and are so strong in ensuring a unique and atmospheric experience.
HD: Is it clear that such a project requires tailor -made elements – what are some of them and do you have a favorite studio?
YEAR: Almost every train element was designed specifically for this project. Great apartments have swivel chairs for turning, inspired by ancient design, but reimaginated for the comfort and function of the train environment that is designed to be sculptor and finally comfortable, which offers guests an ideal place for scenery. We are things to have chairs in the treasures in the beautiful production of Rubelli, which we developed in cooperation with Luke Edward Hall. It captures the moments of the day, from shells, flora and fauna, to iconic buildings and landmarks on the routes and brings capricious quality to the interiors. Perhaps a popular piece is a folding table in double apartments that plug the lining at night, but folds to create a dining area during the day.
HD: And finally, can you speak us through any problems with the safety of the trains you needed to work?
YEAR: Train design is a unique set of challenges that differ from traditional hospitality projects. The space is a race, the greatest restriction – every millimeter needs to be considered. The storage solution had to be trouble -free, with cabinets, futility and even sitting integrating smart hidden compartments. Another main factor was that everything had to be secured, from glass dishes in the bar to bed, which contain built -in niches for water glasses. The fire regulations were also incredibly strict, which required extensive research and development to ensure that each material has the necessary safety standards. Perhaps the biggest challenge was the balance of functional restrictions with our desire to create something richly detailed, luxurious and evocative truly large (yet intimate) roads.
Main picture of credit: Belmond / Albion Nord