Edelweiss Art Hotel

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 2018

A Comprehensive Interior Transformation
We present here the comprehensive interior renovation of Edelweiss Art Hotel; a project that redefines the identity of a long-established activity in a competitive market. Our work involved a complete renewal of every interior space, from the 23 uniquely designed guest rooms to the communal areas, including the bar, restaurant, lounge, entrance lobby, and events hall. Each element was conceived with a focus on contemporary elegance, functionality, and a deep sensitivity to the surrounding environment.
Our design strategy embraced a dual objective: to elevate the guest experience through aesthetically refined, artistically inspired spaces while maintaining a minimalist and sober atmosphere that allowed carefully selected art pieces to serve as focal points. For the guest rooms, we introduced four distinct colour schemes, each thoughtfully developed to correspond with the natural light conditions specific to the north, south, east, and west orientations. This nuanced approach not only enhances the spatial experience by adapting to the inherent character of the light but also ensures a cohesive yet diverse ambience throughout the hotel.
Central to our process was our collaboration with Mr Gary Biondo, a highly professional and experienced luxury hotel director. His expert consultancy was instrumental in guiding our vision and in ensuring that the new identity of the hotel would resonate with both discerning clientele and the evolving expectations of modern travellers. Under his guidance, we aimed to impart a subtle artistic touch to the interiors, enriching the space without compromising the integrity of the minimalistic design philosophy.
The renovation presented significant challenges, not least of which was working within the constraints of the family business’s limited budget. Despite these financial limitations, our team was able to deploy innovative design solutions and adopt prudent material selections that yielded a result of remarkable quality. Every design decision was rigorously evaluated to ensure that cost-efficiency did not come at the expense of the luxury experience we sought to deliver.
A particularly demanding aspect of the project was the need to reimagine traditional hospitality spaces in a way that captures and enhances a sense of wellbeing and exclusivity. We reconfigured circulation paths and access points to best serve the varying needs of guests, while also ensuring that communal areas facilitated social interaction without infringing upon individual privacy. This meticulous balance between shared experience and personal retreat has contributed significantly to the overall success of the design.
Furthermore, the resilience of our design was underscored during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the severe limitations on tourism and the operational challenges imposed by lockdown measures, the hotel’s renewed identity and optimised functionality helped maintain its relevance and appeal in a rapidly changing market. Post-pandemic, the hotel has not only recovered but flourished, affirming the enduring appeal of an interior that marries aesthetic sophistication with operational excellence.
This project stands as a testament to our ability to innovate within constraints and to reimagine established spaces with a forward-thinking approach. The renovation is a fine example of how thoughtful design, strategic collaboration, and a relentless quest for excellence can transform a legacy property into a contemporary landmark that continues to thrive in the dynamic landscape of luxury accommodation in Mongolia.