L'Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar

Based in the Champ de Mars town of the Colmar region in France, the newly built L’Esquisse Hotel offers tranquility in a very central location. The hotel was envisioned by AEA Architects and the interiors were designed by the Parisian agency Giros & Coutellier. Known for experimenting and always seeking the right solutions for each project, they went to work on this project to bring a contemporary flavour to the town.

Inspired by local 19th century sculptor August Bartholdi and his work, their scheme is a beautiful blend of modern lines, calm interiors and comforting furniture.

An eclectic combination of warm textures, finishes, pieces and colours conveys the ‘Atelier D’Artistes’ style perfectly.

The use of materials are also eclectic. Wood, natural stone, copper and leather are layered expertly; natural colours are beautifully blended with pops of dark colour to frame paces; and the dark colours come in many forms such as marble, wood, metal, fabric, paint and carpeting. Thought of individually, what seems like a large variety, these differing materials have been weaved into each space with ease and panache.

This 3200 m2 hotel offers 62 private terraced rooms and suites that all have their own style and feeling to them. Suspended in the middle of trees, they offer an amazing view of the park, and pull you into a tranquil bubble. Whether a room or a suite, the spaces for accommodation are elegant and soothing to the soul.

Within the public spaces, amongst all of the refined layering there are quirks that jolt us into the imagination of Giros & Coutellier. The homage to August Bartholdi had to be reinforced with pieces that stand out, wow the spectator, and send an electric current of creativity. For example, placed in the center of the lobby, the bar hosts a monumental sculpture.

Designed by Giros & Coutellier and created by Jean Pierre Lebureau, ornamentist Meilleur Ouvrier de France, this piece illuminates the space thanks to its hammered copper sheets and its raw and warm color.

We were thrilled and truly honoured to be asked to take part in this project; not only did we create pieces of furniture that were designed to specific requirements by the agency, we also were able to offer pieces from our own collections.

When walking through the hotel it is possible to spot our pieces in the general spaces, the bar and outdoor areas, with our Arven Bar Stool taking its place of pride around the bar, and our Akka Chair lacing outdoor spaces.

It is such a privilege to be part of a project like this; a modern concept that preciously pulls together a spa retreat with the feeling of a luxurious urban environment. A gem of building that gives you either the opportunity to hideaway from it all or to get stuck in local life at the nearby Colmar market and other attractions.

An emphasis on celebrating the French art of living, the pleasure you will experience at L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa will touch all of your five senses. Authentic, real, elegant, serene, luxurious, calming are only just a few words that come to mind when we try and put the experience into words.

Actually it has to be experienced in person, to be truly understood…

AEA Architects

Giros & Coutellier