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0:00:19 > 0:00:22- This week, - we visit Carbon in Belgium...
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- ..a hotel inspired by coal.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- Ice is the theme - at The Ice House Hotel, Ireland.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- First, a taste of the unexpected - at the Lute Suites.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- Welcome to 04Wal Gwestai'r Byd.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- Welcome to the Lute Suites.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- I'm in the restaurant, - the root of the Lute Suites project.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- The Lute Suites - is in an old gunpowder factory...
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- ..in Ouderkerk, near Amsterdam.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- Peter Lute opened - this restaurant in 2003.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- Soon afterwards, Marcel Wanders, - the designer, dined here...
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- ..and he was so inspired - that he designed a hotel around it.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- The Lute Suites is a restaurant and - guest rooms, rather than a hotel.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- Tell me about Marcel Wanders.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- He's a highly acclaimed - young designer.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- He is the co-owner of Moooi, - a Dutch company.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- He's developed hugely - during the past nine years.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- Moooi is an internationally-renowned - design label.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- Wanders has also designed for - famous names...
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- ..like Cappellini and B&B Italia.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05- He's red-hot!
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- What is his contribution - to the Lute Suites?
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- He adapted seven cottages, - and each has a unique design.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- Marcel Waders has no concept.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- It's his goal to surprise - and to delight.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- That's why every cottage - has a unique character.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- He leapt at the chance - to design the hotel.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34- He's an industrial designer, - and he saw this as an opportunity...
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- ..to test his designs.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- What did Marcel Wanders - contribute to this room?
0:02:40 > 0:02:41- That's a Moooi lamp.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- The armchair is a Moooi Smoke Chair.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- Wanders also designed the fabric - on these chairs.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- You can see his face in the pattern!
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- We're sitting on Marcel!
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- This is one of - the three-level suites.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- This is the lounge, and - there's a kitchen in that cupboard!
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- The bathroom is beyond those beams, - and the bedroom is at the top.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- Every detail - has been given consideration.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- Parts of this football pattern - is repeated on the floor.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Flowers from the pattern on the wall - appear on the sofa.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- The colours of the sofa - are also in the rug.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- Other parts of the flowers - are replicated in this plinth.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- Every detail has been designed.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- This design isn't at all flabby.
0:04:01 > 0:04:02- It's crisp and clean.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- It's also comfortable, of course.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- The bathroom is upstairs.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- How do the bathroom and - the bedroom behind me work together?
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- The owner himself thinks that there - is so much to see in these rooms...
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- ..he'd have trouble sleeping!
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- Several features - demand one's attention.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- The bedroom has been inserted - into the roof space.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- There's something romantic - and yet childlike...
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- ..about the idea - of clambering up to your bed.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- The bath is shaped like - a huge bar of soap.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- It looks like the bathing area - has been carved into a bar of soap.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- You need a bed in a bedroom - and a bath in a bathroom...
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- ..but what about unusual elements, - such as the tiles?
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Yes, that wall - is covered in graphics.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- The accent colour stands out.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- The orange beam and the - flower-like tap are eye-catching.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- Look closely and a picture - of a girl appears on the wall.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- The pixilation - makes it contemporary.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- The bisazza tiles in the lounge - are more traditional.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- There are interesting - combinations here.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- The ultra modern bath is next to - a traditional chest of drawers.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- It elicits - a strong, emotional response.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- Yes, the chest is sentimental, and - the bath is a very skilful design.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- He has an almost obsessive - compulsion to decorate and beautify.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- He does this in a very technical - and meticulous manner.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- Take a look at that panel.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- Wire has been shaped into flowers.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- The back wall looks like lace - or lattice.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- Even the wardrobe looks as if - it's covered in lace.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- Wanders has cast that in resin.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28- The suites are comfortable, but they - give you a pure design experience.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- Yes, which is achieved - by having no design concept...
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- ..and filling the rooms - with his creations.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- Wanders also works with colour - and graphics.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- He's created a neat package.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- It's like a parcel, - wrapped in patterned paper.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- It's good to sit on his furniture - without having to buy it!
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- It's a privilege to see the work - of a cutting-edge designer.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- This is Carbon Hotel - in Genk, Belgium.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Carbon is one of the earth's - natural elements.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- We're not here - to talk about exhaust fumes.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42- We're here to celebrate the hard, - underground form of carbon - coal.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- Genk was at the heart - of the Belgian coal industry.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- It was Belgium's Rhondda.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Naming this hotel Carbon...
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- ..is like opening a boutique hotel - in Treorchy called Coal.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- The exterior of this building - looks like a lump of coal.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- It glistens - like a chunk of anthracite.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- It's like a big, black brick, - with shutters at the side of it.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- It feels very industrial.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- The windows have no natural rhythm.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- Some jut out and some are sunken.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- The glass here - and around the far corner...
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- ..make this a welcoming building.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- This is what greets you, - as you enter the building.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- This magnificent, silver plated bowl - with a tiny, lit pool in the middle.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- It reminds us - of those natural elements.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- It's not easy - to find the reception desk...
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- ..but this staircase - leads you in the right direction.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- Who was the architect...
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- ..and what do you make of - the design concept?
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- Peter Cornoedus was the architect - and the interior designer.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- The concept is a celebration - of the coal industry.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- Peter Cornoedus achieved that - by using a black design.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- You wouldn't expect to see - a hotel inspired by coal.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- It's a marketing technique.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- This hotel's name - makes it stand out.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- It gives the design a sound basis.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- Having a solid starting point - in a design brief...
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- ..makes the whole design process - much easier.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- In many hotels, the reception desk - is straight in front of you.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- That's not the case here.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- Having to walk upstairs adds - an element of mystery to the design.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- This mezzanine level - is very pleasant.
0:10:15 > 0:10:22- The stunning, gold reception desk - matches the baroque-style pouffe.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28- The corset-type ties on the pouffe - add a playful element to the design.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- It's part of the black theme.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Yes, black with splashes of colour.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Red is a very confident colour.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- The red adds warmth to this area.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- The furniture is interesting.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- The furniture is interesting.- - Yes, it's all locally-made.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- This is an Indera sofa.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- The pouffe was made by Le Couchon.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- It celebrates local industry - and local designers.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- Increasingly, designers express - their creativity in corridors.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- The carbon theme continues here, - of course...
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- ..but there's wood around the doors.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- The wallcovering is exactly the same - on both sides of the corridor...
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- ..but one side is black - and the other side is white.
0:11:20 > 0:11:26- The wall lights mimic the pattern - of the windows overlooking the road.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- The mirror - at the end of the corridor...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- ..gives this a sense of infinity.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- I've seen a lot - since the start of this series...
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- ..but this is the craziest - bedroom design I've seen!
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- By dispensing with a wall - and opening out the space...
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- ..you can - create a unique feature.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Here, you have a bath, a desk - and a bed.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- They are pieced together, - like a jigsaw.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- What about the element of carbon?
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- This is the first picture of coal - I've seen here.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- Does that lack subtlety?
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- It's on the wall, but there's - great variety in this picture.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- The centre is in sharp focus, - but its edges are blurred.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- It's wonderful, - and it doesn't lack subtlety.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- The black and white shades in the - picture match the metallic tiles.
0:12:42 > 0:12:48- The throw on the bed - almost looks like a seam of coal.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- Yes, it carries echoes of - the picture on the wall.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- It's not a conventional throw. - It's been scrunched.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- This is the bar, - opposite the hotel's front entrance.
0:13:21 > 0:13:22- The drinks are here.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- The bar itself is made of - glass panels whose colour changes.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34- The lights change from blue to - purple, then to orange, and so on.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- The whole wine stock - isn't displayed here.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- They've created a pattern which is - repeated over and over again.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- The bottles lie end-to-end, - forming rolling-pin shapes.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- This pattern is very effective.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- Opposite the wine wall, - you have this splendid bench...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- ..which reaches the window - at the far end.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- It maintains the line from the top - of the bar to the dining room.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- The dining room - lies behind that window.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- You can't see it - because the bar is separate from it.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- The thing which unites the design is - the shape and form of the furniture.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- The bar is dark, - but the dining room is light.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- We've seen the whole hotel - and noticed the carbon elements.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- We reach the dining room - and what's on the ceiling?
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- Tiles!
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- Yes, there's greater freedom here - to stray from the carbon theme.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- The Moroccan tiles shatter your - expectations and make you smile.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- There's real humour here.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- The colours and the patterns - form a collage to cover the ceiling.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- These tiles are very pale.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- Is that part of the design?
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- They're pale because - they have a matt finish.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Matt and gloss work well together.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- The lamps above the tables - look like little bells.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- They echo the design we saw - in the reception area upholstery.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- Baroque patterns combine well - with contemporary styles.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- You can see why it won...
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- ..the European Design Awards' - Best Interior Design prize.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48- Carbon, in the form of coal, - inspired the design in this hotel.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49- Is it a success?
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- The hotel industry has seen - many changes in the past five years.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- Many hotels are built with - a strong design concept in mind.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04- Hoteliers strive to be different. - The theme of carbon is ingenious.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09- The design carries a strong - black accent, but it's not sombre.
0:16:09 > 0:16:15- It isn't overbearing because there's - rhythm and energy in the design.
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0:17:04 > 0:17:09- Welcome to The Ice House Hotel - in Ballina, in the west of Ireland.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- Central to this hotel - is this huge, Victorian house.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- It has wide eaves and there are - tall chimneys on its roofs.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- On both sides of the house - stand ultra-modern extensions.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- They're almost incompatible - with the old house.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- It's an interesting combination...
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- ..which offers no clues - to the style of the interior.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40- The main entrance takes you through - the contemporary side of the hotel.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- There are several shades - of light green here.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- The green is a cross-accent with - the black mat, the black tiles...
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- ..and these shiny pompoms.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- This red chair - sparkles in the sunlight...
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- ..which streams in - through the glass ceiling.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- When you enter the reception area, - you see countless contrasts.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- It's called Ice House, - but it's warm and cosy.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- The name Ice in itself adds - an element of coldness to it.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- What does Ice House mean - in this context?
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- This was once a building - in which fish was kept cold.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- Through what was a doorway - and into this hole...
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- ..ice would be poured - onto the fish from the river.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- I've just walked through - two contemporary, sleek rooms...
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- ..and I've now entered - a Victorian parlour!
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Yes, you could ask for - no greater contrast!
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- The design concept here...
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- ..is to preserve the building's - traditional, Victorian essence.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- The extensions which were built - to create the hotel are modern.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- They jar slightly - but that creates contrasting spaces.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- It's really unique.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- It's almost like - a hotel within a hotel.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- Yes, you go back in time - when you enter this room...
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- ..then, you move forward - in the contemporary sections.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- You choose where you want to be.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52- This is the Moy Suite.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- The hotel - stands on the banks of River Moy...
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- ..and you can - see the water from here.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- What you see here - is a blend of two design eras.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- The gold detail in the furniture - is echoed in the wallpaper.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- It's a traditional pattern - in contemporary colours.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- The bed is almost French.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- The fireplace contains not a fire - but a mirror.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- You can see a reflection - of the foot of the bed in it.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- You sense they - strove to create something here...
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- ..rather than - buy a design off the shelf.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- Here we are in the restaurant, - on the edge of the river.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- This is at the front of the hotel.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- It's a contemporary design, but does - it tie in with the Victorian house?
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- You can see both buildings - next to each other.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- This glass extension - sits next to the ice store.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- The fish was preserved in ice - next to the pier.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- They compete against each other, - but there's harmony here.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- Both have great features.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- In there, you can see - the shape of the stonework.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- It's painted, - so you can't see its colour.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- The tables are all formal - and very refined.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- Yes, you can choose to dine - in the more formal area...
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- ..or here, - in more intimate surroundings.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- These pods are very cosy.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- There's an informal area behind me, - where you can relax on the sofas.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- There's real variety in this design.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- There are - some concrete tables outside.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58- Since when has concrete been - a material you use to make a table?
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- There's real variety - in the palette here.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- The walls, the floor and the tables - make this a tactile space.
0:22:09 > 0:22:15- This light, spine-like structure - contrasts with the darker area.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- There's a real duality here.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- You have Jekyll next to Hyde!
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- We're now back in - the contemporary part of the hotel.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- Yes, the additional rooms leading - from the house follow the riverbank.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- This is a glass box, - and it capitalizes on the view.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- The strength of the design - lies in the bathroom.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- The colours used - tie in with the main room.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- The red slab above the basin - is echoed in the headboard.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- As you enter this room, you see the - snowflake motif of the Ice House.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- That motif can also be seen - in the concrete basin.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- It was created by Brian McCarthy.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- It's a very subtle design.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- This hotel - has an unusually wide appeal.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39- The location, the old structure - and two contrasting designs.
0:23:39 > 0:23:45- They've generated a warm welcome in - a building which was quite frosty!
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones