Simply Abu Dhabi XXVII

2 4 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Brudnizki, Ilse Crawford and Tom Dixon, the approach is very much holistic and in-house these days, with around 90 people in design and development. There is also a bespoke service for private design commissions, and individuals have been known to order complete bedroom and bathroom suites for their own residences. The rooms at Soho House Barcelona feature lofty views, mid-century furnishings and lots of little details – like a nifty miniature Marshall amp digital radio and an array of Cowshed premium toiletries in a splendid bathroom that appears to be straight out of a period movie. This cinematic effect informs much of the spaces in the house – whether on the sun- drenched roof terrace with its heated pool and huge stripedmono-lounger bed, or amidst the Italian-infused bustle beneath the atrium in Cecconi’s restaurant. The supporting protagonists in Soho House – the team of staff always on hand to assist – are attentive without being fussy. They come across more like new friends, and they retain their own personality at work rather than being required to don a uniform and adhere to a strict code of behaviour, as with many corporate hotel and hospitality chains. This doesn’t mean a slip in standards, of course; it just means you feel more relaxed and at home – which is entirely the point. Reflecting on the unstuffy, open and communal atmosphere, van Batenburg says, “It starts with the concept: this is not a hotel, it’s a private members’ club with hotel bedrooms. That creates a very different environment than the traditional hotel… The interaction with the other members, for example. It’s not only about networking on a business level but also on a social level. It’s unique, and alongside the facilities that come