While traditionally, here at GDM we have focused on the retail environment, we are always looking for projects which will extend our capabilities.
The Crowne Plaza was a new challenge for us. At 17 stories, the hotel is the largest executive accommodation in Christchurch. Our team at GDM were tasked with the design, development and manufacture of a custom range of fixtures and fittings for all 17 of those stories.
The Crowne Plaza project included the design, manufacture and installation of custom bedroom and bathroom suites for deluxe, superior, king and executive rooms. We worked closely with the developer and their design lead to engineer and prototype the fixtures for a mock-up room prior to production. To complete the 204 rooms, we shipped thirty-eight 40-foot containers to the site.
GDM Design Manager George Russell was fully immersed in the project.
“The scale of this project was something beyond anything we have ever done before,” he says.
“We have rolled out large orders previously, however to have all of the manufactured products delivered to one location at one time was something else.”
Delivery logistics were not the only challenge faced in this project.
Multiple room iterations were required thanks to differing ceiling heights and room configurations. Fixtures manufactured by GDM included full-height upholstered bedheads, metal framing with timber joinery wardrobes, metal washstands, polished stainless and powder coated ladder towel racks, bronzer glass occasional tables and 900 diameter mirrors with concealed LED lighting.
“We are thrilled with the finished products – they have sleek modern lines, with a superior look and feel,” says George.
“More importantly we have received excellent feedback from the developer, hotel staff and hotel guests.” The Crowne Plaza is the first hotel on GDM’s books, with further projects in the pipeline for 2020.