hi matic hotel paris: an urban ecolodge
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hi matic hotel paris: an urban ecolodge


image © designboom


designboom published a preview article for the 'hi-matic hotel' in paris designed by matali crasset before its official opening.
the concept of the 'urban ecolodge' is to provide a hotel with heightened sustainability awareness within the heart of the city,
a practical and accessible accommodation which mixes urban amenities with a countryside bed and breakfast, driven by
strong ecological values.

during paris design week 2011, we returned to the now opened and running hotel to verify for ourselves if the hi-matic
is truly living up to its environmental standards. we were pleasantly surprised with how efficiently this hotel combines
ecological sustainability together with comfort and warmth at affordable rates.

so why is the hi-matic so ecological?
- the implemented materials are natural and untreated
- energy saving lighting along with water reducing taps are set in place
- no chemicals are used within the lodging facilities, only ecological cleaning products and agents
- staff uniforms are produced by ethically aware brands
- non-toxic paints in bold colors decorate the hotel's walls



images © designboom


posters and notes throughout the hotel remind guests to be aware, providing suggestions to contribute and do their part
towards helping the environment within their private living quarters:
- use the lift only if very tired
- turn water off while brushing your teeth
- re-use towels
- be moderate with air-conditioning
- don't leave the television on stand-by mode

outside of their room and within communal spaces, guests are asked to:
- use recycle bins in the hall
- try eating organic even after your breakfast
- use the velib bicycle sharing system for your visit in paris
- use green taxis for your transfers
- share this message with your friends



lunch-room style dining table
image © designboom


a simple breakfast consisting of 100% organic fruits and foods is on offer for hotel lodgers.



dining area
image © designboom



breakfast tray
image © designboom



entry to hotel room
image © designboom



view of sleeping quarters from the entry door
image © designboom



storage shelves border the bed
image © designboom



sleeping quarters
image © designboom



clothes rack
image © designboom



(left) bathroom
(right) passage to bathroom
images © designboom



suggested yoga poses for exercise within the hotel room
image © designboom

anita db
09.28.11  
6
Disposable plastic knife and fork and a paper napking in a plastic bag ? A serving size butter package? One pot (again serving size) of jam for every custumer? it may be pretty, it may be organic it may be everyting but ECO-LOGICAL
sick and tired of modern statements   09.28.11
eco-jail
dadap   09.29.11
Eco-kindergarten/scary hospital.
Looks pre-fab/mono-cult. Why not make a "lodge" for travelers from what Paris throws away rather than pre-fab scary set pieces and airline industry ideas of "eco"? This is dreck.
TiskkerDu   09.29.11
I stayed here earlier in the year. The breakfast may look airline, but far better quality than any airline.
Whole hotel is simple and basic, but so calm and by far best affordable hotel I've ever stayed at in Paris.
steve   09.29.11
It looks like the "disposable knife and fork" are wood, not plastic, cheaper and more sustainable, but still not ideal, and the plastic bags may or may not be "Cornstarch" plastic. I like the idea, but when using that much "stuff" it is usually considered more "ecological" to use more robust materials and actually WASH UP.

It's a nice idea, but frankly it looks like the inside of a kindergarten, I don't think they could pay me enough to endure the headaches.
FRED   09.30.11
Bio in a plastic Bag?
So superficial!
Gumoge   09.30.11
paris design week 2011 (13 articles)

lucie koldova + dan yeffet: balloons for brok
design | 10.24.11

with a floating reflector and a body of handmade blown glass, the lights focuses on the volume of a seemingly weightless material. 

3

adrien de melo at galerie BSL
design | 10.22.11

explores the concept of nature in true and altered forms by means of stacked wood within his furniture design.

1

studio DuHO: social drop lamp
design | 10.16.11

both a lamp and a collapsible capsule, the series transforms the 'personal bubble' into a literal furniture piece. 

3
matali crasset (34 articles)

matali crasset: court circuit for danese mila
design | 04.26.12

using the language of computer technology and the forms of natural elements this pendant lamps brings together an expressiveness and domesticity to our relationship with LED lights.

0

matali crasset: sweet talk and dream for camp
design | 04.13.12

a soft surface which offers modularity, flexibility and adaptability, and has the ability to transform from a seating unit to a lounger or bed via sections which can be folded according to your needs.

2

matali crasset: liberty, equality, fraternity
design | 12.11.11

an account of french history through design, the exhibition looks at the implications of products on the social, political and economic climate of the country. 

0

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