Projects
An oasis of relaxation in Odessa
Antonia Solari
FLORIM
2017
Nestled between the steppes and the sea, the Ukrainian city of Odessa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Eastern Europe and a microcosm of European influences in terms of architecture and urban planning, combining French elegance, Italian style and Spanish character. One of the city’s latest hospitality venues, a high-end hotel called Decameron Clubhouse Odessa, was recently opened here in the heart of the historic centre. The hotel, designed by Italian architect Nunzio Da Vià from Cortina d’Ampezzo, offers meeting rooms and a lounge tailored to a business clientele while at the same time catering for tourists wishing to visit the Black Sea city and spend an unconventional holiday discovering the history of Odessa and its seaside resorts such as Arcadia, Lanzheron and Dolphin.
In terms of its architectural composition, the Decameron Clubhouse has a courtyard type structure with spaces organised around a relaxing central patio where visitors immediately feel at ease. The architect carefully designed the sequence of materials and their colour to create consistent and sophisticated elevations and interiors. The sombre plinth is clad with dark stone; the central band is white and enhanced by a double row of metal frames; the loggias are screened by a sequence of wood brise-soleil elements. The alternation of opposing colours – white, black and metallic tones – creates a façade with a powerful visual impact and contemporary image.
The interiors are divided up into various types of spaces of different sizes. From two-room apartments to penthouses, each suite offers high-end amenities. The meticulously planned living area features Italian design elements, while the bathroom has been transformed into a private spa and the overall design of the rooms reflects a desire to offer the highest possible levels of hospitality. The choice of materials plays an important role with the texture and colours of the wall tiles and wood finishings helping to create a warm, comfortable atmosphere. The interior tiles were chosen from the Florim brands Rex (La Roche, Alabastri di Rex, I Travertini and I Classici), Casa dolce casa – Casamood (Stones&More) and CEDIT – Ceramiche d’Italia (Matrice). Selected in various sizes and geometries to lend character to the interior in accordance with the latest interior design trends, these tiles from Florim combine high technical performance with visually-striking aesthetics: from alabaster to Calacatta marble and the typically Italian appeal of travertine. This choice reflects the architect’s desire to pay tribute to Italian style without sacrificing the practicality, durability and strength of surface coverings suitable for public spaces.
Gli Alabastri di Rex
porcelain stoneware
160x320
Water absorpion (ISO 10545-3): average value 0,08%
Chemical resistance (ISO 10545-13): GLB
Resistance to deep abrasion (ISO 10545-6): Cl. 4
Stain resistance (ISO 10545-14): compliant
Frost resistance (ISO 10545-12): compliant
Modulus of rupture and breaking strength (ISO 10545-4): ≥1300 Newton
Slip resistance (DIN 51130): average value 50 N/mm2
Thermal shock resistance (ISO 10545-9): compliant
Crazing resistance (ISO 10545-11): compliant
Linear thermal expansion (ISO 10545-8): compliant
LEED