Kuwait: Havelock AHI completes fit-out for Four Seasons Hotel

Regional interior contractor, Havelock AHI, delivered the fit-out of three packages at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, within 18 months.

Havelock was in charge of the finishing works as well as sourcing and installing carpets, draperies and wall coverings for major areas of the 284-key luxury hospitality project.

Syed Kashif Akhtar, group managing director at Havelock AHI Interiors, stated: “We feel very privileged that Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya allowed us to add another iconic project to Havelock AHI’s regional track record. Our Kuwait fit-out team and both our joinery and metal factory in Bahrain embraced the challenge and were rewarded with additional packages during the programme, a testimony for the excellent quality and of the work we deliver.”

With interior designs conceived by Yabu Pushelberg for the Four Seasons brand, Havelock AHI sought to find the right interpretation and implementation of the extravagant yet modern design. From mock-up stage to hand-over, the company was responsible for the fit-out and joinery works including wall cladding, wooden ceilings, flooring and doors for the guest rooms and suites, two stylish F&B concepts, as well as the boutique store. The manufacturing unit in Bahrain also contributed the central counter and the bench seating to The Coffee Suite by Starbucks. Furthermore, the scope featured all associated decorative glass, metal and stone works.

Didier Jardin, general manager, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, said: “I would like to thank Havelock AHI Interiors, their ability to anticipate and respond to challenges is admirable.”

The mock-up rooms for the 217 guest rooms, 53 one-bedroom suites, six State Suites, and one Royal Suite proved to be the first test of Havelock AHI’s experience and innovative thinking. The coffee bar and restaurants offered another opportunity for Havelock AHI to leverage its vast expertise and elaborate project management skills to deliver beyond expectation. The upscale Italian Dai Forni and the fashionable pan-Asian restaurant Sintoho, both designed by Kokaistudios Shanghai and located on the 21st floor, connected by a 25m x 3m green wall, are each turnkey projects in their own right.

Sintoho is inspired by Japanese and Chinese designs – stone-cladded, handcrafted partitions surround the teppanyaki and dim sum stations; all hoods feature hammered brass claddings, handmade in China exclusively for the project. Another treat for the eyes are the water pillars: Kokaistudios had a slow-motion air bubble flow in mind; and eventually, Havelock AHI found the right supplier in Germany that came up with an air pup and aquarium pillar to comply with the design spec.

Dai Forni has an overarching fire theme – the lava wall is made of stone from Italy, cut in different shapes to give it a lava-like elevation. Nine fire pillars radiate a subtle warmth, while three wood pizza ovens have been turned into elegant centrepieces.

The eye-catcher of The Coffee Suite by Starbucks is a bespoke counter, exclusively manufactured by Havelock AHI’s factory in Bahrain – walnut is the dominant timber element to underline the impression of luxury. The design process was equally elaborate; based on 3D reference models, prototyping and an intense collaboration with the client, Havelock AHI crafted a unique piece of furniture.