Interior design and architectural solutions in leisure spaces for a very specific target public need to overcome different challenges—some that are common to other projects and others that are entirely specific. A clear example of this is the recently opened Palau Alameda (Valencia, Spain) which uses COMPAC marbles and quartzes. The building was designed by Parolio, who needed to bring together different areas maintaining a shared brand expression, while offering functionality and discerning ambiences.
What can technological quartz and marble bring to a project like this? The building fulfils different goals with highly diverse decorative elements that underscore their versatility. The public is greeted at the main entrance to the building with Nacarado marble stairs, creating elegance and added value for architects through, for example, the uniform tone of the material (which natural stone cannot provide), making it possible to cover large surface areas without visible cuts or assembly markings. Here, the sheen and shade of the marble offer elegance and smoothness, which stands out further at night-time thanks to the reflection from the exterior lights and signage.
After crossing the hall, visitors reach a spacious ballroom for performances, where a large bar has been built from Ice WhiteTM quartz, capturing visitors’ imaginations with its dimensions and design. The simplicity and hue mean it fully blends with the other decorative features. In addition, quartz offers different qualities that make it ideal for use here, such as its hard-wearing nature against knocks and scratches from bottles, trays, cutlery, jewellery, etc. as well as its malleability for creating different shapes. This COMPAC material enables elements and products to be made without any breaks in the grain design. And just like natural stone, if a piece of technological quartz is cut into, the organic patterns of the grain are maintained.
The dual continuous strip lighting frames the quartz and, like a canvas or screen, makes it into a large decorative element for the space, highlighting its meticulous design. This same emphasis on making quartz and marble key design features can be seen in other areas of the building too, such as the Azza nightclub.
This space is located on the lower floor and offers a more nocturnal feel with darker hues and carmine contrasts. The Ice BlackTM quartz frames the floral ornamentation. The use of technological quartz in this large room can be seen in two formats: wall panels and auxiliary furniture pieces. The latter aspect highlights how quartz can be used to create tables, fully crafted from the material with metal clamps for assembly. In this sense, a unique atmosphere has been created where walls and tables are made from luxury designs in a setting that seeks excellence throughout in a collection created by the renowned French designer Arik Levy.
Our journey through the building does not stop here. An epicurean space has been created on the terrace which has become a must-see leisure spot for the city thanks to its cuisine, views and carefully created ambience designed by Parolio. Inspiration for this zone has come from the local flowers and birds since the Palau Alameda is located next to the gardens that run through the city in the former riverbed. Today, the area offers different cultural and sporting pursuits to local residents.
The attic has an enclosed space with a bar and food area, as well as an open-air zone for lunch and dinner. Inside, Unique CalacattaTM quartz has again been used for the bar and tables. A highlight here is the large table with curved edges made from a quartz block which is perfect for meetings. It is surrounded by a beautiful display of Mediterranean-style wall-hung dishes. Quartz also enjoys a careful elegant presence outside in the shape of a square piece framing the mise-en-scène that is used to store dishes.
