Azimut Ufa | Ester Bruzkus Architekten

Ester Bruzkus and Patrick Batek were commissioned by AZIMUT to develop the new vision for their international chain of hotels. Remaining true to their high aspirations and to their restrained style, the architects have created a series of modern and charming 3-star-plus hotels with a warm yet simple atmosphere.

The AZIMUT Ufa lies at the entrance to the Ural, in the capital city of the Republic of Baschkortostan. The concept was installed storey for storey, and openened to greet guests in 2013 with golden reception block, dark floors and lighter oak panelling welcome the incoming guests. Lighted vintage-lettered signs in different colours and sizes combine to create eye-catching installations that show the way to the reception, restaurant or bar. In the "Living Lobby" distinctive areas defined by carpeting, bookshelves and glass walls, form zones where guests, mostly business travellers, can work or relax. Ester Bruzkus and Patrick Batek designed the furniture and lighting in the public spaces themselves, and these complement the welcoming atmosphere of the hotel that has been achieved with decorative objects curated by komdo.co.

In contrast to the bright atmosphere on the ground floor, the corridors are kept dark. A carpet with a geometric pattern designed by Bruzkus Batek absorbs any noise. The illuminated floor numbers correspond to the vintage lettering used in the lobby.

The decor of the rooms follows on from the “smart-concept” developed by the architects: to use limited space in a highly functional way. The entrance area – the “Bath Box” – welcomes guests with its slightly lowered ceiling and a dark tiled floor. These tiles extend into the adjoining bathroom where the walls are lined with plain white tiles: simultaneously modern and classic. Moving into the room the geometric carpet appears again on the floors; in this way the guest rooms are pleasantly divided into two zones. Bruzkus Batek designed the furniture for maximum use of space and comfort. This includes the pale wood furniture such as the desk and bench that form a combined module, or the space-saving row of clothes hooks that runs the length of the room, for jackets, jewellery, bags or anything else as needed. Both the sliding door to the bathroom and the padded headboards pick up the aubergine tone of the public areas, and the bright, warm materials create a cosy atmosphere. The “smart-concept” means that guests find modern rooms with all the comforts expected from a hotel. With this Bruzkus Batek fulfils one of AZIMUT’s requirements: that the rooms be designed so that all the furniture can be manufactured in advance without knowing the exact room dimensions while still maintaining high quality design standards.