A successful collaboration between designers G.A Group and IHG brand Hotel Indigo can be found on the Park Kuala Lumpur, marking IHG’s debut in Malaysia.

The hotel is nestled next to the Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill) forest reserve, the last vestige of untouched primary rainforest in the city’s heart.

G.A Group have curated a narrative that integrates the rainforest within the hotel’s DNA, echoing the relationship between nature and the urban environment.

Their design approach incorporates rich local cultural influences, creating a captivating blend that celebrates Malaysia’s heritage while offering a unique and sustainable hospitality experience.

A nature-infused urban oasis

G.A Group’s design approach honours the surrounding forest and local environment, translating these influences into subtle yet impactful elements throughout the hotel.

The lobby serves as a captivating introduction to this narrative where guests are welcomed by a double-height green wall that sets the stage for the experience ahead.

Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, the reception desks, crafted from reclaimed tree roots, symbolise a harmonious cycle of life within the hotel’s ethos.

Further enhancing this eco-conscious narrative is a sculptural tree adorned with glass bottle branches.

This unique installation symbolises the hotel’s dedication to recycling and repurposing natural resources, drawing inspiration from flying buttress roots of the high canopy trees found in the nearby forest reserve.

A distinctive focal point within the lobby is the central staircase, constructed from old railway sleepers and rebar from the construction site.

This choice, not only is a further example of recycling materials but also intertwines history and culture to the space, adding a sense of place.

“We wanted this story to celebrate the hotel’s proximity to nature, to the Bukit Nanas reserve.

“Our design integrates layers and sub-plots focused on recycling, repurposing, and reclamation, fostering a sense of being a ‘good neighbour’ within the community.

“A true celebration of ‘where the neighbourhood meets the forest’.’ – Adrian Currie, Director at G.A Group.

An urban glade in the sky

This narrative of harmonising nature and urban living, extends seamlessly to the exterior spaces as well as the interiors of Hotel Indigo on the park Kuala Lumpur.

The roof top pool and terrace, is envisioned as a modern interpretation of a forest glade – an urban glade in the sky.

Drawing inspiration from nature’s play of light and shadow, sunlight filters through a stylised canopy before gently playing across the vegetation of the forest floor.

This concept is embodied by a stylised architectural metal sunshade that utilises the patterns of the forest canopy, surrounded by green walls and built-in planters, creating a relaxing oasis around a forest spring.

Celebrating local cultural influences

Beyond its harmonious blend of nature and modernity, Hotel Indigo on the Park Kuala Lumpur also celebrates Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.

‘Silver Monkey’ and ‘Wok Star’, the food & beverage offerings at Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park, showcase these vibrant cultural inspirations.

Silver Monkey draws inspiration from local kopitiam culture, reflecting community and tradition.

The essence of a traditional Malay coffee shop is captured through encaustic cement mosaic tiles, the ubiquitous finish of the early mid-century architecture associated with the area and the green and white colour palette inspired by the iconic chinaware.

‘Wok Star’ is the hotel’s all day dining offering with energetic open kitchens, all with their own identities, taking inspiration by mamak culture.

Bursts of colour, exposed elements and a feature graffiti mural add to the vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of lively local street food market.

Guestrooms and Suites

This narrative of cultural celebration is carried through to the guestroom offering.

Inspired by the Malaysian “kaki lima” or five-foot way, the guestroom corridors feature a covered walkway often found in front of shops.

These are decorated with shapes and forms of the old Kampung house eaves translated into bold and vibrant cut out paper.

In each guestroom, a traditional dry larder conceals a mini bar, while a congkak board and cloth bags, from the traditional game Batu Seremban, add playful yet thought-provoking touch to the space.

These elements evoke memories for those familiar and spark thoughts or talking points for those traveling from out of town.

Resonance

Project G.A Brand worked closely with the interior design team to develop the signage and wayfinding.

This collaborative approach created a ‘Rojak moment’, weaving the design narrative through every aspect of the hotel.

Rojak’ is a popular Southeast Asian salad, known for its diverse mix of ingredients that come together to create a signature dish that represents the Malaysian multicultural society.

Inspiration is drawn from the Bukit Nana, looking at the signage found within the rainforest, featuring wooden materials with distinctive framed edges.

Notably, each floor possesses unique signage elements, intricately tied to the interior design cues from diverse shapes and colours to materiality, meaning every detail tells a story.

As Adrian Currie explains, ‘We strived to make the whole guest experience as immersive and authentic as possible, a journey that celebrates the areas unique attributes, its culture, architecture, history, the people, our food, tying together some of the more diverse, less obvious and abstracted aspects of our neighbourhood in order inspire our guests to explore further.’ 

G.A Group

G.A Group are a collection of design companies, who have been creating award-winning experiences for 40 years.

Collectively the Group is comprised of a 160 world-class designers, architects, strategists, project managers and creatives.

Their clients include Corinthia Hotels, Harrods, Rosewood, 1 Hotel, Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and American Express.

Some of their most notable projects include Atlantis The Royal, The Corinthia London, Palace Hotel Tokyo, and the recently launched 1 Hotel, Mayfair.

thega-group.com