“Together with K-Group, we are very pleased to have brought on such a distinguished company as HBA for the first Trump development in Latin America,” states Rodrigo Rubio Vollert, EVP Architecture and Design of Arias Serna Saravia S.A. and Design Director for Trump Ocean Club. “Not only is HBA a globally recognized company, but they are the perfect fit for this project due to their impressive portfolio and extensive experience in the hospitality industry,” adds Rubio Vollert.
The Atlanta-based HBA team for Trump Ocean Club consists of five experts, including one designer based in Panama, and is led by 13-year veteran Betsy Hughes who serves as Project Manager. “We are very excited about this project and the fantastic team behind it. Together with the architects and the hotel operator, Trump Organization, we are a very collaborative group that understands the vision and ultimate goals for this unique project,” states Hughes. “This will also be the first time that HBA works on a project in Latin America and we are very proud to enter the market together with the Trump brand.”
HBA has taken an architectural approach to all aspects of each guest room at Trump Ocean Club by incorporating a global vision, minimalistic appearance and free flowing open plan. Each unit will be inspired by a modern tropical feel, blended with quiet Panamanian accents. The minimal focus will allow for clean space and by using a neutral palette, each unit will be timeless and able to withstand many years. “HBA is creating a true Casa Blanca (white house) ambiance touched by color accents throughout,”
Continuing with the sleek look and feel of the space, all of the wooden furniture will be natural grain oak and all furniture pieces will come from different parts of the world. One of the most unique aspects of the design is that many furniture pieces will have dual purposes, which lends itself to the minimalistic approach. For example, the ledge of a headboard can also serve as a night table or used to place pictures. Additionally, the ledge underneath the television will be able to transition into a desk.
All floors will be a creamy limestone and will begin from the main entrance to the terrace, with the option of having it continue on to the terrace. All lighting will be custom-made and guestrooms will also include a lounge chair and ottoman with an optional aerial rug.
While each unit will encompass an everlasting neutral palette, HBA is dedicated to bringing in the local culture to each space. “We are currently studying the Panamanian culture and will apply subtle hints throughout each room. For example, while studying Mola handiwork we realized an interesting twist on the technique would be to use monochromatic fabrics in shades of cream. This has developed into an idea for a lightweight bed throw. (Mola are the patterns from parts of the traditional costume of a Kuna, which are the indigenous people of Panama). Also, the idea of a wooden carved headboard came from a locally-made bracelet,” adds Hughes.
The spacious bathrooms will also play an important role in the overall experience during one’s stay at Trump Ocean Club. The bathtub will be located in the center of the bathroom and purposely situated in a way where a guest will have a direct view of the room, enabling them to watch television or have a conversation while also enjoying views of the bay and city beyond. The dual purpose of design elements also continue into the bathroom. The vanity sink will be shaped and positioned in a way where it was also serve as the bathtub filler, allowing the water to seamlessly flow.
Trump Ocean Club, Punta Pacifica, Panama City
Located in the hottest destination in Central America, Trump Ocean Club is a striking $400 million development located in the exclusive Punta Pacifica area of Panama City, Panama. The largest real estate investment in Latin America with 2.8 million total sq ft. and 70 stories being created as a deliberate “haven”; a place one can settle into and never leave. Maintaining a brisk construction schedule, the master plan includes: condominiums and condo-hotel units, a magnificent wellness spa, an oversized infinity pool & deck, private island beach club, upscale boutiques and shops, exclusive office lofts, an elite hotel sky lobby, a state-of-the-
About HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates
As a global leader in hospitality interior design, HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates is credited with revolutionizing the design industry. Since it was founded in 1964, the company has continually set design trends, pushing boundaries and injecting fresh ideas in to some of the world’s most prestigious and well-known addresses. HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates has successfully completed over 900 projects in 80 countries worldwide. More than 70 percent of its current project list is located in Pacific Rim countries, including many hotels with the world’s premier brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and others.
HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates prides itself on its unrivalled knowledge of the cultural, financial, geographical and programmatic requirements involved in design projects, and applies that knowledge to all of its projects, ranging from world-class hotels and resorts to individual boutique hotels, spas, casinos, cruise ships and private residences. HBA employs more than 450 design professionals in 13 offices worldwide: Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Brisbane, Melbourne, New Delhi, Dubai, and Manila. HBA attributes its achievements to its fundamental values of research and sensitivity to the needs of its markets.
For more information about HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, please visit the company’s website at www.hbadesign.com.
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