Populus Hotel

populus Hotel

From biophilic architecture, natural materials, original art, and seasonal cuisine, there is a love for the natural world in every detail of the new Populus Hotel. An instantly recognizable symbol of Colorado, the Aspen tree (Populus tremuloides) informed the hotel’s biophilic architecture and distinctive window shapes. Designed by Studio Gang, these shapes draw from the characteristic patterns found on the tree’s trunks. Populus’s interior was designed by Wildman Chalmers Design, who took inspiration from being within nature to create spaces that evoke subtle beauty, a sense of calm, and moments of surprise.

Raw Creative contributed design-assist, fabrication, and installation for several unique pieces throughout the hotel. First, an overhead installation in the rooftop restaurant, Stellar Jay: meant to resemble a layer of golden aspen leaves, each of the 140 oblong metal discs was cut on our waterjet, hand-patinaed, bent into a unique shape, and hung at varying levels to create a layered effect. Integrated lighting can be turned on to give the installation a glowing effect in the evenings.

We also custom-fabricated a hanging steel and glass mirror, suspended above a shared bathroom space, and one of the distinctive Populus-shaped window seats found in various locations throughout the hotel. Lastly, we crafted the steel and wood entry doors, using an integrated pivot hinge system and long steel rod handles, which lead visitors directly into the hotel lobby.

CLIENT
Wildman Chalmers, Beck Group

ROLE
design assist, fabrication, installation

DESIGNER
Studio Gang

Photo Credit: Yoshihiro Makino