A range of Roca's bathroom products, including the luxury Armani/Roca range, have been used at the BLOC hotel in Gatwick, helping owner, Colin Graham, create a new concept in affordable accommodation; something which he describes as ‘pared-down chic'.
Offering a high-end look and luxurious experience at prices that won't break the bank, at BLOC the very best materials are used but in a way that's focused on utilising space to the maximum. This approach allows BLOC hotels to be stylish and comfortable, in prime city-centre locations, but at room rates more akin with budget competitors.
With products ranging from functional to high-end, and everything in between, Roca offered the ideal levels of versatility Colin needed to create usable, yet luxurious wash rooms. Sanitaryware and furniture was chosen to meet the individual needs of each space - BLOC's rooms are priced on three levels; basic, executive and luxury.
"Throughout the project, my priority has been to work with major brands that are genuinely enthusiastic about what we are trying to do," said Colin. "Roca has been fantastic in that regard, offering a range of options for every room type."
Roca's Element brassware has been used in BLOC's ‘Snug' and ‘Vista' rooms, with the innovative water-saving W+W, which re-uses water from the basin to fill the cistern, featuring in the mid-priced, ‘Aspire' bedrooms. For the ‘Presidential' and ‘VIP' rooms Armani/Roca adds the perfect finishing touch.
Colin explained why Roca fitted his dream for BLOC. "At the high-end of the scale, the inclusion of Armani/Roca wash basins and brassware has enabled me to provide that high-quality feel that premium paying guests expect, while enjoying the kudos of being associated with a major luxury brand.
"For the more cost-competitive rooms, Roca delivered products that are affordable, yet stylish and functional. W+W is my personal favourite; its ground breaking, working perfectly with our pared down, luxury take on the hotel market."
"For me, Roca offered the perfect balance of design and quality," Colin concluded.
