Hotel Holiday Inn

Guiding principles

A four-star hotel offering the comfort and amenities of a five-star hotel was to be built on a large, virgin plot on the outskirts of Amman.
In a landscape without salient points, an artificial hillscape was to serve as the basis for the hotel. The principal idea was to create a partially grass-covered hill to comprise the hotel’s administration as well as all public areas, such as restaurants, shops, conference rooms etc.
The building block containing the guestrooms was placed on top of this hill.
The recreation facilities are situated between the grass-covered roof and the guestroom floors. From the guestroom floors, the guests therefore have direct access to the swimming pool and the recreation terrace without having to pass through the public areas.

Architectural concept

The hotel blends modern international architecture with the local flair. It is functional without seeming sterile; its formalistic aesthetics emerge from the design.
Besides the reception and back-of-house facilities, the entrance area accommodates a multi-purpose hall and two restaurants which connect to the pool area. On the first floor, two gourmet restaurants are situated to offer a view of the pool area.
The conference rooms on the second floor open onto a terrace. The guestroom floors extend above the terraced hill which encloses the public areas.

Energy optimisation

The zones with the highest activity levels and therefore the largest energy consumption are situated within the artificial hillscape. This creates considerable potential for energy conservation as regards cooling and heating load, since the hill is used for heat accumulation. Due to its generous three-story design, the entrance area encourages the circulation and utilisation of thermal currents. The facades of the guestroom floors were designed on the basis of simulations of energy needs and equipped with high-grade thermopane glass.
Furthermore, a separation between ducts for used water and waste water makes it possible to utilise used water for irrigating the surrounding landscape, including the grass-covered artificial hill.

Urban development

The gently sloping artificial hill blends into the surrounding landscape; at the same time, the building block containing the guestroom floors forms a clear landmark visible from the nearby road.
The guestroom floors were designed with an east-west orientation. The construction of the hotel was a first impetus for the further development of the city’s outskirts into an urban area; at the same time, the hotel has a balanced, self-contained character.

Materials

Local materials worked to the highest international standards are omnipresent, starting with the textured facades.
The hotel’s outward appearance is determined by the harmonious combination of stone and glass. Inside the building, starting at the reception, and continuing throughout the restaurants, rooms and suites, the interaction of stone and glass remains the underlying design motif.

Interior design concept

The hotel’s interior design blends international elegance with Jordanian tradition; the entrance hall fascinates as a modern work of art.
Each restaurant is furnished in a characteristic style so as to evoke a special atmosphere.
The top floor is reserved for the suites, with their windows offering a panorama view of the city.

Technical data

25,871 m² total area
200 rooms
13 suites
6 shops
4 restaurants
1 multi-purpose hall

Building owner:

Al-Sharq Investment Projects Co., Amman / Jordan
Holiday Inn Worldwide