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Collection by Jaclyn Sienna India

Jerusalem's Hotel Mamilla

When plans were introduced for the Mamilla Hotel Jerusalem, which opened in June of 2009 and is among the few selected five-star hotels in the city, it sparked a bit of controversy. This completely modern property could have threatened the sacredness of the Old City and its desire to keep an ancient aesthetic. But all was set at ease once architect Moshe Safdie and designer Piero Lissoni took creative rein. Faced with the challenge of designing a contemporary property for Alrov Luxury Group while honoring the municipal law of building with Jerusalem stone (local practice for years), Israeli-born Safdie used the material’s characteristics to his advantage. He took a medium used for centuries and practically redefined it by delivering something fresh and modern.

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Arguably the most prominent feature of the property is the wall of Jerusalem stone. Look closely and you will find that each stone is numbered, making construction much easier. A steel staircase floats up from the ground floor to the first floor. It was designed as a contemporary accent to the historic charm of the hotel’s stone structure and aesthetic. This theme of merging new and old, and modern comforts and timeless design, flows throughout the hotel.
Arguably the most prominent feature of the property is the wall of Jerusalem stone. Look closely and you will find that each stone is numbered, making construction much easier. A steel staircase floats up from the ground floor to the first floor. It was designed as a contemporary accent to the historic charm of the hotel’s stone structure and aesthetic. This theme of merging new and old, and modern comforts and timeless design, flows throughout the hotel.
This is the lounge area in the lobby. The white sofas and chairs were tailor-made for the property by Tisettanta, an Italian furniture manufacturer who also produced the furnishings in the public spaces and guest rooms. The lamp is custom-made by Light Contract and Flos.
This is the lounge area in the lobby. The white sofas and chairs were tailor-made for the property by Tisettanta, an Italian furniture manufacturer who also produced the furnishings in the public spaces and guest rooms. The lamp is custom-made by Light Contract and Flos.
The vast space in the reception area is outfitted with modern furnishings by distinguished Milanese designer Piero Lissoni. Here he creates an atmosphere that is homey and chic with a white table by Kartell that's peppered with literature placed within easy reach, and green sofa chairs by Living Divani that match the centerpiece foliage.
The vast space in the reception area is outfitted with modern furnishings by distinguished Milanese designer Piero Lissoni. Here he creates an atmosphere that is homey and chic with a white table by Kartell that's peppered with literature placed within easy reach, and green sofa chairs by Living Divani that match the centerpiece foliage.
In this "Executive Bedroom"—as in all 194 bedchambers—you will find original furnishings and creative use of texture and color. Translucent curtains allow just the right amount of light to filter in to balance the black metal headboards. The wooden floors and bright stone walls play off each other and give the room a natural feel, delivering an experience that is ultimately calming. Mr. Lissoni teamed up with Cassina to construct beds exclusive to the hotel. The lamps, again custom-made by Light Contract and Flos, sit on original side tables by Porro.
In this "Executive Bedroom"—as in all 194 bedchambers—you will find original furnishings and creative use of texture and color. Translucent curtains allow just the right amount of light to filter in to balance the black metal headboards. The wooden floors and bright stone walls play off each other and give the room a natural feel, delivering an experience that is ultimately calming. Mr. Lissoni teamed up with Cassina to construct beds exclusive to the hotel. The lamps, again custom-made by Light Contract and Flos, sit on original side tables by Porro.
The bathroom has liquid-crystal Priva-Lite walls (a product of Saint-Gobain Glass System) that frost over with the touch of a button, allowing you to play with a sense of space, creating and eliminating walls as you wish.
The bathroom has liquid-crystal Priva-Lite walls (a product of Saint-Gobain Glass System) that frost over with the touch of a button, allowing you to play with a sense of space, creating and eliminating walls as you wish.
In the mornings, guests head down to the Breakfast Room's round table, custom-designed by Piero Lissoni and produced by Tisettanta in massif wood. Around it are 12 of the designer’s favorite chairs, by both newer greats and esteemed design masters, including the Organic Chair by Eames and Saarinen circa 1940 and the Panton Chair of 1959.
In the mornings, guests head down to the Breakfast Room's round table, custom-designed by Piero Lissoni and produced by Tisettanta in massif wood. Around it are 12 of the designer’s favorite chairs, by both newer greats and esteemed design masters, including the Organic Chair by Eames and Saarinen circa 1940 and the Panton Chair of 1959.
The hotel’s Dining Room features tables and chairs custom-made by Kartell and Cassina; the outdoor furniture is by Living Divani.
The hotel’s Dining Room features tables and chairs custom-made by Kartell and Cassina; the outdoor furniture is by Living Divani.
At the Mamilla Café, the long Carrara marble table, perfect for communal dining, is set against a backdrop of grey and sky blue tiles.
At the Mamilla Café, the long Carrara marble table, perfect for communal dining, is set against a backdrop of grey and sky blue tiles.
Espresso Bar's shiny ebony bar, just off the lobby lounge, is an ideal stop for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Espresso Bar's shiny ebony bar, just off the lobby lounge, is an ideal stop for an afternoon pick-me-up.
The rectangular indoor pool is the centerpiece of the 1000-square-meter Akasha Wellbeing Center. It's bordered by deep violet walls, lounge chairs, and tall columns.
The rectangular indoor pool is the centerpiece of the 1000-square-meter Akasha Wellbeing Center. It's bordered by deep violet walls, lounge chairs, and tall columns.
One of the few five-star hotels in Jerusalem, Mamilla was the talk of the town as its ultra modern aesthetic was thought by some to threaten the sacredness of the Old City. However, once architect Moshe Safdie and designer Piero Lissoni took the reins, all became well. Following municipal law of building with Jerusalem stone, Safdie added a contemporary twist with the material. Inside, the Mirror Bar is lined with reflective glass, accented with mood lighting via glittering fixtures and wood details.
One of the few five-star hotels in Jerusalem, Mamilla was the talk of the town as its ultra modern aesthetic was thought by some to threaten the sacredness of the Old City. However, once architect Moshe Safdie and designer Piero Lissoni took the reins, all became well. Following municipal law of building with Jerusalem stone, Safdie added a contemporary twist with the material. Inside, the Mirror Bar is lined with reflective glass, accented with mood lighting via glittering fixtures and wood details.
In an interview, designer Piero Lissoni shares, "Mamilla wants to express harmony with a solution that brings modernity and high class in a soft way, respecting the local traditions." On the rooftop, this statement certainly holds true. It is quite enjoyable to be surrounded by Knoll’s modern tables and sofas and Lissoni’s wood-paneled bar while reveling at the beauty and historic grandeur of the old city of Jerusalem. Don't miss a word of Dwell! Download our FREE app from iTunes, friend us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter!
In an interview, designer Piero Lissoni shares, "Mamilla wants to express harmony with a solution that brings modernity and high class in a soft way, respecting the local traditions." On the rooftop, this statement certainly holds true. It is quite enjoyable to be surrounded by Knoll’s modern tables and sofas and Lissoni’s wood-paneled bar while reveling at the beauty and historic grandeur of the old city of Jerusalem. Don't miss a word of Dwell! Download our FREE app from iTunes, friend us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter!