Inspired by Nature, the New 1 Hotel San Francisco Prioritizes a Holistic Approach to Wellness While Defining Eco-friendly Hospitality
The concept was developed around the idea of creating spaces that respect the environment, which is reflected through every detail: from the architecture of the building in which a hotel is nestled to the materials used in the interiors to the food served at the on-site restaurant.
1 Hotel San Francisco perfectly illustrates this. Centrally located in Embarcadero, with easy access to downtown, this refuge was created with the objective of achieving carbon neutrality.
To that end, the hotel’s exterior is outfitted with high-performance insulation. Dual-glass windows and heat-reflective roofing were installed and PathoSans cleaning operations reinforce zero-waste initiatives.
The SH Hotels & Resorts internal design team designed the public areas in collaboration with NICOLEHOLLIS while the 186 guest rooms and 14 suites were created with Dawson Design Associates.
In the lobby, the reclaimed wood floor is made from lumber salvaged from historic barns and industrial buildings. Morroccan Zellige tiles, which are hand produced with a centuries-old technique, adorn the west lounge.
Landings and corridors feature sustainably sourced redwood salvaged from the original San Francisco Bay Bridge while all the hand-loomed rugs and carpets were created with natural plant fibers and recyclable wool. For the bar, latticework and bar façade, the design team opted for a responsibly crafted concrete.
“1 Hotel San Francisco is a tangible extension of our vision and purpose: to place holistic wellness at the forefront of our operations for our guests, local communities, and the planet,” says 1 Hotels founder and CEO and Chairman of Starwood Capital Group, Barry Sternlicht.
“This vibrant and eclectic city has long been at the forefront of driving sustainable change in architecture and design. Inspired by that rich history, our goal is to infuse an urban oasis with the natural beauty of the Northern California landscape and the sensibility of this dynamic community.”
Native greenery, exposed brick, stones and terracotta complement the peaceful and earthy palette inspired by the surroundings.
In the indoor-outdoor cafe and lounge Terrene, the natural theme continues through the menu, which includes fresh ingredients grown in the chef’s garden on the rooftop. Organic tequilas and mezcals, biodynamic wines from the Sonoma and Napa Valley regions, and local craft beer and microbrews pair perfectly with the food.
As every aspect matters, it was just as important to reduce the shipping footprint as much as possible for this project. Most of the design and decor pieces come from the United States, including the wooden totem (from Colorado) and the hand-blown glass sconces (from New York) in the lobby; as well as the side tables (from Ohio), the chandelier and lanterns (from Downtown Los Angeles) and the stools (from Atlanta) in the lounge.
With its many textures, the interior design of 1 Hotel San Francisco pays tribute to the fascinating simplicity of nature in an urban environment that soothes the soul.
1 Hotel San Francisco | 1hotels.com/san-francisco
Photos by Douglas Friedman, Aubrie Pick, Conor Hagen