A new lifestyle hotel brand called Zoku will debut in Amsterdam in the autumn.
Bookings for Zoku Amsterdam will be available from July, with an international roll-out to follow "in the world's most creative cities", according to Marc Jongerius, co-founder and managing director of the brand.
According to Zoku's website, the company wants to open "at least five new locations with a total of around 750 smart lofts as soon as possible". Other possible cities include London, Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, Barcelona, Vienna and Copenhagen.
©Ewout Huibers for Zoku and Concrete
Described as a "home-office hybrid", the Amsterdam property (in the eastern canal district) will feature 133 Zoku Lofts from 25 sqm.
Each will have customisable interiors with a four-person table in the centre of the room that can be used for working or entertaining.
Zoku said: "The Zoku Loft also features a fully-equipped kitchen, cleverly designed extensive storage space, an alcove desk with office supplies, and an elevated, loft-style sleeping space, which can be accessed by a retractable staircase, and screened off to make the loft cosy, business-like or something in between."
Furnishings will be from Danish design brand Muuto, and apparently guests will be able to choose their own art. Wifi will be free throughout.
©Ewout Huibers for Zoku and Concrete
Stays can be booked for one night, but the idea is to encourage people to stay for longer periods thanks to its apartment-like facilities.
Guests can even keep fit, using pull-up rings attached to the ceiling, and attend bootcamp and yoga classes.
There will also be 500 sqm of "social space" for communal living and working around the clock, and a "residential kitchen for meals and dinner parties".
Facilities will include a bar, meeting rooms, a 24/7 shop, a treatment room, gym, games room, music room, locker room, launderette, pantry and a "decompression room" for a shower when your room is not yet ready for check-in.
Community managers will "roam the public spaces, helping with personal requests and facilitating professional and social connections through their broad networks within Zoku and the city".
©Ewout Huibers for Zoku and Concrete
©Ewout Huibers for Zoku and Concrete
In addition, there will be a "lively social programme with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as an app, to build a strong in-house community and facilitate business connections and a local social life".
The Zoku concept has been created in conjunction with trend-forecasting agency the Future Laboratory, award-winning interior design and architecture company Concrete, and public crowdsourcing.
Chris Sanderson, co-founder of the Future Laboratory in London, said: "The merging of business and leisure represents one of the fastest-growing and dynamic business opportunities in recent years.
"Today's business travellers are re-writing the rules. Their outlook on work and play demands new services and a new approach to the hospitality sectors."
Jenny Southan
