Goff Associates' brief was to create a premier resort hotel of international repute. On a project of this scale, designer Jane Goff's involvement from the outset was crucial in moulding the interior architecture and responding to the operational needs of such a venue.

At 750,000 sq. ft. seldom will a hotel of this importance be seen outside a major international resort destination.

The atrium is the heart of the hotel designed to excite and anticipate. Two hand carved solid oak dragons on either side of the octagon stand at 2.5m high and 2m long, and wind themselves around columns.

On entering the Atrium reception the immediate view is of the three sided balconied atrium soaring 6 levels above the octagonal reception lounge to the glazed cupola 60 ft above.

Grand and expansive spaces are punctuated with powerful, rotund columns and light streams in through full height arched windows with stone architraving their only dressing. Columns have polished pigmented plaster finishes in the Olive Tree restaurant and Merlins Bar.

Quality and durability
The theme throughout is quality and durability - the richness and strength of natural materials ensures the quality and longevity of the environment. Cherry panelling is used for the reception and concierge desks and walls through to the retail and business wing, and cross directional veneering is applied liberally throughout.

The designers have sourced the best of Welsh art and paintings. Welsh artists and sculptors were commissioned to produce the hand carved dragons in the atrium, the marble sculpture in Owens Restaurant and the five images on either side of the reception entrance depicting Wales past and present.

Credibility and classicism
Notwithstanding the liberal use of Celtic influences, dragonery, and restaurant and bar names such as Owens and Merlins, it is somehow not overdone or cliched but serves more to give a credibility and classicism to the hotel.

Luxury and facilities
The Forum Health Club, which has been awarded the highest rating of 5 wave status by the British International Spa Association, provides the ultimate in luxury both in terms of facilities and Goff's design - a 20m pool, aerobics studio, 52 station gym, hair salon and 16 treatment rooms.

At 750,000 sq. ft. the resort comprises 400 bedrooms - Floor devoted to Business Suite - 1800 seater Conference Facility - Landscaped Roof Garden - 160 seater Brasserie - Speciality A la Carte Restaurant - Poolside Restaurant - 40,000 sq. ft. Forum Health Club.

Design - Jane Goff, MA FCSD, FRSA
Client - Celtic Manor
Main Contractor - ZW Group

Some main suppliers:

Photography - Robert Hall Photograph, London

Three wings lead off to the Olive Tree brasserie, private dining room and Owens speciality restaurant in the north wing; Merlins lounge bar, conservatory and billiard room in the east wing; and retail mall and business centre in the south wing.

Roll over the image and see the detail
Drawing room of the Maple presidential suite - custom designed case goods and cabinetry to Jane Goff's specifications, featuring cross directional veneering of Maple with Ebony insets.