The Lexus Hybrid Living Suite (above and below) in San
Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel opened in April. Designed by Kelly
LaPlante, it uses environmentally friendly materials such
as formaldehyde-free bamboo flooring and organic sheets,
comforters, and bathrobes. A second suite opened at the
chain’s Washington, D.C., location in May.
INTERIORS
LEXUS HYBRID SUITE
San Francisco
Bookplate illustration, UteHil/istock; other images courtesy Lexus Hybrid Suites
Everything, from the
organic sheets and
comforters to the
formaldehyde-free
bamboo flooring,
reflects a smart
eco-sensitive
approach that refuses
to sacrifice style.
This year the Fairmont Hotel & Resorts chain, in partnership with Lexus, created the Lexus Hybrid Living Suites,
which are aimed at travelers who want to sleep, eat, and
drink sustainably. This tenth-floor corner suite, by the
Los Angeles–based designer Kelly LaPlante, is outfitted
in neutral tans and sky blues that were inspired by its
views of the San Francisco Bay and custom-matched using
Benjamin Moore’s low-VOC, self-priming paint. The furniture was sourced from companies that use ecologically
sound principles (such as Kenneth Cobonpue); custom-made using FSC-certified woods and nontoxic glues; or
found through local antique dealers. The centerpiece is
a round coffee table by LaPlante, assembled from the
recycled leather of old Lexus prototypes. Everything, from
the organic sheets and comforters to the formaldehyde-free bamboo flooring, reflects an eco-sensitive approach that doesn’t sacrifice style.
LaPlante even reused the original fixtures and furnishings, including chairs, bathroom
fixtures, lamps, and the headboard, rather than discarding them, which is the norm for
hospitality makeovers. Guests are treated to towels and bathrobes made from bamboo
and organic cotton, and the minibars are stocked with local organic wines, artisanal
cheeses, and other treats. To top off the experience, they have the use of a Lexus LS
600h L, the carmaker’s new V8 hybrid, and a guide loaded onto the suite’s iPod offers
a tour of the city’s best sustainable offerings. —Paul Makovsky
