Spring Preview
Spring Preview FR E E H A N D LOCATION: Miami Beach, Florida DESIGN: Roman & WIlliams
In designing a high-end hostel in Miami Beach, New York-based firm Roman & Williams had to resolve numerous conundrums, from overall aesthetics to cross-generational appeal. "We were inspired by lifeguard schools, bunk houses, summer camp, and Wes Anderson's mix of naivete and sophistication," says Robin Standefer, one-half of the design team behind the Freehand. A grown-up sleepaway camp is an appealing idea, especially when brought to fruition by the firm that designed New York's Ace Hotel, working again with the developers behind that venue and the NoMad Hotel. Accommodations at the Freehand hostel in the former Deco-era Indian Creek Hotel, range from bunks in shared "Super 8" rooms to standard private kings. Facilities include a pool, a restaurant (opening in March), and a bar that sources herbs and spices for drinks from an on-site garden. Throughout, the reigning style is eclectic camp cool. Bunk rooms feature beds with custom bolsters to invite lounging, and throw blankets from Mexico and India to drape across the feet. In the common lounge area, Danish and tropical modern furniture mingles with Afghan throws, turkish tapestries pillows form the 1940s, and dozens of vintage National Geographic magazines. The space is both exuberant and calm, equal parts bohemian and sporty. Mingling was paramount to Roman & Williams, who gave the Freehand its name to evoke a sense of community. Standefer and Stephen Alesch, her husband and the firm's other partner, wanted to craft a destination for patrons of all ages and backgrounds. The key, Standefer says, is to focus on experience over prevailing trends-that way, "people don't get too attached to 'You're so au courant' or 'You're so historical.' It's about different experiences and feels in different spaces. Your channels change, and they should. No matter who you are, there's something exciting about that."—JULIA COOKE
In designing a high-end hostel in Miami Beach, New York-based firm Roman & Williams had to resolve numerous conundrums, from overall aesthetics to cross-generational appeal. "We were inspired by lifeguard schools, bunk houses, summer camp, and Wes Anderson's mix of naivete and sophistication," says Robin Standefer, one-half of the design team behind the Freehand. A grown-up sleepaway camp is an appealing idea, especially when brought to fruition by the firm that designed New York's Ace Hotel, working again with the developers behind that venue and the NoMad Hotel. Accommodations at the Freehand hostel in the former Deco-era Indian Creek Hotel, range from bunks in shared "Super 8" rooms to standard private kings. Facilities include a pool, a restaurant (opening in March), and a bar that sources herbs and spices for drinks from an on-site garden. Throughout, the reigning style is eclectic camp cool. Bunk rooms feature beds with custom bolsters to invite lounging, and throw blankets from Mexico and India to drape across the feet. In the common lounge area, Danish and tropical modern furniture mingles with Afghan throws, turkish tapestries pillows form the 1940s, and dozens of vintage National Geographic magazines. The space is both exuberant and calm, equal parts bohemian and sporty. Mingling was paramount to Roman & Williams, who gave the Freehand its name to evoke a sense of community. Standefer and Stephen Alesch, her husband and the firm's other partner, wanted to craft a destination for patrons of all ages and backgrounds. The key, Standefer says, is to focus on experience over prevailing trends-that way, "people don't get too attached to 'You're so au courant' or 'You're so historical.' It's about different experiences and feels in different spaces. Your channels change, and they should. No matter who you are, there's something exciting about that."—JULIA COOKE
