With a portfolio of boutique hotels celebrating travel, French operator Beaumier acquired three hotels – the Wengener Hof, the Belvédère and the Silberhorn – in the Swiss alpine region of Wengen. Its first venture outside of France, both the location and the hotels present challenges. Wengen is car-free, which poses logistical demands, the Belvédère is subject to a protection order, and the refurbishment work is complex. Two hotels are being remodelled to begin with, leaving the third to be done afterwards.
After Silveroc were brought in as independent consultants, we analysed the scope of the project and where the client stood with it. Having identified issues with organisation and the need for local expertise, we highlighted where the opportunities lay. Streamlining the project management, we optimised the team structure and established an organisational framework, making sure everyone had a defined role.
The architect, interior designer, engineers and consultants refine the concept design into a detailed developed design. This can often involve mock-up rooms. We ensure the design, specifications and budget conform to the project brief, help the client evaluate the design development and draft comments, keep the project schedule up to date, provide update reports, and review and approve professional fee invoices prior to payment by the client.
The planning application, having been submitted, received no objections. We received a permit for the demolition works.
The planning application is made. Depending on the project, this can be a simple application to the respective authorities or a more intricate process that involves various expert opinions and preliminary approvals from other authorities and political parties prior to application. In this phase we closely monitor all processes and communication between the project team, authorities, political parties and neighbours, and pay particular attention to the public relations and communication strategy.
With the construction manager inviting supplier offers for the major works – excavations, plumbing, electrics, engineering and other specialisations – we’re overseeing the tendering process. At the same time, together with the client, we’re carrying out value engineering and handling international tenders. Since Beaumier likes to work with people who don’t necessarily have hospitality experience (in order for the end result to be distinctive and original) our detailed knowledge of the designers and tradespeople needed is helping them fulfil their goals.
For simple projects, tender and procurement can be conducted using the design plans of phase 32. For larger, more complex and in particular hospitality projects, where general contracting might be envisioned, we always recommend conducting the tender and procurement phase after the detail design. For each trade and work we tender, we select a minimum of three contractors. Once we receive the tender returns, we analyse each offer and prepare an offer comparison. We then shortlist 2-3 contractors and hold negotiation rounds. Next, we review our offer comparison according to the negotiations, and prepare our recommendation to the client. Once agreed, we prepare the relevant contracts in consultation with the project lawyers, and finalise the contract award and appointment.
With the concept design already in place, the detail design is being prepared.
The architect, interior designer, engineers and consultants develop the detail design. Using the latest technology, they create the necessary plans and document packages. We ensure the design, specifications and budget are in line with the project brief, help the client evaluate the detail design and draft comments, keep the project schedule up to date, provide regular reports, and review and approve professional fee invoices prior to payment by the client.
Remodelling work is ongoing. The aim is to open the new Wengener Hof in late 2023.
We manage the handover and closeout process. We carry out detailed site reviews for each work category – MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), joinery, paintwork and so on, and produce a detailed snags list. We then oversee the snags work to ensure that everything is remedied to the required specifications and quality standards. We ensure the client receives all “as built” construction documents and plans, as well as maintenance manuals and guides. We make sure the handover is properly carried out, as befits the type and complexity of the project.