Light, visuals and sound enhance wow factor at The Hyve Capsule Hostel

On the weekend of March 15, The Hyve Capsule Hostel in Amsterdam officially opened its doors to guests. The capsule hotel on Willem de Zwijgerlaan offers small, compact rooms and shared bathrooms that are not only super clean, but also amaze guests in numerous ways. "Following on from the video screens and sound system, Livingprojects' lighting in particular makes a significant contribution to this," says hotel owner Yibin Chen. "From entrance to bedrooms, the lighting provides the right look and atmosphere. In addition, guests are guided to the right room in style."

The Hyve Capsule Hostel was realized in an existing building, which, although prepared for the capsule hotel concept, was never completed. Until it came into Yibin Chen's path. "Under his supervision, the concrete base was converted and furnished into an innovative capsule concept, where comfort and luxury prevail," says Mitchel Eskes, Account Executive at Livingprojects. "Our solutions for light, sound and image contribute significantly to this."

100% goosebumps

The ball for The Hyve Capsule Hostel got rolling through a relationship, he says. "As an organization, we are affiliated with Inspirium; a unique partner platform for the hospitality sector within which light, image, sound, smell and interactivity create surprising and innovative concepts and 100% goosebumps. One of the partners within this platform is furniture hardware and locking system supplier Häfele, which also recently executed another hotel by Yibin Chen. To get ideas for The Hyve Capsule Hostel, he was invited to Inspirium's showroom in Breda. Here his eye quickly fell on our Twisted screen set-up; a narrowcasting screen set-up with four displays, which can be linked in a creative form and have since attracted attention in The Hyve Capsule Hostel as well."

Extra attention value

"With the Twisted display setups, we can fulfill our clients' display communication needs in exactly the right way," emphasizes Marco Schetters, Head of Operations at Livingprojects. "For example, the displays in this project are not only used creatively, but also informatively. The displays continuously share information about The Hyve Capsule Hostel, with the creative design as well as moving images providing extra attention." 

More and more interactive features will be added in the future, Chen says. "Using special buttons, guests can then consult, for example, information about the city of Amsterdam, possible outings, bike rentals, public transportation and the weather. In time, a TikTok app will also be added, allowing them to film or photograph themselves." 

By combining the information with advertisements from restaurants, museums and other attractions, The Hyve Capsule Hostel can generate additional income and keep room rates favorable.

Unique wow experience

"During an initial brainstorming session, I inventoried all the requirements for the display communications," Eskes says. "This soon included sound and lighting, for which Yibin had not yet found a solution. By taking this on in an integrated way, we were able to create a unique wow experience. From the entry into the hotel to the guest rooms, we were given complete creative free rein. Every idea we pitched is reflected in the hotel."

Nice gimmicks

The lighting in The Hyve Capsule Hostel involves both functional and RGBW-controlled lighting, says Schetters. "From the lobby to the corridors and guest rooms, where hotel guests can set their own atmosphere, light color and color intensity on a touch display." Chen: "New guests can sign in at the front desk upon entry, after which dynamic LED lighting in the shape of a lightning bolt surprisingly guides them to the right room. Moreover, a fun gimmick are the green and red LEDs in the showers and toilets that - in combination with sensors - show at a glance whether a room is free or occupied."

Just the right atmosphere

In the lobby - in addition to the creative Twisted screen setup - there is also a good sound system and a large screen for information, on which, for example, soccer and F1 matches are also broadcast. "An audio system also makes this room suitable for small parties," said Eskes: "In the corridors, we have applied functional audio, which makes soft and atmospheric background music sound here." In the rooms, bluetooth-controlled speakers allow guests to play their own music. "The same goes for the showers and toilets, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere. The combination of light, sound, image and content creates exactly the right atmosphere."

'Beehive'

Livingprojects' in-house design studio helped create the right original and luxurious identity, Eskes says. "The Hyve Capsule Hostel is based on a 'beehive.' This is already visible in the logo and the illuminated advertising on the facade and is further reinforced in the lobby. For example, thanks to our impressive hexagon lighting. But also in the sleek LED light lines in the corridors and rooms." 

Schetters: "The LED lighting in the corridors is custom made. The LED strips, LED spacing, controls, finishing caps and suspension mechanisms were all determined project-specifically. This created a solution that fits The Hyve like a glove. By drawing the lighting in 3D, we ensured that the suspension cables hang perfectly straight from all angles." Eskes: "Thanks to total control, light, image and sound can be controlled from one place. If desired, this control can also be recorded in the cloud, allowing us to remotely view, monitor and make any adjustments to the installation."

Impact

"We pushed the boundaries of both technology and budget," Schetters emphasizes. "This allows The Hyve Capsule Hostel to really make an impact on its guests. Ultimate functionality and user experiences go perfectly hand in hand." This also agrees with hotel owner Chen, who has already received many enthusiastic responses from guests. A few weeks after the opening, he looks back on a beautiful project, in which the collaboration with Livingprojects was very pleasant. "The lines of communication were short and Livingprojects provided us with excellent support. Moreover, the quality and finish of the products are excellent. The end result turned out exactly what I had in mind."