Golden Dune Granite pavers from Rhodes Architectural Stone helped the architect successfully design the outdoor terrace of The Belvedere restaurant to create a beautiful space for alfresco dining and events.
The Belvedere at The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills was renovated in 2015-16 with the design concept based on creating a fresh contemporary look with modern, French-inspired accents. James Hyatt Studio was engaged to undertake the dramatic transformation of the small outdoor terrace into a much larger alfresco space as well as create a French-inspired garden in a completely paved area.
Completed in 2016, the now expanded terrace is perhaps the most breath-taking feature of the entire renovation.
“It has become a real focal point for the restaurant, which has huge steel windows and French doors to beautifully frame the view outside,” observes James Hyatt Studio principal Jim Hyatt.
According to Hyatt, the main challenge lay in doubling the existing terrace’s size for outdoor dining and events. “This was a very complex build because we were basically trying to take over what essentially was space left between buildings and transform that into a beautiful, green space. So I had to figure out how to effectively disguise the surrounding building walls. We did this with a traditional treillage system, using light green steel,” he explained.
Golden Dune Granite pavers with a bush hammered and brushed texture, supplied by Rhodes Architectural Stone, set an elegant stage for this spectacular outdoor space. A landscaped trellis and overflowing planters frame the expansive and inviting layout, supported by a raised Golden Dune Granite platform with a hand carved, double dupont edged coping. Radial stair treads and risers and authentic ramp-and-twist wall caps, all handcrafted from Golden Dune Granite, complete the beautiful setting.
The choice of granite was relatively easy for the architect as it delivered supreme durability and also offered colouration and complementary tones: “The Golden Dune Granite beautifully complements the existing limestone used on the remainder of the hotel. Its speckled granite appearance was just subtle enough to work really well, and the owners absolutely love it,” Hyatt commented.
Guests visiting The Belvedere can either dine indoors and enjoy the terrace view outside, or dine alfresco amidst the handcrafted stone details and greenery that make up an inviting urban garden right in the heart of Beverly Hills.
