The Colony Hotel
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Located in Palm Beach, Florida, The Colony Hotel is an iconic 89-room property known for its signature pastel-pink façade and elegant interiors.
Originally opened in 1947, this British colonial-style hotel was planning a full makeover, including a renovated lobby, guest rooms and suites, as part of its 75th-anniversary celebration.
Existing Conditions partnered with Smith and Moore Architects to perform 3D laser scanning services to support the renovation of this historic landmark, with the goal of preserving its elegance and charm, while incorporating modern amenities.
Smith and Moore Architects received precise as-built documentation, point cloud data, a detailed 3D BIM model, and 2D CAD drawings, to ensure accurate planning and seamless project execution for their 125,000-square-foot project.
This architect requested a specific set of deliverables, including exterior elevations, floor plans with area calculations, reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), interior elevations, and an 3D Revit model.
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Case Study: The Colony Hotel
Smith and Moore Architects commissioned 3D laser scanning to support the renovation of the 125,000-square-foot Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, preserving its historic 1947 British colonial design while incorporating modern amenities for its 75th-anniversary makeover.
3D laser scanning preserved the boutique hotel’s charm by accurately documenting original architectural features, such as facades, moldings, and decorative details, along with structural and MEP elements to ensure precise renovations.
The architect received LiDAR point cloud data, 2D CAD drawings, and a 3D BIM model, allowing for accurate space planning, material selection, and interior redesign while preserving the hotel’s unique character.
The Challenge
The logistics of scanning a large and intricate building like The Colony Hotel presented a significant challenge and demanded meticulous attention to detail.
Below are some of the challenges this architect faced:
- Minimize Operational Disruptions: Smith and Moore Architects requested 3D laser scanning during the hotel’s off-season to minimize interference with daily operations and guest experience.
- Comprehensive Data Capture: They wanted to ensure that every aspect of the hotel, from building facades to architectural, structural, and MEP elements and interior layouts, was precisely documented to support accurate renovations.
- Complex Site Navigation: When scanning this large-scale, intricate hotel with a small cut of spaces, they wanted to ensure that a strategic workflow was planned through the hotel, ensuring good overlap between scans to achieve accurate registration.
- Strict Project Timeline: They had a tight deadline; the design team needed data quickly to begin planning renovations, and they knew there was not an opportunity for site revisits for missed measurements.
Project Timeline
In May 2021, Smith and Moore Architects requested accurate and detailed as-built documentation to guide this renovation project.
In August, the Existing Conditions team arrived on-site to scan every aspect of the hotel's exterior and interior, capturing architectural, structural, and MEP features, plus windows, doors, canopies, and skylights.
Every detail was accurately captured and transformed into 2D CAD drawings and a 3D BIM model, providing the team with the comprehensive documentation needed to move forward confidently with The Colony Hotel’s renovation.
The Solution
3D laser scanning was the solution to capture the as-built conditions of this iconic hotel, providing highly accurate, detailed documentation for renovation planning. Here’s how it supported the process:
- Accurate As-Built Documentation – Captured precise measurements of the hotel’s layout, including walls, ceilings, floors, and intricate architectural details, ensuring that the design plans are based on real-world conditions.
- Enhanced Design & Planning – Provided Smith and Moore Architects with detailed point cloud data, 2D CAD drawings, and a 3D BIM model, allowing for accurate space planning, material selection, and interior redesign while preserving the hotel’s unique character.
- Efficient Structural Assessment – Identified potential structural issues, misalignments, or deteriorated materials early in the renovation process, reducing unforeseen challenges and costly changes.
- Seamless Coordination – Improved collaboration between architects and contractors by offering a single source of truth for measurements, layouts, and existing conditions, preventing errors and design conflicts.
- Historical Preservation – Helped maintain the boutique hotel’s charm by accurately documenting original architectural elements, such as moldings, facades, and decorative details, for precise restoration.
- Improved Compliance & Code Adherence – Ensured that renovations align with current building codes, accessibility requirements, and fire safety standards by providing precise data for regulatory approvals.
- Faster Project Execution – Minimized disruption to the hotel's operations and inconvenience to the staff and guests, quickly delivering as-built data for a more efficient renovation process.
By leveraging 3D laser scanning, The Colony Hotel owners and project teams streamlined renovations, minimized costly mistakes, and preserved the hotel’s unique aesthetic while integrating modern upgrades.
History of the Colony Hotel
According to The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, this glimmering destination has a captivating history that began in 1947. Situated in the post-war construction boom, the hotel swiftly established itself as a luxurious retreat, attracting influential individuals seeking solace in the tropical haven of Palm Beach. With its British Colonial style of architecture and exquisite landscaping, the Colony Hotel exuded elegance and became renowned as a backdrop for opulent parties and social events.
The hotel has adapted over time, expanding its accommodations to cater to a diverse range of guests while upholding its commitment to luxury and impeccable service. Through renovations and the incorporation of modern amenities, The Colony Hotel has seamlessly blended its historic charm with contemporary comforts. Its enduring appeal among celebrities, politicians, and artists has firmly established its position within the Palm Beach community.
Today, The Colony Hotel stands as an iconic landmark, epitomizing the elegance and refinement synonymous with Palm Beach. With its rich history, unwavering dedication to exceptional guest experiences, and its position as a premier destination, The Colony Hotel continues to enchant travelers seeking an unforgettable and luxurious stay in this coastal paradise.
How This Project Was Unique
The Colony Hotel’s layout has a unique architectural character. Unlike large-scale hotels, this boutique hotel was designed with intimate, functional layouts and a distinctive atmosphere.
Each room has distinct design elements rather than uniform layouts. The interior details featured high-end materials, custom millwork, and ornate architectural elements. Hallways were designed with curated lighting, artwork, and architectural details.
The goal during renovation was to create an inviting, memorable environment that enhanced the guest experience, while maximizing spatial efficiency.
3D laser scanning provided access to every intricate detail of the 89 rooms and common areas with unparalleled precision for renovation planning.
Smith and Moore Architects received the raw point cloud and comprehensive deliverables, the precise foundation they required to initiate their renovation project with confidence.
Case Study Video
Explore our case study video as we unveil the remarkable collaboration between Smith and Moore Architects and Existing Conditions in the renovation of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. Discover how our partnership and innovative 3D laser scanning technology revitalized this esteemed hotel, transforming it back into the charming location it once was. Watch the video below to listen to our renowned experts, Kurt Yeghian, Founder and CEO, and Holly Vaillancourt, Operations Director, discuss their work on this project.
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Where Does This Project Stand Now?
According to Forbes, The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach is a timeless symbol of luxury and sophistication. With its rich history spanning seventy-five years, it has been a favored destination for renowned figures, from royalty to celebrities. The recently renovated hotel now offers 89 rooms and suites that provide a chic and contemporary experience, featuring Matouk Linens, Assouline coffee table books, and modern amenities.
The lobby is a vibrant blend of pale pinks, lime greens, and striking patterns, creating a lively yet refined atmosphere. Guests are greeted with chilled Evian or champagne upon arrival, setting the stage for a truly indulgent stay. The hotel offers cocktail hours, an outdoor dining option, Swifty's, and a comfortable retreat during summer. The hotel also has other unique features, for example, the outdoor "hanging garden" which enchants its picturesque setting.
The Colony Hotel's enduring elegance, accompanied by its proximity to the beach, has solidified its position as an integral part of Palm Beach's luxurious landscape, making it a destination of choice for those seeking refined relaxation and storied charm.
About the Client Smith and Moore Architects
Smith and Moore Architects, is a highly regarded architectural firm with a distinguished track record in the realm of high-end residential projects. With a legacy spanning numerous years, they have established themselves as industry leaders, celebrated for their exceptional designs that blend innovation, functionality, and exquisite aesthetics. Their portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects that reflect their commitment to architectural excellence and their ability to create spaces that surpass clients' expectations.
At the core of Smith and Moore Architects' success lies in their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. They possess a unique ability to comprehend and translate their clients' visions into tangible architectural marvels, resulting in bespoke designs that embody the client's desires and aspirations. By fostering open and collaborative relationships with their clients, Smith and Moore Architects ensure that each project is a true reflection of the client's individuality and personal style.
Existing Conditions 3D Laser Scanning Services
The successful completion of The Colony Hotel renovation project not only preserved its iconic status but also solidified Existing Conditions' reputation as a trusted partner in the industry, capable of handling the most complex projects and delivering exceptional results.
Over the past 27 years, Existing Conditions has measured, documented, and modeled over 10,000 buildings across the United States, establishing ourselves as an industry leader in 3D laser scanning.
Architects trust us to deliver digital representations of the as-built environment with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. Our dedicated Project Managers provide fast and accurate 3D laser scanning services and drone imagery services, and expert CAD and BIM technicians create custom, detailed deliverables, including point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D mesh models, TruViews, and 3D virtual tours.
Our greatest reward remains delivering superior-quality scan-to-BIM work and knowing we played a vital role in our clients’ historical architecture and preservation projects.
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