A diverse mix of stone and tile was at the heart of design for the clubhouse at the Prana apartment complex in Denver, CO. Designed as a haven for its residents and guests, designer Heidi Marquardt of HMarq Studios in Denver, CO, selected stone and tile throughout the building’s interior for its depth, diversity and durability.

“For Prana, we wanted to create a contemporary, eclectic space that would give the residents an escape from their everyday lives - like a ‘W’ Hotel feeling,” explained Marquardt. “They can get out and enjoy each other, but still have their own personal space. In creating the different seating areas, each space had to have its own uniqueness, individuality and use, but had to remain cohesive in design. Overall, we created the space as a getaway.”

A cozy area with a contemporary vibe is created in the grand room with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace faced with 24- x 24-inch metallic porcelain tile manufactured by Voguebay of Newport News, VA, and distributed through Daltile. The muted gray tones of the metallic tile are accented by two vertical strips of rust-colored tiles that run down each side of the fireplace. The accent pieces are from the Heath Collection by Ann Sacks of New York, NY.

The clubhouse is also equipped with a kitchen that features handmade floor tiles in 12- x 12-inch format from Andy Fleischman’s Variation Collection for Ann Sacks. Marquardt explained that the client was apprehensive about the durability of handmade floor tiles, but after viewing the tile on a showroom floor, he was convinced that it was an appropriate fit.

Voguebay’s Aquastone Series was chosen to clad two columns that flank the passageway into the kitchen. Additionally, Marquardt selected an assortment of other materials for the kitchen design. Illustrating a consciousness towards the environment, the designer chose Vetrazzo - a material made of 85% recycled glass - for the countertop. In this particular case, Ale House Amber, which is made from recycled beer glasses, was used. Vetrazzo is manufactured by Polycor, Inc. of Quebec City, Canada, and the material was distributed through Ann Sacks. A custom glass painted backsplash from a local artist and an orange acrylic island countertop harmonize with the stone and tile materials, completing the look of the room.

In the leasing office/entry area of the clubhouse, the walls are dressed in limestone complemented by horizontal bands of gray-colored glass tile from Voguebay’s Aquastone series. The space also includes a granite countertop that consists of a blend of brown and tan.

For both restrooms in the clubhouse, the walls consist of 12- x 24-inch gray tiles from Daltile that replicate the look of linen. To break up the field tile, accent bands were created with mosaic glass tile from the Iceberg series by Voguebay. The glass tile, which is textured and designed to look like bubbles, was employed for two horizontal bands - the bottom measuring 8 inches high and the upper one measuring 4 inches high.

The flooring in each bathroom is comprised of 12- x 12-inch polished black sliced pebble tiles from Daltile. Since the pieces are mesh mounted, the floor space appears as if only one big tile has been applied, according to Marquardt. The same flooring serves as hallways leading into the grand room, pool, workout facility and mezzanine. 

Marquardt noted several reasons for choosing the materials used for the design. “One was the durability of the applications,” she said. “I wanted to see how much depth I could create, but still have it be a hard surface. I wanted to create a really contemporary space that people could come back to. I thought tile was the way to go about it. With all of the different tiles, you can put it all over without it being overwhelming. There’s just so much variety. Nothing compares.”

Construction of the Prana Clubhouse had begun in October 2009, and it was completed in December 2010. The clubhouse opened in the third week of August 2010.  The $30 million, 254-unit apartment community was built in 14 months - two months ahead of schedule and under budget, said Marquardt.

Since its opening, the project has held a small grand opening, with larger ones still being scheduled. Reactions so far are very encouraging, according to Marquardt. “There’s been a lot of positive feedback,” she said. “A lot of people are saying that there are definitely a lot of modern aspects. It’s still very calming and grounded, and where you want to go after a long day.”