The Joule - Dallas

Inspired by the so-called founder of science fiction, The Joule in downtown Dallas captures the spirit of one of the world’s greatest literary adventures. Its fusion of rich materials and deep jewel tones reflects the rich patina of Texan culture whilst capturing the feel of Jules Verne’s classic sci-fi novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.

The 2008 opening of The Joule has played a key role in Dallas’ renaissance offering it a much needed power surge and further strengthening Starwood’s presence in the city. Unlike other recent additions, namely a Westin, Sheraton and W, with Aloft debuting in the summer, The Joule is located in the heart of downtown.

The concept is the handiwork of Adam D. Tihany of Tihany Design working to the brief of a ‘contemporary boutique’ hotel with ‘Texan sensibility’. Owner Tim Headington was very much involved in the concept development, but handed Tihany carte blanche on the detail and implementation. One of the main themes of the design pays homage to Texas as the nation’s leading supplier of wind energy with the hotel also taking its name from a unit of energy. References to one of Texas’ biggest industries are evident throughout the hotel beginning in the lobby. A slowly rotating black iron gear feature serves as a focal point evoking the spirit of the early pioneers in search of energy sources.

The theme continues through to ‘Charlie Palmer at The Joule’ restaurant which features a series of six lazily spinning wind turbines situated in glowing platinum ceiling coves. Focus Lighting incorporated a natural yet mechanical theme into the scheme with custom fixtures protruding out of the ceiling allowing slivers of light to penetrate the dining space. Walls feature vertical walnut screens lined with amber-toned silk representing the energy generated by wind. Artwork by New York-based Bram Tihany depicts iconic wind themes from popular American literature and cinema creating an elegant yet surreal edginess to directly engage the imaginations of the diners and complement the restaurant’s overall concept.

The Joule’s Cellar Bar is accessed from the street through a 14ft high façade wall that pivots to open at night revealing an underground cavern. The stairwell is lit by custom-made tube lights, perhaps a nod to the volcanic tubes leading towards Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth – the inspiration for many of the initial design ideas. The owners also expressed a desire to incorporate the fashion history of the neighbouring Neiman Marcus headquarters. These two concepts merge to become an underground world, complete with runway and show lighting, again by Focus Lighting, to accommodate functions and fashion events. One of the most striking features of this space is the glowing plastic rod chandeliers lit from both ends with small white LEDs. Overall, the architecture feels subterranean, with spiralling pendants drilling into the earth and low dark ceilings creating a dim, cave-like environment.
The Joule’s custom-designed furniture and complementary colour palette evoke the sense of a fantasy world. “In the lobby, deep purples, greys and black mingle with brighter accent colours to create a rich and lush space that is comfortable and chic,” explains Adam D. Tihany. “In the restaurant, alternating colour palettes of caramel, chocolate, rustic red and amber, together with rich materials such as mohair, leather, and wood, create a sophisticated yet contemporary setting.”

The 129 guestrooms, including duplex suites and a penthouse with private access and a rooftop terrace, are invitingly sleek with high-end finishes, inventive decor and original furniture that maximise the use of space. The deep blue, grey, and burgundy-toned rooms feature iconic black and white photographs of urban Dallas by Bram Tihany, commissioned specially for the hotel. The penthouse features two private terraces, a pool table, a chef’s kitchen, a master bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, and private access to a roof terrace with sweeping views of the Dallas skyline.

Adam D. Tihany crowned his design for The Joule with a dramatic, cantilevered rooftop pool on the tenth floor terrace. Extending eight feet beyond the building lines over the streets of Dallas, the pool features a clear Plexiglass back wall that ‘rewards those who swim to its edge with a spectacular view of the city below’, explains Tihany. The concept of a more creative pool design allowed challenges of the new tower’s short depth to be overcome.

Housed in a landmark Neo-Gothic building, the hotel blends purposeful contemporary design with restored historic finishes. Bespoke details throughout give The Joule distinct character and style marking a new era in Dallas’ hospitality whilst maintaining it’s central energy theme.
“The overall hotel embodies the Texan spirit,” concludes Tihany, “confidently rich, never cold, always respectful, and forever hospitable.”

THE JOULE
1530 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75201, USA
Tel: +1 (214) 748 1300
www.starwoodhotels.com

Rooms    129 guestrooms including a penthouse suite
Dining    Charlie Palmer at The Joule
Drinking    The Cellar Bar
Leisure    Outdoor swimming pool, in-room spa services, gym
Facilities    Function space and ballroom