City of Westminster, London, UK
Perhaps it’s time to expand the idea of what the design of a hotel is?
Project Details
Collective Team
A detailed feasibility study for a 102 key hotel on a prominent site in London’s West End. Drawing on archetypal London townhouse typologies, the hotel has a U-shaped arrangement which makes the most of a typical constrained site with three party wall boundaries, drawing natural light deep into the building plan and giving an external aspect to all rooms.
Section through main entrance with bleacher seating leading down to external courtyard
A grand staircase with bleacher seating is inserted into the centre of the plan, dramatically opening up the ground floor public area down to the south facing courtyard at the termination of the entrance axis.
Cores and front-of-house areas are arranged around the staircase, creating social space for work, leisure and performance, drawing the city into the hotel.
Main social space at entrance to hotel, with stepped seating area leading down to the courtyard at its heart
South facing courtyard
This study was not only a response to a specific brief from a client for the site, but also builds on our ongoing hotels R&D in the practice and has been publicised widely on trade and industry platforms.
Hotels and Authenticity: Architect’s Journal November 2016
Hotels and the Experience Economy, Sleep Event, August 2017
https://www.sleepandeatevent.com/visit/news-and-updates/hotels-and-experience-economy
The growing trend for the incorporation of flexible workspace in hotel interiors is evidenced in this scheme, and is matched by the equally visible trend for the incorporation of hospitality spaces in new commercial workspaces.
Typical guestroom
