21 Spaces complete 'playful' redesign of Dublin's historic Alex hotel
– John Henry Boyle, 21 Spaces founder and director
Interior design studio 21 Spaces have completed an extensive refurbishment of one of Dublin’s most established hotels, The Alex.
The 105-room hotel dates from 1990 and played an important role in the growth of the city. It is situated in Merrion Square, adjacent to the former industrial area.
These historical references have been evoked in the new renovation, which has “playful and informal” bespoke design and detailing throughout. Floor tiles and stained glass panels reference local building designs, while a large customised ticker-tape sign references the defunct tramline that once passed the hotel. The former hotel entrance, meanwhile, has been transformed into a standalone location with its own separate identity, The Steam Café.
According to 21 Spaces founder and director John Henry Boyle, the project was conceived to appeal to a new generation of visitors looking for increased dining and working flexibility.
“The refurbishment of The Alex could not have been better timed,” he said. “The demand on a central location and the demographic shift following the relocation nearby of multinational companies, such as Twitter’s European Headquarters, has meant that since the redesign The Alex has become a busy and lively all-day destination.”
The property is part of the O’Callaghan Hotel Group.
“Moving the hotel’s entrance to the middle of the building opened up the space to natural daylight and allowed us to reconfigure the ground floor layout. Where previously there were dormant areas, by changing the flow, we maximised the use of every corner, creating different focal points, each with its own identity and purpose. Clusters of seats in varying quantities along with new seating areas has helped to increase interaction within the hotel, drawing in new visitors so that the location is used every day to full capacity.
“An increasing demand for hot desk facilities led us to create a dedicated library and working area. Located to the right of the entrance, this inviting airy space with large windows has two long desks alongside an area of fixed seating. Fashioned from solid walnut by Irish craftsmen based in Belfast, each desk proudly displays natural markings and cracks complete with butterfly ties, to create character and interest. Metal legs complete the raw industrial aesthetic.
“The dining area is a more refined space that combines mid-century detailing with an industrial twist through the judicious use of wood, marble, brass, steel, velvet and fabrics to give the area a sense of crafted luxury. In order that the restaurant is used throughout the day a new layout of smaller dining zones was designed including the creation of an atmospheric lounge with stone blue walls and matching velvet four banquettes accompanied by soft light pink chairs. Grounding this space, and referencing the local industrial heritage, bespoke black lighting tracks and pendant lighting have been judiciously used. Brass accents are found throughout, from the magnificent long brass bar countertop and brass task lights to the brass edging on the silk upholstered wall panels.
“A high level of detail is found is each of the 105 bedrooms and suites. Against a backdrop of soft dusty pink walls, velvet cushions and soft wool throws from Foxford Woollen Mill in Mayo, large circular metal mirrors are combined with hand crafted customized walnut wardrobes and leather headboards made by O’Donnell Furniture Makers in Cork. Ground floor details such as the vertical pencil panelling are referenced in the fluted water glasses together with brass detailing in every room. Carefully chosen artworks help to give interest and individuality to each space.”
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
BodyHoliday plans 10-15 locations in the next 15 years
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
