'Never before seen in hotel architecture': RSH+P unveil huge glass canopy at The Berkeley
by Kim Megson | 12 Jul 2016
– Ivan Harbour
Landmark London hotel The Berkeley Hotel has unveiled its new entrance, created by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSH+P) to “create the ultimate sense of arrival”.
The building, designed for the hotel by architect Brian O'Rorke in 1972, has had an extensive redesign, particularly to its facade.
RSH+P added a huge glass canopy supported by sixteen sculpted carbon fibre beams, each 9m long, using materials and technology more often seen in the construction of Formula 1 cars and elite racing bikes.
The creation of the canopy – a feat the studio said “has never been seen before in hotel architecture” – was undertaken by Spanish engineer and fabrication firm Bellapart.
“The carbon fibre beams bring a lightness and elegance to the glass structure, creating an open, transparent and welcoming point of arrival,” said studio founder Richard Rogers. “It is a tribute to my late colleague Amo Kalsi [who worked on the project] as it shows off his incredible architectural skill and sensitivity, bringing light and drama to The Berkeley.”
Two ceiling glass pavilions flank the entrance doors and the extended outer walls of the hotel’s Blue Bar and Collins Room – which have both been redesigned by Robert Angel. A subtle honeycomb detailing reflects light throughout the day and night allowing for a constant sense of illumination, shadow and movement.
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“This breath-taking new design of our entrance is a perfect example of how an established building in the centre of a major capital can embrace the most cutting-edge design aesthetic and provide guests with an exciting environment,” said the hotel’s general manager Knut Wylde.
Ivan Harbour, who led the project for RSH+P, added: “The architectural approach, in keeping with the morphology of the hotel was to contrast new additions, which pioneer glazing and carbon fibre technology, with the existing architecture.
“The result brings an extraordinary level of 21st century craftsmanship to the forecourt of The Berkeley, giving a unique arrival befitting of the hotel.”
In an interview with CLAD, Harbour claimed that this is the first time carbon fibre has been used as a building structure in this way. "It's an amazing use of technology," he said. "It really is unique. We're very happy that it doesn't feel like an add-on to the hotel; rather it is a new part of the hotel – both distinctively different and very dramatic."
Following this project, the hotel will unveil a series of new suites designed by John Heah and Helen Green Studio, and new terraces created by RSH+P.
The Berkeley is managed by Maybourne Hotel Group, who also manage Claridge's and The Connaught in London’s Mayfair.
Richard Rogers The Berkeley RSH+P Ivan Harbour hotel architecure Robert Angell Maybourne Hotel Group
The materials and technology used are more often seen in the construction of Formula 1 cars and elite racing bikes Credit: Joan Souza
The hotel in Knightsbridge is a London landmark Credit: Joan Souza
Landmark London hotel The Berkeley Hotel has unveiled its new entrance, created by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSH+P) to “create the ultimate sense of arrival”. The building, designed for the hotel by architect Brian O'Rorke in 1972, has had an extensive redesign, particularly to its facade. RSH+P added a huge glass canopy supported by sixteen sculpted carbon fibre beams, each 9m long, using materials and technology more often seen
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