Nobu reveals 'simple and raw' design details for first European restaurant and hotel
by Kim Megson | 23 Jan 2017
Nobu Hospitality has revealed new design information about its hotly-anticipated Shoreditch property, which is scheduled to open in London in the next few months.
Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, located on Willow Street, will be the first European hotel for the food and hospitality company – which was formed by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, film producer Meir Teper and Hollywood legend Robert De Niro.
The 150-room hotel has been designed by Ben Adams Architects, Studio PCH and interior designers Studio Mica, who developed an original vision conceived by Ron Arad Architects. The building features a Nobu restaurant, a cocktail lounge, banqueting and meeting rooms and a fitness centre.
The design concept extends Nobu’s “east-meets-west” philosophy while reflecting its location. A palette of concrete, bronze, timber and glass overlaid with creative textiles and warm fabrics has been used to create a “simple and raw” aesthetic that complements the reworked warehouses and factories that characterise the area.
The hotel has five stories that are fractured into angular concrete balconies. Combined with cantilevered corten steel beams, these create an apparently frayed edge to the northern façade. Six protruding slab edges penetrate the glazing to “accentuate the horizontality of the volume.”
The windows are formed of printed, layered glass that is highly reflective; leading to an interplay of colour and light. Finally, a landscaped garden at the site’s eastern edge is articulated into terraces, seating and planting, “and provides natural light and access to the generous lower triple height restaurant and bar space.”
London boutique hotel developer Meir Abutbul is overseeing the project. Reflecting on the design choices, he said: “For an area conceived through, and shaped by, contemporary culture and creativity, our architectural design is the obvious gesture. The demonstration of beauty, drama and instinctive elegance has found a perfect home.”
Nobu’s portfolio includes properties in Las Vegas, Manila and Florida. Explaining its expansion plans, CEO Trevor Horwell said: “Our proven business algorithm for hotel owners is our tactical and competitive advantage, focusing our effort on maximising return per square foot. We are as such continuing to expand our global hotel footprint with a robust development pipeline working with the best strategic partners.”
Nobu Ben Adams Architects Nobu Hotel Shoreditch architecture design Londion Nobu Matsuhisa Meir Teper Robert De Niro
A palette of concrete, bronze, timber and glass overlaid with creative textiles and warm fabrics has been used to complement the surrounding buildings Credit: Ben Adams Architects
Ben Adams Architects have finalised the building's design Credit: Ben Adams Architects
08 Nov 2016
De Niro, Rockwell and Matsuhisa celebrate opening of Nobu Hotel in iconic Miami location
19 May 2015
Robert De Niro and chef Nobu open Nobu Hotel in City of Dreams Manila, with design by Rockwell Group
28 May 2014
De Niro’s Nobu Hospitality to open first European hotel
FEATURE: Profile – David Rockwell
Nobu Hospitality has revealed new design information about its hotly-anticipated Shoreditch property, which is scheduled to open in London in the next few months. Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, located on Willow Street, will be the first European hotel for the food and hospitality company – which was formed by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, film producer Meir Teper and Hollywood legend Robert De Niro. The 150-room hotel has been designed by Ben Adams
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