ReardonSmith has returned the Lanesborough hotel in London to its former glory following a complete renovation.
Acting as lead design consultant and architect, ReardonSmith partnered with the Alberto Pinto agency and several specialist craft companies to rejuvenate the hotel near Hyde Park Corner.
The aim of the works was to re-establish the Georgian property, which was converted into a hotel over 20 years ago, as London’s finest hotel.
As part of the project, ReardonSmith negotiated the planning and listed building consents, prepared the works plan, and co-ordinated issues relating to the interior design in line with Alberto Pinto’s vision, as well as operations and the new service infrastructure.
In the public areas, ceilings were replaced with embellished fibrous plaster, existing stone and marble was revived, the dark mahogany was stripped back to reveal a lighter grain and layers of classical decoration were introduced. Two original staircases have also been restored.
Apsleys restaurant inside the hotel has also been fully refitted to reflect the Georgian-inspired design brief, with new hand-modelled frieze panels to match the new fibrous plaster ceilings.
At the entrance to the restaurant, bespoke wine stores have been created to store the hotel’s large collection of fine wines.
All 94 guest rooms were refurbished, each room different in either configuration or style and given all-marble bathrooms, and the Royal Suite of 250sq m (2,691sq ft) was extended and refurbished.
Elaborate decorative finishes, both new and restored, have been integrated with modern energy-efficient LED lighting, A/C and technology systems.
Back-of-house areas were also readjusted to make to better use of the space and create a staff dining room.
Conrad Smith, managing director of ReardonSmith said: “We were very conscious of The Lanesborough’s exceptional pedigree and worldwide reputation in every decision we took and each line that we drew.
He added: "The implementation on-site of Alberto Pinto’s exquisite new interior design has truly been of the highest quality and the synergy of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering has ensured that the hotel’s unique place amongst London’s luxury hotels is assured for years to come.”