London studio RPW Design have revealed more details about their multi-million pound renovations of two Marriott properties in London, including the transformation of a health and wellbeing space on the capital’s famous Park Lane.
Refurbishment of The Club – the 342sq m (3,600sq ft) health facility at the five-star London Marriott Hotel Park Lane – will be completed in April 2016. RPW are designing a brand new treatment room, a refurbished steam room, a fitness space and Park Lane’s only pool.
When open, guests and private members will have access to 24-hour gym facilities with Life Fitness equipment and “industry-renowned personal trainers.”
RPW revealed they are using luxury materials in neutral colours, including silver wave marble and walnut timber, while grand mosaic columns will be introduced to the pool area.
“We wanted to enhance guest experience by offering competitive wellness facilities on Park Lane,” said Nicolas Kipper, the hotel’s general manager. “The Club offers a serene retreat in a prime location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”
RPW previously renovated the hotel’s 152 bedrooms and lobby and added five new suites.
The second Marriott project the studio are working on is the complete refurbishment of the 200-room London Marriott County Hall, close to the capital’s Westminster Bridge.
The practice are creating a quintessentially British feel with design features such as bowler hat prints on the corridor walls and deep orange chairs that emulate the upholstered seating used in the building when it served as London’s main council chambers.
Other features include bronze and wrought iron metal work, Art Deco patterning and bespoke lighting elements which pay tribute to the building’s existing architectural components, created by British architect Ralph Knott.
The work will be completed by May 2016.
“I strongly believe we have once again successfully demonstrated how we can unlock great value within our client's assets through sensible, yet bold design moves," said Ariane Steinbeck, managing director of RPW Design.
Speaking exclusively to
CLAD earlier this month, Steinbeck
encouraged designers and hospitality operators to infuse their projects with more distinct personalities, or else run the risk of guests being unable to differentiate between brands.
“Many hotels at the top end of the market are known not necessarily for their specific brand, but for their personality – which is a unique combination of the atmosphere, design and service,” she said. “Ultimately, they’re in the business of delivering special experiences. A sense of individuality should be the designer's goal.”
