home InterContinental London Park Lane re-opens after a £60 million refurbishment… The architectural practice responsible for this major refurbishment, which encompassed virtually every part of the Hotel, was ReardonSmith; the interior designers of the public areas were J2Design. In addition, some of the 447 guestrooms designed by Ilana Feingold, complete with luxurious beds and state-of-the-art, Hansgrohe Raindance AIR showers, have opened in this first phase and the 60 suites designed by KCA will be available later this Spring. Conrad Smith of ReardonSmith explains the architectural approach to the public areas. "The usual task for hotel architects of optimising revenue generating opportunities for the operator has, in this case, been met by re-planning the ground floor and opening it up to harness the unique views over Hyde Park Corner," he says. New over-size windows with bombproof glazing have been introduced throughout the hotel ensuring superlative views across the Park and towards Knightsbridge. Inside, on the ground floor, the large lobby lounge was entirely stripped back to its structure, leaving only the marble floor which has been re-polished. By relocating the business centre, which had occupied prime space, to a more logical habitat on the mezzanine meeting room floor, an area was released for a new lounge bar overlooking Hyde Park with an intimate "snug" to the left hand side. The bar itself is a stunning piece in Belgian stone, complete with fossilised creatures, which has been water cut to achieve a dramatic swirling pattern through which light shines, glowing towards reception. The rich colours of the bar make way for lighter tones in the lounge area towards the far end where an espresso bar has been introduced. The entire area is now homogenous, held together visually by iridescent faux stone walls inside, views to the Park outside and interiors that are more residential than before. "Previously, the lounge was broken up into sections that visually fought one another - a reflection of piecemeal refurbishments over the years," says Joshua Judd of J2 Design. "We were able, with ReardonSmith, to take a homogenous look at the space and so create a series of spaces that flow naturally." This strong overall vision in space planning is echoed on the other side of the reception. Here, a large inset glazed panel displaying a full-height wine rack and a shimmering corridor in backlit water glass offer an intriguing hint of what is beyond. This is the unmissable entrance to Theo Randall at The InterContinental where regional Italian cuisine using the freshest, seasonal ingredients is the focus of the new menu. A total re-planning of the previous restaurant space together with the use of innovative features, materials and techniques has achieved a unique environment. A six-meter length timber bar with a central panel also in back-lit water glass, extends along one side, allowing sitting space for guests to eat and diners in the restaurant to catch movement from the kitchen behind. The emphasis on seasonal Italian and British food is reflected in the design. Natural materials are used but with a twist, such as timbers with metallic finishes, bronzed leather upholstery, a repeating "English grass" motif and leather on the floor. Together, the architects and designers have also found space for a new private dining room which is entered through large specially designed sliding doors that combine layers of overlaid metal mesh encased in glass, offering both privacy and passing glimpses of the restaurant. Cookbook Cafe has also been transformed. Following its total strip-out, the floors have been levelled, a new ceiling introduced and the old servery that dominated the space removed to be replaced by small, moveable stations that can be adapted to meet the different demands on the space through the day. Upholstery and other fittings are now contemporary and smart while the space is made remarkable by a huge artwork developed from a photograph looking up through the trees of Hyde Park to the sky. A brand new kitchen serving Theo Randall at The InterContinental and Cookbook Cafe has been introduced, complying with the highest standards. This includes a new wood-burning stove for Theo Randall to create his signature regional Italian dishes. In re-planning the reception lobby, the team has sought to zone the space into three comparatively intimate areas to provide a more welcoming and comfortable experience. Facing the entrance, the reception itself now has three separate check-in desks with striking backlit stone depictions of London sights. To one side, there is a magnificent curved concierge desk with a cracked gesso front and a weighty stone top and, opposite, a recessed guest relations area, the open layout of which has become a brand standard for the InterContinental Group. Elegance, originality and technology are combined in the meeting room suite on the mezzanine floor where there are now 12 completely refurbished rooms. The boardroom features a leather panelled wall with inset mirror onto which an LCD screen can project any number of images to support an event, there is video conferencing and, for all the rooms, masses of natural light and exceptional views. The ballroom and lobby have been re-built within the existing envelope to achieve maximum flexibility of use and provide the latest event facilities in a contemporary and restrained interior environment. To the exterior, ReardonSmith has also been responsible for cleaning the facade, re-modelling the forecourt and adding further lighting to wash the bays. InterContinental London Park Lane occupies arguably the most prestigious location in London at Number 1 Park Lane and the re-design will optimise the revenue generating potential of this," says Rob Shepherd, VP Operations UK and Ireland for InterContinental. "Our brand is highly respected throughout the world and this major programme of works, both front and back of house, will ensure that the London hotel sets the standard as the new flagship for the brand." The remaining bedrooms and suites, as well as a luxurious Spa InterContinental and Club InterContinental lounge, will be opening in March. |
| From GS Magazine Publication Date: March 2007 Back to the Press page |