London’s Gracechurch Street Hotel, a stunning renovation by local studio Holloway Li, blends Beaux-Arts grandeur with contemporary luxury, paying homage to the building’s sartorial legacy. Originally a 1913 HSBC bank, this Grade II-listed structure now offers a unique hospitality experience where historic charm meets modern sophistication.
Where Heritage Meets Modern Design:-
Holloway Li meticulously preserved the building’s original Beaux-Arts architecture, a 19th-century European style known for its ornate yet industrial aesthetic.
> *”Working with a heritage building requires a delicate balance between preservation and innovation,”* explains senior designer Carrie Coningsby.
Key preserved features include:
Cipollino marble walls
Intricate plasterwork ceilings
Original room layouts
The Lobby: A Bridge Between Eras:-
Guests enter through a double-height lobby that once housed a 1950s typing pool. The studio enhanced the space with:
– An arched backlit feature wall
– A self-check-in desk crafted from fluted oak and polished travertine
> *”We designed custom joinery to complement—not compete with—the original materials,”* notes Coningsby.
The Lounge: Flexible Elegance:-
The hotel’s social hub serves as both:
– A co-working space
– A stylish gathering area
Featuring:
Curving banquettes and standalone seating in soft pink and blue
Translucent, garment-inspired curtains on brass rails for subtle zoning
A Nod to London’s Tailoring Legacy:-
The design pays tribute to the City of London’s sartorial history through:
– Custom curtain headers mimicking crisp shirt cuffs
– Brass “cufflink” detailing
> *”We wanted to capture precision and understated luxury in every detail,”* says studio co-founder Na Li.
uest Rooms: Timeless Sophistication:-
All 203 rooms echo the communal areas’ aesthetic with:
Fluted headboards by Danish brand Carl Hansen
Sisal carpets for natural texture
Neutral walls accented by vibrant Eduardo Paolozzi prints
Materials That Age Gracefully:-
Durable materials honor the longevity of fine tailoring:
– Brass
– Natural stone
– Rich timber
> *”Like a bespoke suit, these materials develop character over time,”* Li reflects.
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Note: This article has been reviewed and edited by the archup editorial team to ensure accuracy and quality
