Working in collaboration with Tom Dixon Design Research Studio (DRS), Chelsom created a dramatic custom lighting scheme for the guest rooms and lobby area of the first-ever Mondrian-branded boutique hotel outside the United States.
Seductive and striking, Mondrian London at Sea Containers perfectly blends the style and sophistication of the famed boutique brand with Southbank’s eclectic vibe. Under the direction of renowned British designer Tom Dixon, DRS has succeeded in creating an interior scheme that captures the essence of the original building – exuding 1920s cruise ship glamour integrated with the contemporary twists and urbane design for which the Mondrian brand is known.
This unique interior concept is echoed throughout the 335 guest rooms and suites, and Chelsom was challenged with creating a distinctive custom-designed lighting scheme with post-modernism references, fusing cutting-edge design, functionality and energy efficiency.
Matt black fittings with brass features accentuate the bold colour palette. Fixed to the headboard, wall lights feature oversized brass rotary dimmer switches and multi-directional teardrop heads with retrofit LED light sources housed behind a frosted glass lens – offering both reading and mood lighting in a soft white ambiant tone.
The desk lamps feature an oversized tubular head and statement brass rotary dimmer switch, while the conical spun metal shades of the floor lamps are finished in brass and lined in white to provide a bold contrast whilst optimising light reflection.
To the specification of DRS, Chelsom created a trio of triple tiered pendants in matt black and copper for the entrance lobby. At 3.5m each in diameter, these circular fittings are suspended from the ceiling by metal support rods to create the illusion that the sculptural pieces are floating in mid-air. As part of a wider sound-reducing concept for the lobby area, these fittings are clad in acoustic foam and incorporate state-of-the-art LED downlighters and uplighters for optimum light output and efficiency.
Chelsom also refurbished a series of more than 30 original Cliff Tribe wall lights dating back to the 1950s, including double lights and triple pendants. The original Sea Containers fittings were taken off site and refurbished by a team of restoration experts at Chelsom’s factory where they were cleaned, refinished and rewired to incorporate retrofit LED light sources – making them compatible with the exacting energy requirements outlined in the brief.
“To have been commissioned by Maison Objet’s Designer of the Year 2014, Tom Dixon, to be part of such a fantastic high profile project as the iconic Mondrian – possibly London’s ultimate destination hotel – is a real honour and testimony to Chelsom’s reputation within the industry,” says MD, Robert Chelsom.
“This was not just another order, it was a step into boutique design of the highest calibre and the way forward for modern hotel lighting and for Chelsom. Obviously a project of this scale and stature was not without its challenges but the opportunity to work with such a fantastic team on one of the best lighting schemes we have ever produced meant this was a real labour of love from start to finish and one we are all very proud to be part of.”
