Image©Dexter Moren Associates
Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has achieved planning for a new Camden lifestyle hotel in the vibrant location of Mornington Crescent. The global hospitality design specialist was appointed by RE Capital to review a previously consented hotel scheme at 7ABC Bayham Street to maximise its potential and improve its buildability.
Working within the existing building envelope, DMA has redesigned the scheme to better suit the requirements of the hotel brand and, in so doing, has created 70 keys, an uplift from 58 in the original consent. The application also introduces a second fire escape stair from all levels to comply with current fire regulations, as well as quality office space and reconfigured the Front of House area with revised bar at ground level.
“DMA’s experience in hotel design and understanding of the regulations has enabled this building to be redesigned to both optimise space and guest experience,” comments Freya Jones, Project Lead, DMA. “Once completed, the scheme, taken forward by DMA’s Architecture and Interior Design teams, will exemplify a high level of design throughout. The hotel will contain a reception and café, bar, private dining spaces and shared work space alongside 70 guestrooms and a dedicated floor of suites.”
The four-floor scheme contains two full levels of basements with a lightwell offering natural ventilation and light.
Across all floors, DMA has reconfigured guest rooms to improve the general circulation within the scheme and standardise the layouts. Ten guest rooms have also been introduced at basement level.
Various bespoke spaces have been specifically designed to respond to the operator requirements and target clientele. The ground-floor level now hosts a dedicated work zone alongside a separate hotel cafe, and speakeasy bar. This ground-floor revision provides a more efficient fluid transition of spaces through improved permeability and independent entrances for the hotel and the office use.
The main façade, reflective of an industrial warehouse, has been revised to reflect the new internal layouts and also the Camden context. The North, South and West facades have been revised to simplify the design features and better sympathise with neighbouring building typologies with an emphasis on improving privacy.
To achieve better buildability and the viability of the scheme, DMA has fully coordinated with MEP and SE consultants through the use of REVIT BIM. This has also facilitated the adequate plant and servicing required for the hotel.
Paul Wells, Partner, DMA concludes: “This scheme further builds on our strong track record of creating deliverable hotel projects that can achieve commercial success. We took on a scheme and through our experience and carefully considered design we have developed a workable layout responding to regulatory and brand requirements.
“As a lifestyle offering it will compete with young brands and independent properties in the general market, but it will differentiate itself through bespoke interiors and unique guest experiences.”
