Architect André Fu of Hong Kong-based design firm AFSO has introduced two new contemporary suite designs for the Berkeley hotel in the Knightsbridge section of London. The new Crescent Pavilion and Grand Pavilion suites arrive nearly four years after Fu crafted the hotel’s Opus suite. Housed within new glasshouses integrated into the hotel’s existing terraces, both pavilion suites exude a fusion of classic and contemporary luxury punctuated with an understated English sensibility.
The 3,200-square-foot Crescent Pavilion suite is reminiscent of a private residence enveloped by a lush garden. Guests enter through a wood-paneled passage lined with gold patina fabric to access an intimate salon space appointed with colorful artwork from Lebanese artist Etel Adnan. Beyond a curved portal sculpted from solid volakas white marble is the 800-square-foot contemporary glass-enclosed sunroom, which provides 270-degree views of London. Signature Fu touches include a bespoke hexagonal rock glass chandelier, stained oak partitions accented in brass, and handtufted carpeting. The suite also includes an alfresco lounge and 12-seat dining room. Both the master and ensuite bedrooms feature a palette of pale green, mineral gray, and champagne gold.
The arrival hallway within the Grand Pavilion is clad with gloss-lacquered, warm gray English panels, as well as emerald green silk upholstery. An open firepit and several stone plinths are installed in the suite’s expansive lounge area, which leads to an eight-person dining salon flooded with natural light and connected to the outdoor terrace. The dining room also boasts hand-embroidered wallcoverings in gray, mauve, and ivory patterns reminiscent of rainfall. The main living room anchors the glazed glass pavilion, and includes a hand-gilded glass partition of champagne gold teardrops as well as modernist furniture in a palette of burgundy, emerald, and mineral gray. Bespoke brass lighting pendants reference London’s iconic streetlamps. The suite’s master bedroom is located on the opposite end of the pavilion and boasts its own terrace and sculptural artwork from Conrad Shawcross. Along with king bed and separate dressing areas and walk-in wardrobes, the master bathroom comes with a freestanding cast stone bathtub.
