London-based practices Holland Harvey and Caitlin Henderson Design recently completed the design of a new wellness-focused hotel in the UK capital. Located at the threshold of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, the 159-room Inhabit, Queen’s Gardens occupies a restored Grade II Victorian townhouse that’s been reimagined to stand as an elite example of adaptive reuse and commitment to environmental initiatives.
“Celebrating and enhancing the existing heritage building and keeping sustainability at the heart of the project inspired subtle but deliberate architectural moves,” says Holland Harvey senior designer Maria Gutierrez. “This careful approach to design brought the concept of the new Inhabit hotel to life. The final project is not just a hotel with comfortable bedrooms but a gift of a new space to enjoy for the whole neighborhood and Inhabit guests alike.”
Nearly 100 percent of waste from project construction was diverted and reused in various forms throughout the finished space. A custom terrazzo was upcycled to adorn a fireplace in the reception area, which is situated away from the main entrance to inspire guests to explore the property via the lounge or the 70-seat onsite restaurant. Further, abundant natural light pours into the residential-style interior and differing floor patterns subtly demarcate the social areas.
A contemporary palette of natural materials adorns each accommodation along with bespoke furnishings, like bedside tables fashioned to sheath technology. Select rooms are also equipped with vanity units attached to bespoke sinks in the open bathroom.
A library, communal dining area, flexible meditation and exercise space, treatment rooms, and a sauna round out the onsite amenities as well.
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