The lighting design was developed alongside the interior design in order to enhance the urban city character and instill a sense of warmth and homeliness. The interior finishes exhibit an eclectic mixture of materials applied to a base volume that was kept raw and honest. Concrete soffits and brick columns – some of which are original and others new – seamlessly stitched together to appear as the original structure. The design approach involved both a series of lighting layers and a suite of vintage and bespoke luminaires that captures the desired ‘vibe’ of this new brand of hotel.
The initial lighting layer was one of background ambience, with parts that are deliberate and obvious combined with parts that are integrated and concealed. It was important to ensure guests didn’t feel like this layer was fabricated or false, more that it was genuine at core of the building’s character. A combination of track lighting and brass surface spot-lights providing highlights to key structures and spaces. A series of integrated joinery lighting details create depth and texturing while spots and floods provide bursts of soft light and grazing of materials to complete the backdrop.
The second layer brings together a number of both technical and feature light elements that nestle amongst the interiors. Simple geometry and soft glass add to the general texturing of form and materials, together with lensed pin-spots bringing accent to the tables and art works.
The third layer introduces a selection of classic vintage feature lights with a collection of custom designed pieces that combine to create a common language of intimacy and warmth. It was important that these features feel original and authentic – working to enhance the atmosphere.
These layers are applied throughout the ground and level 1 areas, mixing the usual hotel reception and lounge spaces with bar, restaurant and café / wine-bar – together with bookable function rooms. The guest levels continue the heritage theme, with guestrooms crafted with bespoke luminaires that provide a unique flavour to the hotel experience.
The façade lighting is restrained and focused on the original lower level structures. At the rear of the hotel in Foy Lane, a commissioned light-art work greets patrons to the wine-bar and entry to the rooftop restaurant / bar. Electrolight collaborated with artist Callum Morton on this unique take on old signage structures created by light elements orchestrated by a dynamic DMX control system.
All public area lighting is controlled on a DALI based system, running a series of time-based schedules to alter the mood from morning, day, night and late-night settings. The flexibility of addressable grouping provides the perfect platform for balancing the lighting throughout the variety of spaces – with all front-of-house elements existing within the same volume.
