Hospitality ArchitectureLodgingLeman Locke London / Grzywinski+Pons

Leman Locke London / Grzywinski+Pons

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons

Project: Leman Locke
Architects: Grzywinski+Pons
Location: London, UK
Area: 8600.0 sqm
Photography: Nicholas Worley

Grzywinski+Pons recently have designed Leman Locke, a minimal hotel located in London, England.

From the architect: Leman Locke is a new 168 room hotel that we designed in the rapidly evolving East London neighborhood of Aldgate. This commission allowed us to continue our interrogation of the intersection of hotel and residential programs.

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 1

We (and our client) had in mind that young, creative professionals who are increasingly nomadic for purposes of their work might like to have an option that combines the best of two worlds from a hospitality perspective: The design-led and convivial atmosphere one often finds in good boutique hotels, mixed with the convenience of an extended stay product.

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 2

Our process was driven by the search for a way to hold on to the aspirational excitement of a hotel stay while enjoying the advantages of something more akin to a home in one’s adoptive city no matter how long – or short – the stay.

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 3

We faced an additional challenge in that the scheme was to be built within a newly constructed and rather sterile tower (that we did not design) so we couldn’t lean on the building to augment the character of the spaces. As the construction of the frame and envelope were still underway when we were working, we were able to intervene and make some changes to structural aspects that we were positively disposed to on the interior.

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 4

The reception and the cafe-bar space are bifurcated by the lift lobby and we designed them to be distinct from one another yet congruent in their prioritization of light, warmth and texture.

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 5

We also created a feature stair that almost demands to be climbed to foster the connection between the cafe-bar and the forthcoming restaurant space (that we are currently designing) that spans the ground and first floors and is sectionally legible from the street.

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 6

We designed nearly all of the furniture within the rooms, from the sofas and beds to some of the light fixtures and tables.

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 7

Much of this was driven by the desire to create a unique and harmonious aesthetic, but our other imperative was maximization of function and economy of space. We wanted to avoid the “transformer” vibe apparent in a lot of current micro-residential products that include murphy beds, retractable desks and flip up tables. While that approach appeals to the “inventor” side of us as architects, we hoped to spare guests from the chore of clearing up and manipulating their furniture when finishing a meal or getting ready for bed. Our intention was to dispel the underlying sense of being unsettled which complicates our self imposed directive to inculcate the feeling of being at home while away.

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 8

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 9

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 10

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 11

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 12

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 13

Leman Locke London by Grzywinski+Pons 16

Coal Harbour Apartment by Haeccity Studio Architecture

The 2,150 square-foot Coal Harbour apartment originally felt much smaller due to a fragmented layout and jarring material palette. Strong, simple gestures resulted in a revised layout that opened up the living area while reconnecting the space with breath-taking views of the mountains, oceans and the city.

A Modern Country Home Featuring Minimalist Geometry and Natural Finishes

The architecture of this modern country home is a synthesis of natural materials, such as stone and wood, and simple geometric shapes. The façade’s modern design combines stone and wood: the exterior finish, featuring warm shades of travertine and larch, completes the image of an inviting, cozy and modern country home.

Set of Three Houses Built in a Quiet Park in North Vancouver

The Houses at 1340 are a set of three houses in North Vancouver, Canada. The project was completed in 2015 by the Office of...

Which Universities Have Produced the Most Popular Designers?

Designers are a unique breed, combining creative talent with business savvy and technical expertise. The schools that are best suited for aspiring designers will depend on what kind of career they want to pursue

Hsinchu Apartment by 323 Interior Design Studio

Located in Taipei, Hsinchu apartment was designed by Taiwanese studio 323 interior.

Recommended Stories