Our brief here began with the need to create a viable development proposal in order to justify removal of unsightly telecoms masts installed by third parties as permitted development.

A+P assessed the feasibility of a number of ways to optimise the asset value of this London hotel by developing their food and beverage facilities, with a new restaurant / rooftop bar. The design challenges included, working alongside the heritage listings of the buildings and ensuring that any additional floor didn’t majorly disrupt the external views while sitting comfortably within the surrounding area. The position of the proposal also had to seamlessly integrate with the current layouts and circulation within the hotel.

The proposed solution provides the addition of a new 360 degree sky bar to the central 30’s building. Limiting the addition to one storey ensured it remained no higher than the neighbouring buildings and minimised the visual impact from the street. Stepping back the form also created the opportunity for an outdoor rooftop terrace, ideal for the implementation of the rooftop bar. The glazed form also benefits from panoramic views of the surrounding city, parkland and river Thames.