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Project Name: Nobu Hotel Shoreditch
Location: Shoreditch, London
Date Completed: July 2017
Interior Designer: Studio Mica
Architect: Ron Arad Architects
Hotel Group: Nobu Hospitality

The brief given to Studio Mica was to include interior architecture, interior design; including FF&E, primary operating supplies and equipment for the new Nobu Hotel Shoreditch. The designers worked closely with the client and architect to plan the number and type of guest rooms and suites in order to meet the business plan. Studio Mica also developed the FOH arrangements for the reception, bar, lounge & conference facilities and how these would interface with each other.

The cocktail bar & lounge designed as a unique neighbourhood hangout, was to be calm, harmonious, and sophisticated. The area is divided into three spaces with focal points to identify the hotel reception, lounge, and bar. A palette of rich textured materials that reference the local area were integrated into robust timber structures with a dark moody aizome blue envelope. The warmth of the understated natural colours of timber, terracotta, concrete and patinated metals were intended to contrast with the dark textured backgrounds of shou sugi ban charred timber shingles, polished river pebbles and stacked cork tiles.

The bar is defined by two large central banquette seating areas with two coordinated framed ceiling structures suspended above them to create a three-dimensional space. These multiple frames of woven panels change like a theatre set through the day. Natural light creates a diffuse layered installation characterizing the length of the bar. The banquettes create 8 individual seating booths with a discrete woven cane shoulder height screen between each offering privacy to guests. In contrast, an eleven-meter-long banquette runs the full length of the windows facing directly towards the bar, perfect for people watching.

The lounge gathers around a feature fireplace, defined vertically by the patinated steel chimney breast and horizontally by the linear flame. The cocktail bar is a beautiful monolith counter of heavily veined Portoro Gold marble. Its distinctive colours through terracotta to amber marry together the rich but subtle colour palette of the space created by the reclaimed tiles with the highlights of gilding and polished brass details. The design works well because the scheme is holistic and coherent. Each design element is fully integrated into the overall concept. Planning, layouts, furniture, fixtures, fittings and art come together as a whole to establish a unique and special interior. Every fabric, textile, texture and colour add to the overall picture. Finally, the scheme has been expertly lit to ensure a finely tuned interior experience.