The Westin London City has been open a few months now, standing tall as the brand’s debut hotel in the UK. Hotel Designs explores how Leaflike added a new layer of biophilic design through its innovative planting solutions…
The Westin London City opened its doors in February 2022, and by doing so it marked several milestones. Not only was it the brand’s debut property in the UK, but it also opened as Marriott Bonvoy’s 1,000 property in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
For a hotel making such a statement in a brand and group’s history, we therefore expect something special. And the design team at Dexter Moren Associates did not fail to deliver on unveiling a spectacular architectural and design marvel, which sits riverside of the Thames.
Inside, the 222-key hotel combines meaningful wellness with contemporary fluid and sculptural design. Built on the premise that a connection to nature enhances wellbeing, the design is integral and is inspired by the unique location, and shelters a modern residential feel.
From the moment guests walk in through the lobby, for example, there is an instant connection with nature. The brand responsible for this injection of biophilic design was Leaflike, which is known for designing nature-inspired environments in leading hotels, all while supporting a circular economy. “Its great to have Leaflike onboard as our biophilic designer, providing the interior planting to enhance the guest experience,” said Raffaele Ruocco, General Manager, The Westin London City.
Image credit: Leaflike
Throughout the hotel, starting with the residences, the design areas include entrance side tables, lift landing, apartment reception, apartment lounge, console table and terrace. Designer planting displays range from the sustainable Everleaf seasonal changing flowers and foliage display in a vase standing a total of 80cm tall, to interior living planting in grey planters with preserved moss top dressing standing a total of 1.8m tall.
As guests travel through the hotel, the planting can be seen in additional areas including Drive Court and the entrance area. These include living plants in grey and bronze planters with slate top dressing standing at a total of two-metres high. Made with 100 per cent recycled plastic and a CO2 neutral product, the planters can also be recycled. “[It was] a pleasure working with The Westin London City, a fantastic space with perfect interior made it easy for us to contribute the biophilic design to the standard required,” said Brandon Abernethie, Head of Design at Leaflike. “It’s always a special moment seeing a client vision turn to reality.”
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- Image credit: Leaflike
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- Image credit: Leaflike
Leaflike maintains the biophilic design and sustainable planting displays throughout all public areas within the venue – the company has even been asked to provide the hotel with Christmas decorations to include trees and displays.
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Main image credit: Leaflike
