Sea Containers London is entering a new era with Lore Group’s redesign of its Thames-facing suites, including the introduction of a new Junior Suite category…
Sea Containers London, the lifestyle hotel in the heart of London’s vibrant South Bank, will unveil a new design direction this spring with the introduction of a new junior suite category, the Riverview Studio Suite, alongside an evolution of its wider Suite collection.
Riverview Studio Suite | Image credit: James McDonald
Enhancements include the hotel’s signature Riverview Balcony Suite and One Bedroom Riverview Suite, building on the unique collection of four Cabin Suites launched last year. Together, these additions mark the beginning of a new era for the hotel, coinciding with the debut of agua Studio, a dedicated wellness space within agua Spa, and the arrival of a striking new contemporary sculpture in the lobby.
The redesign is led by Jacu Strauss, Creative Director and Designer at Lore Group, who has revisited the hotel’s original interiors conceived during his time at Tom Dixon’s design studio. Rather than replacing the existing aesthetic, Strauss has expanded on it, layering new textures, materials and spatial arrangements that heighten the building’s transatlantic cruise liner narrative while introducing a more residential, experiential feel.
The brief we set ourselves was to enrich the existing story rather than overwrite it. There’s a confidence in evolving something instead of replacing it, especially when the original narrative is so strong. People stay differently now. They stay longer, they work from their rooms, they invite friends for a drink. The challenge was to support all of that without losing the maritime character and playful spirit that make Sea Containers London feel like nowhere else” – Jacu Strauss
Across the hotel’s 59 suites, the design approach balances storytelling with sustainability. Nautical references appear through bespoke tapestries, maritime signal flags and carefully curated materials that evoke the textures of life at sea while maintaining a sense of warmth and comfort. Many suites retain and reinterpret original design elements, supporting a long-term, environmentally conscious strategy.
Riverview Balcony Suite | Image credit: James McDonald
Material innovation plays a central role in the redesign. Tabletops and counters are formed from recycled plastics sourced from marine waste, transformed into terrazzo-style surfaces that carry visible flecks of colour and texture. These tactile elements introduce a subtle narrative of circular design, turning discarded materials into statement features.
Furniture selections continue the maritime dialogue. Coffee tables crafted from reclaimed ship propellers act as sculptural focal points, sourced through international vintage and antique dealers. These are paired with seating inspired by industrial maritime hardware, blending Art Deco detailing with Brutalist forms and hints of 1980s design boldness.
The River Thames remains the defining design anchor. Suite layouts have been carefully configured to maximise panoramic views, with furniture and sightlines intentionally positioned to frame London’s skyline and landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral. The effect encourages guests to engage with the river as a constantly shifting backdrop, reflecting changing light and seasonal moods.
Riverview Balcony Suite | Image credit: James McDonald
Strauss explains that the project responds to the way guests increasingly use hotel rooms as hybrid spaces. “People stay differently now. They stay longer, they work from their rooms, they invite friends for a drink,” he notes. The suites are therefore designed to support multiple uses, combining functionality with a strong sense of place.
The new Riverview Studio Suites and upgraded Riverview categories also introduce tailored in-room amenities as part of a redefined guest journey. Each suite features a curated collection of Phaidon coffee-table books, reinforcing the residential atmosphere while contributing to the layered, design-led storytelling.
Beyond the suites, the hotel’s transformation extends into its wellness and public spaces. The launch of agua Studio introduces a dedicated wellness environment within agua Spa, hosting yoga sessions, breathwork classes and immersive sound baths. A new agua Thai Experience massage ritual further expands the spa’s holistic offering, using products from the Hedgerow by agua organic line inspired by Britain’s native landscapes.
agua Studio | Image credit: Alexander Baxter
Additional design developments are planned throughout 2026, including updates to Sea Containers Restaurant and the 12th Knot rooftop bar, signalling a property-wide commitment to evolving guest experience through design.
Located on London’s cultural South Bank, Sea Containers London has long drawn inspiration from 1920s transatlantic cruise liners, blending nostalgia with contemporary lifestyle hospitality. The latest suite redesign continues that narrative, positioning the hotel as both a design destination and a reflection of changing travel behaviours.
Main image credit: James McDonald
