Silverstone

DESIGN POD LORRAINE STOUTT GRIFFITH

Episode 26: Formula 1 hospitality design in Silverstone

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Episode 26: Formula 1 hospitality design in Silverstone

We are racing towards the chequered flag as we round off series 3 of DESIGN POD, sponsored by Minotti London, with an episode that explores the latest hospitality development at Silverstone, the home of British motor racing…

DESIGN POD LORRAINE STOUTT GRIFFITH

Meet Lorraine Stoutt Griffith. She’s an architect, a visionary, who for the last few years has been creating the foundations of an iconic hospitality development in Silverstone, the venue that hosts the UK Grand Prix.

In a special episode of DESIGN POD, the podcast for all design and architecture enthusiasts, Griffith was invited to speak to Editor Hamish Kilburn, host of the podcast, to explore how the project is accelerating the convergence of lifestyle and luxury, while also challenging conventional approaches to designing hospitality properties. In the exclusive interview, the architect unravels the challenges that she and her team at Twelve Architects faced and then confronted with innovative solutions to push boundaries in the luxury wellness arena of hotel design and hospitality.

Listen to the full episode here:

The development, inspired by high-end residential and hotel design, is called Escapde Living, which Hotel Designs first spoke about in early 2021, after Bergman Design House created the initial interior design scheme. Since then, things have gone up a gear. Now that the structural presence of the individual residences are taking shape – Kilburn went to see the site for himself ahead of this episode – Griffith’s years of planning are starting to transform into a physical space, just metres from the track, offering what is argued the best views over the iconic race track.

The trackside luxury retreats are being designed to be an abstract representation of a Formula 1 car overtaking – any reference to motorsport in the design and architecture will be subtle, sensitive and seamless. The residences themselves will have cantilevered terraces, allowing spectators to get even closer to the racetrack. The interiors will  Light-filled and with high acoustic specifications. The sanctuaries will have underfloor heating, comfort cooling and ensuite bathrooms – each nook has been designed with its iconic location in mind.

Establishing render shot of the development at the iconic British racetrack

Image caption: The new luxury accommodation will overlook the iconic racetrack at Silverstone. Image credit: Escapade Living

More than just a hospitality experience inspired by motorsport, the architecture and design of each property needed to offer views and capture atmospheres that also championed the venue’s countryside vistas. To do this, Griffith and her team worked on creating structures that would frame vistas of track one side (where the living room will be) and more tranquil greenery on the other (where the bedroom and private areas will be). By savvy design, Escapade Living then become destinations in their own right

Keep your ears open as DESIGN POD will return soon for series 4. In the meantime, we’ve archived all previous episodes in one place – making it easier than ever to catch up on conversations, debates and interviews with the people who are shaping the future of design and architecture.

Main image credit: DESIGN POD

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.