The concept for the Berkeley Hotel evolved from RSHP’s response to the constraints of the existing site and a desire to bring a fresh architectural appearance to this part of Knightsbridge. The design has been developed with particular consideration to the massing and façade, resulting in a proposal which is sympathetic to the surrounding buildings and which maximises the potential of a complex site.
The design aims at retaining the established identity of hotel, while being sensitive to the fact that the site borders conservation areas. It also provides for a general upgrade of access and a rationalisation of layout and services to enable more efficient operation in the future, including improved refuse/delivery facilities. The constraints of the site have resulted in a design solution based on a hanger support system. The approach provides a structurally efficient solution, minimising the impact on the internal layout of the superstructure floors, but also giving the new building a visually striking appearance. It responds to the need to keep the existing hotel operational and for any new structure to remain distant from the existing Piccadilly Line tunnels that run within 6m of the northern site boundary.
