Mondrian London at sea containers – Londra

hospitality. Overlooking the Thames on London’s lively Southbank, the Mondrian hotel is housed in the famous Sea Containers building, from where it enjoys a breath taking view over the city. A stone’s throw from the Oxo Tower and Blackfriars Bridge, the building has recently undergone significant renovation: from offices to luxury hotel, the first in Europe by the Hollywood brand. It was masterminded by Design Research Studio under the guidance of Tom Dixon, and in association with EPR Architects.

With its 360 rooms, two restaurants, bar with a panoramic terrace, cinema, conference roomsand a wellness centre, the building has been returned to its original plan, conceived by the legendary American architect Warren Platner in 1978.

The nautical references are tangible right from the start: the imposing copper wall in the lobby resembles a huge boat ready to set sail. The references continue, with blue walls and brass handrails in the cinema and the delicate undersea grey of the corridors. The ground floor also hosts a riverside restaurant and bar. In the basement there is the Agua Bathhouse & Spa, which Dixon has conceived as a space to be shared, with a “Glamour Room” in addition to  six treatment rooms.

For the room decor, Tom Dixon and Design Research evolved an eclectic style that conjures up the sense of sociability of the early twentieth century intercontinental cruise liners: vintage pieces are combined with metal elements and custom furniture in contrasting colours. The same spirit animates all the bathrooms of the suites, with their Ottocento Small bathtubs, designed by Benedini Associati and made in Cristalplant® biobased, chosen for their sophisticated retro look and reduced size.