The Dorchester Hotel

Dorchester Collection

London’s iconic Park Lane hotel ‘The Dorchester’, commissioned Utopia Projects on a series of new projects. Working closing with designers Fox Linton Associates and the project managers, BuroFour, the £3.2million refurbishment of the Spa facilities and rooftop bedroom suites were successfully completed to the client’s total satisfaction.

Utopia Projects where involved from start to finish, pulling together and working with the technical departments of each of the chosen manufacturers, to ensure the installation was a seamless process. The award-winning Spa includes nine treatment rooms, gym, hair salon, barber shop, relaxation area, pedicore area and patisserie.

 

 

Key objectives

Architecturally the design needed to be crisp and contemporary, with the furnishings and furniture inside inspired by 1930’s and 40’s era (the Dorchester was built in 1931) - dashing, exquisite and exclusive.

 

 

The concept

Rupert Martineau of Fox Linton Associates, was the senior designer appointed in the design of the Spa: “The spa must have a sense of place, incorporating the high levels of quality associated with The Dorchester. It should become a destination in its own right. The new spa must be unique and not emulate other current spa designs. For instance, instead of oriental or minimalist interiors, it will have a captivating, irresistible and elegant environment. There will be an emphasis on exclusivity and unbridled comfort.”

 

 

Materials and manufacturers

Flooring - White ceramic tiles by Domus – polished in public areas, honed in treatment rooms
Tiles - Showers/steam room glass tiles on walls by Zenith Glass
Brassware - Dornbracht
Experience showers - Dornbracht
Lighting - Specified by Light and Design Associates. LEDs, cold cathode and fibre optics
Contractor - Lambro Contracts Ltd
M&E Consultant - Cudd Bentley Consulting Ltd

 

 

Challenges

Rupert said of the project: “Working within an open hotel is always challenging, particularly if it’s the pre-eminent hotel in London. Getting the M&E design right was important – it had to allow the ceiling heights to be pushed up to prevent any feeling of being underground becoming too prevalent.”

Ray Pask, Director of Technical Services at the Dorchester noted, “Without doubt sanitaryware can pose problems within a project. Using Utopia Projects both during the design stages working with Fox Linton Associates and the fit-out by the main contractor reduced the risk considerably. When issues did occur they were dealt with in an expedient and professional manner resulting in the project completing on time and to budget.”

 

 

Outcome

“Fox Linton Associates are proud to have completed the refurbishment of the Dorchester Hotel Spa. The design team of consultants and the contractor had a good working relationship that allowed the project to be completed without any delays and with a relatively minor inconvenience to the client in a busy, high profile hotel. And the feedback from the client - they and their guests love it. It is clear nobody has seen a spa quite like it in the world.”

Utopia Projects delivered what the client wanted, when they wanted it and for the right budget. This successful outcome has ensured a continuation of future projects within the Dorchester Collection:

• 45 Park Lane, London – The £43million conversion of the former Playboy Club into a luxury five star, 48-bed contemporary hotel including suites, due for completion in October 2010

• Queensborough Terrace, Bayswater

• Coworth Park Hotel, Great Windsor Park, opening Summer 2010