Silken Hotel Aldwych

The first UK venture for the Spanish Silken Hotel Group is located on a prominent site at the intersection of the Strand and the Aldwych. This premium position will be an appropriate address for their new flagship five-star hotel. The project will deliver a bold contemporary vision within this richly historic location, by combining the restoration of the listed facade of Marconi House, with a new Portland Stone building and an entirely restructured interior.

The scheme comprises restaurants, bars, a rooftop terrace with spectacular views across Central London, a 170 bedroom hotel and 90 apartments. The proposals have been developed with sensitivity to the Strand Conservation area and in close consultation with Westminster Planners. Retaining the Grade II listed faade to the rear, Portland Stone has been used for the new elements, to remain in keeping with the original Aldwych masterplan.

The concept was to create a seamless relationship between the existing building and the contemporary additions. The hotel is contained within the new faade, which corresponds in height, scale and material palette to the adjacent apartment accommodation within the earlier listed masonry faade. Inside, a dramatic eleven-storey atrium will create a focus for the collective activities of the hotel.

Client: Grupo Urvasco S.A.
Consultants: Buro Happold, Davis Langdon, BDSP, Gordon Ingram Associates