Langham is an English-fashioned brand dating back to 1865. Their first hotel was in London, and an English classical style is very much part of their DNA.
The client’s brief was to adhere to Langham’s core elements incorporating subtle tones and simple white classical paneling, but to imbue the design with a sense of place. The challenge was to ensure the guest could recognize the principal elements of the Langham Hotels brand while being cognizant of the references to the locale and its cultural heritage.
Smallwood has kept to the Langham ‘DNA’ by incorporating white timber paneling to create a classical backdrop with contemporary furniture, lighting, and fittings to act as a counterpoint and instill a freshness to the overall design.
Key pieces such as the ‘cellarette’ (a Langham signature element which houses the mini-bar, dry goods, wines, and spirits) are maintained but designed in a more Sino-orientated style. Langham’s core operational requirements are therefore met while adding a sense of place within the overall scheme.
