International designers appointed to transform Bretton Hall

Posted in News on 3 October, 2017

MüllerVanTol, an internationally renowned, award-winning interior design studio has been appointed by Rushbond to design the interiors of the Grade II* listed heritage building Bretton Hall, which currently is undergoing a multi-million pound transformation into a new hotel and creative campus.

Bas van Tol, cofounder and creative director at Amsterdam-based MüllerVanTol will lead on the interior design for the first phase of work at Bretton Hall.  Due for completion in 2019, this phase will include the development of the hotel involving the existing mansion house at the heart of the campus. Two theatres, a seminar space and separate exhibition area will form new conferencing facilities with further accommodation, work and educational spaces planned for future phases.

Bas van Tol on the studio’s appointment said: “Bretton Hall offers an unrivalled opportunity to create a very individual destination, taking the rich history and legacy of Bretton Hall as a hotbed of creative thinking and talent, and re-imaging it as a unique destination for overnight and longer stays, conferencing, exhibitions and events.”

MüllerVanTol specialises in the design of landmark venues in the hospitality, cultural and creative sectors. The studio’s work in Amsterdam includes The Volkshotel a 1960s former newspaper office turned contemporary hotel, and new offices for advertising agency 72andsunny, across one entire floor of a 19th century former school. For Bretton Hall MüllerVanTol will be working in collaboration with renowned British designer Ilse Crawford with whom Bas van Tol has a long association through their roles as department heads at the Design Academy Eindhoven.

A hallmark of van Tol’s work is in creating sustainable places with a strong identity to accommodate a multitude of activities and uses. Commenting further, Bas van Tol said: “Transforming a building involves a highly specific approach to the context to unlock its potential. That context is composed of the qualities present in a particular place, both social and cultural. With its historical, architectural and landscape qualities, Bretton Hall is full of promise, setting the foundations for creating a remarkable hotel which is truly inclusive, accessible and original.”

Mark Finch, Real Estate Director of Rushbond, commented: “It was imperative for us when choosing a design company that we find someone who also shares our vision to create a destination that is exceptional in every detail.  MüllerVanTol have delivered projects around the world that have design excellence at their core, creating atmospheres sensitive to the previous lives of the often historically significant buildings they design for.  Bretton Hall has always been a significant landmark in Yorkshire, due to its stunning location in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It’s future as an original, top-quality, outstandingly designed hotel and creative campus will be unparalleled in the North of England.”

Cllr Peter Box CBE, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I am delighted that we have reached this important stage in the development of Bretton Hall.

“The development will complement the highly successful Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which along with The Hepworth Wakefield and the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, is part of the internationally-known Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle.”