The BoTree, London, UK

Posted in Projects on 2 March, 2024

Capitalising on its location at the junction of three thoroughfares, this chameleon-like property presents a different face to each street.

Vibrant and elegant, The BoTree has been determined to harness the essence of life in Marylebone, London, since opening in September last year. Founder Rishi Sachdev wanted to create a new, dynamic hotel anchored within its neighbourhood. With Bond Street tube station on its doorstep, The five-star hotel has been designed to attract passers-by, offering differing social experiences from early morning breakfasts to long lunches.

With the vision set by Rishi and The BoTree team, the layout and design of the hotel was designed and crafted by EPR Architects and Amsterdam based interior designer Concrete to create an architectural marvel in the exciting landscape of Marylebone.

Architecture
The BoTree stands on a prominent site at the intersection of three thoroughfares, Wellbeck Street, Henrietta Place and Marylebone Lane, each with remarkably differing characteristics. In response to each street’s unique character, each elevation of the hotel’s exterior has been designed to blend in with its surroundings.

The Marylebone Lane elevation embraces the smaller-scale architectural format and characteristics of the lane by incorporating traditional material, such as brick, complemented with bronze accents. Large format glazing creates an open, welcoming frontage to the hotel and a covered outdoor terrace provides a vibrant social setting and neighbourhood entrance for the hotel’s restaurant, LAVO.

In contrast, the architectural language on Wellbeck Street is much larger in scale and consequently The BoTree’s design on this side of the building celebrates the robust solid materials of the street by using concrete and stone, enhanced with a fluted profile to increase shadows and texture.

Both the Marylebone Lane and Wellbeck Street designs incorporate projecting glass bay windows in differing formats to evoke the rhythm of each streetscape and provide fantastic 180-degree views for guests and additional lounge space in each room.

A striking bronze lattice that scales the full height of the façade surrounds the hotel’s entrance on the corner of Henrietta Place and Marylebone Lane. This prominent spot is visible from Oxford Street and has been designed as an identifiable and memorable entrance to the hotel as well as a local landmark that announces the southern gateway to Marylebone Village. The lattice work is adorned with flowers and greenery that evokes the floral displays embellishing many buildings that line Marylebone Lane.

Interior design
The neighbourhood-like feeling is maintained in the lobby thanks to the personal approach to check-in. There is no desk and guests can sit on one of the many plush chairs or couches while they are greeted by a member of the team. Amber-toned swivelling glass panels zone different spaces, including the check-in area and the lifts, to establish a sense of intimacy and connection. A custom-made swivelling welcome piece features artwork on one side, mirror on another, and an open shelf on the third. The installation can be changed seasonally or daily, providing a fresh experience for guests each time they visit.

The BoTree’s 199 guestrooms, including 30 suites, are inspired by the fashion-forward, floral-infused lifestyle that defines Marylebone. As the lines between business and leisure blur, the rooms provide guests with a temporary city residency that embraces a modern lifestyle, becoming a space not just for sleep, but one for gatherings, private dining, work or relaxation.

The room layout is unique, with a residential-style foyer and double doors that open to a spacious dressing room, with marble finishes, mirrors and brass touches. Translucent sliding doors lead from the dressing area to the sleeping area. Each guestroom features a bespoke headboard featuring one of several different flower designs, inspired by local displays. The bedroom is designed to be a cocoon, with a cosy sofa by the bay window.

Each suite category is named after a local street and bears a unique character while maintaining the hotel’s signature blend of sophistication and comfort. Luxurious materials and gold accents are used throughout including oak, marble, ribbed marble tiles, fluted glass, and frosted glass. Japanese-inspired paper adds an elegant touch to the sliding doors.

The suites offer versatility, with interconnected areas that can be unified into one expansive loft-style room or discreetly sectioned off with sliding panels. There’s a living area strategically positioned at the corner of the building and a balcony to provide great city views.

Amenities
The BoTree Bar’s colour scheme comprises emerald greens, royal blues and turquoise. The ceiling displays gold-tinted shapes encapsulating lights in bright colours, which change to reflect the time of the day. Adding to the opulence is an artisanal terrazzo floor, adorned with brass inlays, mirrored walls and a dramatic underlit bar with a display of artifacts.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, LAVO, is a double-height, split-level space under the hotel’s central lightwell. Distinguished artist Dorian Van Braam has integrated a symbolic gold and white fleur-de-lis throughout the restaurant’s ground level ceiling. The restaurant’s subterranean level has a strong Mediterranean ambiance thanks to a striking olive tree.

Sustainability
The BoTree is the first of property to open in the Place III Hotels collection. The brand’s ethos is ‘conscious luxury’, combining uncompromising standards with mindful choices. This purpose-driven approach is at the root of everything that The BoTree does. Throughout the design process thoughtful choices were made, with the hotel committed to reducing its resource and carbon footprints year on year, embracing digital options and new technology wherever possible.

A testament to this philosophy can be seen in the lobby where a central, 3D printed sculpture, titled The Bo Roots, reflects the hotel’s roots and is made from recycled coffee cups.

Destination
Place III aims to offer a collection of hotels in sought-after locations that capture the best of London. Offering immersive experiences created through enchanting spaces, world-class living and intuitive service, each is keyed into its own London village. The BoTree will be followed by future hotels in Soho and Holborn.