THE EMORY, LONDON, UK

Posted in Projects on 3 November, 2024

A melting pot of creative powerhouses has created an all-suite confection in Belgravia.

Like a glorious stack of sumptuous mattresses piled high in the fairy tale of the Princess and the Pea, The Emory has layered floors of unique suites – each created by different studios – to create a knickerbocker glory of the most elegant proportions.

Set in Belgravia, The Emory is London’s first all-suite hotel and the latest opening by Maybourne, operator of Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley. Its glass and steel structure was born as an ingenious solution by RSHP’s Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour to the complexities surrounding a compact footprint. The structural system is designed like a tree, with the façades being picked up and kept in place by steel ‘sails’ that extend from the roof of the hotel, branching out and holding up all the floors, extending out and over the base of the hotel.

The Emory’s steel staircase, visible from the newly created hotel entrance at Old Barracks Yard, is painted in a distinctive pink hue dubbed ‘Richard Rogers Pink’, as an homage to the late architect’s influential involvement in the project. It adds a touch of personality and warmth to this central architectural feature and is a signature colour for The Emory.

Left: The hotel entrance. Right: Surrennes’ lobby. Top: The Emory Cigar Merchants. All photographs by courtesy of Maybourne

Describing the innovative steelwork design, architect Ivan Harbour likened it to “watchmaking on a grand scale”. Comparing the building to a beautiful Swiss watch with a skeletonised dial, he said: “Every element of the sail structure reflects a meticulous attention to detail, where the beauty of movement is apparent, and nothing is hidden.”

There are 61 suites set over nine floors, including a wraparound glass penthouse. Each two floors showcase the creative aesthetic of a different world class designer. United by their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, the generous interiors offer guests a world of privacy. The designers’ attention to detail include furniture designed exclusively for The Emory and using the full-height windows to invite the outside in.

The Rigby & Rigby penthouse.

Rigby & Rigby’s approach to the penthouse design started with the individual natural elements surrounding the hotel. This can be seen in subtle details of the bespoke furnishings throughout the space, which includes a living space and dining room, two bedrooms, private gym and terrace. Soft curves, a reference to yacht design, add to the perception of balance and harmony, inviting a sense of flow that provides a calm atmosphere but also a sense of excitement as a contrast to the geometry of the external architecture. The bespoke carpet and finishes link to the surrounding park views, their interlinking walkways and lakes. The environment is also reflected in the contrasting interior finishes, such as the handpicked veneers, fabrics, silk marbles and fixtures and fittings.

The André Fu suite.

André Fu’s vision was to foster a sense of ease and tranquillity, embracing the surrounding environment and allowing it to become an integral backdrop to the guest’s stay. Lush shades of green, including olive greens and pistachio, mirror the park’s foliage. A touch of golden pink, reminiscent of sunset hues, adds a subtle but grounded thematic touch to the colour scheme. His use of marble, stone, hard wood and fine oak detailing contribute to a strong sense of tactility.

Patricia Urquiola’s concept for The Emory revolves around a meticulous spatial sequence, creating an immersive journey for guests. Spaces include walls covered with cane-patterned and smooth wooden wainscoting, a textured plaster ceiling, travertine for the bathroom, and parquet flooring, as well as bespoke furniture pieces in marble.

The Champalimaud Design suite.

Champalimaud Design’s suites offer both a tribute to and a sanctuary from the bustling city. The design of each suite is elevated quietly by a cladding of wood panels in bleached black limba and a herringbone white oak floor. Visual interest comes in the timeless motif of the Stingray rug, designed by Champalimaud in collaboration with The Rug Company. The living room also features antique bronze hardware by Joseph Giles in the living room. The bathroom is fitted with Dornbracht fixtures in polished chrome and a Devon & Devon bathtub. The vanity is composed of a Calacatta Gold polished marble top with bleached black limba wood drawers beneath.

“Most of the furniture was custom designed by our studio. We created a headboard with bespoke details like upholstered channels, brass hooks to hang a replaceable headboard cover, and beautiful champagne brass metal edges following the soft curve of the headboard. All the joinery was carried out by Longpré, a great partner producing high quality work,” said Jun Chun, principal, Champalimaud Design.

Each of Pierre Yves Rochon’s suites is inspired by classically tailored English styling and fabrics. The dramatic, library-themed corridors lead guests through residential millwork featuring an extensive collection of books and art objects. The colour palette, ranging from soft ivory to deep caramel, exudes sophistication. There are plush seating, wool flannel blackout curtains, and hand-tufted bedroom rugs. Organic brass pendants and iconic floor lamps cast soft, inviting glows.

Left: Private dining room at abc Kitchens. Right: abc Kitchens.

On the ground floor sits the restaurant, abc kitchens, from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, offering for the first time his trilogy of restaurants from New York – abc kitchen, abcV and abc cocina – all under one roof. Designed by Remi Tessier, warm wood tones, polished copper, a vertical glass wine cellar and a colossal statement Rosso Orobico marble block set the stage, alongside a series of artwork by Damien Hirst titled The Secret Gardens Paintings.

With its 360-degree view of the capital’s skyline, The Emory’s spectacular rooftop on the tenth floor, is the jewel in its crown. Featuring two spectacular glass pavilions parallel to the steel sails of the building, they are home to The Emory Cigar Merchants and Bar 33, a sweeping space for hotel guests only, or by private invitation. In The Emory Cigar Merchants, burl wood details pay homage to traditional cigar boxes and a circular halo light fixture provides soft and diffused lighting while containing a state-of-the-art and hidden extraction system.