Four Seasons Hotel Spa

Situated on the 10th floor of the 1970s luxury hotel, the facilities comprise a linear sequence of spaces, from the reception to various types of treatment rooms to relaxation areas. The architect wanted to involve the central process of retreating from the outside world.

A dialogue with the outside world was established through a graded sequence of increasingly cocooned spaces and a return sequence with a progressively transparent external envelope and panoramic views across Hyde Park, Green Park, Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Buckingham Palace
n order to regulate light and views, a graded ceramic frit is applied to the low-iron external glazing. Behind this semi-transparent curtains are hung.

The materials are chosen to regulate moods and light levels, deal with wet and humid conditions and resist wear and tear. Horsehair wall panels provide acoustic softening to counteract sound reflective finishes such as granite flooring and walls.

With high-density cladding materials, vitality pools, underfloor heating and heavy services, mainly accommodated in a 1.1m deep plenum below the spa, its structural design was challenging. Steel girders support the new loads, transferring them to the existing concrete columns.