Our award-winning work on The Arts Club hotel reflects the storied history of the private members club founded by Charles Dickens
Winner of the Hospitality category at the 2017 AI Specification Awards, The Arts Club hotel project involved the transformation of three floors previously used as office space above the famous private members’ club founded by Charles Dickens. The challenge was creating a glamorous boutique hotel that was an extension of the style of the Arts Club itself. The ironmongery therefore had to live up to the very highest of standards; honouring history whilst meeting modern expectations.
The project
Working closely with the contractor and the interior designer, Harbrine ensured that the ironmongery reflected the age and beauty of the building, as well as being functionally robust. Harbrine not only specified the highest quality hardware, but sourced a specific finish and matched it across products. They saw the project to its conclusion, managing the supply process through to handover.
The completed project is magnificent and timeless. There is a subtle interplay between the ironmongery and the rest of the room. Everything is as it should be, nothing is out of place. No mere facade, the detailing and top class manufacturing values of the hardware supports a closer examination. It looks and feels great.
The products
Harbrine worked closely with manufacturer Frank Allart in adapting their products to suit the very specific needs of the project. The interior designer provided the style guidelines and required dimensions, which were non-standard sizes. Harbrine had Frank Allart customise a number of their handles.
The finish was a bespoke bronze. Not only did this have to meet the exacting needs of the project, but it had to be co-ordinated across products, to be in tune with the room and with each piece of hardware.
Harbrine specified quality mechanical hardware and co-ordinated it with the door furniture. This included hinges by Royde & Tucker and door controls by DORMA. These were subtly integrated into the room to provide peace of mind and long-lasting functionality without disturbing the carefully balanced aesthetics.
