Creating a high-end luxury hotel while still preserving the key features of the Knightsbridge property

Consisting of 27 suites, nine executive doubles and a presidential suite occupying the entire sixth and seventh floors. The hotel has been uniquely decorated in rich furnishings and sumputous finishes with 1920’s art deco themes throughout.

The ground floor contains a jazz lounge, crystal bar, oval restaurant, bespoke humidor room and cigar lounge with a private heated terrace. The principal facade facing Knightsbridge is of architectural heritage and the decorated stone and faience was retained. A new facade to the rear elevation was constructed in predominantly brickwork and slate mansard.

For Multiplex, this offered the challenge of being mindful of preserving existing, historical aspects of the current building, while ushering the design into modern times.

The project was designed above an existing London Underground infrastructure, as the demise line is horizontal along the basement. The infrastructure consists of lift and stair shafts, a sub-station and three ventilation shafts which were successfully maintained throughout construction as they were vital to ensure the Piccadilly Tube network remained operational.

Logistical challenges included load restrictions on the forecourt, Transport for London red route conditions, single point site access and sensitive neighbours. All of which were successfully managed and achieved.

Hotel ground floor contains a jazz lounge, crystal bar, oval restaurant, bespoke humidor room and cigar lounge with a private heated terrace.

The Wellesley offers an example of the diverse nature of design and construction skills at Multiplex.