Acoustics case study

Berners Hotel, London

Background

The historic Berners Hotel in London’s Fitzrovia neighbourhood dates back to 1835. The property originally was comprised of five residential houses and was ultimately converted into a hotel. The layout includes a basement, ground and seven upper floors, and incorporates original architectural features, such as ornate ceilings and a marble-clad reception area.

The hotel had been closed since 2006 and was placed in administration in August 2010. The hotel was acquired from the previous owner in 2010. Marriott planed to completely redesign and redevelop the property before its grand opening as a new EDITION hotel.

Challenge

Having been closed since 2006 Marriot chose to work again with Ian Schrager, who is an American entrepreneur, hotelier and real estate developer. The new boutique EDITION brand was conceived by Ian Schrager in partnership with Marriott International. It combines the personal, intimate, individualised and unique guest experience that Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott. The challenge was to keep the original style of the building following its redevelopment.

Solution

SRL undertook an acoustic review of the existing structure and from this then prepared an acoustic design to incorporate new and existing walls and floors. We were working with the team to ensure that as much of the existing fabric and character was retained whist still allowing the new design to meet part E of the current Building Regulations. From our initial review we were also able to offer suggestions as to the best use of different spaces within the building from an acoustic point of view.