British hotel chain Birch opens up its latest chain in South London's Croydon with the Birch Selsdon which is located in a 19th-century mansion. It has 181 rooms along with a wellness space and lido, co-working spaces, as well as restaurants and bars. The interior design work is conceived by local studios -- A-nrd and Stella Concept that takes on a restorative approach by striping back much of the looks to allow the original architecture to stand in the spotlight.
Cox explains the new project during an episode of the Climate Salon podcast by Dezeen, stating "Managed woodlands have higher biodiversity because when you harvest the trees, light gets onto the woodland floor and other vegetation can grow. So we can categorically say that our furniture actually makes a net contribution. It doesn't just harvest materials, it actually contributes to the spaces that the materials come from."
19th-Century Mansion Hotels
Sebastian Cox Designs the New Birch Selsdon in Croydon
Trend Themes
1. Mansion Hotels - The repurpose of historic properties for modern use in the hospitality industry.
2. Wellness Spaces in Hotels - The addition of spa and other wellness facilities in hotels to attract health-conscious guests, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Sustainable Interior Design - Incorporating sustainable materials and practices into interior design to enhance the guest experience and reduce environmental impact.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Reimagining and repurposing historic properties to cater to modern travellers who value unique experiences and authenticity.
2. Spa and Wellness - Developing facilities and experiences that prioritize health and wellness, focusing on physical and mental wellbeing.
3. Interior Design - Incorporating sustainable materials and practices into design concepts to create spaces with a lower environmental impact and to cater to environmentally conscious clients.