Design studio Ica has collaborated with Concrete to deliver CitizenM’s fourth property in London, embracing the constraints of a mid-terrace site to deliver a Georgian-inspired, 226-room hotel close to Victoria Station.
Drawing from its expertise in modular and hospitality design, and with the help of construction partner Gilbert Ash, Ica crafted an efficient design that went beyond the expectations of the original concept and unlocked additional guestrooms. The design was then perfected and streamlined to not only provide more accommodations, but also allow off-site fabrication and minimise any subsequent construction disturbance.
Guestrooms were produced in Poland and brought to site, complete with all internal fixtures and fittings assembled. Ultimately, this reduced the impact on neighbours and adjacent buildings, enabling the existing sub-station and telecommunication equipment to remain live throughout the demolition and rebuild.
While CitizenM hotels typically boast a branded grid look, this property draws influence from Georgian architecture, following principles of proportion, symmetry and balance – expressed in a facade design regimented with top, middle and bottom facade lines. The bays are defined by deep concrete fins, which articulate the facade and allow the structure to blend in with the locale while retaining its own identity.
Inside, the development features CitizenM’s trademark communal spaces, including a cosy living room with plenty of nooks and corners, as well as a 24/7 canteenM at the heart of the ground floor. There’s also artworks by local talents who were tasked with re-imagining British culture, while guestrooms include modern fixtures and fittings as well as technology that controls the lighting, TV and black-out blinds.
Opened last month, CitizenM London Victoria is part of a strategic partnership between Ica and CitizenM. Its success has been a catalyst for further collaborations, namely Dublin – currently on Ica’s drawing board.
