Astet Studio‘s Vision for Aethos London Shoreditch
Boutique hotel brand Aethos has unveiled its first London location, a seamless blend of industrial and Japanese-inspired designs by Astet Studio. The firm revamps the space housed in a Ron Arad Associates building, previously the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, and this project radiates elegance and tranquility.
The Concept of “East Meets East”
The hotel’s interiors explore the concept of “East meets East.” According to Oscar Engroba, co-founder of Astet Studio, speaking to Dezeen, the goal was to engage Shoreditch’s industrial essence with precise Japanese craftsmanship, redefining the space without overshadowing its inherent character. The designers create a unique synergy from these elements.
To explore more about Japanese craftsmanship, Colorful Harmony: En Iwamura’s Ceramic Figures offers a fascinating look at space and emotion through ceramic art.
Inspiration from Utsuroi
Astet Studio drew inspiration from the Japanese concept of Utsuroi, a philosophy where architecture serves as a constant, enveloping an experience that subtly shifts and evolves. They incorporate this concept into the design of the hotel’s lobby, bar, gym, members’ lounge, and the Mitsu restaurant.
Guests are welcomed into an open lobby adorned in earthy browns and muted natural hues, creating a warm atmosphere amid the industrial backdrop. Engroba emphasized the desire to integrate Shoreditch’s rhythm with moments of tranquility and reflection. Here, the studio blends contemporary and traditional design elements.
Astet Studio Transforms with Vintage and Local Inspirations
Throughout the lobby, contemporary, low-height seating and large, textured rugs carve out intimate zones for relaxation. Vintage decor and furniture complement local artists’ works, creating a venue deeply tied to east London’s roots. Bespoke wood panels add warmth and tactility across various spaces, ensuring a cohesive visual experience. The design team marries vintage aesthetics with modern functionality.
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Material Palette and Design Intentions
The design elements combine hand-finished timber, textured ceramics, and woven fabrics. Engroba notes that using materials absorbing light, rather than reflecting it, fosters a tactile, evolving atmosphere that matures gracefully over the day. These materials are crafted into a coherent and elegant environment.
Serenity in the Bedrooms
The bedrooms offer a sanctuary with a simpler, refined palette. Inviting tones of grey, burnt orange, and blackened wood enhance comfort and intimacy, crafting a serene urban retreat. The rooms become personal sanctuaries.
“The materials are softer, the lighting more controlled, cultivating an intimate atmosphere,” Engroba shared.
Concluding Thoughts on Design Influence
This project, along with the Mitsu restaurant and influences from Aethos London Shoreditch, showcases a nuanced approach to hospitality design. The result is a harmonious blend of subtlety and sophistication, echoing the seamless merge of cultures. The vision is brought into reality.
The photography highlights come from Pion Studio.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the design focus of Aethos London Shoreditch?
Aethos London Shoreditch focuses on blending industrial and Japanese-inspired designs, creating a seamless integration of Shoreditch’s industrial essence with Japanese craftsmanship. Astet Studio aimed to redefine the space without overshadowing its inherent character.
What inspired the design of the hotel’s lobby?
The design of the hotel’s lobby was inspired by the Japanese concept of Utsuroi, which involves creating an experience that subtly shifts and evolves. Astet Studio incorporated earthy browns and muted natural hues to create a warm atmosphere amid the industrial backdrop.
How does the material palette influence the hotel’s atmosphere?
The material palette, which combines hand-finished timber, textured ceramics, and woven fabrics, influences the hotel’s atmosphere by absorbing light rather than reflecting it. This approach fosters a tactile, evolving environment that matures gracefully over the day.