Otherwander Soho Capsule Hotel: A Capsule Oasis in the Heart of London
London-based studio SODA has ingeniously transformed a former backpacker hostel into Otherwander Soho, a dynamic capsule hotel located in central London. With 566 sleeping pods, this venue offers budget-friendly yet aesthetically appealing accommodation amid the bustling urban landscape.
Positioned close to Oxford Street, Otherwander Soho occupies early 20th-century buildings that SODA has artfully expanded and renovated. SODA director Ryan Holland shares that their goal was to provide highly compact accommodation options that do not compromise on design or the guest experience.
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A Modern Take on Capsule Living
Capsule hotels have roots in Japan, where compact accommodation options have been popular since 1979. Designed for travelers seeking both economic and stylish lodging, these pod hotels offer an ideal solution in cities with sky-high space and accommodation costs.
Holland emphasizes that this site is perfect for short stays, targeting guests focused on exploring the city rather than spending extensive time in their rooms.
Architectural Elegance Meets Functionality
SODA’s project involved both architectural and interior design, preserving the historic charms of Dean Street while introducing a contemporary rear extension. This new addition, replacing a low-quality post-war structure, houses accessible accommodations and facilities.
With architectural nuances inspired by neighboring Soho structures, the extension flaunts hand-laid arched elements and corbelled windows, creating visual harmony with its vibrant surroundings.
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Technology and Hospitality Unite
The hotel introduces guests to the Gallery, a sleek lobby with a digital screen and automated check-in processes, reflecting a technological approach to hospitality. Through QR codes, automation is maximized, reducing the need for staff and enhancing guest freedom and convenience.
The Huddle, a social space on the ground floor, envelops visitors with a warm palette of pink and green, complete with a neon-lit bar. The accessible design aspects ensure smooth navigation throughout this expansive pod hotel.
Bright, Bold, and Brimming with Flair
Colour is a strategic tool at Otherwander Soho, imbuing the interiors with youthful energy and serving as a helpful guide for wayfinding. The lighting dynamically adapts to the different moods, from calm, serene mornings to lively, electrified evenings.
Climbing through the hotel, visitors will find pods across multiple floors, each isolated acoustically and designed with individual climate controls.
Beyond the Pod: Expanding Horizons
Offering both male, female, and unisex bathrooms, SODA elevates guest expectations with lush rain showers and terrazzo surfaces. Each level accommodates these communal facilities, ensuring practicality with style.
SODA’s work here is just one example of their innovative approach, which also includes a cutting-edge conversion of a London Art Deco landmark.
Infusing the City with Innovation
Otherwander Soho is more than just a place to rest—it’s an experience crafted for the design-conscious traveler. With its immersive hues and efficient design, the facility stands as a testament to SODA’s forward-thinking approach to hospitality in one of the world’s busiest cities.
The transformation exemplifies both a respect for historic preservation and a bold leap towards modernity, creating a landmark that captures the imagination while meeting economic and spatial urban challenges.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What was the original purpose of the Otherwander Soho site?
The site that is now Otherwander Soho was originally a backpacker hostel before being transformed by London-based studio SODA into a capsule hotel.
What design approach did SODA take with Otherwander Soho?
SODA focused on providing highly compact accommodation options that do not compromise on design or guest experience, respecting historic preservation while also making a bold leap towards modernity.
How does the hotel incorporate technology in its operations?
The hotel includes a digital screen in the lobby and automated check-in processes using QR codes, maximizing automation to reduce the need for staff and enhance guest freedom and convenience.