Japanese Hotel in Europe, Nobu Hotel

Nobu Hospitality opens its first hotel in Europe, bringing the brand’s Japanese influence to London’s creative quarter. Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: © Will Pryce (unless otherwise stated). Japanese Hotel in Europe, Nobu Hotel, Shoreditch

Double-height bronze doors mark the entrance to the hotel, embossed with Nobu’s sumi-e brushstroke emblem, a pattern that is repeated throughout the interiors. Public spaces and guestrooms are the work of Studio Mica, who were asked to create an aesthetic that would relate to Shoreditch whilst aligning with Nobu’s brand ethos. “We have used a palette of materials that at first glance appear comparable to the industrial fabric of Shoreditch,” explains Carolynne Shenton, Partner at Studio Mica. The exposed concrete and tactile finishes of the façade make an appearance in the lobby and adjacent lounge, where an installation of reclaimed roof tiles in varying shades of terracotta adds to the rough luxe feel. “We consciously chose to retain the natural appearance of materials where possible, using patinated metals and timbers from different species to accentuate colour variations,” she continues. “We have also embraced the cultural heritage of Shoreditch as a centre for both traditional craft and contemporary art,” Shenton adds, referencing the works commissioned from local artist Sichi. Integrated into the guestrooms as sliding blackout screens, the collection – entitled Taizai, a Japanese expression meaning ‘to stay’ – is influenced by the landscapes of both Japan and London. The paintings are formed of expressive brush strokes, layered paint effects and graphical ink lines, each with an embellishment of gold.

scheme. “We accentuated the concrete by painting the enveloping walls a dusky aizome blue,” says Shenton. Aizome, the Japanese art of indigo dyeing, is also used as upholstery in the public spaces and guestrooms, offsetting the otherwise earthy palette. The 150 guestrooms, seven of which are suites, evoke a sense of contemporary Japanese tranquility. “The concept was to create tranquil spaces through simplicity,” says Shenton of the calm, uncluttered rooms. “We pursued this through a palette of materials that are textural and rich as a composition, and are in-keeping with the creativity of the local area and Nobu’s values of simple luxury.” Such composition can be seen in the guestroom’s outer wall, comprising different surfaces that are interchangeable to adjust the natural light and ambience of the space. Sichi’s artwork and a slatted timber privacy screen are mounted on sliding mechanisms that allow them to be repositioned in front of floor-to-ceiling windows or a textured woven wall. “The interaction of the four planes creates the changing character of the room through the different qualities of light and shade the screens provide,” confirms Shenton, who also designed a bespoke piece of furniture that conceals all manner of amenities. “Each guestroom has a wall-mounted cabinet that opens up like a bento box to reveal a colourful interior decorated with origami patterns and red lacquer,” she explains. “The cabinet hosts an illuminated tea box, used for the welcoming tea ceremony offered to each guest.”

Other than a few pieces by Walter Knoll, there is little in the way of loose furniture, maximising floor space and showcasing the custom designed carpets from Newhey. Also of note are the Japanese-style floor lamps that perch atop a tripod of chopstick-like rods, manufactured by Artisan and sourced through Kings Road concept store Nina’s House. In contrast to the guestrooms, bathrooms are more clinical in their design, and feature a striking brass sink made from Laufen’s SaphirKeramik material. Naturally for Nobu, there’s a significant focus on F&B. With its own separate entrance, the basement bar and restaurant is the main attraction, serving up Japanese fusion cuisine as well as unique plates inspired by the local area. To design the space, Nobu Hospitality turned to Studio PCH, responsible for a number of the group’s other outlets. “Our goal was to create a balanced union of London and Japanese culture,” say the firm, taking cues from Studio Mica’s public spaces. “We combined the local character with the influence of Japanese culture, paying attention to the selection of the materials such as teak, bronze detailing, and concrete structural elements.”

Given the high ceilings, concrete walls and prominent staircase, not to mention the linear floor plan, the challenge was to design a space that was comfortable and welcoming. “We created three different atmospheres to minimise this linear floorplan: the bar with high ceilings and a towering bottle display, the main dining room with a with a wood ceiling and wood flooring to create a warmer and cosier experience, and lastly a private dining room, with dramatic lighting and fireplaces.” Despite its below ground location, the bar takes in natural daylight through a sunken garden open for dining and private events. It is in this terraced space that Ron Arad will make a return to the project, having been commissioned to create an installation akin to his reflective Thought of Train of Thought at St. Pancras International. Arad will also create a sculpture in the hotel’s public garden, set to debut later this year. While Nobu has proved its worth as a standalone property, the option to add rooms to its already successful restaurants – many of which are located within hotels – remains an attractive offer. Next to open in Europe is Nobu Hotel Marbella, which will once again be a hotel-within-a-hotel, launching at Puente Romana Beach Resort & Spa in 2018.

sources: Sleeper, 9-10, 2017