The Suit Magazine

London – 5th November 2010 – The avant-garde Andaz Liverpool Street hotel, (Hyatt’s latest lifestyle brand), in the City of London has just added a delightfully original addition to its meeting options in a refurbishment of its Gallery and Upper Deck within the central atrium. Designed by Wilsdon Design Associates with project management by Confluence pcm and fit-out work undertaken by StructureTone UK, the Gallery and Upper Deck now provide between them a flexible range of pre-function, break-out, reception and informal meeting options all within an exciting and high quality contemporary envelope. The centrepiece of the new Gallery is a unique feature wall that serves to contain fridges, ice wells and storage but has been so designed that when not in use it appears to be an intriguing art installation.

Built on-site and comprising numerous laminates, timber and mirror elements, the wall acts as the signature piece; it also serves as the wall to the staircase leading to the Upper Deck. The wall has been cut back at the bottom of the stairs and replaced by glass – a simple solution to the previous problem of guests being unable to see the staircase hidden entirely behind a solid wall and therefore not realizing that there was an upper level. The timber to the stairs has been refreshed and, elsewhere, new timber flooring has been selected to match the original. Another issue for the project team was the fancoil installation along one wall of the Gallery. This is now housed in a custom-designed unit in the style of the feature wall that also provides a buffet counter for larger functions. Lighting was key to creating a more inviting ambience. The fit-out project therefore involved new electrical installations including specialist lighting to both the feature wall and the buffet unit and high level tube lighting on rigs.

All the lighting has been programmed for scene setting. StructureTone was also responsible for the refurbishment of the Gallery toilets, bringing them up to the highest quality standards. “The entire project, including strip-out, was completed by StructureTone in three weeks,” says Mark Ballantine who heads StructureTone’s Hotel Division. “This was achieved thanks to a very collaborative approach between the hotel and all members of the team.” General Manager, Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry says, “Our newly refurbished Gallery will continue the consistency and harmony that the areas of Andaz Liverpool Street are renowned for, while also embracing the “barrier-free” concept, which is part of the Andaz DNA. Similar to the Lounge, where guests are welcomed by our hosts to provide an easy and smooth check-in while comfortably seated and enjoying a glass of wine or a coffee and the Studio meeting room with its interactive kitchen and open service area, the new Gallery brings yet a more interactive experience with our guests, while creating a design-driven area with all modern comforts.”

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