A-nrd's renovation of the Arthouse hotel in Glasgow pays homage to the city's heritage with a thoughtful design that balances originality and modernity.
Interior design firm A-nrd has recently reimagined a 19th-century townhouse in Glasgow, transforming it into the Arthouse hotel. The design embraces a raw and authentic material palette that highlights the industrial heritage of the city, a choice rooted in both aesthetic preference and cultural significance.
A Thoughtful Approach to Restoration
Tasked with revamping a building initially converted into a hotel back in 1999, A-nrd's founders, Alessio Nardi and Lukas Persakovas, prioritized a low-intervention approach advocated by British hospitality brand Oberland. They began the project by stripping away modern additions to expose the structure’s historic elements, a strategy often employed in restoration projects aiming to retain original character while providing necessary updates.
This approach reflects a growing trend in the hospitality industry: the desire to celebrate the past while accommodating contemporary needs. By stripping down the layers of time, A-nrd has added a rich narrative thread to the hotel’s story. The restored building offers not just a place to stay but an experience that connects guests with Glasgow's storied history.
Design Philosophy: A Sense of Place
"Arthouse needed to feel like it's always been part of the city," Nardi emphasizes. The design choices—from restoring original features to crafting bespoke furniture—intentionally reflect the building’s history and celebrate local artistry, creating a space that doesn't just exist but resonates with its surroundings.
The hotel, previously known as the ArtHouse, reclaimed its identity to reinforce its historical significance. It isn't just a name change; it’s a conscious effort to connect the establishment with its roots, something that can draw in visitors who appreciate authenticity. This rebranding effort serves both to honor the past and to stake a claim in the competitive hotel market, where guest experiences often hinge on unique backstories.
Preserving Historic Features
Original features like the birdcage lift, stained-glass windows, and ornate tiled walls have been meticulously preserved, while high ceilings enhance the spacious feel. By keeping these elements intact, A-nrd not only maintains the physical integrity of the building but also its narrative. Each preserved feature narrates a chapter of its history, allowing guests to experience the architectural evolution over time.
Elements such as exposed brick walls and wooden floors were intentionally left raw, merging historical authenticity with contemporary sophistication. This interplay between old and new reflects a modern design ethos that prioritizes transparency, both visually and conceptually—what you see is a true representation of the space's heritage.
Local Collaboration and Craftsmanship
Nardi notes, "Glasgow’s industrial past deeply influenced our choices." Materials such as steel, zinc, and dark wood were incorporated to evoke a grittier aesthetic, making each space feel textural and grounded. This approach sets a precedent for future projects that aim to celebrate local culture through design—inviting guests to appreciate the uniqueness of the space.
The hotel features 76 guest rooms that blend these historical elements with modern details like wooden bed frames and handcrafted storage solutions, including coat hooks created by West House Pottery. The collaboration with local artisans creates an authentic sense of place, connecting guests not just to the building but also to the community that surrounds it.
Working closely with local artisans, A-nrd incorporated unique touches, such as glass wall lamps designed by Glaswegian artist Vicky Higginson, enhancing the hotel’s character and connection to the community. (And this is the part most people overlook: the role of local craftsmanship in enriching a hotel’s identity.)
A Harmonious Environment
The hotel's lounge displays a captivating deep-olive color scheme across walls, ceilings, and custom joinery. Bespoke seating crafted by A-nrd, upholstered in coordinating sage-green fabric from Kirkby Design, mingles with vintage furniture for a dynamic textural range. This blend not only adds visual interest but also invites guests to linger—a critical aspect for hospitality.
Celentano's restaurant, found on the ground floor, maintains a relaxed bistro vibe. Features like reclaimed flooring and a bespoke zinc bar complement the main hotel design while creating a distinct yet cohesive dining experience. This attention to detail in the restaurant's architecture reflects A-nrd's broader vision, integrating food and environment to enhance customer satisfaction.
The Circulation of Design and Community
The building’s circulation areas juxtapose original details with vintage furnishings and custom design elements, including a sculptural wooden reception desk and unique pendant lighting also from A-nrd. Bright green corridors connect the lift and stairwell, providing contrast against the original Victorian tiles and terrazzo flooring, inviting exploration and encouraging guest movement through the space.
Guest rooms span the three upper floors, with plans to convert the lower ground floor into additional guest accommodations. A-nrd concludes with an intention to ground every aspect of the design in the hotel’s context: "The end result invites guests to immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of Glasgow." This sentiment underscores how the hotel serves not just as a refuge but as a portal to the city’s character.
Significance and Future Outlook
A-nrd's approach focuses on storytelling through design to create spaces with character and connection. Their portfolio includes similar restoration projects that respect historical narratives while integrating modern functionality. This trend towards blending the old with the new isn't just a preference; it's becoming a necessity in urban tourism, where travelers increasingly seek experiences tied to local culture.
As cities like Glasgow invest in preserving their history while adapting to modern demands, projects like the Arthouse Hotel can lead the way in redefining urban hospitality. If you're working in this space, understanding this blend might be key to capturing the growing market of travelers seeking more than standard accommodations—it's about connecting with a narrative.
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