In his latest project, interior architect André Fu has introduced elements of freshness and light to London’s Berkeley hotel, integrating an airy aesthetic. The result is a tranquil design experience that offers a sanctuary in the middle of a bustling city. The Knightsbridge Pavilion Penthouse is the fourth super-suite that Fu has created for the hotel, marking a newest addition to his longstanding relationship with this iconic London establishment.
Set on the corner of London’s historic Hyde Park, the new spacious suite takes inspiration from the natural sanctuary that the park provides in the heart of central London. The suite features a reception area, living room, entertainment bar, outdoor terrace, master bedroom and bathroom, study, walk in closet and guest bathroom, as well as an optional connecting twin room.
THE INSPIRATION
Set within a ‘glass box’ that is integrated within the hotel’s existing outside terrace, the Knightsbridge Pavilion Penthouse has echoes of mid-century design, grounding it in a sense of history. These historical connections are combined with an innate feeling of airy freshness, conveyed through the suite’s natural stone, foliage vignettes, organic lighting, and intertwining hand-crafted woodwork. Each of these detailed design elements has been carefully chosen to connect the space with the encompassing green serenity of Hyde Park, highlighted by the selection of vivid green onyx, which integrates the lush colour of park into the suite. The overall effect is of an urban retreat that offers a fresh perspective on its historic location.
THE EXPERIENCE
The arrival foyer, which boasts floor to ceiling oak panelling, features a modernist screen hand-crafted with solid oak that suggests intertwining geometries with the adjoining dining table. The sculptural table, comprised of an oak base and an ivory travertine top, is an artful installation in itself. The piece continues the sense of interconnectedness, working in conjunction with the interlocking, oak-bracket light fixture that hangs above. Framed by marble columns, the dining room setting serves as a focal point of the space, opening up to a terrace outside with a view of the glorious parkland.
The glasshouse where the main living room and the bar area sits is flooded with natural light again imbuing the space with optimism and freshness. The onyx bar introduces a pistachio green hue to the atmosphere – echoed throughout the suite – that also connects the space to the al fresco terrace overlooking Knightsbridge and Hyde Park. The master bedroom exudes Fu’s signature language of relaxed luxury. The highlight is its bathroom overlooking Hyde Park, with a freestanding bathtub alongside a pair of timber screens that frame the vista. The bathroom resumes the focus on capturing the natural daylight inside, with floor-to-ceiling windows and delicately placed slits in the shower that maximize the reach of the organic sunlight.
THE PALETTE
The suite’s colour palette and materials are inspired by the lush landscape at Hyde Park and its surrounding architecture, bringing a feeling of freshness and newness to this well-loved property. Solid oak and pistachio greens conjure up the flora and fauna of the park, while ivory, off-whites, mineral greys and plasterwork evoke the London streets that can be viewed from the suite’s terrace.
André Fu Living has created a series of bespoke furniture and decorative lighting in the suite. A key feature is the ivory travertine dining table for 6, illuminated by suspended lanterns hanging from a crafted timber frame. Another highlight is two collectable objects by André Fu, the Swirl floor lamp, which demonstrates Fu’s experimentation with bronze and links the idea of foliage and greenery. The bedside lamp, HuaRui is crafted from cast bronze and inspired by an orchid, again reflecting the park's ecology. Once again, Fu has created an extraordinary glasshouse suite that exudes modern luxury and uses color and texture to create a tranquil sanctuary amidst the bustle of the city.
