The projects at Mercure MK involved a series of alterations, interventions and additions that were targeted to improve functionality, enhance the user’s experience and significantly improve the overall visual appearance of the existing hotel.
The designs developed included the conversion of existing Conference Rooms to provide 11 additional guest bedrooms, the introduction of a Porte Cochere to create a covered entrance area for guests and the modernising of the appearance of the fronting façade through the introduction of projecting window surrounds and zones of cladding.
The proposed design involved the provision of additional accommodation, including 31 guest bedrooms, in a manner that was respectful to the existing listed building, its setting within a Conservation Area and the adjacent Grade 1 Listed Church and shrunken medieval village (Scheduled Ancient Monument).
The design approach for the Bedroom Extension was one of ‘Deferential Contrast’, with a contemporary self-effacing addition of high architectural quality providing a backdrop that will clearly maintain the integrity and interpretation of the original listed building and its setting.
The smaller single storey side extension, providing the additional dining room space and a staff room, takes the form of a ‘Complementary Addition’ with the profile, massing and proportions based on the existing building to generate greater balance and consistency to the over west elevation, which is the main visual focus from the hotel approach.
The project involved the complete strip out and refurbishment of a two-storey 1960’s office building to provide modern office spaces for a semi serviced office accommodation model.
The workspaces are individually secured and have access to shared facilities such as meetings rooms, kitchens, toilets, etc.
The project relates to the expansion of an established care home facility by the demolition of the dwelling on the adjacent site and the introduction of an extension with accommodation arranged over three floors and the connection back to the existing building formed by a subservient link.
The extension, coupled with a refurbishment of the existing care home, is designed to accommodate additional bedrooms and enhanced facilities for residents including a new kitchen and internal and external communal areas. Key architectural references including vertical datums, bay windows, hipped roofs, gable features and materials have been carried across in order to provide a cohesive design scheme.