Refurb & Restore Issue 32 2023 | Page 36

ART DECO MEETS CREATURE COMFORTS
The first and second floors were previously used as office space but were made redundant after a fire broke out in the late 20th century . Since the pandemic , Bristol welcomed 52 % of all staying domestic trips to the region and 57 % of all international staying trips . , meaning Bristol is calling out for more hotels and accommodation . In line with this , Harrison was tasked with building and designing 19 boutique hotel bedrooms on the first and second floors .
Harrison and Young ’ s have a long-standing relationship lasting over 20 years . Throughout the years , Harrison has completed over 100 projects with Young ’ s as part of the longstanding relationship .
From an architectural perspective , the team at Harrison was challenged with tight spaces which needed to be carefully designed in order to create bedrooms that would not only be usable , but ‘ luxurious ’ too , enhancing the experience and creating a destination in the centre of Bristol .
Each bedroom is a different size and shape , designed to suit the available space . No two rooms are the same and Harrison used space saving details to maximise the smaller bedroom spaces and concealed furnishings to ensure the rooms do not feel cluttered or claustrophobic , instead light and spacious . For example , with some rooms internal to the building and without windows , rooflights were fitted where possible to still ensure natural light . The designs also include luxurious finishes and furnishings and clever technology .
The building was named after Sir Arthur Fenton Hort , born in 1864 and author , schoolmaster , and gardener who wrote many books including ‘ The Unconventional Garden ’, ‘ Garden Valley ’ and ‘ Enquiry into plants ’. Hort ’ s family owned the building , where it was originally used as a sales office with a warehouse in the back – where the current hotel bedrooms are now located . In 1922 , it was turned into a cocktail bar that served signature dishes including exclusive and decadent menu items . The building was then sold to steakhouse chain , Berni Inn , in 1943 , is now owned and operated by Young ’ s & Co .
Harrison and Young ’ s have a longstanding relationship lasting over 20 years . Throughout the years , Harrison has completed over 100 projects with Young ’ s as part of the longstanding relationship . All Young ’ s & Co . locations are different . In fact , each is designed to fit the surrounding area , building layout , and customer personas .
www . weareharrison . com
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