The Arthouse Glasgow Hotel: A Tribute to Industrial Heritage
The Arthouse Glasgow Hotel, a remarkable transformation of a 19th-century townhouse, offers a unique blend of history and modernity in the heart of Glasgow.
Reviving a Historical Gem
Interior architecture studio A-nrd, led by Alessio Nardi and Lukas Persakovas, undertook the challenge of reimagining this Victorian building, originally converted into a hotel in 1999. The vision was clear: to celebrate Glasgow’s industrial roots while creating a space that feels intrinsically linked to the city.
The Philosophy of Low Intervention
Working with British hospitality brand Oberland, known for its emphasis on a low intervention approach, A-nrd stripped away layers of modern additions to reveal the building’s underlying charm. Nardi articulated the goal: “From the outset, we wanted Arthouse to feel like a place that had always belonged to the city.” This philosophy guided decisions around restoring original features, designing bespoke furniture, and collaborating with local artists and craftspeople.
Blending Old and New
The hotel’s design harmoniously marries grandeur with intimacy. Inspired by the spontaneity of an artist’s atelier, it integrates the building’s historical features—such as the original birdcage lift and stained-glass windows—with modern elements. Original wooden floorboards were left exposed, while necessary repairs were made using contemporary materials to establish a dialogue between past and present.
Material Choices Reflecting Heritage
Nardi emphasized Glasgow’s industrial background in the material palette. Stainless steel, zinc, and dark-toned woods contribute to a raw, honest aesthetic reflective of the city’s rich manufacturing history. This creates spaces that feel both rugged and sophisticated.
Unique Guest Rooms
With 76 guest rooms, the hotel features original elements combined with bespoke furnishings. For instance, handcrafted coat hooks from West House Pottery and wooden bed frames add a personal touch to the accommodations. Each room has been thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort without sacrificing historical integrity.
Collaboration with Local Artisans
A-nrd’s commitment to showcasing local talent is evident throughout the hotel. Glaswegian glass artist Vicky Higginson crafted beautiful wall lamps that adorn some of the bedrooms, enhancing the creative atmosphere while supporting the local arts community.
Public Areas That Invite Relaxation
Guests can unwind in a lounge featuring a deep-olive color palette, which envelops the space with warmth. Bespoke seating, upholstered in sage-green fabric by Kirkby Design, harmonizes with vintage furniture to produce an array of textures.
Dining in Style at Celentano’s
The hotel’s ground-floor restaurant, Celentano’s, is designed as a casual dining space. Its reclaimed flooring and exposed brickwork are consistent with the hotel’s overall aesthetic. The centerpiece—a bespoke, hand-hammered zinc bar—adds an artisanal touch to the dining experience, creating a relaxed bistro atmosphere.
Circulation Spaces: A Journey Through Time
The circulation spaces artfully blend original architectural details with vintage furnishings. The sculptural wooden reception desk and bespoke pendant lighting highlight A-nrd’s design prowess. Corridor walls painted in green contrast beautifully with the pristine white Victorian tiles, providing a vibrant backdrop as guests traverse the hotel.
Structural Harmony
The hotel is structured with guest rooms on the upper floors, while the lower ground floor is being reimagined into compact accommodations. With large corridors linking a central lift and stairwell, the layout ensures easy navigation while maintaining an air of spaciousness.
An Invitation to Experience Glasgow
A-nrd’s approach to design prioritizes storytelling and atmosphere, creating spaces that feel lived in and authentic. The Arthouse Glasgow Hotel stands as a testament to the beauty of preserving history while embracing contemporary design, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of this vibrant city.
This project not only enhances the hotel landscape of Glasgow but also honors the architectural legacy of a bygone era, marrying heritage with modernity in a truly inspiring way.