The Langham, Haikou

Haikou, China

Langham is an English fashioned brand dating back to 1865. Their first hotel was in London and an English classical style is very much part of their DNA.

The client’s brief was to adhere to Langham’s core elements incorporating subtle tones and simple white classical panelling, but to imbue the design with a sense of place. Our challenge was to ensure the guest could recognise the principle elements of the LH brand while being cognisant of the references to the locale and its cultural heritage.

Smallwood has kept to the LH ‘DNA’ incorporating white timber panelling to create a classical backdrop with contemporary furniture, lighting, and fittings to act as a counterpoint and instill a freshness to the overall design.

Key pieces such as the ‘cellarette’, (a Langham signature element which houses the mini-bar, dry goods, wines and spirits) are maintained but designed in a more Sino-orientated style. Langham’s core operational requirements are therefore met while adding a sense of place within the overall scheme.