Location: London, United Kingdom
Architect: Goddard Littlefair – Christopher Musangi
SOUTHBANK Place spa
Hotel Spa & Wellness
Its prestige, beauty and brightness have always made marble one of the materials preferred by architects who, over the centuries, have used it for a huge variety of finishes in religious places, traditional mansions, modern hospitality venues and luxury residences. Its eye-catching appeal is unrivaled. Today, due to the potential of technical ceramics, it takes center stage in strikingly distinctive projects.
Ultra Ariostea takes marble as one of the reference products in technical ceramics for contemporary interior design, a fusion of tradition and innovation.
The numerous projects where Ariostea Ultra marble has been used for walls or finishes now include the luxurious Southbank Place Residential Spa in London, recently completed by architects Goddard Littlefair and Christopher Musangi.
Comprising two buildings approximately 100 meters high located adjacent to the London Eye and Westminster’s Big Ben, Southbank Place has been defined by the press as “one of the most exclusive residential complexes in London”, as a result of its breathtaking views over some of the most impressive landmarks in the UK capital.
The Spa, in particular, reflects the designers’ wish to create an oasis in the City where residents can relax and reinvigorate, an experience very similar to those in top-class hotels. The skillful subdivision of space, together with features integrated into the overall design, obviously maintain privacy and exclusivity.
In this haven, the natural materials used are in keeping with the light, delicate color palette. Sensitively chosen, they are combined with lighting which aims to “create a cocoon-like space within an ultra contemporary spa ambiance.
Sustainability also played a fundamental role in the facilities’ design. Sustainable wood, Forestry Stewardship Council certified and traceable, is used in the Spa’s reception and entrance areas, as well as throughout Southbank Place - Spa.
Similarly, Ariostea large format tiles in marble-effect technical porcelain give the entire project an ultra-elegant aesthetic.
Ariostea Ultra materials were laid principally in the building’s spa, specifically in the swimming pool area, Turkish baths, sauna, massage rooms, reception and changing rooms.
The decision focused on Ultra Marmi in Bianco Calacatta Shiny and Thassos Soft; products which are noted for their combination of technical and aesthetic properties.
Bianco Calacatta was used for wall tiling in the swimming pool area and inside the Turkish baths, sauna, massage room and hydromassage areas. In addition, all the 300 x 150cm large format tiles were laid in sequence, to ensure the seamless continuity of veining, a detail specifically requested by the architect.
In this project, warm and cocooning Bianco Calacatta once again reaffirms its reputation and properties. The light, bright background, innovative design, dynamic gray veining and refined sophistication brighten any space.
Thassos Soft white marble was installed on floors in the changing rooms, showers and reception area, complementing the warm, elegant ambiance where form and function amalgamate with exclusivity and personal well-being.
