Project Information
Value: Undisclosed
Architect: TBC
Main Contractor: Yapiarti
Subcontractor: CR Contractors Ltd
Products used: Knauf Deflection Head Fire Seal, Knauf Shaftwall, Soundshield Plus, Moisture Panel, Fire Panel and standard Wallboard
Project Details
art’otel London Hoxton will be the first hotel of its kind in London when it opens its doors in early 2024. Combining architectural style with art-inspired interiors, the brand’s concept focusses on original art from one artist being displayed throughout the hotel’s guest rooms and public areas.
Following the launch of the brand’s flagship hotel, art’otel London Battersea Power Station later in 2022, PPHE Hotel Group’s Hoxton hotel will feature 343 bedrooms, destination restaurants, bar, spa and a large art gallery that will be open to the public.
The hotel is being constructed using Knauf drywall products including the Deflection Head Fire Seal, Shaftwall system and high performing plasterboards including Fire Panel and Soundshield Plus.
The Knauf Deflection Head Fire Seal (DHFS) is an elastic polyurethan foam with intumescent additives used to provide an effective fire and acoustic barrier in the construction of drywall partition deflection head details. A faster, more efficient solution than traditional methods, it is a product that Martin Goodwin, Site Manager at Yapiarti, the main contractor on the project, had not used before.
Martin comments: “When you consider the time and cost of making up head seals the traditional way, it made sense to use the Knauf Deflection Head Fire Seal. That was the idea behind specifying it, it seems like a good product.”
Robert Fratila, Managing Partner at CR Contractors, the sub-contractor for the project agrees, saying: “The DHFS is straightforward to use. Using the traditional method, we had to lift plasterboard planks above our heads. This system is lighter and easier to install. I would definitely use it again in future, no question about it.”
The contractors have also benefited from Knauf’s technical expertise on the project.
Martin comments: “We have a dedicated technical support team at Knauf who answer all our questions – even the stupid ones! Knauf also come to site regularly to check that the products are being installed correctly which is reassuring for both us and the client. The Knauf systems have also been signed off by the fire consultant and building consultant with no issues.”
As with any project of this size, design details sometimes need to be adapted to fit on site.
Robert explains: “When adjustments are required to the design, the new plans are sent across to Knauf for their approval. They will then come to site to check the installation and either give us the go ahead or provide additional advice on how to adjust the design. Knauf’s advice and technical support has been invaluable.”
The hotel is located on the edge of the South Shoreditch Conservation Area. Designed with a bull-nosed structure to mirror the historic corner buildings in the neighbourhood, art’otel London Hoxton will become the gateway to the cultural hubs of Hoxton and Shoreditch.