Contemporary Hotel Refurbishment
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel: Reception & Bar Interior Design
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel is located within the grounds of the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lodge was designed by Sir William Whitfield in the early 1990s. The cathedral is symbolic of Canterbury, and as a local architectural firm with strong roots to the area, James Clague Architects were both excited and honoured to be leading the work on such a prestigious site. Elizabeth Nixon led the interior design for this project whilst working for James Clague Architects.
In 2022, the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge decided it was time to refurbish the hotel reception and convert the library to a lounge/bar. The driving force behind the renovation work was to address the high traffic reception area that often became congested; and to provide guests with somewhere comfortable to relax and enjoy a drink throughout the day and into the evening.
The nature of this project meant it was perfectly suited to an interior architectural designer. The proposals called for the sensitive re-design of the reception area to improve how the space functions. Easing the flow of visitors through the high traffic zone and providing additional office space were key. As a hotel and hospitality site, the guest experience that refurbishment would provide was imperative to the success of the design.
A key component of this project was the design of the bar itself. We developed a strong working with relationship with the skilled carpenters and joiners on site at Canterbury Cathedral, as they brought our design of the front bar and back bar to life.
Elizabeth Nixon Interiors create cohesive and well-considered designs to bring their clients’ vision to life. Our specialist knowledge and expertise ensures we deliver on form and function, with absolutely no compromise on achieving a beautiful interior design concept.
Design Brief: Improving the Interior Architecture of a Hotel
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge’s main objective was to improve the experience guests have when visiting the hotel, particularly when entering the reception area with a focus on how that space functions at busy times of the day. In addition, the hotel wanted to provide improved amenities for hotel guests and visitors to the Cathedral. This was to be in the form of a relaxing space that could be used throughout the day, and was fitting for both a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
The original entrance featured a compact reception next to the library, which was sadly underused. Our design team worked closely with the hotel to build a vision to repurpose the library and expand the reception. The end result is a welcoming, open reception area that gently guides guests towards the relaxing lounge/bar.
The Design
The design intent for the new reception and bar area was to achieve an uplifting space with a contemporary twist, that would still be in-keeping with the heritage rich site. Certain design choices and bespoke joinery details were carefully considered as a subtle nod to traditional craftsmanship and construction techniques found across the grounds of the cathedral.
The Reception
Architecturally, a few simple but well considered internal alterations greatly improved how the space could be utilised and the flow of guests through the hotel.
To enhance the reception area, we widened the opening between the front and rear office to form a larger, brighter space for the new bespoke reception desk which we also designed.
We formed a new opening in the wall which originally separated the office from the adjacent guest room. This provided more office space to the rear, meaning the reception desk could sit further back into this new space. This enlarged the lobby and provided a clearer path through reception to help ease congestion at peak times.
Floor coverings have a large influence in how a space is perceived. We chose to lay large porcelain marble effect tiles throughout the reception. The large format tiles provide a seamless effect and the light, neutral tones contribute to the uplifting aesthetic we were trying to achieve.
The new reception desk was intricately designed in-house. The curved form welcomes and guides guests into the reception, and the fluted panelling is a smart and contemporary take on traditional detailing; whilst the navy finish is a welcome contrast to the light floor and walls.
The Bar and Lounge
The transformation of the library started with the careful removal of the solid oak shelves which were used to construct elements of the bar. Not only was this a sustainable and resourceful way to build the bar; but re-purposing the original timber shelves added significance and history to the bar itself, an ode to the original function of the space.
To highlight the beautiful bay window and utilise the floor area around it, we designed banquette seating to fit perfectly within the form of the bay. The formation seats approximately six people and was a bespoke piece of joinery. The choice of fabric and interesting shape provides an attractive central feature when entering the room. Either side of the banquette the in-house carpenters at the Cathedral adapted the fitted joinery to form symmetrical display shelving with fine-line integrated lighting.
We provided the detailed bar design for the in-house team of joiners and carpenters at the Cathedral to build. The innovative design features decorative curves and arches as an appreciation and acknowledgement of the Cathedral’s architecture. The bar itself is built from timber and the repurposed library shelving, whilst the bar top is locally fabricated quartz.
The light grey carpet feels soft underfoot and is a welcoming transition from the porcelain tiles of the reception. The floor tiles around the bar area were chosen very carefully. The warm grey tiles build-upon the neutral colour scheme, and the decorative pattern is a modern take on a traditional style.
The outcome is a functional and spacious bar and lounge area, which is in-keeping with this uniquely-located hotel at the heart of Canterbury Cathedral’s precincts. The atmosphere and décor of the room is welcoming to all visitors throughout the day.
The Lighting Design
Special attention was given to the design and placement of the lighting. Lighting influences the atmosphere of a space, and the approach to lighting the lounge/bar was to ensure each fitting was there to create depth and warmth at the right time of day. All the lights are on separate circuits and are dimmable, so they can be adjusted accordingly to create the perfect scene.
We also created a pathway of light between the reception and the bar to guide the guests towards the lounge. To showcase joinery detailing and our choice of materials, recessed lighting was fitted into the shelving and under the bar top to accentuate the quartz.
The Build of the Hotel Lobby and Bar Refurbishment
James Clague Architects worked closely with the in-house team at the Cathedral to help oversee the works on site. Special care was taken to ensure there was minimal disruption to hotel operations.
Thanks to the outstanding craftsmanship and skills of the team at the Cathedral, our design was delivered and implemented on site to an exceptional standard.
The Client’s Feedback
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge are very happy with the project and the end result. They felt the process was smooth and appreciated our professionalism and involvement every step of the way. The reception is now a welcoming, spacious area with an attractive bar for guests and visitors to relax in and spend time together after a day out in Canterbury.
Elizabeth Nixon Interiors offer both commercial interior architecture and interior design. They are able to innovatively and sensitively redesign interior spaces, which may include pubs, restaurants, hotels, offices, shops, and more. Their unique skillset allows them to provide a full design package for adaptive reuse of buildings to significantly improve their function and aesthetic.
