A proposal for a £250m luxury hotel in London is aiming to bring commerce, tourism, and a BREEAM “Excellent” rating to the north banks of the River Thames. Alsop Architects has collaborated again with Blackfriars Investments after a successful partnership with the Palestra Building in South London. Designed to give distinct characteristics to the building elevations, translucent stones will be used to add texture of the exterior of the unique shape of this building, while other sides will feature a faceted façade system that will be insulated to improve thermal performance.
Paying strict attention to St. Paul’s height restrictions the five story building will have four floors of hotel accommodation, a conference center, ballroom for up to 400 people, gym and spa facilities, and a rooftop terrace that will have stunning views of the Thames. The project will also include improvements to the public walkways and a new ground level pedestrian friendly route to the Thames River walk.
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/06/02/luxury-hotel-in-london-plans-to-achieve-breeam-excellent-rating/
