Zen garden styled water feature, Sofitel, Terminal 5, Heathrow
Slate water wall, Health Suite, Sofitel, Terminal 5, HeathrowHeathrow Airport, Terminal 5
BRIEF: Working closing with Stephen Williams, Concept Architect for Arora International Hotels, interior designers KCA International and construction company Laing O'Rourke, David Harber was asked to realise five initial concept designs for the hotel. Each of the designs was developed so that they could be created within the physical constraints of the building and the budget.
SOLUTION:
Main entrance
Glass water wall
This 6m high water wall includes the largest single piece of glass anywhere on the hotel site, requiring specialist handling and the design of special fixing clamps. The glass was etched into a checkerboard pattern and discrete integral lighting provides a wash of light across the glass wall.
The team at David Harber liaised with designers and contractors to ensure that the installation of pumping and filtration equipment was as elegant as the aesthetics of David's design.
Main atrium
Interior designers KCA designed a theme for each of the five atriums based on the five continents. David Harber was asked to develop a design concept for a water feature themed to Antarctica to be positioned at the hotels reception area in the main atrium.
The feature is over 7m in length and designed to appear as if it is free floating above the floor. An ice cube made from glass and a 4m tall water tube reflected to infinity by the mirrored ceiling provide both interest and intrigue.
A complex pumping arrangement was designed incorporating 5 remotely situated pumps.
Restaurant water wall
KCA’s design of a fine dining Michel Roux restaurant situated in one of the atriums required a stand alone self contained water feature. David created a 3m x 3.5m glass water wall framed in stainless steel which accommodates all pumps, switching and programmable down lighters to suit different ambiance.
Zen water feature
Within the Asia themed atrium David was asked to create a calming and relaxing water feature consistent with the Zen garden theme. David developed a mysterious contemplative pool drawing inspirations from the Zen gardens of the Far East.
A kidney shaped pool liner was fabricated and a solenoid ram designed to create a gentle wave. The wave is maintained as it travels across the water surface by an invisible layer of acrylic positioned just beneath the surface of the water to reduce its apparent depth.
Health Suite
A slate water wall was specified by KCA positioned between sauna and steam room. David Harber designed and fabricated the structure which incorporates internal lighting.
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