Heathrow Hilton | The Manser Practice Architects + Designers

The requirement was for a four star four hundred bedroom hotel on the south side of Heathrow Airport adjacent to Terminal 4. Our client specifically wanted a landmark building on a tight budget.

A very clear spatial and organisational brief from the client allowed us to produce an extremely efficient plan where two blocks of bedrooms flanked a large atrium within which were all the public areas. 

The hotel was designed, built and opened in 27 months, including the planning process. The hotel was the first in the UK planned around a central atrium, was the first to use cement particle board for partitioning and developed an entirely bespoke but economic external cladding system. 

The huge atrium, with extensive views east and west creates a dramatic effect. The hotel has been cited by travellers such as Michael Palin and JG Ballard as their favourite building. The arrival at the hotel certainly sparks a level of theatre and drama not normally seen at airport hotels. 

We worked hard to produce a building which, whilst exciting, was also easy and simple to use for both customers and staff. Comfortable, relaxing and invigorating.