Stephen Williams architects was founded in 2000 in Hamburg on the strength of projects such as Malcolm McLarens Casino of Karaoke and Authenticity and the commission to design the German Headquarters of Universal Music in Berlin.
The office based in Hamburg has always worked internationally and the majority of projects are located outside of Hamburg mainly within Europe and Asia.
25hours Hotel Hafencity
Hamburg’s Hafencity is one of the most ambitious urban construction sites in Europe. A new district is emerging creating a lively city quarter, a microcosm of modern life where people come together, mingle, confer and celebrate. So it was the idea behind the new 25hours Hotel Hafencity to give this new district a new „living room“ in the heart of the Hafencity. A place where old and new stories come to life.
From the projects inception the idea of a multi-disciplinary team played an important role – The client was an integral part of the design team from day one and formed part of a creative collective co-ordinated by Stephen Williams Associates.
The hotel offers a classical typology of spaces but comes up with suprising interpretations. The rooms are cabinstyle suites, the business center is called the “Radio Room” and the “Hafen Sauna” is on the rooftop built within a rusty container with panoramic view. The ground floor, with discrete lobby, restaurant, bar and shop presents a comfortable version of harbour living, and is the hub of the hotel. Warehouse shelves, rough wooden boxes, floor markings, stacks of oriental carpets and an eclectic range of maritime finds are not decorative but usable storage space for this multifunctional room. A Hapag-Lloyd shipping container serves as a conference room. The “Vinyl room” is a state-of-art library offering a collection of records to be played on various turntables. And is a great place to sit with friends and discover.
Guests when retreating to their rooms experience the intimacy of cabins. Conventional furniture replaced with built-in elements and a ‘travel trunk’ providing the visitor with all that they will require: information, log book, drinks, working space with writing instruments and electrical connections. The sea trunk and its contents evoke the emotion of a transitory existence, the seafarer now on land for a short period with all his belongings.
The 25hours Hotel Hafencity is a space of cultural relevance – a place to interact. A destination to be and start exploring by yourself.
