While members’ clubs historically only allowed men, which was reflected in the masculine, dark wood design, the members’ clubs of today are inclusive and the interior design proves it. In stark contrast to White’s stands the Devonshire Club – London’s latest addition to the members’ club landscape. Tucked away in the iconic Devonshire Square in the heart of the City of London, the new venue could not be further from its older cousins, moving away from the nefarious reputation of the gentlemen’s clubs towards a welcoming venue for men and women alike.
The Devonshire Club wanted to visually portray this immediately through the selection of materials and finishes. Although the exterior of the early 19th century warehouse is traditional, the interior is elegant, with a soft look and feel, offering a unique version of the Mondrian palette. From the start, the design vision behind the Devonshire Club was to stand out with its truly luxurious, modern and genuinely unique design.
The project comprises an entire seven-floor block of two Grade II Listed buildings, spreading out over 58,000ft² of what was a former warehouse. This unusual structure adds hugely to the distinctiveness of the Devonshire Club with its high ceilings and abundance of natural light.
The club
The design brief provided by international construction services company, ISG, required architect practice, S.U.S.D., to consult on the architectural design, while design and architecture specialist March & White was appointed to create the interior spaces, blending the best of luxury hotel design with the signature story of the club.
The first phase of the project commenced in March 2015. The interior of the six-storey warehouse, previously used as commercial office space, was stripped out and modified, while the layout was reconfigured to optimise the space, with structural operations undertaken to allow ISG to form new lift cores and service risers within both buildings. A 1000ft² winter garden extension was added to the rear, which provides an elegant space for the club’s members, regardless of the time of year. In the meantime, the adjacent three-storey building was transformed into residential accommodation and connected to the taller building via a bridge.
March & White created a series of distinctive spaces that are subtly connecting, offering a design that flows naturally, guiding guests to the bar and the winter garden. With the guests at the centre of any layout consideration, ISG, S.U.S.D. and March & White decided to step away from the traditional club format. Instead of dining and bar facilities only on the lower floors, public spaces are found on all floors to improve guest comfort and offer a diversification of spaces, as well as increased recreational time.
The front of the main building has been divided up into new bedroom suites on the upper floors, which proved more problematic than in the 1980s extension. Abutment details were developed to build dividing bedroom partitions against the glass window cladding, which now meet the upgraded and modern acoustic standards required. Along with the bedrooms, the Devonshire has all facilities expected of a luxury establishment: a club lounge, brasserie, outdoor area, library, private dining and meeting rooms, a gymnasium and spa. In addition, there are four function rooms, fitted-out to a high specification, that can be hired for a variety of occasions.
Fit-out
High-quality materials and finishes were essential for the client, so the team worked together to ensure this was implemented throughout. With each bar and restaurant designed to target different members by fashioning a unique ambience, the overall feel was supposed to be welcoming to both men and women. From the wenge stained walnut and golden teak heavy library bar to the bright and vibrant brasserie bar, a mix of feminine and masculine energy was created. Moving away from the world of members’ clubs, fuchsia, dusty pinks and corals are visible through the selection of fabrics and finishes, creating a unique version of the Mondrian palette.
The FF&E is a unique take on the mid-century form which flows throughout the club, continuously imprinted with the elegance of fashion couture. March & White interpreted the organic curves and forms of the mid-century into its own contemporary furniture, where the inspiration of Ico Parisi and Finn is yet delightfully visible. The cooler palette at the ground floor, using darker oak and featuring stone, mirror and stained glass, evokes a mid-century elegance that is contrasted with the warmth of teak and golden walnut on the first floor and bedroom levels. This contrast subtly intensifies the mid-century feel creating a sense of space and individuality between the levels of the building.
The winning formula
The Devonshire Club received the NAS Interior of the Year and Leisure Award 2016 at the Design Partnership Awards (DPA). Awarded for its ambience, functionality and creativity of design, the judges all agreed that the concept, look and feel of the club was clear from the very outset. The Devonshire Club is unlike any of the surrounding bars and conventional hotels. It is truly luxurious, modern and genuinely unique – a winning combination of relaxed but welcoming.
Ben Foran, Development Director at ISG, explains: “There are currently no other clubs like the Devonshire in regards to size and scale. The overall ‘feminine feel’ of the club further sets it apart from other establishments.
“However the library bar, for example – one of six bars throughout the club – does include masculine elements as well. It is all about the balance to create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. So far, there was a high membership uptake with both men and women joining in almost equal numbers.”
Phil Armstrong, Development Director at ISG, continues: “The Devonshire Club was certainly an interesting project because of the history of the structure – a former warehouse. We wanted the building to remain authentic but also include modern elements. I think we achieved it.”