Material Matters

Atelier ochre is a collaborative and experimental design studio based in Paris and London, with a design process that investigates hidden opportunities and narratives for its clients. Fresh from designing Locke’s Ember Locke hotel in Kensington, in collaboration with House of Dré, the team share the key materials that made up the project. ateLIerochre.com yarn coLLectIve yArncollective co uk

Yarn Collective weaves natural and recycled textiles in distinctive colour palettes from subtle neutrals and pastels to deep and fiery hues that worked perfectly with our aesthetic vision for Ember Locke. Most of the textiles specified for drapery and upholstery throughout the hotel are curated from recycled cottons to deep velvets and natural bouclés from Yarn Collective, all environmentally friendly textiles beautifully woven with recycled cotton from the fashion industry that otherwise would go to landfill.

Durat

For the apartment kitchen worktops, we were looking for a durable yet sustainable and unexpected material which could bring an element of luxury to the joinery. We specified the forest green terrazzo effect material from the Finnish company Durat, which is a composite plastic cast into sheets. Paired with antique glass mirror splashback, this adds a sense of luxury and depth to the room.

SurfAceMAtter co uk stuDIo knot

We collaborated with Studio Knot, a bespoke handwoven rug maker whose creative and conscious design ethos marries technological innovation with heritage and traditional skill. Designed in the UK and manufactured at a mill high up in the mountains of Nepal using ancestry craft, Studio Knot supplied all the bespoke hand tufted wool rugs for all the guest rooms as well as the public areas. As designers, we strongly care about sustainability, and identify with the values and heritage that Studio Knot believes in.

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tILes

For the entrance lobby of the hotel, we have used beautiful handmade terracotta white octagon zellige tiles, made in Morocco and supplied by Otto Tiles. We love the irregular effect of the handcrafted natural clay tile as well as tactility and reflective aspect of 5th glazing combined with the elegant and traditional laying pattern. Its origin and history creates a sense of authenticity to the space and brings the outdoors and nature into the internal spaces.

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