Tuesday, August 26, 2014

THE BERKELEY SUITE CALLED OPUS IS NOW LONDON'S SUPER SUITE AND THE PLACE TO CALL HOME WHEN IN LONDON. PROVIDED YOU ARE VERY DE RICH OF COURSE. IT OPENED LAST OCTOBER AND IS ALMOST BOOKED SO DON'T JUST WALK IN AND SHOW YOUR SUITCASES FILLED WITH CASH AND EXPECT OPUS SUITE TO BE AVAILABLE OK?

KEE@FSWMAG.COM


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THE OPUS SUITE OPENS AT THE BERKELEY DESIGNED BY
INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED INTERIOR ARCHITECT ANDRE FU

The Berkeley, Knightsbridge, part of Maybourne Hotel Group, has commissioned internationally renowned interior architect Andre Fu to create a new bespoke luxury space on the fourth floor of the hotel called the Opus Suite. This new ‘super suite’ is one of the largest and most luxuriously designed hotel rooms in London. 

Overlooking Hyde Park and Knightsbridge it occupies an expansive 278 sq m; sliding doors merge the living room, study, master bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and dining room creating a cohesive space which is comfortable and perfectly scaled.

Andre Fu, one of Asia Pacific’s most sought after talents following his award–winning design concept for the Upper House in Hong Kong, comments, “Western people are fascinated with ‘new China and new Asia’. My interiors are visually calm and balanced. There’s symmetry in my work which goes beyond decoration; I like to feel that guests will experience an emotional connection to the space they are in, where they will feel at ease and indulged.”

“From the furnishing to the lights, everything has been customised,” says Fu. “A great, grand space can be amazing and theatrical but the challenge is how to make it intimate. That’s why it’s important to really think about a project like this, to ensure the needs of the guests are carefully considered.  Once a guest feels at ease and is indulged, that’s when the emotional connection happens. A space really does have to reflect that sense of place.”

The suite’s colour scheme is based on a muted ‘green tea’ palette, mixed with a variety of textures including bamboo, limestone, soft fabrics and bronze. All the furniture has been specifically designed for the suite and manufactured in Asia; carpets are bespoke designs by Andre Fu for Tai Ping.

Fu has also chosen the art and sculptures which are on display.  “The curation of culture is important within design,” says Fu. “The pieces have been commissioned to interact within the space but they also provide a strong sense of personality.” 

Fu has collaborated with Hong Kong-based art consultant, Alison Pickett to create a mixture of free-standing sculptures and wall-hung installations. There are gypse, stone and iron sculptures by Belgian artist Christian Cadelli, bronze installations by the UK’s Barnaby Gorton and a stone sculpture by Hong Kong-born Cynthia Sah.

Justin Pinchbeck, General Manager of the Berkeley comments, “The Berkeley is remarkable amongst London’s luxury hotels for its ability to adapt, evolve and to reflect contemporary life.  Andre Fu’s new luxury suite is a perfect example of how an established building in the centre of a major capital can embrace the newest design aesthetic and provide guests with an environment which they will enjoy and want to return to time and time again.”

The Opus suite which is designed to feel like a residential home for long stay guests, is also equipped with a state of the art kitchen by Poggenpohl. It offers a unique in – house chef service from the Berkeley’s two legendary Michelin starred chefs Marcus Wareing and Pierre Koffmann,  who can be exclusively booked to come and cook their gastronomic signature dishes for everything from an intimate private dinner for one to entertaining a party of  up to 10 guests .

Commenting on the opening of the new suite at the Berkeley, Maybourne Hotel Group CEO Stephen Alden says “Maybourne's collaboration with Andre Fu, is the latest story within our history of functional forward-thinking design. This is the first time Andre Fu has created and expressed his unique and multi-layered vision in Europe, and seeking out the rare and exceptional is in keeping with our own philosophy at Maybourne Hotel Group. 

"We believe that Andre's ethos of creating true living spaces - architecturally done, and embellished with simple but beautiful details, means the Opus Suite at the Berkeley, with its focus on exquisite innovation, will provide the finest luxury experience for the global traveller."

About Andre Fu
Andre Fu was born in Hong Kong. He went to boarding school in the UK and Cambridge University followed by an MA in architecture. He set up his studio AFSO in 2003 in London and returned to Hong Kong the following year. His first major project was for the JIA boutique hotel in Shanghai which introduced him to the world of restaurant design and hospitality. 

His design concept for the Upper House in Admiralty, Hong Kong, immediately established his reputation as the most sought-after design talent in Asia Pacific. Conde Nast Traveler US described him as the ‘Asian Design Sensation’ and Vogue UK as a ‘Design Wunderkind’.

Recent projects include the IST TOO restaurant at the Shangri-La in Istanbul and the Inagiku Japanese restaurant at the W Hotel in Guangzhou. He is currently working on the Gong Bar at the Shangri-La in London’s Shard and, of course, the new suite at the Berkeley.

About the Berkeley
In leafy Knightsbridge, the Berkeley, part of Maybourne Hotel Group is the essence of contemporary chic. With stunning rooms and suites, two Michelin-starred cuisine from Marcus Wareing, Pierre Koffmann’s French Brasserie, classic British dishes in the Caramel Room, fashionista fancies for afternoon tea at Prêt-à-Portea, cocktails in the Blue Bar and the Spa complete with rooftop pool, the Berkeley is rich in pleasure and discoveries that will surprise and enchant.

About Maybourne Hotel Group
Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most legendary five-star hotels, located in the heart of London. Maybourne Hotel Group is committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its staff whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.

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The Opus Suite at The Berkeley
 
Living Room 3
The Opus Suite at The Berkeley – Living Room
 
Master bathroom 2
The Opus Suite at The Berkeley – Master Bathroom


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