Lawray was appointed from RIBA Stage 1 in a joint venture with concept designers Holder Mathias Architects to deliver the design of the 19-storey, 248-bedroom hotel, and ‘Thyme Bar and Grill’ restaurant within the Grade II listed Custom House building.
The distinctive façade of the tower was designed in a simple form with angled windows to create depth and colours that complement Premier Inn’s brand.
Located on a complex site, the design also had to consider proximity to the railway and adjacent buildings.
Internally, prefabricated bathroom pods were specified to reduce the construction programme.
The high-quality tower will complement Cardiff’s ring of tall buildings and has the flexibility to provide commercial offices on the top floor. Keeping the façade of Custom House has brought the formerly derelict listed building back into beneficial use, while retaining the building’s significance as a reminder of Cardiff’s commercial history.
