2 Providence Court is a new-build extension of The Beaumont Hotel designed by ReardonSmith Architects, comprising of 29 new guestrooms with interior design by The Office of Thierry Despont. The Beaumont Hotel is an independent and luxurious 5–star hotel in London's world famous Mayfair district, which blends elegant architecture with modernity. The original Beaumont Hotel is spread across five stories, with 22 high–end suites, 50 guestrooms and studios, alongside a range of luxurious amenities.

HDR was instructed by its client, St James, to provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing, commissioning management, and sustainability and resiliency services for 2 Providence Court, working with industry partners Gardiner & Theobald. The extension has been designed around an internal landscaped courtyard, seamlessly integrating with the older style and décor of the existing Grade II listed art deco structure.

HDR completed building engineering services for the public areas of The Beaumont Hotel in the first phase, refurbishing The Colony Grill Room Restaurant, Le Magritte Bar & Terrace, lounge and the al fresco dining terrace. HDR also worked on the expansion of the spa and gym facilities as well as the creation of a new Mayfair Suite, developing an invaluable working relationship with both the hotel and the client. HDR was subsequently brought onboard for the second phase of the development. 

During HDR's work on 2 Providence Court, it was essential that The Beaumont Hotel remained open, with all facilities such as elevators fully operational to guests throughout this time, maintaining the establishment's remarkable guest experience. HDR created two knock–throughs on each floor of the hotel to extend the corridors, diverting some existing services such as air conditioning and radiator pipes, to provide 2 Providence Court with brand–new MEP services. Engineers worked around the challenges of maintaining optimal ceiling heights and the existing interior design, through ensuring that new services were designed for delivery within these stringent parameters. Keeping services discreet was important to both the client and the hotel. HDR's MEP engineers delivered throughout both phases of the project with a considered approach; for example, hiding supply grills within cornices.

The rooms at 2 Providence Court feature excellent detail and are complete with stylish brass finish faceplates, scene setting plates, media plates and switches, all provided by Focus SB, enabling users to control the services provided. HDR was able to demonstrate great flexibility through the 20 different types of rooms planned for the extension; initially designing a test prototype, which had to be heavily modified as the project progressed. One of the highlights of the project involved the impressive private dining space; forming part of the extension, where HDR had provided building engineering services.

The original MEP strategy for The Beaumont Hotel included an air handling unit featuring a bioclimatic design, utilizing an electrode which energizes ions in the air stream for purification and aids the prevention of airborne viruses such as COVID–19. This model of air handling unit was a perfect match for the requirements of 2 Providence Court and was retrofitted during the delivery of MEP services. Photovoltaic panels were installed to the roof and HDR's engineers were able to achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating at design stage.

As the hotel is located within the Mayfair Conservation Area, environmental responsibility was of paramount importance throughout the project. A robust monitoring system was meticulously put into place and HDR's sustainability and resiliency engineers tracked the noise, dust and vibration levels of the roof and downstairs plant rooms, minimizing any potential disruption to neighboring properties.

2 Providence Court was completed in early 2024 and is a wonderful story of the potential that high–standard modern extensions possess, enabling flawless integration with beautiful heritage buildings. Through carefully balancing innovation and preservation qualities, the project team was able to maintain the charm of the prestigious Grade II listed Beaumont Hotel.

Photography: © ZAC and ZAC