Voco Oxford Thames is located on the banks of the River Thames a short distance from the historic city of Oxford, the hotel was acquired by IHG in 2018 and was identified as part of their rebranding scheme.
HLM Architects were involved from the outset, working with the IHG design team to develop and deliver the Voco brand concept. The brand was developed to suit the quiet and peaceful setting of the hotel and work with its existing features including several listed buildings. The original barn which is now the hotels reception and bar and College Hall now offering an overnight stay in historic settings with contemporary styling. Signature colours of blue and yellows were used throughout the guestrooms, circulation and reception area. The scheme offers a mix of contemporary and period luxury, with artwork selected to compliment the fixtures and fittings.
Air conditioning was required as part of the Voco brand to over half of the guestrooms which presented a challenge for the design team with the constraints of the existing buildings. HLM Architects co-ordinated the scheme design with the M&E Engineers, AC sub-contractor and main contactor to minimise the impact on the existing building. The works were phased to allow the hotel to remain open during the works, HLM liaised with the hotel staff, main contractor and wider design team to minimise disruption to guests and staff.
