Bringing heritage and contemporary design together at the citizenM London Olympia Hotel
Published
10th November • 2026
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Published
10th November • 2026
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How do you introduce contemporary architecture into a historic setting without losing what makes it distinctive?
It is a challenge at the heart of the landmark Olympia redevelopment in West London, where the 146-room citizenM hotel forms part of an ambitious transformation of one of London’s most recognisable exhibition venues.
Conceived collaboratively by SPPARC Architects and Heatherwick Studios, the proposal retains the 1923 Grade II listed exhibition building by architects Holman and Goodrham, and extends the building upwards by three floors. The extension emphasises repetitive curvaceous bays clad in glass and bronze-coloured cladding, contrasting with the neo-classical lower floors.
Our Façade Engineering team worked collaboratively with the wider design and delivery teams to help navigate the technical and architectural considerations of the façade through RIBA Stages 4-6, supporting the development of robust solutions that balance design intent, buildability and performance. Delivered by Laing O’Rourke and the Permasteelisa Group, with interior design by EPR Architects, the façade system consisted of large-format 3 dimensional factory-assembled elements requiring the development of a bespoke system to meet the project-specific requirements.
Successful regeneration is not simply about creating something new. It is about understanding what should be preserved, what can be transformed and how the two can work together.
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