Snowfall at the Berkeley
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners is an international architectural practice based in London. Over the past four decades, RSHP has attracted critical acclaim and awards for projects across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia.
On 28 November 2017, RSHP unveiled ‘Snowfall at the Berkeley’, part of an ongoing collaboration with The Berkeley, part of Maybourne Hotel Group in Knightsbridge.
The specially-commissioned installation evokes a fairytale snow scene to welcome guests and enchant passers-by. It consists of 137,000 lights hanging from the hinges of the carbon fibre beams installed as part of RSHP’s new entrance created in 2016. The lights refract off the honeycomb glass of the entrance canopy, giving an impression of endless falling snow.
This is the latest design in a sequence of projects by RSHP for The Berkeley, including; the complete redesign of the hotel’s façade, an extension to the hotel’s new ballroom and the addition of elegant terraces to a series of new suites.
RSHP Associate Partner Stephen Spence said; “…the installation evokes an intense snow storm as guests enter and leave the hotel, highlighting the sensation of warmth and cosiness inside. The lights are placed as low as possible so that they can almost be touched, as if the snow was bearing down. This creates a magical and memorable experience, enhanced by the sparkle of the reflections above.”
Knut Wylde, General Manager of the Berkeley said; “We are delighted to have collaborated with RSHP this Christmas to bring a sense of dramatic illumination to our entrance and provide guests with an exciting sense of arrival in keeping with our innovative spirit at The Berkeley.”
See more images on RSHP's website.
--RSHP
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 3 World Trade Center.
- Antwerp Law Courts.
- Bordeaux Law Courts.
- British Library extension.
- British Museum World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre.
- Centre Pompidou.
- Channel Four Television Headquarters.
- Heathrow Terminal 5
- Inmos Microprocessor Factory.
- Leadenhall Building.
- Lloyd's of London.
- Maggie's Centre.
- McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford.
- National Assembly for Wales.
- One Hyde Park.
- RSHP
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.