Indigo Hotel , Liverpool UK

• Location: Liverpool, UK
• Construction type: new build
• Installation system: Wall cladding with backing structure (CWB)
• Product: SHELL
• Architect: Falconer Chester Hall

Cladding specialists, Carea, has delivered a striking stone-coloured facade to the brand new £15 million Hotel Indigo in Liverpool, helping to create a landmark development right in the heart of the city’s financial district. Designed by architects Falconer Chester Hall, managed by Sanguine Hospitalityand built by main contractor Denizen under a design and build contract, the development is part of InterContinental Hotels Group’s newest brand – Hotel Indigo. It is only the fourth of these hotels to open in the UK, but due to the brand’s success will be quickly followed by further developments in Newcastle, Birmingham and two additional London hotels.

With a high-profile city centre development, the building’s aesthetics were of vital importance. Located on Chapel Street, one of Liverpool’s seven original streets dating back to 13th Century, the new hotel has been built on the site of a former public guest house. With its historic surroundings, the creation of an exterior for the stunning new six storey build hotel that would blend with the local architecture whilst creating a modern statement was critical.

Colours, both external and internal, were specifically selected to draw inspiration from the building’s historical involvement in the cotton trade. Using a combination of glass and stone effect cladding, the facade draws on the building’s past whilst retaining the visually stunning aesthetics that you would expect from a modern, boutique hotel.

Specialist contractor Eaga was contracted to install the facade, providing a definitive contrast between the stone cladding and decorative glass frontage. Carea provided a total of 200m² of SHELL cladding, combining two finishes: a stone effect Copacabana and a cladding in the darker grey ‘Basalte’ finish. The combination of colours was used to create a neutral cladding frame to further enhance the stylish multi-coloured glass frontage. Each Carea panel is formed using 90% natural minerals and 10% binding resin to provide the perfect aesthetic solution for both the client and the designer.

Installation is quick and simple with the Carea facade system, as each panel is supplied with specialised horizontal rails that fit onto vertical cladding supports. With precisely routed grooves on the top and bottom, the simple fix provides a totally seamless finish to maintain the stunning appearance of the project. This installation greatly assisted with the delivery of the scheme which faced significant logistical challenges due to restricted site within Liverpool city centre.

Following the installation of the Carea cladding with subframe system (CWS), the hotel’s stylish facade has helped to ensure it serves as a focal point for the redevelopment of Liverpool’s city centre. Opened in June 2011, and with a durable and stylish exterior, the stunning Hotel Indigo is expected to play an important role in the city’s future.