The recently opened Mondrian in Sea Containers House used to be a pretty ugly building. It has now been adapted to resemble a modern cruise liner moored by the Thames. The interior design was by Tom Dixon so you can see his products everywhere. I’d only been to the top-floor Rumpus Room before, so was glad to get a proper look around.
Nautical references abound from the entrance lobby with its out-sized chain sculptures and huge wrapped-around copper “hull”.
It’s very much a transition area – this isn’t a “cosy” kind of lobby where you can sit chatting for hours – you meet and move on.
Several original interior features remain – I particularly appreciated the brutalist concrete ceiling detail in the restaurant which reminded me of The Barbican
The main public areas on the ground floor have direct access to the South Bank walkway enabling passers-by to pop in for a drink or meet up with friends.
The drop sculpture in the basement spa got a tick from me – it’s a beautiful shape and copper is a long term obsession of mine.
As with other Morgans hotels, the public areas are the ones with the most impact. I do like the corridors though with practical as well as stylish brass trim showing room numbers.
Tom Dixon’s studio uses brass a lot, including this vide-poche inside the room An ironing board in the wardrobe is a thoughtful detail.
My favourite thing about the rooms, however, is the view; looking out you really do feel as if you’re on board a boat as you can’t see the walkway below, just water.
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