Residential, Retail

Street Vibe Staff Canteen at The Grand Hotel, Brighton

The Brief

Case Study: RFM Group Transforms Unused Basement at the Grand Hotel in Brighton into a Modern Staff Canteen and Relaxation Area

Background

The Grand Hotel in Brighton, a renowned and historic landmark, is synonymous with elegance and luxury. However, its basement level, an underutilised space, was in need of transformation to better serve the staff who support the hotel’s daily operations. Recognising the importance of providing employees with a functional and enjoyable space to relax and rejuvenate, the management of the Grand Hotel decided to convert the unused basement into a staff canteen and relaxation area with a modern street art feel.

The RFM Group, known for its comprehensive property and facilities management services, was entrusted with the task of carrying out the fit-out project. The goal was to breathe new life into the basement while incorporating elements that reflect contemporary design trends and provide a welcoming environment for the staff.

Scope of Works

The fit-out works conducted by RFM Group involved several stages of construction and design. Each phase was meticulously planned and executed to ensure that the final space met the hotel’s standards of quality and aesthetics. The key works carried out were:

  1. Strip Out of Existing Partition Walls and Doors

    The project began with the complete strip-out of the existing partition walls and doors. This step was crucial to open up the space and prepare it for the new layout, allowing for a more spacious and versatile environment.

  2. Build Up of Floor Structure in Certain Areas

    To create a seamless flow and cater to different functional zones within the canteen and relaxation area, RFM Group built up the floor structure in specified areas. This step was essential to address level discrepancies and ensure a uniform base for the new flooring installation.

  3. Bespoke Built Breakfast Bar

    A bespoke breakfast bar was designed and constructed to provide a focal point for the canteen. The bar was tailored to complement the street art theme, featuring unique finishes and ergonomic considerations to encourage social interaction and relaxation during breaks.

  4. New Ceiling Grid

    RFM Group installed a new ceiling grid system throughout the space. The ceiling design not only enhanced the visual appeal of the area but also improved acoustic performance and provided integration points for the new lighting fixtures.

  5. New Flooring Throughout

    The selection of flooring was a critical aspect of the project. Durable yet stylish materials were chosen to withstand heavy foot traffic while contributing to the overall aesthetic. The new flooring tied together different functional zones within the canteen and relaxation area, giving the space a cohesive look.

  6. New Lighting Throughout

    The lighting scheme was carefully designed to create a comfortable and visually engaging environment. A combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting was installed to highlight key areas, including the breakfast bar and seating zones, enhancing the street art feel.

Industry

Hospitality

Sector

Hotel

Project Value

£50,000

Project Timescale

3 weeks

Our Approach

Design Concept: Street Art Aesthetic

The vision for the basement’s transformation was centered around creating a contemporary, street art-inspired aesthetic. This approach introduced an element of urban vibrancy to the space, setting a dynamic and informal atmosphere. The design featured bold wall graphics, industrial-style fixtures, and a colour palette that combined neutral tones with pops of bright colours.

RFM Group collaborated with local artists to incorporate bespoke murals and artwork into the design, reinforcing the street art theme. This collaboration not only added authenticity to the concept but also supported local talent, which was a key consideration for the Grand Hotel.

Challenges and Solutions

During the project, RFM Group encountered several challenges, including:

Structural Limitations:

The existing basement structure presented limitations in terms of ceiling height and floor levels. RFM Group’s team addressed these constraints by modifying the floor structure and utilising low-profile ceiling grid systems to maximize headroom without compromising on design.

Integration of Services:

The installation of new lighting and other services required careful coordination to ensure seamless integration with the ceiling grid and wall finishes. Through precise planning and collaboration with MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) specialists, the team achieved a flawless finish.

Maintaining Heritage Integrity:

Given the Grand Hotel’s historical significance, it was essential to maintain the integrity of the building while implementing modern upgrades.

Outcome

Outcome and Impact

The completed project resulted in a vibrant and functional staff canteen and relaxation area that exceeded the expectations of the Grand Hotel management. The transformed space not only provides a comfortable environment for staff to unwind but also promotes interaction and fosters a sense of community among employees.

Feedback from staff members has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the new space as a significant improvement in their working environment. The addition of street art elements has also given the area a unique identity, distinguishing it from typical canteen spaces and reinforcing the Grand Hotel’s commitment to creativity and innovation.

RFM Group’s successful fit-out project at the Grand Hotel in Brighton stands as a testament to their expertise in delivering high-quality transformations that respect heritage while embracing modern design principles.

We have always found their workmanship to be of the highest quality coupled with a great value non contractual approach and an unrivalled ‘can do’ attitude, I would have no hesitation in recommending RFM.

Their latest project at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, involved the conversion of a disused part of the building into the most fantastic staff canteen. Despite a short project programme and even tighter budget constraints, RFM managed to deliver not only a fantastic facility for our staff, but with minimal issues either operationally or financially.

To say the space has been well received would be an understatement, something the Grand’s staff will always appreciate.”

David Segelman, The Grand Hotel

Get in touch

Talk to us about your next project – 0113 202 9000 email Proactive@RFM-Group.com

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