Architectural Feature Lattice, the trademark of The BoTree hotel in London by Curio Collection Hilton, features dynamic illumination that changes depending on the occasion. Designed by EPR Architects, the Architectural Feature Lattice spans from the ground-level entrance to the hotel’s crown, where the luxurious The BoTree Suite is located. The twisted form of the lattice creates a visual protection situated in front of the corner suite terraces. Usually illuminated with warm white light, the light can be altered by using carefully selected colours.
The interaction of the interior and exterior illumination
Dark London brick sets on one facade create light and shadow with natural light during the day and with a single artificial light source at night. On the contrary, the other two facades feature a clean white zigzag stonework pattern, which is accented with uplighting. On the corner of Marylebone Lane and Henrietta Place, the above-mentioned lattice adjoins these corner facades, highlighted by twisted bronze materials. Acting like a veil, the lattice covers the suits and changes colours based on events.
The BoTree hotel has 30 contemporary suites and an additional 169 guest rooms. The rooms are illuminated with decorative lighting, complemented by subtle accent illumination of the wardrobes, minibar, and bespoke makeup mirror lamps designed in collaboration with Concrete Amsterdam. The sophisticated Italian restaurant LAVO features a charming, warmly lit interior. The booths are defined by a backlit wall that spans both floors of the restaurant, while the decorative lighting is complemented by softly lit organic elements.
Just like the lattice outside, the illumination of The BoTree Bar’s ceiling also changes colours from day to night. Teal marble tiles curve around the front of the bar, whilst a backdrop of illuminated beverages and carefully selected art pieces completes the interior. It’s this interaction between the exterior and interior lighting that equips the overall design with views to the interior, which, in turn, contributes to the overall exterior lighting design.
Sustainability
The lighting designers for The BoTree, dpa lighting consultants, used the lowest possible number of luminaires to achieve thoughtful and efficient lighting effects across the façade, while accomplishing striking visual impact. To minimise the overall use of energy, the designer used mock-up trials and testing before the specification to ensure effective, but not over-specified lighting. A large part of the equipment is made from recyclable materials.
Beam angles and optical control are used to direct the lighting to match the client’s needs and control it through an intelligent lighting control system. The LED lights in compact luminaire packages are purchased from industry-leading manufacturers, ensuring longevity with low maintenance. The design of The BoTree, London, got an Honourable Mention at the LIT Lighting Design Awards 2025.
About dpa lighting consultants
dpa lighting consultants was established by Architect Derek Phillips in 1958. For over 60 years, the company completed over 7,500 projects in 80 different countries, including the Tiffany Gallery in New York and The OWO in London. The company has since expanded to include studios in Greece, Japan, the UAE, and the UK. The broad staff skill base includes architects, urban designers, interior designers and product designers, as well as engineers and others, which enables the studio to deal with the varying challenges of projects.
Project info
Client: The BoTree
Architects: EPR Architects (Lead) & Orbit Architects (Implementation Architects)
Interior Designer: Concrete Amsterdam and Tao Group Hospitality
Project Managers: Buro Four (Lead) & Gleeds (Cost Managers)
M&E Consultant: Introba
