This Eco-Friendly Brooklyn Hotel Is Truly An Escape To Nature
Neighbouring the East River and boasting waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has married Mother Nature and luxury, with sustainability at the heart of its architectural design values
Reflecting its surroundings, the luxurious 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has embedded the borough’s values across the stunning property. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park, visitors are offered a nature-inspired experience along with a plethora of activities to enjoy during their retreat. Guests can expect picturesque vistas of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan during their stay.
Surrounded by lush greenery and native plants, the hotel boasts interiors inspired by local artists and designed using reclaimed materials, reflecting an admirable commitment to sustainability and the area’s local heritage. “We aimed to design 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in a way as to not disturb the surrounding Brooklyn Bridge Park,” says Arash Azarbarzin, President at SH Hotels & Resorts.
“By using industrial materials reflective of the neighbouring piers, the property’s overall design allows it to organically blend into its environment.” The property is also home to New York City’s first Bamford Hayburn Spa, known for its holistic approach to nurturing the mind, body and soul through a selection of rejuvenating treatments.
An interior view of Bamford Haybarn Spa at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Courtesy of 1 Hotels
The glass entryway of the hotel opens up to a lush 25-foot green wall featuring raw concrete and steel grating as architecture for ferns and vines that will evolve overtime. A spiral staircase is featured in the lobby space and a beautiful art installation made using roofing material that was sourced from a storm upstate adorns the front desk.
“Flooring and walls are constructed of a 54 percent ratio of regional and reclaimed materials, including original heart pine beams from the former Domino Sugar Factory, walnut from the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and pine flooring from the Old Crow Distillery in Kentucky,” says Azarbarzin.
The hotel’s interiors have been designed by INC Architecture & Design and Marvel Architects while the landscaping is the work of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. The earthy design of the property has been achieved through the use of raw materials including reclaimed timber and steel, recycled fiber carpeting, abundant native greenery and stunning stonework.
The view from Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Courtesy of 1 Hotels
“1 Hotels chose the location of Pier 1 of Brooklyn Bridge Park because it’s the perfect location to capture an ‘outside-in’ ethos,” shares Azarbarzin. “While offering wide-ranging views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan, the property also centres its views on the surrounding greenery and native plants.”
Home to natural textures of wood, linen and leather, the rooms have been inspired by the waterfront and offer mesmerising panoramic views spanning the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty.
An interior view of a bedroom
Courtesy of 1 Hotels
“Through biophilic design and bringing nature indoors, we showcase the beauty of nature and hope to inspire our guests to reconnect with it,” adds Azarbarzin.
“This is important because we all share a responsibility to protect nature and that ethos is reflected throughout the 1 Hotels brand. Now, more than ever, we want to spread this idea that having the opportunity to live well includes protecting the natural beauty around us. So, while 1 Hotels is a luxury brand and the design reflects that, every element was curated with intention to raise awareness and spark conversations.”
From the Winter 2019 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Interiors