Blacksheep’s brief for the refurbishment of the ground floor of the Manchester Novotel was to create a clean and clutter-free space that would operate more efficiently and increase trade. Having completed four previous projects with Novotel, Blacksheep understood the brand’s desire for a bold contemporary environment with a strong local identity.

The decision was therefore taken to reference Manchester’s industrial heritage, focusing on cotton and textiles, employing a range of evocative elements including photographic abstracts of 19th century tools and large-scale bespoke artworks. Improving the logistics of the space – increasing the number of covers while making it easier for staff to move around – was of paramount importance.

Blacksheep’s other main challenge was to create a distinct restaurant area but with a sense of flow to the adjoining lobby. This was achieved by using a custom-made white honeycomb partition made of interlocking powder-coated metal hexagons with bespoke designs punched into their metal cover-plates.

Completed in 2011, the project has introduced a cohesive design language to the space and in the process transformed the Novotel Manchester into a 4* hotel, creating successful public areas both in terms of fee generation and quality of experience.
Novotel was FINALIST in the 
Bar or Restaurant
 category of FX International Interior Design Awards 2011.

http://blacksheep.uk.com