‘Underwater quarry hotel’
30th July 2019

Sliding door hardware from P C HENDERSON has been specified for what the company says is ‘the world’s first underwater quarry hotel’, in Shanghai, China.

The five-star Intercontinental Hotel Shanghai Wonderland is built onto the side of a 289ft deep, water filled quarry, the luxury hotel took ten years to build and boasts 337 rooms on 18 floors, 16 of which are below ground level and two underwater.

P C Henderson’s Husky Telescopic system was specified for 314 of the rooms to create large movable walls between the bathroom and bedroom. The telescopic formation of the doors allows for a modern, open plan design whilst still ensuring that the bathroom can be completely closed off when privacy is required. The company’s Husky Simultaneous Action kit was also specified for 44 of the rooms which required bi-parting doors in order to separate two rooms.

Julius Zhu, China Business Development Manager at P C Henderson said: “The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland, or deep pit hotel as it is often known, has been built in a way that pushes the limits of interior design. Open plan bedrooms and bathrooms are becoming an increasingly popular trend within the luxury hotel market – as developers aim to create a unique and modern living experience which visitors are unable to achieve at home.

A number of the hotel rooms also include a cavity wall for one of the movable walls to slide into meaning the doors are completely hidden from view when not in use.

Designed by British design firm Atkins – the company behind the famous Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai – the hotel is part of a new wave of ambitious architectural projects being carried out in China due to an increase in economic growth. The £225 million hotel has been designed with a number of eco-friendly features – geothermal power and solar power generate energy for heat and lighting while the pond in the base of the quarry cools the air which is then drawn into the building as natural air circulation.

Julius concluded: “Our sales into the Chinese hotel market have seen a significant upturn recently as developers request only the highest quality hardware for the new wave of prestigious hotels being developed.”

sales@pchenderson.com