Sea Containers London will introduce a new design direction this spring with the launch of a junior suite category, the Riverview Studio Suite, alongside an evolution of its wider suite collection. The development coincides with the debut of agua Studio within agua Spa and the installation of a new contemporary sculpture in the lobby.
The South Bank hotel, operated by Lore Group, is progressing the next phase of its design evolution at Sea Containers London, building on the four Cabin Suites introduced last year. Enhancements include updates to the Riverview Balcony Suite and One Bedroom Riverview Suite, with 59 suites reimagined in total.
Evolving A Nautical Narrative
The redesign has been led by Jacu Strauss, Creative Director & Designer at Lore Group, who has developed the hotel’s original Tom Dixon interiors through a more playful and elevated interpretation of its established transatlantic and nautical narrative. Original elements have been retained and reinterpreted, supporting what is described as a more sustainable, long-term design approach.
Tabletops and counters are formed from recycled plastics, repurposed as terrazzo-style surfaces. Bespoke coffee tables made from reclaimed ship propellers, sourced from vintage and antique dealers, sit alongside seating fashioned from industrial maritime hardware. The design references Art Deco, Brutalist and 1980s influences.
Room layouts are configured to frame views of the River Thames and London’s skyline, including St Paul’s Cathedral. Nautical flags, bespoke tapestries and layered textures reinforce the maritime theme, while coffee-table books curated by Phaidon contribute to a residential character.
Designer Commentary
“The brief we set ourselves was to enrich the existing story rather than overwrite it. There’s a confidence in evolving something instead of replacing it, especially when the original narrative is so strong,”
“People stay differently now. They stay longer, they work from their rooms, they invite friends for a drink. The challenge was to support all of that without losing the maritime character and playful spirit that make Sea Containers London feel like nowhere else.”
Jacu Strauss, Creative Director & Designer, Lore Group
Wellness And Future Phases
The new Riverview Studio Suites and redesigned Riverview Suites form part of a revised guest journey, introducing tailored in-room amenities.
At agua Spa, agua Studio has launched as a dedicated wellness space offering weekly yoga classes, breathwork and immersive sound baths, alongside the new agua Thai Experience. Treatments incorporate the Hedgerow by agua organic product line.
Further updates are scheduled as part of the hotel’s 2026 design evolution, including planned changes to Sea Containers Restaurant and 12th Knot rooftop bar.
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