Located on Glasgow’s historic Bath Street, Arthouse Glasgow is a 76-key lifestyle hotel designed by the London-based studio A-nrd, which transforms a 19th-century listed building into a layered residence inspired by the city’s creative soul.
A Narrative of Creative Heritage. Situated just a few hundred meters from the iconic Glasgow School of Art, the project transcends the traditional hospitality model to function as an “artist’s residence.” Founded by Alessio Nardi and Lukas Persakovas, A-nrd has bypassed the sterile polish of conventional hotels in favor of a lived-in, assembled aesthetic. This approach reflects the dynamic spirit of a city defined by its art schools and industrial grit, creating a space that feels like a private collection of stories rather than a commercial development.
Preserving the Historic Fabric. The soul of the building lies in its original details, which the studio has meticulously preserved to anchor the intervention in history. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a birdcage lift and intricate timber panelling that evoke the structure’s 19th-century origins. By maintaining the stained-glass windows and original flooring, the scheme celebrates the building’s rich past, allowing the new identity to emerge through a dialogue with the existing historic architecture.
Stripped-Back Materiality. In contrast to the ornate heritage features, the studio introduced a restrained material palette that nods to Glasgow’s industrial legacy. This juxtaposition of the refined and the raw creates a visual tension that feels modern yet deeply rooted. The interiors move away from excessive ornamentation, opting instead for bespoke joineryand tactile surfaces that emphasize craftsmanship. It is a sensory experience where the cold touch of industrial finishes meets the warmth of aged wood.
The Artist’s Studio Guestroom. Within the 76 guestrooms, ranging from efficient “pocket” rooms to expansive suites, the design team focused on creating a functional layout for the modern traveler. Bespoke king-size platform beds and integrated timber elements—incorporating desks and open clothing rails—maximize the space with a seamless, custom-built feel. The layout is intentional, designed to mimic the organized chaos and functional beauty of a working studio.
Collaborative Textile Landscapes. A-nrd’s commitment to localism is most visible in the furniture and upholstery. A mix of contemporary and vintage pieces fills the rooms, many of which have been reupholstered in collaboration with Bute Fabrics, a renowned Scottish textile mill. This partnership ensures that the tactile quality of the interiors is unmistakably local, grounding the interior design in the physical textures of the region while supporting the local supply chain.
Curation as Storytelling. Art is not merely a decorative afterthought here; it is the backbone of the project’s identity. Sourced in collaboration with the Patricia Fleming Gallery, the hotel features a curated selection of works by Scottish artists. These pieces are embedded throughout the guestrooms and social spaces, reinforcing the connection to the city’s thriving gallery scene. Much like the Nomos Hotel in Rome, which reimagines a historic monastery through a lens of minimalist reverence, Arthouse Glasgow uses its walls to tell a story of cultural evolution.
Social Hubs and Culinary Craft. The ground floor is designed as a fluid ecosystem of social activity, divided into a lounge, a central reception, and a restaurant operated by the acclaimed Celentano’s. The lounge acts as an all-day anchor for both guests and Glaswegians, facilitating informal meetings and creative labor, echoing the communal philosophy seen in the Hobo Hotel Oslo. Together with the Italian-inspired, produce-led dining concept brought by Dean and Anna Parker, the entire ground floor serves as the final layer in this curated residence, offering a sophisticated, authentic home for the creatively inclined.