This 12-storey mixed-use development comprises a 216-bed hotel with a state-of-the-art business conference centre, restaurant and bar, and a 5000ft² ground floor commercial unit on a tight, challenging triangular site – bounded by two busy arterial routes and the main Network railway line.

The client, a commercial developer had previously experienced several unsuccessful attempts to come up with a viable form of development on the restrictive, complex site. White Ink’s design proposal was 15% more efficient than previous efforts – and issues such as buildability and logistics were considered and ‘designed in’ from the outset. This resulted in financially viable construction costs and thus, a feasible development.

As a result of our strong technical knowledge, applied both during the design and construction detailing stages, the completed building is virtually indistinguishable from the 3D visuals produced at Planning stage – proof of our ability to deliver what is promised.

From the outset the local planning authority expressed their requirement for a high-quality design for this prominent, highly visible site on the edge of the Cardiff City Centre Conservation Area.

We liaised closely with the Council Planning team to develop the design to include a superior palette of materials – stone, green terracotta tiles and coloured glass panels – which sit comfortably with both the historic buildings of Cardiff’s Conservation Area and the contemporary architecture of the nearby St David’s development. This resulted in a planning application that was approved in just 10 weeks!