Sunsquare’s custom skylights transform the Holiday Inn hotel at Gatwick Airport, delivering elegance and functionality to the foyer and conference suite, selected to enhance this iconic travel hub with innovative design.

Holiday Inn Gatwick Airport A Premier Travel Destination

Sunsquare partnered with the owners of the Holiday Inn hotel at Gatwick Airport during the challenging lockdown period, delivering bespoke skylight solutions that redefined the foyer and conference suite. This prestigious project, undertaken amidst the complexities of housing quarantined travellers, showcases Sunsquare’s ability to adapt and excel, with the hotel’s management choosing our expertise to elevate their vision.

Sunsquare’s Contribution Bespoke Skylight Innovations

Nestled at the heart of Gatwick Airport, one of the UK’s busiest travel hubs, the Holiday Inn offers a blend of convenience and luxury for travellers. This modern hotel features spacious rooms, a state-of-the-art conference suite, and a welcoming foyer, catering to both short-stay guests and business delegates. During the pandemic, the hotel adapted to house quarantined travellers, highlighting its versatility. The decision to enhance the property with premium skylights reflects its commitment to creating an inspiring environment, seamlessly connecting indoor spaces with the outside world.

Sunsquare designed and installed tailored skylights to meet the hotel’s unique requirements:

• Foyer Skylight: Replaced a large pyramid design with a striking hexagonal flat skylight, featuring four shaped glass panels supported by a robust frame capable of bearing up to 100kg, accommodating dramatic hanging lights.
• Conference/Entertainment Suite: Installed eight large skylights, each constructed with eight glass panels and a subframe engineered to appear as 16 sections, supporting integrated lighting for a sophisticated aesthetic.

Key specifications include:

• High-performance glass: 10mm clear toughened low-E outer pane, 12mm argon-filled spacer, 9.5mm laminated inner pane.
• Frame finish: Slate Grey (RAL 7015) outside, White (RAL 9010) inside.
• Structural integrity: Frames and subframes designed to withstand significant weight from custom lighting fixtures.

This project, spanning just over a year from enquiry to completion, involved glazing over six days in two phases – the foyer followed by the banqueting room – demonstrating Sunsquare’s meticulous planning and execution.

Overcoming Challenges During Installation

The installation process navigated significant hurdles:

• Lockdown Restrictions: Initial site surveys required COVID-19 testing and isolation protocols, adding complexity to access.
• Quarantine Environment: Working around quarantined travellers demanded careful scheduling, though guest areas were minimally impacted.
• Phased Approach: The foyer installation faced stringent restrictions, requiring innovative safety measures and coordination.

Despite these challenges, Sunsquare’s team delivered with precision, ensuring minimal disruption.

Performance and Aesthetic Impact

Sunsquare’s skylights transform the Holiday Inn with:

• Natural Light: Flooding the foyer and conference suite with daylight, creating an inviting atmosphere.
• Design Enhancement: Highlighting designer lighting fixtures, adding a dramatic and luxurious effect.
• Energy Efficiency: High-quality glass reduces reliance on artificial lighting, supporting sustainability.

The skylights complement the hotel’s modern architecture, enhancing guest experiences and event versatility.

A Testament to Quality and Adaptability

Sunsquare’s skylights at the Holiday Inn Gatwick Airport showcase our ability to deliver premium, bespoke solutions even under challenging conditions. Chosen by the hotel’s owners to elevate their dream project, this collaboration reinforces Sunsquare’s reputation for innovation and excellence in architectural design.