Case Study:
Specialist Glass Film Installation at Mandarin Oriental Knightsbridge.
The Tint Shop has delivered glass film solutions in some of the most prestigious locations across London and Western Europe. A highlight was our collaboration with Vinci on the extensive refurbishment of the Mandarin Oriental Knightsbridge — one of the capital’s leading five-star hotels.
This project demanded discretion and precision, with work carried out in a live luxury hospitality environment where the guest experience remained paramount.
Project Background
The Mandarin Oriental Knightsbridge began its renovation in September 2016, upgrading guestrooms, suites, and public areas. In June 2018, an external fire caused damage and delayed progress, extending the programme. After extensive restoration, the hotel fully reopened in April 2019, unveiling new spaces and redesigned interiors.
Throughout this period, the tint shop was tasked with delivering bespoke glazing solutions that balanced privacy, aesthetics, and functionality while ensuring the hotel could continue to operate smoothly.
The Challenge
The refurbishment presented several challenges:
- Working within a live hospitality setting, without disrupting guests.
- Limited overnight installation windows to avoid interference with daily operations.
- A phased programme requiring floor-by-floor completion of guest rooms.
- Brand-sensitive updates, particularly in the wellness centre.
- The need for flawless finishes consistent with the Mandarin Oriental’s reputation for luxury.
The Solution
www.thetintshop.co.uk was commissioned to deliver a tailored glass film package across the hotel.
- Restaurant Glazing: A temporary frosted film with a bespoke leaf and vine design was applied, allowing the restaurant to remain open throughout refurbishment. This elegant solution screened construction works while maintaining a refined ambience. Once the project was complete, the film was removed, restoring the restaurant’s celebrated views over Hyde Park.
- Guest Rooms: Old films were carefully removed and replaced with new finishes, completed floor by floor to align with the wider refurbishment schedule and ensure continuity of luxury standards.
- Wellness Centre: Updated films were installed with revised colours to reflect changes in the hotel’s branding, enhancing the refreshed identity of the space.
All materials were chosen for their durability, safety compliance, and aesthetic quality.
Execution
The works required careful coordination and discretion:
- Detailed pre-installation surveys ensured tailored fits.
- Overnight schedules (2am–6am) minimised disruption in guest-facing areas.
- Floor-by-floor installation enabled steady progress without operational impact.
- A small team of experienced tradesmen delivered precise, high-quality finishes.
- Collaboration with Vinci ensured safe and efficient integration with the broader programme.
Results and Impact
The completed installation achieved several key outcomes:
- Guest Experience Preserved: The restaurant remained operational throughout, with temporary films discreetly shielding construction and later removed to reveal Hyde Park views.
- Upgraded Rooms: Guest accommodation was refurbished with new films, maintaining the hotel’s luxury standard.
- Refreshed Branding: The wellness centre reflected the updated identity through customised film colours.
- Discreet Execution: All work was carried out to the highest standard with minimal impact on hotel operations.
- Positive Feedback: Both Vinci and Mandarin Oriental management commended the quality, precision, and professionalism of the installation.
Conclusion
The Mandarin Oriental Knightsbridge refurbishment — spanning from 2016 to its reopening in 2019 — required specialist expertise to maintain luxury service levels amid extensive works. The Tint Shop delivered bespoke glass film solutions across guest rooms, the restaurant, and the wellness centre, ensuring privacy, aesthetics, and brand consistency while supporting operational continuity.
By working closely with Vinci and maintaining exacting standards, The Tint Shop reinforced its reputation as a trusted partner for high-profile hospitality projects in London and beyond.
