The Hungarian-born Marcel Breuer was a modernist architect and furniture designer who learned his skills at the world-famous Bauhaus art school. Some of his most notable designs were in Brutalist architecture style.
In 1970 a fine example of Brutalism was erected in the neighborhood of Long Wharf in New Haven, Connecticut. The 9-floor tall Pirelli Tire Building made it on the National Register of Historic Places list in 2021, which paved the way for its protected future use.
In 2019 the Connecticut architect and developer Becker + Becker decided to purchase the Brutalist building and convert it into a net-zero energy boutique hotel. If all goes to plan, the hotel will be the first Passive House-certified hotel in the U.S., partially thanks to the more than one thousand solar panels installed to generate electricity.
In spring 2022, the 165-room Hotel Marcel opened its doors to travelers looking for a unique architectural experience. The hotel, run by the Tapestry Collection by Hilton Hotels, honored the architect using his name.
Photos by Seamus Payne
The former office building of the Armstrong Rubber Company was thoroughly restored during its three years renovation. The building's iconic structure with an empty floor divider in the middle was retained.
Marcel Breuer fled Germany and later the United Kingdom to become one of the 20th century's most significant architects.
Breuer was awarded the AIA Gold Medal in 1968 for his outstanding works.
He is single-handedly responsible for designing over 100 buildings, including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.
Brooklyn studio Dutch East Design was responsible for designing the hotel's interior. The work was no small feat, as the designers had to pay homage to the exterior's bare concrete beauty without making the inside too cold and rugged.
Let's just say, job well done!
BLDG Restaurant on the ground floor serves food made of fresh ingredients from the Atlantic Ocean and creative plant-based dishes.
The 165 guest rooms and suites offer Bauhaus modernist vibes in a minimalist package with contemporary artwork.
The rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art tech, including remote-controlled and perfectly synchronized blinds. Great feature if you like to sleep in complete darkness.
Bauer designed furniture too, and one of his most iconic pieces was named after his daughter, Francesca, which is a comfy chair that you can find in every room of the hotel.
Even though the hotel is next to the I-95 highway, you can't hear a thing thanks to the triple-layered windows.
500 Sargent Dr, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
