Aston Martin Boutique Hotel

Elegance in Motion, designed for the Coast.

Bronze, International Design Awards 2024 — Architecture / Hospitality

Rather than rebuilding, the proposal works within the existing structure.

The renovated hotel on Ocean Front Walk: a white curved base under a glass upper floor, palms and the beach behind

This project renovates an existing building on Ocean Front Walk and converts it into a boutique hotel influenced by the design language of Aston Martin.

Rather than rebuilding, the proposal works within the existing structure, introducing curved geometry, controlled materials, and a more fluid circulation. Reflective surfaces and soft transitions connect the building to the oceanfront setting while reinforcing a sense of movement and precision.

The design translates the brand’s identity into architectural form, balancing performance, elegance, and coastal atmosphere. The result is a renovation that keeps the original structure but gives the building a new spatial and visual identity.

Concept process

Translating motion into architecture.

The design began with sketches inspired by Aston Martin’s fluid forms. Early studies explored sun, view, and flow, shaping a structure that feels dynamic yet refined.

Five massing studies in green: Existing Condition, rounded form is created to accommodate the valet experience; Environmental Condition, beach view and sun movement consideration; Cockpit Condition, curved form is created to express a cockpit feel; Curved Condition, curved movement is created through cockpit to feel dynamic; Facade Condition, flow and movement form is incorporated to the facade using a perforated metal

The program

Four levels, from the beach to the suites.

The hotel’s vertical section reveals a choreography of movement across four levels. Public, social, and private programs are interconnected by sculpted pathways that emulate the flow of wind and speed. From the entry along Ocean Front Walk to elevated private suites, the structure delivers a spatial narrative rooted in performance and refinement.

Exploded axonometric of the four levels between Ocean Front Walk and Appian Way

Level 4GuestroomsPrivate
Level 3GuestroomsPrivate
Level 2 · Street levelCheck-in, dining, poolSocialAppian Way
Level 1 · Beach levelValet, lobby, loungePublicOcean Front Walk

Section cut through the hotel: guestrooms above, the curved public levels below, on its sloping site — Section cut through all four levels.

Beach level plan: valet, lobby and lounge — Beach level: valet, lobby, lounge.

Dining

The exterior language, carried inside.

The dining space extends the exterior language into the interior through curved geometry, dark finishes, and controlled lighting. Structural elements shape the room and guide circulation, creating a continuous flow between bar, seating, and lounge areas. Warm tones, metal accents, and reflective surfaces reinforce a refined atmosphere inspired by the precision and material quality of Aston Martin.

The dining room: bar, curved structure, dark finishes and pendant lights

Lounge & bar

The lounge extends the interior language through flowing ceiling forms, warm materials, and layered partitions. Wood screens divide the space into smaller seating zones while maintaining visual connection across the room. Low lighting, metal details, and curved surfaces create a calm and refined atmosphere influenced by the elegance and precision of Aston Martin interiors.

The lounge under a flowing ceiling, divided by wood screens

The Martini Guestroom

A circular room around a wellness core.

The guestroom is organized around a circular layout that connects the bathing area, lounge, and sleeping space in a continuous flow. Curved walls and layered materials such as walnut wood, green upholstery, and brushed metal reflect the aerodynamic language inspired by Aston Martin. The design balances soft textures with precise geometry to create a calm and refined environment for the guest.

The Martini Guestroom bath at the curved window, sunset over the ocean

Martini Guestroom plan: a circular layout around the bed, the bath at the curved window, cut by sections A1, A2 and A3

The suite: bed, lounge nook and curved ceiling

The film

From the film, made in Unreal Engine. Open on YouTube

A renovation that keeps the original structure but gives the building a new spatial and visual identity.

Project: Aston Martin Boutique Hotel
Designer: Devin Wu
Studio: ArtCenter · SXD Studio 3 · Summer 2024
Program: Hospitality
Location: 1659 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, California
Recognition: Bronze, International Design Awards 2024 — Architecture / Hospitality, Lead Designer

devinwu9@gmail.com M 626 591-6541

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