Completed in 2019, the landmark Vardo restaurant involved the dismantling of existing café and piling / excavation to construct a single story basement plus ground floor and open landscape roof terrace. The project ties a contemporary design with the site heritage, represented by the Grade II -listed wall of the Duke of York Headquarters. One of the design’s main features is the spiralling precast concrete incorporating descending curved glazed screens. Although similar retraction systems have been installed outside the UK, Vardo is the first example of a retractable curved glass system in the world. This striking yet sympathetic design by Nex— has been awarded the Architects’ Journal Leisure Award 2021 and the New London Architecture Award in Hotels & Hospitality category. Vardo also made the shortlist for the RIBA London Awards and Dezeen Awards in 2020.
