20 Stories, opened this spring as D&D London’s first restaurant in Manchester, located on the nineteenth floor of No1 Spinningfields, with the restaurant, bar and terrace, being billed as a ‘garden in the sky’.
The concept for 20 Stories was designed by New York based architecture and interior design firm CetraRuddy, with DesignLSM being chosen by D&D London to work in partnership as executive architects.
The design draws on Manchester’s industrial and agricultural past while embracing the restaurant’s unique site. ‘The garden in the sky’ concept conveys a glamorous and sophisticated ambience, merging with art elements, native materials and handcrafted textiles to create a feeling of warmth and authenticity.
The restaurant offers a variety of distinct indoor settings including the main restaurant, a private dining room, a cocktail bar, and a more casual brasserie and grill. The bar serves as a centre-piece for 20 Stories, with the dramatic form of its shimmering, illuminated canopy referencing “a grand specimen tree”.
Throughout the space, a selection of local textiles and natural materials such as oak timber flooring are combined with a modern, sophisticated palette of metals.
Outside, an expansive terrace and rooftop garden offers 360-degree views and a series of intimate, all-weather gathering spaces. An alfresco fireplace is set amid a lush installation of native plants and specimen silver birch trees lit with dramatic lighting.
Reinforcing the connection to nature and sky, an installation by British sculptor Jon Bickley depicts a flock of ascending birds and creates a focal point for the garden. An undulating concrete bar echoes the form of the indoors bar, framing a dynamic indoor-outdoor atmosphere set against the backdrop of Manchester’s skyline.
Headed up by Architectural & Project Director Simon Spiteri, DesignLSM were tasked with implementing the concept, balancing the need to protect key elements of design whilst ensuring product and material changes, technical management and delivery were adhered to.
Collaboration was a key factor with DesignLSM designing and sourcing alternative products and materials, managing all the contractors and working in partnership with both CetraRuddy and D&D London, to create an experiential, immersive environment inspired by being ‘at one with nature‘ and serving as the North West’s ultimate restaurant destination.
Simon Spiteri, Architectural & Project Director, DesignLSM, said, “As executive architects for 20 Stories, balancing the preservation of the Concept DNA with strict budgetary controls, were always a forefront consideration. I’m pleased to say that we achieved this with a very positive outcome and all stakeholders were delighted at the project handover”
