Concrete diagrid wraps Forth Atlanta hotel by Morris Adjmi

New York-based Morris Adjmi Architects has used external, criss-crossing concrete beams as the primary structure for this hotel and members club in Atlanta, Georgia.

Named after its location in the city's Old Fourth Ward neighbourhood, the new-build Forth Atlanta hotel faces a historic park and is moments away from the popular BeltLine along a former industrial railway.

Morris Adjmi Architects completed the 16-storey structure with a distinctive concrete diagrid that forms an exoskeleton around the glass tower portion of the building.

"The diagonal columns not only contribute to the aesthetics of the new building but also serve a structural purpose," said the studio. "Behind the cast-in-place concrete diagrid is a window wall, adding surprising depth and transparency to the facade."

The lower three floors are clad in grey brickwork, similar to the nearby Ponce City Market complex of industrial buildings that's now a large retail and dining destination.

This podium also extends out to form a 2,300-square-foot (214-square-metre) terrace with an open-air swimming pool to the south and a smaller terrace for the members' club to the north.

Members have access to a coworking space, a private lounge, and a two-level fitness centre in which equipment is arranged around chunky concrete columns and across polished concrete flooring.

Forth Atlanta's interiors were designed by Morris Adjmi and Method Studios, the in-house studio of operator Method Co.

The lobby is spacious yet cosy, featuring dark slate floor tiles and rich wood panelling against grey textured plastered walls.

Comfy furniture is arranged around a fireplace within a large chimney breast clad in thin ceramic tiles, and the lighting is kept low throughout the day.

"Behind the reception desk a painting by the artist Jack Spencer depicts a forest entrance, greeting guests to Forth's nature-influenced retreat," said Morris Adjmi.

"A BDDW mountain tapestry can be found on the adjacent wall anchoring an arrangement of vintage and contemporary seating."

Towards the elevator bank, a diorama by artist Becca Barnet behind the concierge desk features taxidermy foxes, pinned butterflies, and natural foliage to add "charm and visual intrigue to the space".

The tower's concrete diagrid creates unique silhouettes over the windows of the guest rooms and suites, which are decorated with rich earth tones and patterned wallpaper.

Forth Atlanta features four dining and drinking spots, each with a different aesthetic designed by Stokes Architecture & Design in collaboration with Method Studio.

These include a street-level cafe and bar, and an adjacent Italian steakhouse named Il Premio that features dark millwork, jewel-toned surfaces, and patterned velvet and leather upholstery.

The poolside restaurant and bar, Elektra, has a Mediterranean-influenced interior featuring pale sage green tones, warm wood tables and banquettes, and turquoise accents.

On the rooftop is 1970s-inspired cocktail lounge Moonlight, where glass-block windows, brown leather sofas, and plenty of chrome-finished furniture and lighting set the mood.

Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward has undergone major development in the 20 years since the first section of the BeltLine was completed.

Large buildings such as Olson Kundig's boxy, glass office complex, and the regenerated Ponce City Market that includes restaurants like Pancake Social and Atrium have transformed the neighbourhood into a busy destination for locals and tourists alike.

The photography is by Matthew Williams unless stated otherwise.

Project credits:

Architect: Morris Adjmi Architects
Developer/owner: New City Properties
Hotel, club, and food and beverage operator: Method Co
Hotel and club interior design: Morris Adjmi Architects, Method Studios
F&B interior design: Stokes Architecture + Design, Method Studios
Art curation: Morris Adjmi Architects

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