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’.
Designed by DesignLSM
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 al fresco 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.
