RH - Hyphen

Overview
Gallery
At a glance

Hyphen’s work with RH began in 2022, when we were brought on by the luxury home furnishings brand as executive architects for their new Gallery in a 19^th-century mansion in Brussels. Following the success of the project, we took on a similar role for a 2800-square-metre three-level Gallery in Madrid.

Madrid

After working on RH Brussels, which opened in March 2024, we served as the brand’s principal designers for its new Gallery space in the Spanish capital. We helped implement RH’s concept, overseeing works execution, site supervision, and preparing necessary permits and tender documents.

The building, originally designed by Joaquín Saldaña y López during the reign of Alfonso XIII was inspired by the French hôtel particulier typology and palazzo-style spatial concepts. Located in the elegant Salamanca area, the building was restored with great respect for its original vision.

The project presented several challenges. One major task was adapting the early 20th-century listed building to RH´s operational requirements whilst showcasing the unique family residence character in the heart of Madrid´s shopping district. Additionally, we restored the garden and its beautiful marble fountains, trees and plants to its former glory – to be the perfect complement to the Gallery.

Keeping sustainability in mind, we considered various recycling solutions, the use of local materials with minimal impact, and more efficient MEP equipment. The nature of working in a historical building required adaptability during the design and construction phases. Clear communication regarding regulations was key, helping to assess potential limitations for design decisions.

Brussels

Our first RH project, in Brussels, involved transforming a 19th-century Belgian mansion, called Hôtel Wittouck de Medem, into an inspiring physical expression of the brand.

Constructed in 1875 for Belgian industrialist Paul Wittouck, the pedigreed property was modeled on an 18^th-century French Baroque mansion. Designed by acclaimed Belgian architect Henri Maquet, known for his commissioned works for King Leopold II of Belgium, the building has been meticulously restored with great respect for the architect’s original vision. The Gallery is located on Boulevard de Waterloo, one of the most famous commercial streets of Brussels, and shares the district with many other prestigious high street brands. The French limestone façade is defined by commanding Baroque symmetry and Neo-Rococo flourishes.

As executive architects, we focused on being sympathetic to the building’s original ethos and upgrading its modern extension to match the same high standard of finish, creating a cohesive space. We handled BIM coordination, assisted in the general contractor selection, co-managed the site, and worked closely with local architects, MEP professionals, and local artisans for the many kilometres of handmade mouldings, panelling, and rosettes.

The opening event was a glamorous gala attended by members of the Belgian high society and many celebrities, who all seemed to enjoy the space.