Conceptual planning for Atura Blacktown began in March 2010 with Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL) briefing Project Architect – PTI Group and Interior Design Architect – Nicholas Graham & Associates on its vision to launch a new and exciting brand of hotels called Atura; the first of which would be built in Western Sydney. Its success would see a national rollout over subsequent years.

Given the importance of the project, PTI Group’s capacity to interpret and deliver on AHL’s design brief was crucial. The brief asked for a building design which was original and would differentiate itself from its conservative rivals. According to Viet Dang – Project Architect, fulfilling the design brief was an evolving process, but eventually culminated in a design that was visually dynamic, contemporary and unique.

With the building’s structure finalised, Matt Nadilo and Nadine Hassan from Nicholas Graham & Associates were able to execute AHL’s ‘interior’ design brief, which was to create an environment reminiscent of a Palm Springs resort incorporating design elements, colour and furniture that reflected a 1950’s Mid-Century Modern architectural and design style.

Each of these elements needed to integrate with the raw, urban/industrial fabric of the actual building, requiring Matt, Nadine and Viet to collaborate on a regular basis during the build to ensure the project was visually cohesive.

The challenge and opportunity for Matt and Nadine was how best to maintain the open plan environment – a key part of the structural design, while creating separate, functional zones that would have their own sense of intimacy and purpose.

To achieve this outcome, a variety of decorative and structural elements were used in the internal fit-out including industrial lighting, plywood cabinetry, exposed aggregate floors, 50’s style designer furniture and in keeping with the urban industrial look – over 7,500 glazed face bricks from the PGH Vibrant and Academy collections.

According to Matt Nadilo, these bricks from the PGH Vibrant and Academy collections were selected due to their robust quality, vibrant colour, smooth fully glazed finish and serviceability. The bricks, including Cosmic (plum), Paris (pink) and Nobel (black) were used as an integral part of the interior design by providing the low level structural walls which would define the reception area, lobby business centre, restaurant and bar.

The Atura Hotel Blacktown was completed in late 2013 and has become an urban oasis and local landmark. The striking ‘extruded’ white façade belies the colour, ambiance and imagery used within the structure enticing visitors to venture closer and experience it in all of its glory.

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