Continuing Australia’s love affair with adaptive reuse, this heritage woolstore has evolved to become Sydney’s latest boutique hospitality offering. Stephen Lacey has the story.
September 26th, 2013
Well, it was a long time coming, after several construction delays, but our first impressions are that the 1888 Hotel was well worth the wait. Located in a former Pyrmont woolstore constructed in…you guessed it…1888, the building was completely revamped by architect Chris Haughton of SHED Architects, as part of a $30 million redevelopment.
The industrial interiors feature soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls and huge period windows. Repurposed ironbark recovered during the initial stages of the redevelopment features throughout the rooms and public areas, and is even used in desks, shelving and as panelling.
We love the lobby with its four storey central atrium and 5-metre fig tree. Interior designer Cressida Kennedy (SpaceControlDesign) has used a palette of timber, polished concrete, steel, bronze, marble and an eclectic collection of vintage pieces, including restored 1950s, 60s and 70s lounge chairs.
In keeping with the industrial theme, there’s a sculptural screen made from welded concrete reinforcement, and custom-made suspension lamps created from steel and pulleys with charcoal felt shades.
There are 90 guest rooms to choose from, but if you’re just looking for somewhere to lay your head and don’t expect to be spending a lot of time indoors, we’d recommend the Shoebox Rooms. At just 15 square metres, you might not have the space to swing a French Bulldog (cats are so passé) but they actually feel more spacious than they are, and the bathrooms are generously sized. If you’ve cleaned up on the roulette tables at The Star (casino) down the road, splurge on The Attic; a 47-square metre suite with its own balcony.
The guest room décor is simple but elegant, with most of the drama provided by the high ceilings and windows and massive distressed beams. The only negative is that many rooms look over the Novotel across the road, possibly the ugliest hotel in Australia. Thankfully you can close the curtains and pretend it isn’t there.
Space Control Design
1888 Hotel
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Designed by One Plus Partnership, the new retail experience store for jewellry house Chow Thai Fook in Hong Kong’s Yoho Mall uses the brand’s signature gift boxes as the driving theme.
We investigate 1-OK Club’s latest exhibition, and the pros and cons of the virtual exhibition. Ben Morgan writes.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Wood Marsh’s 40-year legacy shines through landmark infrastructure projects. Recently completing stunning stations at Coburg and Moreland, their designs blend modernity with community needs.
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
July has arrived in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane and this exemplary luggage brand has a new home that ticks all the boxes.
When iconic brands wield their influence, the ripples extend far beyond aesthetics. And so when the MillerKnoll collective formed, the very concept of design shifted, supercharging the industry’s aspiration to create a better world into an unwavering sense of responsibility to do so.