Located within a 1926 heritage building in Sydney’s Manly, the traditional façade of the New Brighton Hotel hides a contemporary multi-level venue.

The hotel was refurbished at the end of 2011, with ’seaside industrial’ the brief for a space that would reflect its surroundings as well as withstand the rigours of its coastal location.

The interior was stripped back to create a raw aesthetic. Custom feature elements were then added.

“Stripping back and exposing the existing brickwork has revealed the real character of the building and instead of covering up and concealing the imperfections we have expressed them to allow them to add to the layering,” said Ruth Harris, associate interior designer for Altis Architecture, who developed the concept with colleagues Murray Stewart and Derek O’Cearbhaill.

Each of the 4 floors was given its own distinct identity, with an eclectic mix of furniture and materials creating a series of engaging spaces.

Carl Coyle and Michelle Jansen van Rensburg from @ qubed design were brought on board to source and coordinate furniture pieces for the project that would complement each space, be practical and comfortable as well as stylish.

The pair worked with a number of high profile suppliers – including Café Culture, Hughes Commercial Furniture, Insitu, Interstudio, KE-ZU, Stylecraft and Space, as well as industrial designer Greg Hatton – to source, specify, procure and manage almost 500 pieces of furniture for the expansive space, ensuring that the pieces worked well together aesthetically and met the demanding needs of the busy venue.

Nest Rest loungers from Dedon, launched at the 2011 Milan Furniture Fair, are a standout addition to the third floor roof terrace, providing a relaxed luxury feel.

Photography: Anthony Habashy

Altis Architects
altisarchitecture.com

@ qubed design
atqubeddesign.com.au