Old world charm in modern chic

Published by
Tess Ritchie
June 25, 2015

57 Hotel by Lexis Design is a Surry Hills hotel that channels the retro charm of the 1970s into modern glamour.

Located at Foveaux Street in Surry Hills, 57 Hotel is the result of a redesign of an original building which was a rather plain commercial establishment built during in 1970s. Lexis Design was commissioned with converting the inconspicuous site into a modern chic boutique hotel.

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The result not only fits the site’s heritage context, but also enhances the building’s relationship with the public domain. The design premise behind 57 Hotel is one of transformation, with Lexis transforming the outdated 1970s form of the original building into a positive for the design, through the use of a celebrated aspect of the same decade.

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The hotel now stands as a luxurious and glamorous space, taking inspiration from the futuristic tinsel-town sets of 1970s Hollywood movies, especially the ones from the James Bond series.

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A much-needed facelift was given to the ground level street front façade. New glazing at the street level provides not only a window from the lounge to the view outside, but also functions as the showcase to the sleek luxury of the lounge within.

Indoors, the original double-height ceiling provides ideal height for a sculptural curved golden ceiling that adds interest and drama to the entry space. The curves of the ceiling also help reflect a comfortable fluidity in the direction of movement through the entrance, drawing guests in towards the reception and on to a grand experience of the lobby lounge.

Lexis’ design of the 92-room boutique hotel serves as a statement on the power of reinvention in design.

Lexis Design
lexisdesign.com.au