In a comprehensive redesign, Technē has opened a new chapter for this Bellarine Peninsula institution. Ranging from grand facade to boutique furniture details and everything in between, step inside this reinvigorated hotel.
October 10th, 2022
Technē Architecture + Interior Design is no stranger to sprucing up some of Melbourne’s iconic venues and transforming tired hotels into 21st century marvels.
When it came to the Portarlington Grand Hotel on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, the stakes were even higher.
The pub has proudly served patrons since 1888. Situated on its generous 1900-square-metre site up the hill from Portarlington Pier, it could fill a book with colourful stories.
But with investment from Melbourne businessman Paul Little, the monumental task of breathing new life into a grand old dame created a fabulous opportunity for Technē’s associate director, Sam Sempill, as well as for the Bellarine more broadly.
“This project was exciting in that it was complex and multi-faceted in nature. I thrive on problem-solving and this project presented a lot of problem-solving opportunities, which we had to workshop as a project team,” she says.
Related: Kick up your heels at the ultra cool lyf Hotel
Along with Michael Taylor Architecture & Heritage, this included how to pay homage to the hotel’s rich past and overhaul the tired, adjoining beer garden with a fresh, modern twist.
The facade is a great example. Back to its original grey colour, it now features the former verandah and fine balcony detailing, which was recast from an original wrought iron panel that once adorned the upper levels.
Inside, the demolition of the existing structure was limited and preserved with archways, cornices, wall filigree, etched glazing and the main stair balustrading. A locals’ highlight is the painstakingly hand-trawled walls, which took weeks to blot and paint by Scanlan & Makers.
All 18 guest rooms feature a luxury upgrade in collaboration with Australian furniture design brand, Zuster, with custom-designed pieces referencing the building’s arches. They also echo the broader themes of the rooms, such as the essence of the old pier with natural and reclaimed timber materials.
“Various shades of blues, greens, and beige feature prominently and are used to convey the hues of the surrounding seaside town, as well as soft, warm lighting,” Sempill says.
Other elements offer a bit of fun. In the beer garden, The Atrium, a zesty yellow and white palette plays across furniture, fabrics and tiling to reference the beach, and extends all the way down to the rear of the site where a lawn space has just been completed. The toilets in the new beer garden and bistro often create a talking point according to the hotel staff, as does the tartan carpeting in the bistro.
But what truly elevates the experience is the way the community is celebrated in the design process. Throughout the entire space are framed photos bringing to life stories of the people, places and objects of interest to the hotel and area. Meanwhile, items such as old bottles, toothpaste boxes and 1930s newspapers discovered during construction are now on display.
Two sisters even donated a pair of matching original mirrors that once belonged to the hotel’s previous owners, which now hang over the fireplace in the front bar and in the bistro bar.
“There is also an old plaque that was found on site that has been erected on the side of the planter box brickwork in the beer garden, directly outside of the pizza servery window,” she recalls.
For me, the richness of the local experience is summed up by having a physical key to the guest room, which also opens the front door to the hotel after hours.
Creating a true home away from home, exactly as intended.
Technē Architecture + Interior Design
techne.com.au
Photography
Tom Blachford
We think you might also like this story about The Cambium business getaway by Carr.
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!
Studio Prineas’ Fisherman’s House and its theatrical kitchen sets a backdrop for life, with utterly unique design details awarding it the top prize.
For Living Edge, B-Corp certification was the next appropriate step in a long journey focused on building a truly sustainable and socially responsible business. In 2023 they achieved certification at their first pass, giving customers a new level of environmental assurance and the company an important milestone to celebrate across two decades of staff-led, sector-leading sustainability practices.
The building boasts 171 years of history and an iconic Sydney location. Now, with Woods Bagot’s redesign complete, one of the city’s premier hotels has been fully revitalised.
The AIA NSW Chapter President reacts to a recent announcement by the Minns state government aimed at tackling the housing crisis.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
CKDS has created distinctive new office space in Newcastle’s CBD following the adaptive reuse of what was previously a theatre.
This time, it’s the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) which has recognised the Sydney building as Best Tall Building Worldwide.