Originally built by convicts in 1887, the Harbour Rocks Hotel in Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct has had many incarnations over the years, including a bond store and workmen’s cottages, before it became a hotel in 1989.

Most recently, the design team at SJB Interiors was enlisted to update the ageing, once-modern interior and transform the 3-storey space into a boutique hotel that reflected its surroundings and told its story through its interior.

Key to the new design was creating a cohesive series of spaces that provided new opportunities and maximised the building’s use.

The underground storage area, once filled with filing cabinets, was transformed into an ambient new restaurant.

Opening up to the adjoining Nurse’s Walk on one side, the restaurant provides an alternate public face for the hotel.

As with the rest of the building, the existing sandstone was scaled back to reveal its natural state.

A warm palette of timber, stone, rich brown leather and white accents speaks to the building’s past while maintaining a contemporary feel.

Lighting was designed to give a soft glow reminiscent of candlelight, a nod to the building’s colonial origins.

Key to the Harbour Rocks Hotel refurbishment, Scarlett breathes new life into the 125 year old building.

Scarlett Restaurant
harbourrocks.com.au/dining/scarlett-restaurant/

SJB
sjb.com.au