The Surry Hill Hotel has undergone some serious changes recently, transforming itself into a one-off, trendy, hub. Words by Zachary Klein.
September 16th, 2014
When designer Matt Woods of Matt Woods design was offered the opportunity to outfit The White Horse Hotel as an industrial fueled Bikers hangout, he was compelled to say yes. A fellow motorcycle enthusiast, Woods has created a multi-dimensional space that plays on gender roles to create a compelling series of venues within the hotel.
“The goal was to create two venues within a venue, sort of his and hers bars with distinct characters to each owner,” Steven Hiles explains, “downstairs being our take on a café racer-inspired biker bar, dark and garage in feel serving up American styled food and beverage. Upstairs was to be much more feminine with everything white and fresh, lots of plants and lighter lighting”.
The innovative by-product is a renovation that allows the White Horse to be viewed in a totally new context; neglecting it’s dilapidated past and returning to its high status within the social community of Crown St.
With a philosophy and design rooted in the heritage of the site, the boys followed strict protocol in observing its history, making the eight-week transformation rather costly. “Working with a very short turn and around a very tight budget was always going to be a challenge”, says Mark Woods, especially when you commission one off murals from popular local artists like Ben Morris. However it’s the details like this that are crucial in creating the one off type atmosphere that people have become familiar with in most of Surry Hills popular spots.
Woods portrays his conscious design morals in the eco-friendly materials that give the space an individual twist. Structures made of FSC Plywood and recycled timber allows a soft edge to be revealed in the otherwise tough biker interior. Upstairs however, the natural elements of the venue add to its feminine composure.
Overall, the dramatic restoration of The White Horse Hotel residing on 381 Crown St, Surry Hills acknowledges the design integrity of Matt Woods in helping it remain one of Surry Hills most interesting attractions.
The White Horse Hotel
Matt Woods Design
killingmattwoods.com
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!
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
A hospitality venue in the heart of Osaka comprising four dining options – a place where nostalgic pastimes meet high-end dining.
Found within the verdant landscape of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Sona Reddy’s design for this authentic Andhra restaurant adeptly fuses textural rhythms with traditional materials.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Set to undergo a $60-million revitalisation, the National Gallery of Australia has announced the launch of a landscape design competition for its Sculpture Garden.
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.