Project Overview
Hilton Sydney is a landmark CBD 5-star hotel and was the second international hotel to be built in Australia, after the Wentworth Hotel also in Sydney.
This hotel is the flagship hotel for Hilton in this part of the world, but its guestrooms were starting to look dated; it had been almost 15 years since the last renovation. This combined with recent new-build hotels and hotel refurbishments within their competitive set was the catalyst for this project.
Project Commissioner
JLL (on behalf of owner, Bright Ruby)
Project Creator
Team
Mike Watson
Project Brief
Our scope included the refurbishment of all 587 rooms and suites.
This included the creation of 8 new rooms through the conversion of 4 existing 3-bay King Suites.
We were also asked to design the upgrade to Caffe Cino and the Lobby Lounge. This followed our refurbishment of Glass Restaurant in 2018.
Project Innovation/Need
Given many of the guestroom dividing walls were structural (reinforced concrete) and the existing ceiling space was insufficient to recess lighting we designed a custom joinery portal on the TV/Desk wall to do the following:
Reticulate power for new lighting (custom pendant and reading light) at the desk
Reticulate power & data to the TV and new guest power/usb at the desk
Variations of this portal design was used in all guestrooms and suites. Not only did it add a signature design element to the guestrooms, but it eliminated adding bulkheads to the ceiling and new wall lining to wall to conceal the cabling. It also simplified the electrical contractors scope therefore reducing cost.
Design Challenge
The key to the room design was recognising how guest work today; we started by removing the traditional desk setup which occupied a massive 25% of the carpeted area of the room. We replaced the chaise lounge with an oversized, signature Italian armchair & ottoman coupled with custom table which guests could work or dine at. Apart from the armchair & ottoman all furniture and joinery items are bespoke.
A common comment from returning guests has been ‘the room feels bigger’ so mission accomplished for A+ Design Group.
Sustainability
No existing furniture went to landfill: It was either sold through industry contacts to other hotels or donated to a women’s shelter organisation.
All timbers used in joinery and furniture were from sustainable sources and all glues used in production were formaldehyde free.
Water based paints used exclusively.
The wool in the carpets was sourced directly from farmers in Scotland to ensure both quality and sustainable practices. Low VOC used in the production of the carpets combined with water-based glues and recyclable underlay.
All fabrics were commercial grade with international certification regarding production and composition.
Low wattage LED lighting throughout.
WELS rated water saving tapware used.
Interior Design - Hospitality - Stay
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors where people sleep, accomodation such as hotels, furnished apartments, resorts and even private clubs. Judging consideration is given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration is also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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