Heritage hotel given a contemporary twist

Project: InterContinental Hotel Sydney

Location: Sydney, Australia

Award: Hospitality Interiors: Hotel & Other Overnight Accommodations, Bronze, 2023

Design Practice: Woods Bagot

Client: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

This 5-star hotel offers its guests uninterrupted views to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Harbour. The hotel complex includes the State Heritage Listed former Treasury buildings which are commended for being an outstanding example of Sydney’s colonial architecture.

The designers have preserved the historic fabric of the building, unifying this with contemporary materials and details. The new Intercontinental Sydney draws from the grandeur of the past whilst introducing materials, details and furnishings synonymous with the relaxed Australian lifestyle. Interiors are inspired by rich red brick, warm sandstone and black and white courtyard tiles. Timber wall linings and joinery emanate warmth. 

Design highlights

The ground floor planning has been reimagined to enhance the guest arrival experience. The heart of the hotel, the Cortile, bathed in natural sunlight, is immersed in greenery referencing both the original outdoor space and its proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens. A contemporary bar features furniture nestled amongst the botanic plants and historic arches.