The Sebel Albert Park Melbourne Hotel has been given a new lease of life with a clever design which is a sensitive response to existing spaces
The soaring central void and curved balconies had previously been obscured with wrought iron and fake ivy. The initial design intent was reinstated and a clean white curved stairway built to connect the ground floor lobby with the first floor.
Elsie + Betty Design designed special spiral fringed light fittings which are suspended on wires in the atrium. These fittings were custom made for the project.
The overall design differentiates areas such as cafe, restaurant, reception, rooms, lobby and bar by creating various themes using bold colour, intricate pattern and texture, each area has its own identity. Common threads tie these spaces together to sit comfortably within the whole.
The cafe area is bright and vibrant, with funky red bulkheads and its positioning makes good use of natural light filtering in through the front facade of the hotel.
The restaurant is warm and inviting, with soft finishes and sophisticated use of decorative elements such as feature wallpapers, patterned carpet, laser cut feature screens at the entry and various types of feature lighting. Colour is kept to a minimum, with a dark/neutral colour palette to emphasise fine dining.
In the main entry and reception areas a confident use of modern materials such as metallic paints and mirrored surfaces combines to create an uplifting design which demonstrates a contemporary edge.
The designers have retained many of the existing elements of the space, but brought them into the 21st century by refinishing and creating cleaner lines and stripping away and simplifying, for example the old 60’s wall panelling has been given a new lease of life with a coat of dark metallic paint, columns have been reclad and plain walls have been lifted with the use of colourback glass panels and glossy black Florence Broadhurst wallpaper. The central curved bar has been clad in stainless steel mosaic tiles, giving a glitzy feel to the area.
All the new furniture has a club/lounge feel, and they style of the furnishings flows through the various areas. The timer armed lounge chairs in the sunken lounge area match beautifully with the finer timber chairs of the lobby dining area and cafe.
Overall, the designers have cleverly uncovered the ‘good bones’ of the hotel and worked with existing elements, stripping away and building up to create a stunning new space.
The rooms, of which there are varying types and sizes, are clean and simple, with a modern, minimalist feel, the tones are warm and the furnishings comfortable. Ensuites have been given a lift with new finishes and fixtures in simple colours.