CONFRENCES: BETTER BUILDS

BETTER BUILDS

INDUSTRY CREATIVES GATHERED IN ADELAIDE FOR DESIGN INN 2022 TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF HOTEL CONSTRUCTION, SUSTAINABILITY IN COMMERCIAL ACCOMMODATION AND THE RISING ‘WORK FROM HOTEL’ CONCEPT.

Leading architects, designers, hotel operators, owners and major suppliers were in attendance at Design Inn Symposium in Adelaide in May to discuss key trends in hotel design and development.

The Wellness in Hospitality panel, hosted by Reece Brand Ambassador Manager Loren Inglis, discussed everything from sustainable stays to everyday hygiene and the wellness journey for guests.

Aboriginal artists have a really specific understanding of space.

-Asher Milgate,Considered Image

“As designers of hotels, I think it’s critical that we design healthy, relaxing and safe space for guests that really enhance physical and the mental wellness,” DalmanArchitecture Managing Director, Richard Dalman, said. Dalman discussed the use of open architecture in creating a comfortable, safe space for guests. “A lot of our hotel are sealed boxes, we don’t really get to relate to the environment,” he explained.“If we can kind of break down the areas and start to relate to nature a little bit, I think that’s a good thing. We can bring plant inside we can start to relate the inside to the outside world.”

Meanwhile DKO Architecture Director, Michael Drescher, discussed the little things that matter to guests– from shower pressure to lavender stations, connecting to apps and noise-canceling headphones for meditative purposes, being able to order a Peloton bike to your room, and being able to bring along your pet on your stay.

“It’s all those elements for rooms I think we’re really going to look at because it’s making sure your stay is warm - it’s like being at home,” Drescher said.

DESIGNING WITH COUNTRY

Designing with Country was an important topic of discussion at Design Inn. Considered Image CreativeDirector, Asher Milgate – whose photography of First Nations people was projected onto the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the countdown to Sydney’s 9pm Welcome to Country Fireworks display on New Year’s Eve 2021 – discussed the importance o engaging First Nations people throughout the whole project to ensure their voices are heard.

Design Inn panellists discussed the importance of sustainability in design and construction

“Aboriginal artists have a really specific understanding of space, and there’s a sensitivity that is cultural that we certainly don’t understand. I think in my childhood and having worked with First Nations over the last 10 years, I’ve been given glimpses of that,” he said.

“I think it’s really important when you go into that design brief, that you have that Aboriginal voice. If you actually want to engage with them, you’ve got to work collaboratively and step outside of your culture – as hard that might be – and actually stop and listen to what's being said.”

In a keynote session, Scott Carver representatives and FCAD Lead Consult and Creator Matthew Fellingham discussed the topic which was fundamental to the design competition process for 197 Church Street, Parramatta.

BOUTIQUE PLACEMAKERS

The popular Boutique Placemakers returned this year, hosted by Luchetti Krelle Principal Rachel Luchetti. This session looked at how boutique operators are addressing the ‘Next Normal’ from a design perspective, within their brands.

In this session, Lancemore Group CEO, Julian Clark, discussed the core elements of the Group’s hotel design and influencing factors.

“We take our cue from a design perspective from four different [areas] – one is our brand, one is the architecture of the hotel, one is the climate where the hotel is, and the other one is the vision that we have for the hotel,” Clark explained.

“Each hotel from a design perspective, has got a fair amount of individuality. We think, from a brand perspective, that gives us a consistency of experience … our brand is really all about the experience for the customer.”

Sustainability in Design hosted by WMK Architecture Director – Client Services, Guy Blunden, looked at how being sustainable needs to be at the forefront from planning to build and opening; while Hotel Chains’ Technical Insights, hosted by Scott Carver Director, Angela Biddle, uncovered the top trends from some of the industry’s leading in-house design, engineering and technical directors.

Crystalbrook Collection CEO Geoff York accepted the prestigious Paul Davis Award for the Australasia Pacific Hotel of the Year for Crystalbrook Kingsley

The Design Inn Symposium was sponsored by Hansen Yuncken, the commercial construction business behind the $330 million Eos by SkyCity Adelaide, where the event took place.

“Reinvigorating Australia’s local tourism and supporting the arts and entertainment sectors through world leading construction continues to be high on the agenda for us this year,” said Hansen Yuncken Construction Manager, Scott Brumfield.

“Our team of experts work collaboratively with clients to deliver leading edge landmarks like Eos by SkyCity to create spaces for people to connect, work, relax and explore our great country. We like to think of ourselves as ‘placemakers’, driven by complex, challenging designs that are built with pride.”

The event also featured project showcases on QT Newcastle, AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands, Hotel Motel Adelaide and InterContinental Parramatta as well as in-person site tours of Sofitel Adelaide and EOS by SkyCity Adelaide.

LEADING CREATIVES CELEBRATED

Following the Design Inn Symposium, the industry’s leading creative minds were celebrated at the 2022 Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards.

Suede Interior Design was awarded the prestigious Paul Davis Award for the Australasia Pacific Hotel of the Year for work on Crystalbrook Kingsley.

Crystalbrook Collection CEO Geoff York was present to accept the award on the night.

“We’re really proud to be recognised for this particular hotel of ours,” York said before thanking the designers and architects that were consulted on the project and the hotel team.

Outrigger CEO Jeff Wagoner receiving Highly Commended in Hotel of the Year – Conversion for Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Highly Commended in that category were P49 Deesignfor interior design at Sofitel Adelaide and DKO for Pullman Melbourne on the Park.

DKO was also awarded Hotel of the Year – Refurbishment for its work on Pullman Melbourne on the Park.

Hotel of the Year – Conversion went to Suede InteriorDesign for Crystalbrook Kingsley, with Outrigger ReefWaikiki Beach Resort receiving Highly Commended in this category. Outrigger CEO Jeff Wagoner proudly accepted this accolade.

P49 Design’s work on Sofitel Adelaide was awarded Hotel of the Year – New Build.

The judges felt this project embraced the Sofitel brand of “French elegance” and “celebrated the link between Adelaide and Bordeaux as wine capitals”. The result is a“tactical design, particularly in the public areas which exude a big personality,” the judges said.

Woods Baggot was Highly Commended in the NewBuild category for its work on Next Hotel Melbourne The judges said: “The committed ESG approach to this project was impressive. And it has already achieved a five-star green star rating for construction design and operation. Emphasis on using locally made carpets, rugs, furniture, and artwork was central to the procurement. Food waste minimisation, bulk sourcing and green choices all added this excellent outcome.”