Set in the heart of Melbourne’s South Wharf, the new Hilton Hotel sits within the business and cultural hub of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and is just moments from the dynamic Docklands precinct.
Developed by a consortium led by Plenary Group and Multiplex, and designed by NH Architecture and Woods Bagot, the Hilton Hotel boasts 364 guest rooms and 32 two-bedroom apartments, as well as a restaurant, café, bar and even a bakery.
NH Architecture and Woods Bagot envisaged a design that would complement the landscape. Moreover, open spaces and views would provide a sense of freedom.
“The architects wanted a public space that is accessible, has no dead-end corridors and engages with Melbourne,” explains Paul Evans – NH Architects Project Director – of the Convention Centre and Hilton development.
The design features 18-metre-high windows that run along the riverbank, giving a sense of connection with nature – natural light ‘sun-brushing’ the building while the high windows provide panoramic views of the skyline.
Inspired by its surroundings – a heritage maritime precinct – the hotel interiors showcase cobblestone flooring combined with large timber trusses and oversized metal detailing.
According to Evans, the “oversized timbers of the rusticated wharfs provided design inspiration for the textural qualities of the interiors. Rigging, mooring and anchoring were also references for the material selections and furnishings.”
The materials used in the hotel interiors sit gently within the overall design, complementing its tone and character; from the red granite stone and steel frames of the Spanish-themed restaurant to the Executive Lounge and the apartments’ kitchen floors – where Big River ArmourFloor Spotted Gum 189 has been used to great effect.
“ArmourFloor is safe to use in front of floor-to-ceiling windows that get full sun as well as anywhere climate controlled,” says Evans. “The boards were stuck directly to the sub floor to keep a solid timber sound underfoot.”
The Spotted Gum 189, as with all ArmourFloor products, uses a balance of matching top and bottom veneers, with three layers of solid hardwood between, which allows the natural beauty of the timber to shine, giving a compelling look to the final fit-out.
“ArmourFloor Spotted Gum 189 Commercial is pre-finished to speed up installation,” explains Evans, highlighting the benefits of the product for the Hilton project. “The coating used is an Aluminium Oxide Commercial finish that is able to put up with heavy traffic, whilst remaining abrasive resistant and good looking.”
Boasting a revitalised maritime precinct and an environmental rating of 6 green stars, the project, as part of the Melbourne Convention Centre development, is pegged to become Australia’s largest combined convention, exhibition and accommodation facility.
PROJECT PROFILE
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