"An outstanding return on our investment"
Scott Leach, Licensee, Rose of Australia Hotel
President , Australian Hotels Association (NSW)
The brief: 3 words. Contemporary, comfortable and fun. An historic and socially sensitive landmark hotel, the solution required winning over the locals, heritage committee and passionate owners committed to making this forgotten gem shine once more. Our new layout and colourful play on familiar materials created a flexible and functional venue with charm and tradition.
We called it the “Living Room”. Warm, inviting and spacious, the slightly retro vibe appeased the old timers and new movers and shakers alike in a variety of spaces to meet up, be entertained, fed, watered and gossip in comfort and style.
Ensuring the venue maintained its fiercely loyal patronage, the refurbishment was staged over two years. The renovations became part of the fun - each visit meant a new conversation was to be had about the changes. Patrons were involved right from the start.
15 years later, we were invited back. The 2001 refurbishment outlasted standard fit out life-times by more than 3 times the expected, all while remaining intact to the original design and popularity to the day of demolition.
1. Cocktail lounge
2. Cocktail lounge visual
3. Cocktail lounge 2
4. Elbow lounge
5. Elbow lounge visual
6. Public bar
7. Facade upgrade
8. Facade visual
9. Ground floor plan
10. First floor plan
