Djiringanj people of the Yuin Nation
New South Wales
Originally commissioned by visionary David Yencken and designed by Architect Robin Boyd, the Black Dolphin Motel has undergone a modest but transformative makeover. A collaboration initiated by Finding Infinity, KTA set a design direction and worked closely with Wilderness Building Co and our client Aspen Group to deliver on what is very much a light touch that demonstrates the power of the edit. The unsympathetic detritus of recent decades has been removed to reveal the original and very good Boyd bones. Something of the original spirit has returned to this Merimbula icon through a series of small but attentive changes that reflect on the Black Dolphin’s particularly local approach to modernism, and what it means to renew rather than overwrite our architectural heritage.Â
We engaged KTA to bring back to life The Black Dolphin Motel in Merimbula. Working with a limited budget and timeline they were able to create wonders and made an impactful change to the motel. What they delivered was beautiful and simplistic motel rooms allowing guests to again recharge in the beauty of the design of Robin Boyd, emersed in nature. The thoughtful use of materials was matched with modern day convenience. The motel is now a standout for the area. Â
Kerstin Thompson, Design Director
Sarah Cooper, Associate
Grant Dixon, Architect
Harriet Barrille, Graduate of Architecture
Openwork, Landscape Consultant
Finding Infinity, ESD Advice
Kerstin Thompson Architects, Interiors