Gadigal People of the Eora Nation
New South Wales
Capella Sydney has transformed a heritage listed government building in the heart of Sydney into a world-class luxury hotel. The first Australian property for the Capella Hotel Group, it now welcomes the public in for the first time. First designed by George McRae in 1912, the building features a sandstone facade and a Florentine Palazzo style central courtyard, both of which have been restored and celebrated in the design.
Architecture and interiors coalesce to provide a coherent design that speaks to the building’s historical origins, taking visitors on a journey through the reimagined sequence of spaces. A complementary 4 storey set back extension with a new green roofscape houses grandly proportioned guestrooms, while the ground level is open to the public with new dining venues, function spaces and art. A wellness centre and 20m pool are innovatively integrated beneath heritage roof lanterns on level 6, celebrating the interplay of old and new.
Unveiling this coveted building has ignited intrigue for both guests and local residents to explore the enormity of building. The design team embraced this public curiosity and balanced how the sequence of spaces is interpreted for a first time visitor. Make’s approach to sympathetically transition between heritage and modern spaces allows guests to pause and absorb the detail in each area, deeply enhancing the overall appreciation for heritage elements and the service design of Capella Sydney. A careful understanding of the needs of the two has produced a spatial redesign that ensures considerate design while allowing operational feasibility and service delivery.