The Gadigal People of the Eora Nation
New South Wales
Located in the heart of Sydney, the Porter House Hotel is composed of a 10-storey podium wrapping around the south & west of heritage listed Porter House. The hotel’s reception, guest & patron facilities are located in Porter House while the guest rooms are housed within the podium.
The design is based upon a delicate interplay of heritage and modernity, evoking a sense of elegant sophistication. A distinct appreciation of craftsmanship pervades throughout, stemming from the site’s rich and layered history.
The podium is composed of arches & apses, a uniform & simple expression that contributes to a sense of urban activation at street level. It includes an art installation designed in collaboration with artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso.
Public spaces integrate heritage interpretation, enhancing visitor engagement, while private rooms prioritise comfort & connectivity to the exterior architecture. The room planning emphasises privacy and intimacy, resembling apartments more than hotel suites, contributing to the overall architectural composition.
Built in 1876, The Porter House Hotel MGallery preserves its rich heritage, immersing guests in history and craftsmanship. Constructed of sandstone bricks by convict settlers, in Victorianstyle, it seamlessly blends modern and heritage wings, joined by cartway.
Numerous artefacts uncovered during the development are displayed, to teach guests about the buildings past as a tobacco and leather factory; design elements pay homage to this, including exposed brick, leather accents, preserved advertising signage and original beams. With carefully curated spaces to live, work and play, it is an exemplar of how buildings can inspire & educate about history while remaining truly modern.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
