Moss 39 | Circa morris-nunn chua architects

MOSS 39 is a 21-suite boutique hotel tucked away in the upper floors of a historic sandstone building and its adjacent turn-of-the-20th century neighbour in the very centre of Salamanca Place. Completely hidden from the street, MOSS is a very secret world, but one that seeks to bring memories of Hobart’s wilderness hinterland right into the urban centre. The design response embodies perceptions of Hobart and Tasmania as a culturally independent and artistically adventurous community; the architecture complimented with bespoke contemporary Tasmanian designer furniture, signage and loose furnishings. The subdued colours are offset by green hues enriching the abstracted mossy identity. Elements of the buildings’ former lives were included, including fragments of postered walls from when iconic nightclub ‘Syrup’ occupied part of the upper floors. The result is an effective alternative to bland corporate tourism offerings touted as the only solution to Hobart’s current hotel shortage.