Geelong Hotel

The building design consists of four horizontal forms fronting Brougham Street. The lower form is a solid podium with a dark coloured, horizontal expression, relating to the similar masonry built forms on the opposite side of Brougham Street. This solid podium creates a strong base for the lighter, dynamic forms above. The three forms above the podium are horizontal ribbons which are angled to provide rippling movement in the façade, inspired by the constant movement in coastal landscapes. The height of these ribbons are set to align with the adjoining building heights, acknowledging the streetscape, context and adjoining forms.  The upper floors of the building provide large windows to the hotel guest rooms to take advantage of the surrounding views and to provide high levels of natural light. Where possible, corner windows are introduced to maximize the outlook, including looking out over the adjoining “To the Unknown Mariner” mural.

Large vertical fins are integral to the design of the upper floors, providing solar shading to the glass façade as well as stopping overlooking between the new hotel rooms and the existing hotel rooms.

We have endeavored to activate Brougham Street by positioning the reception, lobby, bar and restaurant on the ground floor level and including over 70% of this frontage as glass. Individual entries to the restaurant and hotel are provided from Brougham Street and a pedestrian canopy extends across most of the hotel frontage and around the western pedestrian walkway, providing wind and rain protection.