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ARCHITECTURE GOALS: Architects unveil Japanese infused urban retreat in Sydney

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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ARCHITECTURE GOALS: Architects unveil Japanese infused urban retreat in Sydney

The new development of five buildings in Sydney will feature new penthouses that will offer rare traditional Japanese design details…

Australian developer Crown Group’s latest residential development, Mastery by Crown Group, will offer a rare infusion of Japanese design in Sydney, complete with traditional Japanese hinoki timber onsen style baths.

The five towers are designed by three different architects, with a Japanese aesthetic and design scheme. The tallest, at 20-storeys, is designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, and features lush, timber-clad innovative design on the building’s green exterior emulating a ‘stacked forest’. Three further towers are the work of award-winning architect Koichi Takada Architects, while the fifth residential building is designed by established Sydney based architects Silvester Fuller.

Prisca Edwards, Director of Sales at Crown Group said the apartments would have the most sophisticated Japanese-inspired interiors Sydney had ever seen, with a neutral palette and generous use of natural materials, timber tones and soft warm hues, inspired by the interplay of light (hikari) and shadow (kage).

“Mastery by Crown Group has been designed with the most sought-after features drawing on an inspirational Japanese concept of simplicity, peace, and nature,” she said. “Koichi Takada himself conceptualised and curated the interior of every apartment. It’s very Japanese inspired, very minimalistic and also represents what Crown Group stands for.”

The modern and sophisticated interior design varies between five buildings to complement the exterior architecture. In all residences, natural light takes centre stage. Landscaping on the facades relates to materials used inside the apartments.

Edwards said the design created a natural urban retreat, incorporating the calming, zen design sensibilities of Japanese architecture and interiors.

“We are giving penthouse buyers the option to have a hinoki wood bathtub — it is a traditional Japanese onsen style bath using the densest wood in the world,” she said. “Normally, wood disintegrates in the water but this type of timber is really unusual because it becomes hardened.

“Natural oils with medical properties and soothing fragrances are released in the warm water for a sensation of extreme wellbeing when you soak in the warm water. Hinoki wood oil is also traditionally used to treat skin irritations and injuries thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal action. When inhaled, it acts as a decongestant of the respiratory system, used to cure asthma and as a tonic for the nervous system. So, we are going all out with this – soaking in a Japanese natural style – because they are limited and with a Japanese concept these are different.”

Mastery by Crown Group, being developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate Group, will comprise 368 luxury apartments across five-tower residential towners. When completed in 2021, residents can access to Crown Group’s signature resort-style facilities including an infinity-edge rooftop pool, gym, spa, mini-cinema, community room and a ground-floor retail precinct comprising a mix of restaurants, cafes and shops, as well as Sydney’s first Japanese “eat street”.

Main image credit: Crown Group

Modern guestroom

Foster + Partners completes final element of Central Park Precinct, Sydney

 800 330 Hamish Kilburn
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Four Points by Sheraton, a new four-star 297-key hotel that is strategically located as part of DUO Central Park, has just opened in Sydney…

Architectural Design & Engineering Firm Foster + Partners has completed final stages of work in Sydney on DUO, a multicomplex which comprises of a hotel, apartments, offices and a creche. The new property is part of a major masterplan for the city that has injected new life with an unprecedented mixture of uses. Located on Broadway, the masterplan developed for Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House, extends the historic area of Chippendale by reinstating the original grid to re-integrate the formerly closed-off land to the north with its surroundings.

The development is permeable at ground level, encouraging people to walk through the site with its proximity to the central station. At its heart is a new urban park, a popular lunchtime spot for students of the neighbouring University of Technology, residents and locals alike. The buildings step down from high-rise blocks to the west of the site to smaller apartment buildings, negotiating the transition from Broadway to the lower-rise residential area to the south.

“The masterplan regenerates the site at the heart of Sydney through a combination of new public spaces and a balance of residential hotel and commercial property,” said Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners. “This new piece of city is anchored by the retention of a number of existing heritage red brick buildings and historic features, alongside sensitive contemporary buildings whose dimensions and materials are in keeping with the surrounding structures to visually unify old and new – as they rise, the material palette becomes more contemporary and the distinction clearer. The project reverses the dominance of vehicles to create a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly community.”

Image credit: Ethan Rohloff Photography. Image caption: Aerial photography of Central Park Duo whole
masterplan (masterplan by Foster + Partners)

DUO Central Park is a mixed-use development that forms a key part of the masterplan. An ensemble of two adjacent buildings at the intersection of Broadway and Abercrombie Street along the northern edge of the precinct, DUO features new public spaces with retail lining the ground plane. A ‘neck’ level creates a break between the podium and towers above, giving the impression that they hover above the streetscape reinforcing the sense of scale at street level along Broadway. The different uses are expressed in the massing and design of the elevations.

The overall proportions and materials have been chosen in keeping with the surrounding structures to visually unify old and the new, drawing inspiration from the early 20th century Art Deco style of the Australian Hotel building located on the north-western corner of the site.

Image credit: Tom Evangelidis

The two DUO buildings are bisected by a new pedestrian promenade lined with cafes and shops, reversing the dominance of vehicles in the area to create a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly community. The development is arranged as two separate buildings, the easternmost building comprises the 297-room Four Points by Sheraton hotel, a development that offers excellent connections and a bustling location for visitors and Sydney staycationers in this multi award-winning destination, a downtown urban village which is one of the best-connected locations in Sydney. The furnishings and fit out have been designed by interior architect Andrea D’Cruz in collaboration with Foster + Partners. Alongside it on the corner above the heritage Australian Hotel is the branded DUO Limited apartments on five floors as well as a 6,200 square metre office and a childcare facility for up to 90 children.

Spectacular unobstructed views are afforded from the DUO development reaching from the airport in the south, across verdant Western Sydney to the iconic Anzac bridge in the North. At its heart is a tranquil planted atrium, featuring full grown palm trees and vines, which acts as the residents’ lift lobby from where they can access their apartments via elevated bridge links.

Kitchen and eating area in the one bedroom apartment

Image credit: Tom Evangelidis. Image caption: Kitchen and eating area in the one bedroom apartment

Mick Caddey, Project Director – Central Park, Frasers Property Australia said: “The completion of DUO is another important step for Sydney’s Central Park. The concept of design excellence we had for DUO has now manifested itself and its physical presence is very powerful.  The beauty of its architecture is now immediately apparent and there for all to see.’’

The adjacent building is a 17-storey residential block with stunning views over Chippendale Green and the CBD. Internally, the apartments have flexible layouts that take advantage of Sydney’s wonderful climate, maximising natural light and ventilation throughout. The residents can enjoy the facilities of the DUO Club which includes a pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre, a library and entertaining spaces with kitchen and lounge as well as a large roof terrace with BBQ facilities overlooking Chippendale Green and the Brewery Yard.

Evenden added: “With the completion of DUO this multi-award winning Central Park Precinct is Sydney’s new must-visit destination. The new development is truly mixed use, its name emphasising the duality of activities within the cluster of buildings. We are delighted to have been part of this pivotal project that embraces the way Sydneysiders live their lives with sustainability and community at its heart.”

Central Park is an exemplar of a sustainable, dense masterplan in the heart of Sydney. Significant sustainability initiatives have been introduced, with several buildings reaching 5 star Green Star ratings. Central to this aspiration is the district-wide energy and water strategy which reduces plant spatial requirements. The tri-generation plant provides heating, cooling, and low-carbon electricity to the whole masterplan reducing carbon emissions by almost 200 kilotons over its lifetime while the onsite water recycling plant meets 100% of the precinct’s non-potable water demand. Green roofs throughout capture rainwater, and the massing and orientation of the buildings additionally aid their green credentials.

Main image credit: Tom Evangelidis

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opens

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opens

 1000 611 Daniel Fountain
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The much-anticipated Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has opened its doors, making it the first new-build, international luxury hotel to open in Sydney’s CBD this millennium.

Centrally located opposite the International Convention Centre, the AUS$500m (£281 million) Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will play a major role in the ongoing revitalisation of the vibrant Darling Harbour precinct. It also heralds the renaissance of new hotel development in Sydney, with over 40 hotels scheduled to open in the next five years to support the city’s tourism growth.

The hotel will offer 590 stylish guestrooms including 35 coveted suites, boasting some of the best views in Sydney. All the hotel’s guest rooms feature the Sofitel MyBed™ and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Darling Harbour and the city. The suites feature an in-bathroom television, double shower heads and luxurious soaking tubs for the ultimate pampering experience.

The Bellerive suite is the hotel’s pinnacle of accommodation and features a separate living room, dining room and butler’s pantry. Exclusive to guests staying in the Club Sofitel rooms and suites on levels 28 – 34, the Club Millesime Lounge, located at the very top of the hotel on level 35 will offer breathtaking views over Darling Harbour and the city.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opensThe hotel was designed by renowned multi award-winning Sydney architect Richard Francis-Jones from Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp architects. Dreamtime Australia Design and the A+ Design Group all collaborated to create this visually inspiring property which was built by Lend Lease.

On arrival, guests will be greeted by the hotel’s imposing 35-storey glass exterior featuring triangular accents representing sails and a striking red ochre and blue exterior colour palette which pays tribute to the indigenous clans of the Eora nation who lived around Tumbalong – the name given to Darling Harbour. A stylish porte-cochere leads guests inside the building. The hotel’s public spaces and guestrooms continue to pay tribute to the maritime location and the industries that formerly occupied the site including extensive use of timber representing Sydney’s strong wharf heritage through to the rope and sandstone motifs in the carpets.

While recognising the links to the location’s history, the hotel’s cutting-edge design places it squarely at the centre of Darling Harbour’s future. Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will meet sustainability targets as part of a transformed tourism precinct with a 6-star green rating, as well as feature spectacular external lighting to enhance Darling Harbour at night with 6000 LED lights providing Sydney with stunning light displays.

www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au

5-star hotel arrives in Parramatta with SKYE Hotel Suites

 840 561 Daniel Fountain
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SKYE Hotel Suites Parramatta opens its doors this week, bringing unrivalled urban luxury to Sydney’s West. The highly-anticipated opening sees Crown Group lead the charge into Parramatta’s 5-star hotel market, elevating the suburb into Sydney’s second CBD.

Committed to the ultimate in guest luxury, SKYE Hotel Suites comprises 72 apartment-style suites with the finest bespoke furnishings and fittings. Each features L’Occitane toiletries, in- room dining from a modern on-site restaurant, pre-stockable maxi-bar, the unique ability to choose your own mattress firmness on each side of the bed, keyless entry and ‘virtual concierge’ tablets to enable access to all hotel services from each suite.

Amenities to delight even the most seasoned business traveller or the most demanding holidaymaker include a state-of-the-art gymnasium, pool, sundeck, spa, sauna and new restaurant, Husk & Vine Kitchen and Bar, which opened at lobby level on July 1. Later this year cocktail legend Sven Almenning will also open a breathtaking 26th floor rooftop bar, overlooking Sydney’s iconic skyline.

5-star hotel arrives in Parramatta with the opening of SKYE Hotel Suites
When breaking ground for the development, Crown Group discovered archaeological remains integral to Parramatta’s historical and cultural past, including an 1840s house, an underlying convict hut, wheelwright’s workshop and the cellar of the Wheat Sheaf Hotel, which were preserved for public display and have inspired Husk & Vine’s unique wheat and wine concept.

5-star hotel arrives in Parramatta with the opening of SKYE Hotel Suites
Adding to Crown Group’s already extensive portfolio of luxury residential property, SKYE Hotel Suites sits within V by Crown Group’s twin residential towers, creating a world-class ‘vertical village’ to rival those in emerging Asian and European design capitals.

The building itself is an architectural centrepiece for Parramatta, achieved by twin visionaries Allen Jack + Cottier and Koichi Takada Architects. Located less than 300 metres from Parramatta Square and a short walk from Parramatta’s train station and ferry wharf, SKYE Hotel Suites is surrounded by high-end retail and cultural experiences.
Commenting on Crown Group’s move into the luxury hotels arena, Chairman & Group Chief Executive Officer Iwan Sunito noted, “Parramatta is a powerhouse for innovation and business and SKYE Hotel Suites will be a stand-out, luxury addition to Sydney’s up-and-coming West.”

“Appealing to a new generation of domestic and international visitors to the city, SKYE Hotel Suites is designed to create a fresh lifestyle standard delivering superior apartment-sized suites for discerning travellers. It will also set the benchmark for future SKYE Hotels Suites openings in Sydney’s CBD in 2018 and Green Square in 2019.”

Skye Hotel Suites

Skye Hotel Suites set to debut in Sydney this August

 528 407 Daniel Fountain
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Skye Hotel Suites in Parramatta is set to open its doors in August 2017. Developed by Sydney-based Crown Group Australia, Skye Hotel Suites will offer unrivaled urban luxury for discerning guests.

The hotel brings together the best elements of hospitality: the warmth and personalised service of a boutique hotel; the grandeur and amenities of a luxury hotel; the spaciousness and familiarity of a local apartment; and the relaxing escape of a resort.

The hotel is located within V by Crown Group, a distinctive new Sydney landmark designed by Allen Jack + Cottier and Koichi Takada Architects. Skye Hotel Suites features just 72 luxury studio, one- and two-bedroom suites overlooking Sydney. Guests will enjoy access to V by Crown Group’s resort-style pool and sauna, state-of-the-art fitness centre, business centre and conference room facilities, along with an alfresco dining and retail piazza.

The stylish bar on level 26 is Parramatta’s highest bar, offering a spacious open-air terrace and spectacular 270-degree views of Sydney’s skyline, the Harbour Bridge and the Blue Mountains. In addition, famed chef Neil Perry has opened one of his popular Burger Project restaurants in the tower

Skye Hotel Suites

Crown Group reveals new hotel brand for Sydney – Skye Hotel Suites

 750 370 Daniel Fountain
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A leading Australian property developer renowned for its innovative approach to residential apartment design has revealed details of its much-anticipated new hotel brand.

After delivering a string of award-winning residential apartment buildings over the past two decades, Sydney-based Crown Group will soon bring its world-renowned brand to travellers from across the globe, announcing its first hotel will open in the thriving Sydney suburb of Parramatta in early 2017.

The luxury Skye Hotel Suites will form part of the 29-storey V by Crown Group development known as Parramatta’s vertical village. A new logo and website for Skye Hotel Suites have been revealed. Crown Group Chief Executive Iwan Sunito said Sydney’s second CBD was a fitting location for the launch of the first Skye Hotel Suites.

“We are pleased to announce the debut of Skye Hotel Suites in Sydney, the first of many around the world, Mr Sunito said. “Our vision is to create a collection of suites which will set a fresh lifestyle standard in Sydney,” he said. The second largest employment destination in the state, Parramatta was recently named the most livable suburb in NSW and is forecast to grow in population by 40 per cent by 2031.

Skye Hotel Suites

Designed by Sydney-based Allen Jack + Cottier and Koichi Takada Architects, the 590-apartment V by Crown Group is located on the corner of Macquarie and Marsden streets, less than 300m from Parramatta Square; Parramatta City Council’s $2 billion, 3-hectare redevelopment precinct and less than 600m from Parramatta train station, Parramatta Heritage Parklands and Westfield Parramatta.

Featuring 72 studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom suites, Skye Hotel Suites at Parramatta will include access to V by Crown Group’s resort-style pool, gym, expansive foyer, conference room, restaurant, sauna, business centre and vibrant alfresco dining and retail piazza.

A level-26 sky bar will include a large open-air terrace and spectacular 270 degree views of Sydney’s skyline. Crown Group also plans to open Skye Hotel Suites in Sydney’s CBD and Green Square in the near future.

Expansion into luxury hotels was a natural progression for the company, Mr Sunito said. “Asia is booming and with it more and more people travel to Australia for holidays and for business. This has created a gap in the market as the demand increases for luxury hotel-style serviced apartments in Sydney and Australia,” he said.

“Expanding into the transient short-term accommodation market will provide a strong foundation our continued expansion both locally and across the region. It is an exciting time for us,” he said.

skyehotels.com.au