InterContinental Hotel Sydney

Client: Developer/Investor: InterContinental Hotel GroupOperator: Mulpha Hotel Operations Pty LtdLandscape: Adam Robinson DesignHeritage consultant: Urbis

Situated in the heart of Sydney CBD, InterContinental Hotel Sydney is a 5-star hotel that offers its guests uninterrupted views to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Harbour. Within the hotel complex are the State Heritage Listed former Treasury buildings which are commended for being an outstanding example of Sydney’s colonial architecture. 

Preserving the historic fabric of the building and unifying this with contemporary materials and details, simultaneously delineating and unifying the old and new. The new Intercontinental Sydney draws from the grandeur of the past whilst introducing materials, details and furnishings synonymous with the relaxed Australian lifestyle.

Inspired by the rich red brick, warm sandstone and black and white courtyard tiles. Reinterpreted by utilising timber wall linings and joinery emanating residential warmth, sandstone and black and white tiles with contemporary scale and proportion and patternation.

The overarching refurbishment consist of the ground and first floor, including porte cochere, reception, bar, dining and pantry, 509 rooms and suites and the re-invention of the rooftop bar.

The ground floor planning was reimagined to enhance guest arrival experience, from both the porte cochere and the pedestrian entrance from Bridge and Phillip streets. The heart of the hotel, the Cortile, bathed in natural sunlight, is immersed in greenery referencing both the original outdoor space and its proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Here a contemporary bar is situated with furniture nestled amongst the botanics and historic arches, forming a welcome retreat to both locals and international guests to enjoy.