When design meets history the challenge is to emphasize both these elements. Today’s project is a successful example of such challenge: located in Melbourne, Australia, it is the renovation by international Hassell Studio of a hotel which today goes by the name of Coppersmith Hotel, formerly the city’s milestone Cricket Club Hotel, first open in 1870. The mission of the project was to deliver a contemporary hotel and hospitality destination while preserving such an historic landmark, creating a home away from home for the busy traveller, but also a neighbourhood hang-out, a place where you're invited to become a local. To that end the studio chose the theme of luxury on an intimate scale, in order to please locals with the historic side of the building but also meet the most demanding needs of modern travellers.

Preserving the building's historic façade which sits within a Victorian-era streetscape was a key to delivering on the client's brief for the Coppersmith Hotel. Neglected brickwork on the building exterior and an inefficient layout made this difficult. Hassell met the challenge with what is effectively a new building behind the historic façade. The designers added a third storey and a timber rooftop deck to the building, but set them both back behind the original decorative parapet so they cannot be seen from the street. Behind the façade, arched windows, painted existing brick walls and timber batten detailing echo the original hotel design. The use of materials such as wood, copper and leather and a restrained colour palette add to the environment. Through the selection of artisan furniture and fittings, the team aimed to support local Melbourne design and craftsmanship. The result is a modern building offering the comfort and amenity expected by hotel guests and diners today, with a welcoming ambience and a strong connection to the history of South Melbourne.

INFO: www.hassellstudio.com

PHOTO COURTESY: James Morgan / Dianna Snape