International design practice Woods Bagot has been named the winner of the bid to design Sydney’s first luxury hotel in two decades. In addition to the new Andaz property, the site will be home to an office tower. The project is slated for completion in September 2022.
The tower’s lower levels will be home to a three-level “urban room” that will be activated with retail and other entities for the offices and the hotel. A garden porte-cochère will herald the arrival experience on the street level, where a shaded veranda will lead visitors to greenery, retail, a grand staircase, and a brasserie and coworking space on the upper level. The nine-level office will be crowned with a clubhouse that comprises a pool, wellness center, childcare, and additional coworking facilities. The peak of the building will be outfitted with a rooftop restaurant, bar, and garden set against panoramic city views.
“In Sydney, we feel that nature is only ever held back, and if it were left unchecked it would quickly reclaim its domain—oozing like jam or glue into every crevice,” says Ian Lomas, Woods Bagot principal and Sydney design leader. “Green walls, unexpected roof gardens, trees, and generous landscaping at street level are part of the building’s integrated sustainability strategy. Integrated wellness and health features can deliver Australia’s first WELL-rated hotel.”
