Multidisciplinary practice FK has designed an aviation-inspired hotel and coworking precinct for Melbourne Airport, with Technē lending its hospitality design prowess to three internal food and beverage venues.
Located next to the Terminal 4 transport hub, the vibrant mixed-use project marks the first new-build hotel at Melbourne Airport in more than 20 years. It integrates two hotel brands – Novotel and ibis Styles – as well as a distinctly new offering for Melbourne Airport: a premium two-level coworking space, all operated by hospitality group Accor.
FK partner James Pearce says his practice envisioned a “memorable” precinct that moved beyond the traditional airport hotel experience.
“By drawing inspiration from the site’s aviation context and incorporating FK’s placemaking design ethos, we’ve created a unique place to gather, rest, work, and recharge for travellers, workers and guests,” he says.
“The design celebrates the wonder and excitement of travel, leaving a lasting impression.”
The centrepiece of FK’s design is the striking ‘aerofoil’. Shaped like an aircraft wing, this sculptural edifice creates a memorable landmark that aims to enhance the airport’s status as a premier travel destination.
The aerofoil’s complex form is achieved through a curved bronze facade, pierced with arched windows in its northern elevation. West-facing windows grant guests the opportunity to take in the view across the Terminal 4 runway.
While the aerofoil’s exterior expression is one of industrial robustness, the interior design sets a warm and inviting tone for Accor’s coworking space, featuring natural materials like timber, woven grass rugs and soft leathers.
FK principal Sarah Hurst says the curved exterior created interesting interior volumes that allowed FK to curate intimate moments and mix-mode working zones.
“Whether seeking a meeting place or a peaceful space to work after a long flight, the aerofoil is a space where users can retreat from the pace and intensity of travel environments,” she says.
Behind the aerofoil, the hotel wings of the building’s L-shaped design house Accor’s dual-branded offering joined by centralised back-of-house facilities, guest amenities and a lively ground floor plane. Designed in consultation with Accor to deliver operational efficiencies while still navigating the complexities of running two hotel brands, this layout facilitates the delivery of high-quality hospitality services across the precinct.
The simple facades of the hotel wings incorporate a wash of sunshades in popping colours that identify both hotel brands — with bright reds and oranges defining the ibis Styles and cool-toned greens for the Novotel.
The project encompasses not only the hotel offering but also a range of amenities and public spaces designed to foster a lively, community-oriented atmosphere. For example, the ground floor is also home to a pool, treatment room and sauna, while a gym is located on the first floor. The ground plane also features a lushly planted internal courtyard, two hotel lobbies and conference facilities.
“An accessible and welcoming design was fundamental to communicating that the new precinct and its amenities are available for everyone to enjoy,” Pearce adds.
The precinct’s other public spaces include a bar, restaurant and cafe with fitout design by Technē Architecture and Interiors.
The three venues include Amber State Taphouse and Kitchen, Small Holdings and Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar. Technē’s associate director Gabriella Gulacsi says the practice sought to create a “journey within a journey”.
“Each venue offers a distinct atmosphere that transports guests to different worlds, while still harmonising with the airport’s unique environment,” she says.
The first stop in that journey is Amber State Taphouse and Kitchen. The interior spatial experience shifts from the hotel’s grand entry through to the compressed space of the ‘active’ bar zone, opening up again to views of the sky and the external barbecue area – in a similar fashion to a flight journey. The design juxtaposes intricate metalwork and brickwork detailing against lush greenery.
For Small Holdings, Technē senior interior designer David Spaccatore says the design team sought to create a simplistic, tranquil space – a reprieve from the bustle elsewhere in the airport. Its design language is inspired by the curves and arches of the aerofoil’s rigid structure. At the curved end of the building, beyond the feature arched screens, a serene winter garden area sits beneath the roof structure, offering a sunlit refuge with alfresco-style seating.
Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar starts as a warm bar space that opens up into the restaurant, with large windows again yielding generous views of the sky. The fluid forms of the modern European furniture and soft banquette seating complement classical Italian patterns and warm timber tones.
The new precinct houses a hub of diverse activity, where people can stop for a coffee, book a desk for a day or attend conferences with access to wellness amenities and dining options. According to FK, its overall form, colour and pattern choices seek to build the anticipation and excitement associated with travel, and “set a new standard for people-friendly placemaking within the airport precinct”.
Photography supplied by Communications Collective.
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