The landmark waterfront development, Elizabeth Quay, reconnects Perth city with the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) to create a more connected, vibrant Perth.
The development of the Perth CBD has historically grown to the east and the west. Elizabeth Quay returns the city’s focus southerly to the river. Joshua Prince-Ramus from New York-based architectural firm Rex who was instrumental in the Elizabeth Quay precinct, stated, “We’re seeing this really all over the world — a reclamation of the waterfront — for obvious reasons, so it’s exciting to be a part of that.”
The hotel consists of accommodation, riverfront pedestrian access, a rooftop terrace and restaurants that aim to provide interaction with the surrounding Swan River. The 4.5-star, 229-room DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront on Riverside Drive is the eastern gateway to Elizabeth Quay. The five-storey base, coupled with an 18-storey tower, faces west, with each room having either a city or river view. For 360° views, head to 18 Knots Rooftop Bar for the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Foodies will also enjoy the Reel Kitchen looking over the Swan River and dining on fresh local produce, fresh seafood and a vast selection of WA wines.
The design has considered all factors such as the location and the well-being and comfort of the guests. In a nod to the nearby Bell Tower, DesignInc used architectural fins on the exterior to create a ripple facade on the hotel. Inspired by the Swan River’s peaks and shapes, the ripples also disperse, not absorb, the chiming bells’ sound. The shape of the fins creates architectural detail and movement across the building.
Campion Design Group in-built flexibility and functionality into the interior while maintaining the building’s architectural intent as a whole. The water and feel of lightness permeate throughout.
The lighting adds a layer of comfort and well-being to maintain the feel even in the absence of natural light. The reception desk benefits from Titaniums for task lighting and Eclipse to highlight the desk design. The hallways are lit with Titaniums and Kinetics, which are perfect for artwork with their in-built flexibility. Similarly, the rooms use a combination of several luminaires for a layered lighting solution. The Titaniums and Kinetics are complemented with Eclipse behind the bedhead for a gentle indirect glow. Perched around the perimeter of the 18 Knots Rooftop bar, you will find MX track and Kobe luminaires. The semi-recessed black tracks add geometric interest by day provide warm lighting when the sun has finally set at night. The exterior of the building glows with Eclipse illuminating the exterior details.
To see the full project feature in First Light Edition 2 click here!
Credits:
Architect: DesignInc
Architect: Box Architects
Developer: SKS Group
Engineering: Lucid Consulting Australia
Electrical Contractor: Fredon Electrical
Façade engineering and documentation: Inhabit Group
Interior Design: Campion Design Group
Photographer: Richie Lu and Andrew Purvis
