Woods Bagot impresses judges with design for Sydney’s first new luxury hotel in 20 years

It’s a great accomplishment to win best design for Sydney CBD’s first new luxury hotel in two decades, but to receive the unanimous vote from a 6-jury panel of experts makes this accolade even more remarkable.

Woods Bagot were among six architectural design firms to be given a brief by Urbis (in accordance with the City of Sydney Competitive Design Policy 2013) to produce a design for a new luxury city hotel for the central Sydney site owned by Singapore-based investment company SC Capital Partners Group. 

“The Woods Bagot entry displayed a masterful architectural clarity and precision throughout the scheme.”

- Graham Jahn AM, City of Sydney’s director of City Planning, Development and Transport

The sleek 55-storey skyscraper will complement its neighbouring heritage buildings (Sofitel & CML Building), and has been designed with a focus on embracing Sydney’s natural environment to obtain the title of Australia’s first WELL-rated hotel.

“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. Green walls, unexpected roof gardens, trees and generous landscaping at street level are part of the building’s integrated sustainability strategy.”

- Ian Lomas, Principal and Sydney studio Design Leader of Woods Bagot.

At ground level, the hotel entry can be accessed via an elegant garden porte-cochére, where Sydneysiders and hotel guests are invited to enjoy retail stores and co-working spaces. The building also features a nine-level commercial office podium set within a tranquil garden and offering a clubroom with a pool, wellness centre and childcare facilities.

Back in 2017, Woods Bagot completed Sydney’s Short Lane development, a design that draws on a strong connection to nature, utilising innovative planning to create a lush environment. This idea has been mirrored in the hotel design, to create an ‘urban oasis’ in the heart of the city.

“Ultimately, each solution is bespoke for its location and I think that's that 'magic' that gives it a real spirit as a place, rather than it being something that lacks any sense of identity and could be anywhere. For us it's fundamental that there's a strong contextual connection back to its neighbourhood”

- Peter Miglis, via Urban's 'Discussing apartment design with Woods Bagot's Peter Miglis'

Guest suites then rise up the building, boasting incredible city views from every angle. The hotel reception and public sky deck can be found on level 15, and at the crown, a rooftop restaurant, bar and garden provide spectacular 360º views of Sydney Harbour, the Heads and parks.

“The building will be instantly recognizable from every angle, as the tower changes form and emphasis in response to context, orientation and internal function,”

- Ian Lomas, Woods Bagot Principal

The build will take place at 4-6 Bligh Street, and is due for completion September 2022.