AHEAD Awards are the leading awards for hospitality experience and design, celebrating the achievements of those shaping the hospitality design industry. Capella Sydney will now go forward to compete in the AHEAD Global Awards, challenging the winners of the same categories from the Americas, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Europe. Announcements will be made in January 2024.
The judging panel included architects, interior designers, hoteliers and industry commentators, who commended the design for its “expert transitions between new and existing architecture,” which work together to create “a reimagined sequence of spaces that delight.”
Located 400m from Sydney Harbour and taking up an entire city block, the building dates back to 1912 and was originally designed by renowned architect George McRae. Our design reimagines the building, with 192 guestrooms across the building, including the complementary 4-storey setback extension. We opened the ground level to the public with new dining venues and art. A wellness centre and 20m pool are innovatively integrated beneath heritage roof lanterns at level 6, celebrating the interplay of old and new.
Michelle Evans, lead designer, says: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see this project recognised for its attention to detail and thoughtful design, and for the way it honours the heritage of the building. Capella Sydney was a special project for us, and we poured years of dedicated work and collaboration into it. We’re proud to see it being embraced by Sydney and celebrated by AHEAD.”
Cristiano Rinaldi, President of the Capella Hotel Group, says: “The refurbishment and creation of Capella Sydney was meticulously detailed. To restore and retain as much of the heritage building as possible was the driving force for the architecture and the inspiration for the interior design. Where possible, the property was carefully preserved and crafted, from the lobby to the design of Brasserie 1930 to McRae’s Bar to the spa, guestrooms, and suites. We could not be more proud of our first Australian property that is redefining luxury within the region.”
Capella Sydney has also been shortlisted for the Eat Drink Design Awards and the Inside World Festival of Interiors Awards taking place in November 2023.
