Art Deco glamour revived at Sydney’s newest 5 star hotel; Primus Hotel Sydney

The opening of Primus Hotel Sydney heralds the stunning reemergence of one of Australia’s most exquisite examples of Art Deco architecture and interior design. For two years, handpicked master craftsmen from Australia and overseas meticulously restored the former Sydney Water Board Head Office’s elaborate and intricate finishes to their original glory.

Overseen by leading global design studio, Woods Bagot, and leading heritage architecture firm, GBA Heritage, the hotel has refurbished and reinstated a design philosophy that traces the progression of Art Deco design in the late 1930s from the geometric influences of the pre-Depression era towards a more Functionalist style.

From the bas relief panels above the Pitt Street entrance depicting the water industry and its progression of technology to the original water bubblers dotted throughout the ground level, nods to the building’s history in water can be found across all levels. Original features such as the metal framed windows, intricate bronze work, glazed terracotta tiles and restored terrazzo corridor flooring across all 6 levels have been approached with respect and restraint, the result being elegant spaces showcasing heritage values.

The original foyer. (State Library of NSW)

On entering, guests are met with a commanding lobby space complete with eight towering red scagliola columns. The eight metre high columns, hidden for years behind superficial fit outs, have been faithfully restored to their former majesty by world-leading Italian master craftsmen flown out especially to refurbish the scagliola. Months of painstaking work were required to colour match the new scagliola with the old due to the now-banned mercury originally used to create the unique pigment. Surrounded by the columns is a central sky-well, which had previously been covered in tar now soaks the lobby in natural light. This functionalist design work is offset with restored cream travertine marble flooring, and a central grand seating area with plush salmon pink and navy velvet sofas and brown leather armchairs. A Noce Travertine marble feature staircase is present with bronze & brass balustrade complemented by a black and white geometric art deco styled wallpaper by Kvadrat.

The grandeur of the lobby gives way to a reception area that continues the iconic Art Deco design inspiration and sense of arrival. Stylish finishings bring a contemporary twist to the old-glamour feel to the expansive space including a brass reception bench top with a stylish oval low handling optical light.

Like the grandest European and American hotels, Primus Hotel Sydney reserves some of the most refined areas for relaxation and entertaining, including the Lobby bar, which is the perfect spot for business meetings and cocktail catch ups. Custom-made, dark stained oak timber cupboards set a stately tone while the bar’s patinated brass shelving by Sydney-based master joiners, Bindi Furniture, is a reminder of the building’s ageless character. Olive green and brown leather upholstered bar banquettes provide a sumptuous way to relax in the space.

Primus Hotel Sydney delivers a collection of high-end dining and experience offerings, including ‘The Wilmot’, a 120-seated restaurant celebrating a modern expression of European and Australian classics with an Asian twist. The Wilmot restaurant’s dark stained timber flooring provides a warm, masculine feel to mimic that of the office space once located in the same area behind closed doors; away from the public face of the Sydney Water Board. Details in the room include a lustrous marble island bench, semi private banquettes as well as flecked glass tables. An open kitchen offers diners an approachable fine dining experience, surrounded by geometric patinated brass adding a contemporary twist to old-world glamour.

Guests who are staying for business will appreciate the short commute around town and the corporate offerings including a complimentary business centre, a mezzanine level with three boardrooms and versatile meeting rooms with natural light that can be converted into a variety of configurations, hosting up to 250 guests. Sophisticated, masculine tones are used on the level, with timber panelling, stained timber oak doors and Verde Alpe marble bench tops.

Each of the 172 rooms and suites across the six levels is generously proportioned featuring a superior level of inclusions. Each of the natural light-filled rooms is exquisitely furnished with royal navy and cream tones, dark timber oak joinery, velvet upholstered bedheads, polished brass trimmings, and handmade gloss wall tiles in the ensuite. Signature comforts include complimentary wifi, 24 hour in-room dining, a Nespresso coffee machine, flat screen televisions and amenities by organic Australian skin care brand, Appelles.

The Presidential and Vice Presidential Suites have a unique design direction epitomising old world charm with statuario venato marble wall slabs, bronze mirror glass doors and custom made geometric aesthetic wallpapers. Each offers combined living and dining room features, butler room, powder room and ensuite bathroom complete with bath and walk-in shower.

Exclusive to hotel guests, the New York style rooftop complete with 20 metre lap pool, lounge seating and bar, provides an inner-city oasis away from the bustle of the streets below.

From the moment you arrive in the rooftop lift lobby, whitewashed rustic driftwood wall panels hint at the Sydney beachside lifestyle while the timber decking, balustrade, planters and cladding speak to the uniquely Australian landscape. However, the building’s Art Deco roots aren’t forgotten with drinks being served over a statuario venato marble bar backed by patinated brass shelving while the mosaic of blue toned tiles, seating and sunbeds make a nod to the water reference of the building.

High tea at Primus Hotel Sydney

From the ground floor to the rooftop, Primus Hotel Sydney’s transformation of this Art Deco masterpiece is a true gift to the people of the city. Building on the rare architectural and interior design features of the original building, this is a balanced restoration of the highest calibre destined to redefine the notion of a contemporary design hotel.

To celebrate its launch, Primus Hotel Sydney is offering an opening rate from $290 until 30 June 2016. Offer subject to availability.


Primus Hotel Sydney
339 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

For more information visit www.primushotelsydney.com or phone (02) 8027 8000.