The very first hotel by Ovolo in Australia is set on the Finger Wharf in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo. As one of the longest-timbered piled wharves in the world, it has witnessed decades of migrants approaching the Australian seashores seeking a better life. Today it encompasses a selection of Sydney’s finest restaurants, a world-renowned hotel, and opulent residential apartments.
The client, “Ovolo Group, is a Hong Kong brand and collection of contemporary hotels, prides itself on being in touch with the modern traveller through award-winning interior designs, detail-driven comforts, complimentary value-added services, and cutting-edge technology”.
The main brief was to:
- make this space attractive, not only for the guests of the hotel but for occasional visitors
- revitalise and carefully reimagine a century-old landmark
- attract a new generation of guests to their hotel
- modernise and add their branding and identity to the space
- create a welcoming street presence that attracts attention
Heritage and iconic character were the original ingredients, which we infused with human-scale design and energy-saving technology. Allowing lighting to be a brush for painting the new Genius loci (from the Latin, “soul of a place”).
The dynamic between the Interior Designer and the Lighting Designer mirrors that of a Chef and a Sommelier. Their collaboration commences well before the completion of the meal, where the sommelier not only suggests wine pairings but also recommends ingredients that harmoniously complement the dish, and intertwining the flavours.
As one savours the meal alongside a glass of wine, the harmony between Interiors and Lighting unfolds, seamlessly blending one into the other. The lighting assumes the role of a unifying element, that binds various spaces together, enabling them to communicate in a complementary language and elevate the overall end-user experience.
Throughout the design phase the team faced several challenges, with heritage, scale and building usage being the most prominent. Heritage prohibited any screwing or fixing of any elements to the structure of the building, and for the very few that were permitted, they required specific and detailed documentation.”
The large open space and height of the building also presented an unusual challenge for the design team, and the hotel featured a public thoroughfare to residential apartments which required 24-hour access.
To overcome heritage and scale challenges, and in collaboration with Interior Design firm on the project, Hassell, lead at the time by Matthew Sheargold, the team designed to the human scale and created ‘pods’ to reduce the size of the area to create a more cosy and intimate experience.
Freestanding pavilions were installed down the centre of the hotel, which not only reduced the scale of the space but also provided mounting points for lighting elements and cabling. All light fittings were affixed in a way to mimic a comfortable residential height and, without obstructing the impressive historic architecture.
The intended use of each pod was carefully considered to ensure the lighting effectively facilitated activities such as dining and working while providing optimal lighting comfort for guests and visitors. Influential lights, such as pendants and lamps were selected to suit Ovolo’s young, playful, and effortless luxury brand values. Filament LED lights were used to create a connection with the past and ensure energy efficiency.
Low-level LED strip lights were used to define the interiors, act as wayfinding, minimise the heritage impact and give a floating appearance for visual appeal. This design also helped to create ambience without having to add to the general overhanging lighting.
Miniature step lights were integrated within the joinery and freestanding elements for compliance and to define the public thoroughfare. Careful planning and open communication with residents ensured the result was cohesive, visually appealing, and practical. Throughout the project, we incorporated energy-saving technologies, such as LEDs and factored in the role of natural light in illuminating different areas of the space.
The result was a vibrant, warm and welcoming space for a new generation of guests.
The success of our lighting design work for Ovolo’s first hotel led to a continued partnership as we were selected to illuminate their second venture, the 1888 Hotel Darling Harbour Sydney.
We were thrilled to receive an IES Australian Lighting Design Award of Excellence in 2017, acknowledging the exceptional quality of our Lighting Design and contribution to the project and be nominated for the International Darc Lighting Design Awards in London.
If you would like to take your hospitality lighting to the next level, get in touch.
lightit@lightit.global
Credits: Interior Desing firm Hassell, Engineering Medland
Credits: Interior Desing firm Hassell, Engineering Medland