Australian architectural and interior design practice Bates Smart has received planning consent for a $200 million hotel development located at the waterfront in Darwin, Australia.

The vision for the Westin Darwin Hotel is the creation of an iconic tropical hotel that embodies the rich natural and cultural heritage of the location. Situated on the waterfront, the hotel makes an important connection between the city and the water, enhancing the precinct and acting as a gateway to the natural wonders of the Northern Territory.

Bates Smart Studio Director, Cian Davis says: “Our intention is for the hotel to embody the spirit of Darwin, the land and nature and to create an identity that is uniquely connected to the Northern Territory.”

The design began with a study of the geographic story of the site, the historic context and the requirements of the climate. The building’s curved form references the layered histories of the waterfront. The lower levels are inspired by the nearby rock formations and capture the spirit of the local landscape through the use of natural stone, complemented with lush landscaping and water features. Areas for rest and reflection are aided by verandas and breeze ways which respond to the tropical environment, but also reference the heritage buildings within Darwin. The upper levels of the hotel are inspired by tree canopies. Dark metal and timber screens create dappled patterns of light, but also provide valuable shading for the humid temperature.

Whether arriving by sea or land, varied outlooks and impressive views allows guests to experience and behold the dramatic skies and shifting weather patterns of Darwin. Importantly, the design incorporates a seawall which is designed to protect the hotel from significant weather events and cyclonic wave activity, but that at the same time provides a generous pedestrian path and access to the waterfront for the local community.

By providing a connection to place the hotel allows guests to partake in an atmosphere of tropical luxury. Situated within a garden setting, the restaurant and bar provides patrons with an authentic Northern Territory dining experience. An iconic rooftop garden provides additional restaurant facilities and can be accessed via a skywalk from Goyder Park. A memorable infinity pool with an unforgettable outlook over the waterfront is also situated on the roof of the hotel.

In addition, a diverse range of function and conference facilities provides the people of Darwin with new spaces for events which are defined by soaring sculptured ceiling profiles.

The high-quality materials and detailing throughout the interior spaces creates a luxurious sanctuary experience for guests. A neutral palette with soft tonal textured finishes and refined furnishings has been applied. This tactile approach to the interiors is a simple exercise of precision, where each carefully selected piece pays respect to the other.

Construction will commence on site this year and the hotel will open to the public in 2021.

-ENDS-

For further information or images please contact:
Dominique Broomfield |Caro Communications Sydney dominique@carocommunications.com | 0413515090 |
Tejal Dave |Caro Communications London | tejal@carocommunications.com +44 (0)20 7713 9388

About Bates Smart
Bates Smart is a multidisciplinary design firm delivering architecture, interior design, urban design and strategic services across Australia. With a staff of more than 300 people across Melbourne and Sydney, Bates Smart create award-winning projects that transform the fabric of a city and the way people use and inhabit urban spaces and built environments.

Bates Smart is synonymous for delivering premium Australian hospitality precincts including Crown Towers Perth, Rockpool Bar and Grill, Spice Temple, The Fat Duck, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Hyatt Regency Sydney, Canberra Airport Hotel, Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay and the upcoming Darwin Westin Hotel.
Other recent works include Jam Factory in South Yarra, 171 Collins Street in Melbourne, Bendigo Hospital, Constitution Place in Canberra, 35 Spring Street, Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. and The Store in Newcastle