Four Points by Sheraton, set within the burgeoning restaurant precinct of Melbourne’s Docklands, sets a new high bar in contemporary hospitality design.
First impressions count, and the heavily veined monolithic marble welcome desks standing as sentinels to the entry of Four Points by Sheraton, do not disappoint. They focus your gaze through the double height space to the grand staircase and lobby bar beyond. This is the first chapter in a very Melbourne architectural journey of elegant interiors that exude charm and comfort. Entering the hotel lobby bar, the drama steps up a notch. Plush seating in striking blue velvet and generously proportioned teal barstools line the natural stone bar. Above, a layered dark steel and stone staircase ascends to the 15 levels and 273 rooms above. The bluestone lined lift lobby is flanked by a dramatic in-situ artwork by local artist Al Stark, referencing the hotel’s waterfront location and historical character. The adjacent casual dining space brings together rich leather seating in chestnut brown tones, light oak timber highlights, black metal and climbing greenery to break up the room. Guest Rooms continue the richly layered material palette and understated Melbourne chic, with textured wallpaper, custom carpet, and dark moody timber and steel. A fusion of drama and style creates an atmosphere of refuge and calm. At the buildings midpoint the Sky Lounge and Health Club offers rest and relaxation, with a series of tranquil communal spaces that open directly onto the heated pool and landscaped terrace, complete with cabanas. Four Points by Sheraton, set within the burgeoning restaurant precinct of Melbourne’s Docklands, sets a new high bar in contemporary hospitality design.
YEAR
2017
STATUS
Complete
CLIENT
Hiap Hoe, Sheraton Starwood
LOCATION
Docklands, AUS
SCALE
3,800m2
DWELLINGS
273
DISCIPLINE
Hospitality
EXPERTISE
Architecture Interior Design
Photographer: Tom Blachford
DKO is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning design practice centred on creating ingenious spaces that are driven by the needs of the user, site opportunities and the dynamic process of translating design intent into built outcomes. Founded in 2000 by Principal Koos de Keijzer, its operations have expanded from Melbourne to studios in Sydney, Perth, Auckland, Ho Chi Minh City, and Brisbane. DKO has remained committed to the same underlying principles since day one. Its multiple teams spread across the Asia-Pacific region are solidly united behind the same grounded and humble approach taken to each project, big or small.
Keeping minds open to any possibility, DKO always focuses on finding the best idea, regardless of where it came from. By encouraging the personal growth of each individual within the organisation, DKO plans to become a globally oriented entity, consistently forging ahead in both business and creative objectives. DKO embraces the role of architecture in shaping a more sustainable future. As a practice, it never loses sight of the most fundamental quality that connects all great design – people. Through human understanding and nurture, DKO seeks to continually maximise its potential and deliver architecture at its utmost excellence.