The design
brief for the refurbishment of The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay involved extensive
used of rustic timber for the ceilings which needed customising to meet the
acoustic and structural engineers’ requirement. SUPAWOOD helped achieve this by
supplying DRIFTWOOD rustic timber slats fabricated precisely to suit.
One of Sydney’s
most iconic hotels and built in 1884, The Oaks has undergone many facelifts but
never to this extent. The $4millon revamp was designed by Paul Kelly Design and
undertaken by The Chillie Group in 2 stages. The intent, to create a unique
identity with strong history links while re-invigorating The Oaks into the
present-day.
The new
ceilings required fixing to the existing old structure so the weight of timber
used potentially posed a problem. SUPAWOOD solved this by supplying loose
DRIFWOOD slats customised in width and thickness to suit the structural
engineers’ weight constraints. These also met requirements for acoustics.
Stage 1
transformed the original bars into an old butcher shop themed Bar and Grill with
an Art Deco twist. DRIFTWOOD Blackwash has been used on cleverly illuminated sections
of the ceiling which define 3 seating aisles. The finish completes the cosy mood
of the rich décor as a whole.
Stage 2
transformed another area into a space inspired by a classic Victorian conservatory
that that opens into the famous oak tree dominated courtyard. The new Garden
Pavilion features a diagonally DRIFTWOOD White slatted ceiling which lifts the
light filled interior.
While resolving other specific problems encountered, the rustic DRIFTWOOD
ceilings blend perfectly to successfully complete an atmosphere of old-world
charm, the décor as a whole uplifting the building to befit current trends.
Award:
Finalist in
the National Interior Design Awards – Hospitality 2014.