25hrs OLYMPIA PADDINGTON
On-Going Construction 2024/2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: PUBLIC AREAS
Australia's first 25Hours hotel is defined by the cultural imprints of the original West Olympia Theatre in Sydney, with the building's 'Art House' roots entwined with layers of cinematic expression and a vibrantly rebellious artistic community.
The historic building is located on the corner of Oxford St and South Dowling St in Sydney. The building had been the first theatre in Sydney-The Olympia, then evolved into a cinema -the Odeon and later the Greater Union- Academy Twin. There had also been an infamous first storey Bar—the Grand Pacific Blue Room frequented by the local celebrities of film/ music/theatre/press.
The Sydney Art House scene was prevalent in the 1970’s. It was a fertile and feral time of cultural awakening.
CC from Mallow designs under the architects’ TZG umbrella- developed a narrative of great intrigue -the hotel was to be “A place for the larrikins, mavericks, ratbags, poets, painters & musicians.”
The narrative influenced all interior design on Ground floor Reception Lobby and B01 Event spaces and the Odeon in-house small cinema.
On ground floor along with the inspiration of Masha Golemac-the art curator-we developed several elements of art and design. As Art is an integral part of the narrative -various walls and locations were identified for ‘art’ opportunities in the public areas.
‘From the abstract and modern, to the whimsical and nostalgic, to the overly literal and slightly mad, the space will encourage engagement whilst allowing guests to cultivate their own vision.’
INTERIOR DESIGN TEAM:
Shelley Indyk - Project Architect
Daniel Villanueva
Daniel Giraldo
Johan Van Arkel
Issac Smeke
CLIENT:
Central Element / Boston Global Group
BRAND:
ACCOR 25h
BUILDER:
Richard Crookes Constructions