THE SURF HOTEL
Yaegl and Bundjalong Land
The site for “The Surf”, overlooking Yamba’s beautiful Main Beach was occupied in the 1920’s by the deco inspired Ritz Cafe and remained in use in much altered form as the “Surf Hotel” until 2019. Today “The Surf” echoing some of the original curved forms of the Ritz, provides 12 beautifully appointed hotel rooms and related facilities with access to the beach and wonderful views up and down this most dramatic NSW coastline.
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Challenges
Squeezed between adjacent unit buildings to the east and west boundaries, the site was relatively tight for the intensive use of a 12-room boutique hotel. A 12-meter height limit restricted the number of storeys to three plus the potential to use the roof space, however it was the intensity of the proposed use which caused a good deal of local resistance to the development and led to a prolonged and difficult planning process. The rooftop pool and entertainment areas pushed the building envelope and created the most concern, but ultimately made the whole project work commercially. Most rooms have restricted views and outlooks, however the roof terrace and pool provide unrestrained access to the spectacular coastal environment and create an additional ‘wow’ factor that cemented The Surf Hotel as a destination hotel.
02
Approach
We developed an in-depth understanding of the boutique hotel market and target demographic in order to deliver the level of detail and architectural resolution required to underpin the commercial success of the hotel. It had to be distinctive and atmospheric, with a consistent design intent throughout. From the overall form through to the fixtures, fittings and finishes, it needed to be beautifully resolved and practical to use, yet retain some of the relaxed coastal charm of Yamba. Striking this balance is no easy task, but the hotel’s commercial success and the warm reception from locals since opening are clear evidence that the design gets it right.
03
Process / Materials
Situated in a frontline coastal setting, our design for The Surf Hotel aimed to maximise views and outlook while withstanding harsh weather and the corrosive effects of the saline environment. Every finish, material and system incorporated throughout the building needed to weather well, be easy to maintain and stand up to the intense use of a hotel. We kept the palette deliberately simple, ensuring that everything was able to be specified by local suppliers and was easy to maintain on an ongoing basis.
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Design Impact
Key to the success of this development was the fully integrated design approach, where the guest experience would be seamless from arrival to check out. Architecture, interior, furniture and decorative elements were all woven together to create a seamless and relaxed sense of luxury and intimacy appropriate to this type of boutique travel experience. The rooms are carefully furnished and appointed with bespoke items – designed in collaboration with local designers – yet were practical and allowed guests to relax with sunlight and natural ventilation while maintaining privacy. A key design decision was the designation of the rooftop area as an additional space for the guests of the hotel to enjoy, complete with a rooftop pool and sun decks with uninterrupted coastal views.
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WATCH PROJECT DEEP DIVE
ARCHITECTURAL TEAM
Jon King
Olaf Bruins
INTERIORS TEAM
Katie King
Alice Dalloz
Sinead Spence
Jon King
BUILDER
Rob Connolly
CONSULTANTS
Structural Engineer – Partridge
Hydraulic Engineer – Partridge
Civil Engineer – Partridge
Electrical/Mechanical Engineer – Clarence Consulting
BCA/Fire – AED
Fire Services – RG Fire Consultancy
Geotechnical Engineer – JK Geotechnics
Quantity Surveyor – Mitchell Brandtman
Pool Engineer – Newport Consulting Group
Landscape Architect – Andrew Pawsey
Lighting Designer – Special Lights
Town Planner – Damien O’Toole
PHOTOGRAPHY
Brett Boardman
Elise Hassey
AWARDS
2022 Shortlisted NSW Architecture Awards Commercial Category
2022 Finalist Australian Interior Design Awards
2022 Good Design Awards Winner
TESTIMONIAL
“Jon, from the start you were great to deal with and the design you have delivered is exceptional, especially as it has evolved over many years. To get such an amazing building into such a difficult, tight space and get it approved was impressive. I have no regrets in that initial phone call and while we have been at it for a long time the result is something you and the rest of your team can be especially proud of.”
