By Rebecca Harris
Sydney’s ivy hotel is proving itself a leader in the design stakes after winning two prestigious design awards last week (Oct 29).
Justin Hemmes’ multi-million dollar venue was recognised at the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards, walking away with the Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture, and the National Award for Urban Design.
The judges praised ivy for its modern and user-friendly design that typifies Sydney.
“With its embodied ideal that commerce and a darned good time can come together in a pleasure palace of meeting, greeting, eating and imbibing, here one gets a sense of a special precinct integrated into the heart of Sydney,” they said.
"A project that is the collaborative effort of Woods Bagot, Hecker Phelan & Guthrie and the Merivale Group, co-principal design architect, Domenic Alvaro from Woods Bagot said that the aim for ivy was to create a “world within a world”.
“It is a ‘house’ in the big city where everyone is welcome and guests’ needs are anticipated. With an intimacy typically encapsulated by a private residence, ivy is a reprieve from the demanding city tempo, a vibrant and stimulating work or meeting venue: a celebration of ‘a life less ordinary’.”
Further testament to ivy’s dedication to art and design will be seen next week, with the launch of their inaugural ‘Art Attack’ exhibition, which will feature pop-up art in unexpected places throughout the venue.