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The design team worked closely with consultants and stakeholders, including Heritage NSW and the City of Sydney, to reveal the original character of the protected building, which dates from 1912 and was designed by government architect George McRae. The grandeur of McRae’s architecture, with its Florentine-Palazzo style sandstone facade and marble-clad vestibules, lends itself to a future role as one of the world’s leading hotels.
With 192 guest rooms, event spaces, and 3 different bar and restaurant offerings, Capella Sydney forms a landmark home that is connected to the life of the city centre. This sense of belonging has been integral to the overall design vision for the project.
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Originally built in two halves over a century ago, the former 8-storey building occupies an entire city block. Its reconfiguration has been a major undertaking, especially as the integrity of many internal spaces has been compromised over the years by ad hoc changes made to the building’s fabric.
McRae’s original design intent has been restored wherever possible, including the reinstatement of its internal garden courtyard, now named Aperture, on the ground floor. The surrounding spaces have been imaginatively repurposed for new uses, such as a variety of publicly accessible restaurants and bars and meeting and function rooms.
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The former Department of Education’s gallery on level 6 has been preserved and transformed into the award-winning Auriga Spa, featuring a stunning 20m swimming pool, fitness suite and private treatment rooms. The space is top-lit with copper-lined heritage roof lanterns that have been carefully restored and reimagined to draw in and diffuse the daylight into this unique wellbeing destination. Innovative engineering was required to insert the pool into the existing structure.
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![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-spa-wellness-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=009dfde4c6891ec209ec70ef67be9275 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-spa-wellness-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=630&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=502b26876d350a45a825cb5ae13cfbcb 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-spa-wellness-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1152&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=b85946799173bd45eeec9e21e4417cc4 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-spa-wellness-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1536&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=e89274a7f9551afd2c676f62a0ab7f86 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-spa-wellness-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2100&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=87994e604dfb566a0057066d34411140 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-spa-wellness-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2400&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=ce4c46d395a78b7d39e48d635db5dbf8 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-spa-wellness-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2879&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=32e656d837594bbc3b59c0c32c5744f7 1920w)
Four additional floors have also been added to the building, taking it to 11 storeys. This complementary modern extension, with bespoke fluted fins and curved glass corners, has been set back to respect the original sandstone structure. A variety of guestroom offerings have been designed across both the heritage and extension levels. In the existing building, rooms are designed to showcase the existing window proportions and minimise impact to the original structure while ensuring modern amenities are incorporated.
The new extension levels have presented Make with an opportunity to reimagine the roofscape. Designed as a fifth elevation, it now makes a positive contribution to the cityscape for those occupying high-rise buildings neighbouring the hotel. Bespoke perforated screens and fluted cladding conceal the plant and services on the roof.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-modern-extension-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=ee8d018f3edfd2efd07884372111cd90 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-modern-extension-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=630&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=18242666fe14718b8192234ec2f307f6 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-modern-extension-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1151&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=615ddf19a32482916933d891c4654e1b 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-modern-extension-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1535&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=af798a21ecafc8e0fb31feac1b33c22d 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-modern-extension-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2098&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=950287ca2a25603d1740a4658dd40898 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-modern-extension-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2398&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=cfdcce1002ebec19d4526698f7d4e21d 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-modern-extension-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2878&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=915cf97aef942e45136465ba501a5f25 1920w)
The interiors by BAR Studio embrace the existing built fabric and create a counterpoint to the once-utilitarian interiors. The design narrative responds to the rationalism and functionality of the original architecture while weaving in design gestures that speak to the buildings’ era and origins, like the use of black steel and steel-framed glazed screens and doors that make a subtle reference to the Age of Industry. A recurring motif of timber or metal-framed portals plays an important role in the definition of spaces, finishes, art and objects.
A neutral base palette of warm grey stone and dark and light timber takes its cue from the building’s original architecture and design elements while creating a sense of a soothing urban sanctuary. Era-inspired design features, such as the black and white marble floor, antique mirrors, and introduction of contemporary arches throughout the drinking and dining spaces, are a modern take on the elegance and glamour of the time.
The design signature of bold portals carries through to the guest rooms, with dark wood and metal framing elements of the existing building as well as ‘zoning’ the different areas of the rooms. Campaign furniture – rooted in the need for flexible travel pieces in bygone days – has inspired freestanding wardrobes and minibars, as well as an integrated leather screen.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-dining-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=69e093ab85a20041b7dda038917d0d9f 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-dining-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=d09e72729bd73b3e26519d1edec7343e 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-dining-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=76e36ffc26bfbefc7769f84f7039f49d 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-dining-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=2aaaad561f8d5e56c421e614312464ec 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-dining-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=934&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=73b10aa011490833f6de3a022675c47d 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-dining-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1068&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=21de6d113dd8bdb7bf45523eddd432f7 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCapella-Sydney-dining-2-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1281&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=1bf2d1de41bc64c2ea036659ef0060f5 1920w)
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Externally, the hotel now creates a natural connection between the street at Farrer Place and Capella Sydney’s skylit inner courtyard. The team has designed an arrival sequence that welcomes the public in through a journey from existing to new, further strengthened by the curation of public art and heritage interpretation between spaces. Art curation by Freeman Ryan Design and The Artling brings an extra layer of storytelling, with carefully curated works exhibited across the hotel’s public spaces as a way to share the area’s rich heritage.
Back of house facilities are accommodated across three new basement levels, thereby reducing the impact on the heritage fabric above ground. These underground service levels have been strategically planned to operate for both the Education Building and the neighbouring Lands Building, and provide efficiencies in energy use while minimising the precinct’s carbon footprint.
Make’s Project Architect, Michelle Evans, says: “We’re proud to be involved in this once-in-a-generation project for the city. Opening the building up to the public was key to the design vision. On the ground floor, we designed the arrival sequence to play with scale and invite the public into the previously inaccessible building, taking guests from the beautifully restored heritage entrance at Farrer Place through to the double-height reception evoking the openness of the original atrium.”
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Stewart Robertson, co-founder and Creative Director of BAR Studio, says: “The heritage building that houses Capella Sydney provided us with the underpinning and inspiration for the interior design. Evolving from the continuity of space on the ground floor – linking the urban landscape of Farrer Place to the internal garden courtyard – we’ve used framing techniques to both connect and create a sensitive separation of public spaces. Throughout the whole hotel, frames, arches and portals, together with the layered design, aim to create a space that feels like it has always been here and evolved over time, but is at once fresh and modern.”
Marc von Arnim, Capella Sydney’s General Manager, says: “The Capella brand is synonymous with luxury, excellence in the craft of hospitality, and cultural immersion. Capella Sydney takes this to the next level through unparalleled heritage work, architecture and interior design, state-of-the-art wellness facilities, and transformative guest experiences that go above and beyond the expected, underscored by world-class accommodation and dining.”
Capella Sydney opened in March 2023.