The Centennial Hotel, which occupies a corner site in a conservation zone in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, has been refurbished as a modern tavern and restaurant, with large new windows facing two streets and the dining room oriented to a private rear courtyard. Care has been taken to contain noise from neighbouring houses by fitting three thicknesses of acoustic glazing to external openings and acoustic linings to ceilings and internal walls. The interior design, of timber, stainless steel and glass, is intended to provide a neutral background for the dynamic activities of chefs, waiters, diners and drinkers.

Jury Verdict

A highly mannered and controlled aesthetic, used in subtle ways, has resulted in a most seductive and restful interior to a bar/restaurant complex. Bold gestures abound: the oversize pivot doors, the recycled flooring, the large windowscape with contemplative landscape beyond, the iteration of pressed plywood acoustic panels used both in walls and ceilings.

This hotel is cheek-by-jowl to residences in a highly developed Sydney eastern suburb. Ensuring that disturbances are kept to a minimum, windows throughout are specially treated to reduce noise and a sound shell has been constructed to house the restaurant. The high ceilings and extensive use of natural light make this an airy space during the day, and the spotlit birches in the courtyard add another element at night. The interiors are elegantly executed, using simple materials that are well finished and robust to suit the application.

Photography Bart Maiorana

The Centennial, Woollahra, NSW
Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, Lighting Designers Alexander Tzannes Associates—design architects Alec Tzannes, Julian Venning; project team Julian Venning, Con Psaltis, Vera Batalha, Anna Power. Conservation Architect Trevor Howells. Structural and Civil Engineers James Taylor & Associates. Mechanical and Services Engineers Bill Nappin & Associates. Acoustics Louis Challis & Associates. Quantity Surveyor Donald Bayley & Associates. Programmers and Builders Beach Constructions.

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