Within the walls of a century-old building in downtown Auckland are the newly-restored interiors of The Hotel Britomart. Cheshire Architects oversaw the project, injecting an intriguing mix of contemporary and historic elements into the hotel’s overall design. Crafted from hand-made clay brick and punctuated by sleek glazed windows, the 10-storey building aims to seamlessly integrate architecture, interiors, and its history into a five green-star building ecosystem.
Forging a connection with the local Kiwi culture is the studio’s use of local materials throughout the space. Past the live Totara tree prominently displayed by the front desk are the main lobby’s seating nooks, low tables and benches crafted from recycled kauri wood, blue stone and sandblasted oak.
The 99 guest rooms emanate the aura of casual elegance, bringing to mind the warm interiors of softly-lit timber cabins. Amongst the rooms, five are expansive penthouse suites with private rooftop terraces angled towards the harbour for captivating views.
Adding to the charm of The Hotel Britomart is its commitment to sustainability: the hotel is classified as New Zealand’s first and only 5 Green -Star Hotel, certified by the NZ Green Building Council. Book your stay here.
Among Cheshire Architects’ past projects is a pair of coastal cabins with blackened wood exteriors. Follow them on Instagram.
Photography © Sam Hartnett for Cheshire Architects