Strikingly contemporary, The Fantauzzo does not need to compete for attention. The design of Brisbane’s new $100million flagship Art Series Hotel by acclaimed design practice SJB purposefully retreats from it, seamlessly entwining art with the surrounding landscape and urban fabric.
Located directly under the impressive and imposing Story Bridge, The Fantauzzo hugs the contour of the cliff, marrying the organic geometry of the natural rock face with the structured aesthetic of the bridge.
Designed by SJB, the fractured nature of the hotel’s exterior and its muted colour palette creates a geometric camouflage allowing it to blend into the background.
Situated in a challenging location, both from a design and construction point of view, SJB Project Director Tristan Wong said integral to the hotel’s design was the idea it did not compromise the heritage buildings along Howard Smith Wharves which would remain clearly distinguishable.
“The Fantauzzo exists as a highly articulated ‘earthy’ building, which seeks to connect itself deeply into the fabric and aesthetic of its setting, taking great reference from the fragmented nature of the cliff, whilst also picking up on the characteristic red, sandy and earthy tones,” Wong said.
“Additional cascading planting softens the façade and also references the thick vegetation that covers most of the cliff. It also provides an engaging outlook for guests and softens the parapet line.
"Brisbane is emerging as a vibrant city with a growing interest in the arts and our design plays off this notion to create what is to become a landmark hotel for the precinct,” he added.
Inside the hotel, the lobby features a double-height wall of glass that brings the cliff-face inside, while the guest rooms enjoy spectacular city views of the Brisbane River, tumbling greenery or the sculptured rock wall.
Vincent Fantauzzo’s take on photorealism inspired SJB to create a counterpoint, a contrasting backdrop to his work through dark tones and muted finishes that challenge the traditional ‘white gallery’ space. The scheme also combines raw concrete finishes with black glass and tiles to create strong accents.
Natural rock and timber take cues from the cliff face and external facade, acting as an earthy installation. The angular forms found on both the facade of the building and interior elements provide further clarity and distinction between Fantauzzo’s artworks and the hotel’s design.
AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Simon McGrath, said the hotel’s design will clearly reflect the distinct sense of style and sophistication of the Group’s latest namesake artist. “Vincent is vibrant, young and exciting – a perfect match for the hotel, the precinct and for Brisbane. The Fantauzzo’s individual design will celebrate the art of candid moments.”
Sleek and slim design furniture adds a glamorous luxe vibe; from emerald green sofas with stitching detail to faux leather upholstered dining chairs and bent electroplated metal coffee table cubes, which combine an industrial feel with an opulent finish.
Arm chairs paired with an oval side table in powder coated metal and reconstituted stone that match kitchen benchtops, form an intimate setting while contemporary illuminated disc design is achieved with LED strip ribbons. The angles and bends are echoed in the desk and bedside lamps to create a cohesive visual look.
This will be the greenest Art Series hotel with some of the environmental friendly aspects of the development including: high performance glazing, low VOC materials, open corridors, cascading plants over the building’s facade, smart lighting and cross ventilated common spaces. All cars will be located underground so the riverfront is completely for human traffic, on foot or by bike, and tropical gardens.
The six-storey hotel will offer four distinct food and beverage outlets as well as an impressive rooftop pool boasting spectacular views of the Brisbane River and CBD, bar, gym and three conference rooms, fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology.
The Fantauzzo is scheduled opened Tuesday 26 March 2019. Contact Corporate Traveller to book or enquire.
About Art Series Hotels
Arts Series Hotels transformed the Australian hotel market when it launched in 2009. Inspired by and dedicated to Australian contemporary artists, each hotel takes design inspiration from the namesake artist. With original artworks and prints adorning the walls and halls, the multifaceted art inspired experience is complete with dedicated art channels, art libraries, art tours and art utensils on supply. Glass bottomed pools, private outdoor decking areas, state of the art gymnasiums, massive communal spaces and boutique conference and events spaces complete the picture.
About Accor
Accor is a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique and meaningful experiences in almost 4,800 hotels, resorts, and residences across 100 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of brands from luxury to economy, Accor has been providing hospitality savoir-faire for more than 50 years.
Beyond accommodations, Accor enables new ways to live, work, and play with Food&Beverage, nightlife, wellbeing, and coworking brands. To drive business performance, Accor’s portfolio of business accelerators amplifies hospitality distribution, operations, and experiences. Guests have access to one of the world’s most attractive hotel loyalty programs.
Accor is deeply committed to sustainable value creation, and plays an active role in giving back to planet and community. Planet 21 – Acting Here endeavours to act for “positive hospitality”, while Accor Solidarity, the endowment fund, empowers disadvantaged people through professional training and access to employment.
Launch of The Fantauzzo - the new $100m Art Series Hotel
Vincent Fantauzzo and Asher Keddie, with some help from their A-list mates including Richard Roxburgh, Lisa Wilkinson, Kim Ledger and Matt Moran, threw a luxe party in Brisbane to celebrate the launch of The Fantauzzo, the newest $100 million instalment of Art Series Hotels.