Dunedin’s first 5-star boutique hotel – Wains Hotel – has been announced as the winner of the NZ Grand Prix for interior design at the annual Dulux Colour Awards.
The Wains Hotel interiors were designed by Suzanne Lear and Saila Wang from Auckland-based Yellow6 Architect and Design Studio. The hotel features 50 rooms over seven floors, with captivating design that pays homage to the history of the 157 year old hotel.
A record 430 entries were submitted for the prestigious awards which span New Zealand and Australian projects, and winners are chosen by a jury consisting of leading designers, architects and Simon Farrell-Green, Editor of HOME New Zealand.
Judges comments praised the confidence and sophistication of the Wains Hotel design and the nod to the history of this iconic property. The design was commended for demonstrating an exceptional level of refinement with subtle colour blocking and contextual references.
“This contemporary but classic design is in keeping with the historic Victorian-era hotel, described by the architects as ‘a grand old dame with quirks and personality’,” says judge in this year’s Dulux Colour Awards Simon Farrell-Green.
“The subtle use of colour blocking, with soft greys and neutrals on walls to enhance the traditional mouldings, is especially worth noting, as is the choice of Dulux Tuatapere from the Dulux Colours of New Zealand range for the feature wall – a nod to the South Island. Even the clear delineation of curtain lines to de ne the colour blocks is clever.”
The hotel is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment which will carefully preserve many of the original aspects of the property. A new restaurant, bar and ballroom will also be revealed as part of the upgraded hotel.
Wains Hotel general manager Sally Reiber says the award is an outstanding recognition of the attention to detail within the interiors and creation of memorable guest experiences.
“We cannot wait to welcome guests to the new look Wains Hotel and this award further cements our growing reputation as a design driven boutique hotel offering world class accommodation."
An official opening date for the end of 2019 is yet to be announced.
