8 | Other Places: Ebb Dunedin T T Russell Fredric Conventional design turned on its head Dunedin artist Simon Kaan was commissioned to create Ebb’s 20 metre long by three story high etched glass facade artwork, an abstract of Otago Harbour. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ebb Dunedin, a boutique luxury hotel that has pushed the norms of conventional design, has received seven industry awards, including the coveted Sir Miles Warren award for commercial architecture. Opened in July 2021, the development of Ebb Dunedin was undertaken by Dunedin developer Otherplaces which has a vision for creating design-led projects which add quality architecture and vibrancy to the inner city. The base build of Ebb Dunedin, which includes the main structure and overall layout, was designed by Gary Todd Architecture while Sydney firm Indyk Architects created the interior design. Dunedin firm Stewart Construction was the lead contractor while its sister business Stewart’s Joinery supplied and installed all the hotel’s joinery. The hotel’s name is derived from Otago Harbour’s original tideline in the area before land reclamation was undertaken. Dunedin artist Simon Kaan was commissioned to create Ebb’s 20 metre long by three story high etched glass facade artwork, an abstract of Otago Harbour and the view of the land, sea and sky, digitally printed by a specialised process onto 30 glass panels. As well as being an outstanding design element, this had a practical function; the semi-transparent glass obscures the view to the Meridian Mall loading bay opposite, while still allowing ample light into guest rooms. Otherplaces director Dylan Cazemier says, despite Ebb providing luxury accommodation, it was important to create an inclusive neighbourhood hotel that interfaced well in its location, including through its ground floor café and public lounges. Planning the design, layout and features of the 28 room, four level hotel was an exciting process, Dylan says. “Gary pushes the norms of what would be expected. It was a pretty collaborative process; we went through dozens of iterations before we landed on the right concept.” A standout feature of its design is its unique sky-lit central atrium which means that upon entering, guests and visitors are immediately greeting by a large, light, open, multi-level space with trees on the ground floor, rather than a typical lobby with a reception area. In effect, this means the rooms on each floor open onto a mezzanine level, each featuring framed artwork. “The whole idea was to turn the concept of a hotel inside-out, so actually we have this big [central] void in the middle of the building and you actually bring nature to the interior area,” Dylan says. This is intended to create a “biophilic” response to bring a sense connectivity to nature within the architecture. “Most hotels, you walk through a dark and narrow hallway to get to the room, whereas in this hotel you walk out onto this exterior-like atrium that’s full of nature; it’s a much more inspiring way to reach your room.” The multiple awards achieved are a fantastic result and a testament to all involved in the project, Dylan says. “It’s good to receive recognition for all the thought and hard work put into building, and for other designers and commercial bodies to recognise it as a notable building; it’s a great result.” “The whole idea was to turn the concept of a hotel inside-out....” contractorsv of choice Painters & Decorators JAMES WREN & CO LTD Proud to work with Stewart Construction on the EBB Hotel 50 Carroll Street | PH: 03 477 9384 | www.wrens.co.nz EST 1896 • Painting, Decorating • ProgrammedMaintenance • Tiling • Textured Coating • Solid Plastering • Specialist Coating PLACEMAKERS DUNEDIN & MOSGIEL PLACEMAKERSDUNEDIN & MOSGIEL 50 BURNS ST & 34 CARNCROSS ST (03) 466 4617 ST TConstruction Ltd PROUDLY SUPPORTING COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION | RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION JOINERY & MANUFACTURING | MAINTENANCE & HERITAGE RESTORATION Proudly Supporting Other Places (03) 455 2057 29 Fox Street, South Dunedin 29 Fox Street, South Dunedin
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=