The Crowne Plaza by Robert Weir of Weir Architecture received the Commercial/Industrial Architectural Design Award at the 2019 ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards. Robert received the prestigious award for his outstanding work transforming an existing damaged office building into a beautifully detailed, deluxe hotel in Christchurch’s CBD.
The Crowne Plaza Christchurch has opened its doors as a 4.5-star hotel featuring 204 spacious and modern hotel rooms, combined with some of the best views that Christchurch City has to offer. It sits proudly within the Performing Arts Precinct and has played a role in bringing life and vitality back into the inner city.
The original existing building, formerly known as Forsyth Barr, was damaged during the 2011 Canterbury Earthquakes. The new hotel that has taken its place is a wonderful addition to the flourishing city centre.
Guests are welcomed into the hotel through a boldly crafted interior that features timber slats wrapping the walls. The timber creates warmth along with accentuating height and anchoring the lobby space.
Full height windows flood the ground floor with natural light during the day and in the evening carefully curated and dramatic lighting bring the spaces to life embracing a change of mood and atmosphere.
The food and beverage experiences are open and theatrical, showcasing local cuisine from within the crafted café, sophisticated lobby bar and the Market Place restaurant.
No detail has been overlooked in this incredible hotel, with each room carefully designed to make the most of the city views and to provide a comfortable stay for guests.
ADNZ judges praised Robert for his work on this landmark site.
“A varied set of interiors bring richness to the generic floorplates of this former office building. The design makes deft use of the angled circulation core and brings life to the street.”
The complex transformation of the Crowne Plaza was no mean feat. "Beneath the beauty of this hotel, Robert has had to overcome many design and engineering obstacles. Robert has succeeded in designing a welcoming, opulent hotel that will stand the test of time. Well done.”
For more information of Robert Weir visit: http://www.weirarchitecture.nz/
