Unadulterated Escapism – The Calile Hotel by Richards & Spence

Conceived as an urban oasis in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, The Calile Hotel designed by local firm Richards & Spence is a catalyst for indulgence and discovery. The hotel itself – a brutalist-inspired form veiled with a nostalgia for resort-style relaxation – is an escape from the buzz of James Street with opportunities to engage or retreat as desired.

There’s a resounding modernist influence here. The laid-back resort-style architecture of Palm Springs has been reinterpreted for The Calile’s unique sub-tropical, urban setting. Both modernist and brutalist elements define the structure while cross ventilation, tactile materials and natural light come heavily into play. Concrete, white brick and stone are softened by curves and a refined – almost feminine – selection of materials (think soft pastels, brass accents and lush plating) resounds. Each of the 175 rooms features a singular palette of blue, green or pink, complemented by cork, natural jute, blonde timber and marble. The effect is soothing, drawing on coastal influences to create warm and effortless rooms with city, pool or suburban views.

The laid-back resort-style architecture of Palm Springs has been reinterpreted for The Calile’s unique sub-tropical, urban setting. Both modernist and brutalist elements define the structure while cross ventilation, tactile materials and natural light come heavily into play.

The layout of the hotel speaks back to its conceptual design as an urban resort. Open-air spaces and breezeways link rooms, Palm Springs-inspired brise soleils permeate the concrete structure and the pool sits at the heart of it all. Elevated above street level and surrounded on two sides by guest suites with individual, curved balconies, the pool is the veritable hub of this oasis. Complete with private cabanas or sun lounges beneath mint and white umbrellas, it’s a central place to simply take it all in.

There’s an ease with which people interact and engage in this hotel – it’s immediately perceptible, not to mention, compelling. The level of tactility and subtlety evident in what is in fact a monolithic structure means each moment at The Calile is one to be savoured.