Tailored Reawakening – Capella Sydney by BAR Studio and Make Architects

Capella Sydney has undergone a tailored reawakening to unveil a world-class hotel within the building’s heritage envelope. Deftly blending the finest elements of both traditional and contemporary design, the hotel layers enduring period architecture with a fresh identity designed by Make Architects and interiors curated by BAR Studio. Stepping inside, it is immediately clear that the building’s legacy has been lovingly treasured, manifesting in an anatomy of poetic prestige.

History is written in the grit of Capella Sydney’s sandstone walls. Quarried, slabbed and ornately carved during the flush of early 20th-century prosperity for the Department of Education, the building remains, endowing present-day Sydney with a spectacle of bygone Edwardian opulence. Entrusted to reference this composition and reframe its interior as a bespoke luxury destination, Stewart Robertson, Co-Founder and Creative Director of BAR Studio, recounts the genesis of an “exceptional project”.

History is written in the grit of Capella Sydney’s sandstone walls.

“We were tasked with creating a one-of-a-kind space that facilitates a unique guest experience, both within the hotel and in the way it connects guests to the location, its culture and history,” he explains. “While the exterior of the building was largely intact, thanks to its long service as a government department, few heritage features remained within the interior. That said, the original architecture was hugely influential.”

Poised to revive the grandeur of its past while shedding the drab relics of utilitarian use, BAR Studio’s articulation of homage authentically speaks to the building’s soul. Hushed hues and juxtaposed, robust and delicate materiality along with historically inspired detailing punctuate the design narrative that chronicles Capella Sydney’s smoothly assembled sophistication.

Enriched by thoughtful composure and inhabited by meticulously hand-picked furniture, artwork, lighting and curiously unique objets d’art styled by Simone Haag, Capella Sydney has been accoutred with uncompromising attention.

“We introduced a new design language of frames and portals that responds to the order, function and rationalism of the building’s previous life while, at the same time, demarcating and highlighting spaces within the structure,” reveals Stewart. The collection of sumptuously appointed guest suites, dining and bar spaces, courtyard, pool and wellness spa each become their own haven to journey, unified by striking references to the original architecture. Contemporary notions draw from their heritage blueprint; as boldly sooty as the coal that powered industries during the building’s prime era, commanding black steel echoes existing exterior panelling to frame interior doors, windows and screens, while antique-inspired mirrors and decorative arches in the dining spaces impart “a sense of classic glamour”.

Enriched by thoughtful composure and inhabited by meticulously hand-picked furniture, artwork, lighting and curiously unique objets d’art styled by Simone Haag, Capella Sydney has been accoutred with uncompromising attention. “We worked closely with Space Furniture to select pieces from Italian brands B&B Italia and Maxalto, as we felt there was an alignment in their dedication to quality and understated luxury with the sense of the contemporary residential-style design we were looking to achieve,” Stewart remarks. “The neutral palette and use of framing techniques in the interiors allow the art, objects, landscaping and lighting to shine, with Simone Haag’s richly detailed styling and meaningfully curated artwork by The Artling continuing the storytelling and deepening the guest experience.”

Poised to revive the grandeur of its past while shedding the drab relics of utilitarian use, BAR Studio’s articulation of homage authentically speaks to the building’s soul.

Affecting a flourishing setting of knowingly pared indulgence, BAR Studio has enrobed Capella Sydney with a warm individuality that recalls its storied past. The precise balance between redefining its persona and accentuating its foundational nature sees the hotel emerge as an alluring escape of heightened refinement, prompting guests to savour the luxurious context of its reverent preservation and timeless transformation.