Layered Majesty – Shell House by Woods Bagot

A fusion of heritage and contemporary design, Shell House by Woods Bagot stands proud in the heart of Sydney’s bustling Central Business District. Covering an area of 1,250 square meters across multiple levels, a range of indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to offer a variety of hospitality experiences.

A total of four venues together comprise Shell House. The Menzies Bar is located on the ground floor; The Dining Room, the Terrace and the Clocktower Bar are on level 9, and the Sky Bar finds a vantage point on level 10. All were designed to create an experience that feels more like a home than a development project. Anna Hewett, Lead Interior Stylist, explains that the aim was to provide a place that could host everything from a 21st-birthday dinner to a drink after work or a business meeting. By breaking down spaces into separate venues, four distinct personalities were created within the venue, each with its unique identity but all sharing a common language. “Shell House is not one homogenous space,” says Anna. “It is intended as a journey, similar to one you would experience as you venture through someone’s house.”

By breaking down spaces into separate venues, four distinct personalities were created within the venue, each with its unique identity but all sharing a common language.

Formerly known as the Menzies Hotel, Shell House underwent extensive refurbishment and fit-out by Woods Bagot to recapture the majesty of its interwar commercial palazzo-style architecture. The building’s façade, standing at 65 meters high, is historically significant as it features one of the tallest retained heritage façades globally. The building’s glazed terracotta ‘faience’ blocks exude a sense of grandeur, while the clocktower, containing the 400-tonne clock, lends an unparalleled charm and magnificence.

This clocktower has been meticulously restored to its former glory after being suspended mid-air for several years while the building was excavated and rebuilt. Now, the Clocktower Bar, situated within, captures the essence of art deco design and Italianate architecture, offering guests an authentic, indulgent atmosphere. The neutral colours, natural materials, and combination of vintage and bespoke furniture, all scattered throughout, create a new perspective on inner-city socialisation and escapism. The fully restored and operating clock mechanisms animate the room, adding to the immersive experience of the space.

Formerly known as the Menzies Hotel, Shell House underwent extensive refurbishment and fit-out by Woods Bagot to recapture the majesty of its interwar commercial palazzo-style architecture.

The Menzies Bar, situated on the ground floor, pays homage to the Menzies Hotel that once occupied the building. The bar’s European-inspired bistro menu showcases a range of snacks, smaller and larger plates, and a cocktail selection available all day and late into the night. The Dining Room and Terrace offer a refined yet relaxed dining experience that extends from the opulent dining room out onto the open-air terrace. Meanwhile, The Sky Bar, perched on level 10, provides guests with a panoramic view of the city skyline. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors placed around the pavilions retract, capturing views across the city and a breezy courtyard atmosphere.

An iconic piece of Sydney’s architectural history, today, Shell House represents the respectful coexistence of heritage and contemporary design. Providing guests an immersive array of experiences, the venues capture the glamour of a bygone era.