A Nostalgic Renewal – The Sails Motel by Akin Atelier

Grounded in nostalgia yet refined through contemporary finishes, The Sails Motel is a layered motel renovation that eloquently combines the past and the present. Interiors by Akin Atelier and laminate surfaces by Laminex work to elevate the spaces while paying homage to the original building.

Located in the coastal town of Brunswick Heads, just a short 15-minute drive from Byron Bay, the initial brief for the motel renovation focused on giving The Sails Motel’s meaning and trying to create something nostalgic yet distinctive to the feel and coastal aesthetic of the area. Simon Johnson, motelier at The Sails Motel says, “the old motel had good bones, but there were some obvious improvements we could make – it was in need of some love.”

Nestled on Tweed Street between Old Maids Coffee and Saint Maries, The Sails Motel’s onsite pizza and wine bar, the motel combines old and new with ease. Upon arrival, one will find parking to the left and the original 1960s motel building to the right, with a single-storey block built in the 1980s at the rear. “A large house sits in the middle, which has been opened up to create an open-plan reception area with retail space at the front that dips down into the pool and bar area and then flows outside to the sun lounges, umbrellas and swimming pool,” says Simon.

The interior design refreshes and rejuvenates the space and complements the retro facade. Director at Akin Atelier Kelvin Ho says, “for the room designs, we wanted the space to be functional and robust but, at the same time, celebrate a few moments with some fun details.” For example, the joinery includes subtle curves and inlays of laminate and terrazzo, while the shelving space is lined with a bright laminate surface. “We wanted to make little gestures that didn’t feel too overwhelming but still remind you are on holidays. It’s playful – there are still some moments that have spontaneity and fun in them,” says Kelvin.

Laminates from Laminex were an important part of the palette for the motel renovation.

Laminates from Laminex were an important part of the palette for the motel renovation. “There were existing laminates throughout the motel, so we looked to Laminex to work with them on what materials and products from their range would be most suitable,” says Kelvin. “We used the teak timber laminate for a lot of the joinery and the bedheads – the warmth of that material really comes through, but at the same time … it plays to the nostalgic and retro charm of the building.”

Within the teak joinery are inlay laminates in shades of blue that tie into the original branding of the motel and hark back to the coastal aesthetic. “Laminex has been manufacturing in Australia for 80 years, so being able to bring an Australian brand into an Australian motel is a really nice connection,” says Kelvin. By drawing on materials such as laminates by Laminex that feel true and honest to the building itself, the motel renovation is considered and genuine. “I am proud of our restraint and not changing it too much,” says Simon.

“Laminex has been manufacturing in Australia for 80 years, so being able to bring an Australian brand into an Australian motel is a really nice connection,” says Kelvin.

The result is a respectful elevation of the original motel. As such, the inspired motel renovation by Akin Atelier continues the legacy of the structure in a way that both respects its past and looks to the future.

Architecture and Interior Design by Akin Atelier. Laminate Surfaces by Laminex.