Woods Bagot curated the interiors scheme for South Australia’s flagship Marriott International Hotel, opening 22 August, with architectural interventions by Hassell including a modern tower extension to the carefully preserved GPO building.

Paying homage to the historical lineage of the existing GPO, the new Adelaide Marriott offers a world class contemporary hotel service to travellers and a vibrant, diverse curation of venues for locals.

The colonial-era building was constructed between 1867 and 1872, as the most expensive building in Adelaide for its time. In 2019, the post office was relocated, with plans to turn the original GPO building into a retail and dining hub with a 15-storey, 285-room tower above.  

The new development combines luxury, heritage, and modern architecture, drawing from the character of the historic building backed by international standards of hospitality. With an interior palette anchored by the natural seasons, the interior scheme features the earthen tones, burgundy and greens that reference South Australia’s productive viticulture industry.

“The new design carves a contemporary shell that complements the heroic size and scale of the heritage elements of the colonial-era GPO building,” says Woods Bagot Principal Tracey Wiles.

“Gridded patterns inspired by Adelaide’s urban landscape flow seamlessly from the tiled floors up through the cathedral-scaled ceilings, creating a gentle geometry that guides visitors on a visual journey accentuated by nature-inspired stone and curated lighting installations.

“The textural core running through the space, robust and unapologetic, sets the design philosophy – one that becomes moodier and more immersive as you move from the welcoming double-height lobby into the intimate club lounge, before finding solace in the guest rooms, which serve as a continuation of this theme in the form of a relief artwork piece,” continues Wiles.

The lobby features curated focal points, like ceiling-mounted art installations and a timber concierge pod, with social spaces designed to accommodate a wide range of uses. The hotel boasts two new dining venues: Blue Penny, offering a modern Australian dining experience that seats 126 guests, and Exchange Lane, a dynamic cafe-come-wine bar that sits 88 patrons.

Named after a rare stamp once processed through the Adelaide GPO, Blue Penny features olive leather and deep green accents, incorporating historic elements with contemporary comfort.

“By activating the adjacent laneway through the dining venue, the new Marriott complex becomes a vibrant hub, anchored by a generous ballroom and multi-function spaces that reinvigorate this historic precinct, cementing its status as a central gathering point for the city of Adelaide,” says Wiles. 

Hassell provided the base build architectural elements for Adelaide Marriott, with interior design by Woods Bagot, delivered by Baukultur.

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Adrien Moffatt
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