Township of Rooms

With over 170 rooms of varying scales and orientations, the hotel is expressed through five distinct pavilions. Each pavilion is uniquely faceted, referencing the historic silhouette of Queenstown’s skyline. These pavilions are interconnected and anchored by a series of courtyards, lushly planted with indigenous New Zealand flora, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Central to the design is the integration of landscape, culture, materiality, and detail, resulting in a truly luxurious and immersive Queenstown experience.

In response to the site’s strict planning constraints, the hotel has been broken down into articulated forms, offering an architectural solution that is both contextual and iconic. The faceted design not only frames borrowed views across the hotel but also allows for the creation of unique ‘Sky Villas,’ which provide breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountain peaks. To address stringent height limitations, the pavilions are strategically positioned to follow the natural contours of the land. This approach maximizes the planning envelope while ensuring the design remains sensitive to its unique natural setting.

Contributing to the city and its tourism economy, the project features generous setbacks above subterranean rooms and courtyards to protect urban view corridors. Additionally, the design enhances the public realm by incorporating a publicly accessible lookout, thoughtfully oriented toward Queenstown’s Cecile Point.

The architecture and interiors, designed with a cohesive vision, incorporate natural minerals and locally crafted materials. Collaborating with local experts, the project will capture the stories and traditions of the region, embedding them into the fabric of the building for the benefit of locals, guests, and future generations.