Shell House is a journey upward through four innovations on Australian hospitality– each mixing sophistication, spontaneity, and theatricality into new genres of inner-city escapism.
The design of Shell House has been driven by an eclectic mix of multifaceted organic tones and textures. This is no truer than in the Sky Bar. Bespoke furniture, vintage pieces and natural materials in neutral colours are used throughout to allude to an all-new perspective on inner-city socialising.
Ascending the striped marble stair, the upper level of the Sky Bar offers a more impulsive and playful palette of russet tones, a bulbus timber bar and eclectic lounge furniture embracing an internal courtyard that sits under the iconic clocktower. to the half-remembered glamour Sydney, a nod to the theatricality of notorious Menzies Hotel once occupied the building. Opening in the 1960s with a performance by the Beach Boys.
Talk to Tracey Wiles about Hospitality
Shell House is historically monumental—it’s the only surviving palazzo-style sandstone building in Sydney clad with glazed terracotta tiles, now carefully restored to its former grandeur. Standing at 65.5 metres high, Shell house’s façade is also one of the tallest retained heritage facades in the world. This enduring commitment to quality and in turn longevity holds a place in Sydney’s past and presence.
It was necessary to provide an interior with equal quality and sense of permanence. This is a fitout designed to be lovingly worn and maintained, not refurbished. The choice of marble floors and quality timber, marble and steel bars that will patina with use allows the venue to age with grace as the great bars and restaurants of Europe.
Sydney, Australia