An award winning ocean-front hotel
The Headlands Hotel is in a location dividing the north and south ends of Austinmer Beach, north of Wollongong, NSW.
As a result, the hotel boasts uninterrupted, 180º views of the Pacific Ocean as well as an outlook of the escarpment to the west. The popular venue has now won Overall Regional Hotel of The Year at the 2018 Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence, in September.
We are proud to have been involved in the design and documentation of the hotel as well as the 61 self-contained serviced apartments. The challenge was to maximise the location, designing a quality hospitality venue with an appropriate response to sun and wind.
The design focussed on the integration of internal and external spaces and for Headlands Hotel to function efficiently. Large amounts of operable glass and overhanging roof allow patrons to spend time outside yet undercover, depending on the prevailing wind.
External materials are low maintenance and combine lightweight cladding with stonework, which provides a link to the surrounding escarpment. Internal materials are practical, easily maintained and respond to the contemporary and natural environment.
The more formal restaurant has a lower ceiling and offers an intimate atmosphere, while the bistro is more open with a raking ceiling providing a lighter character. The perimeter of the venue is reserved for the customer while the core of the venue is for services, resulting in efficient use of staff resources.
Site: Headland Ave & Yugura St, Austinmer, NSW
Program: Tavern & 61 self-contained apartments
Area: 3316 sqm (apartments) / 652 sqm (tavern)
This project was managed or designed by Steven Bayer during his time at Edmiston Jones.
