CBG Architects in collaboration with JAC Group have achieved a landmark planning council decision with overwhelming support for the new high-end hotel in Launceston. In September 2017 CBG Architects won the design competition for JAC group’s $50-million Launceston Hotel. Since winning the competition CBG has been working very closely with the JAC group, CPD and GHD planning to prepare a comprehensive and well considered development application. With the successful planning phase now complete, CBG Architects will continue to help deliver this iconic building and connect Launceston CBD to the surrounding natural beauty of greater Launceston.

In a landmark council decision, surrounded by varying community opinions presented before council, the project and final design achieved overwhelming council support. The council views the project as a welcome asset to the city and community, The 10 storeys tall, high-end hotel will host approximately 145 rooms, including penthouse suites, conference and function room facilities, bars (including one on the roof), restaurant, and retail spaces.

The high quality project was born from the goal to build an elegant hotel as a legacy for Launceston and in response to the increased tourism and demand for 4 to 5 star hotels within Tasmania. The design demonstrates contextual sensitivity with a creative balance for the city and the community that suits both the zoning and location environment. The hotel is filling a tourism market gap and giving Launceston the capacity to accommodate the top end of the tourism market. Within Tasmania, the development will be a key tourist destination.

The hotel design is iconic, with the design philosophy drawing its inspiration from the surroundings and natural beauty of Cataract Gorge itself. The dramatic architectural form interprets the physical rock formation through the textured stone like walls that frame the building elements, particularly the podium levels. The segmented and angled glazed building façade reflects the fluidity of nature within the Gorge, especially the waterways and waterfalls. The glazing reflects the changing environmental factors throughout the day to create a dynamic visual experience.

CBG Architect’s Design Director, Pietro Giordano, explains how the concept has been inspired by nature, crafted through function and designed with experience celebrating the essence of the native context within the interpreted architectural form. The hotel design, consists of two building masses; the podium and the tower, featuring offset orientations and massing to create design contrast within a singular built form.

"Our philosophy for this project was to ensure the well-considered design interprets the natural surroundings within the contemporary architectural form," Pietro said. "Our focus remains to create a timeless, high quality and influential piece of architecture for Launceston."

For more information visit the full project description here