Recently, the international luxury lifestyle brand 1Hotels celebrated the grand opening of its first location in Australia at 1 HOTEL Melbourne. This high-end hotel, inspired by nature, is located in the heart of Melbourne, signifying the brand's commitment to sustainable design principles, and is expected to bring a fresh energy to the local luxury accommodation market.
Melbourne One Hotel is a collaboration between 1Hotels and the local Australian Riverlee group, situated in the revitalized Northbank area. It boasts stunning views of the Yarra River, stretching 220 meters long, and offers an exceptionally prime location. The hotel's architectural design incorporates biophilic principles, resonating with Melbourne's rich history and commitment to a sustainable future, embodying the spirit of harmony between the brand and nature.
The design philosophy of Melbourne's One Hotel is deeply rooted in the core beliefs of brand Nature Above All, maintaining a profound commitment to biophilic design. The design team draws inspiration from Victoria's breathtaking natural landscapes, transforming the coastal cliffs of the Great Ocean Road and the lush forests of the Dandenong Ranges into design elements in every space of the hotel, creating stunning visual and sensory experiences.
The soul of the hotel design is rooted in its historical locale—the Seafarers Wharf, which boasts a rich history of over 150 years and has witnessed the growth of the city's maritime trade since 1855. The design focus centers around 5th Goods Shed, a heritage-listed building constructed in 1895 that was once at the heart of Melbourne's maritime economy. During the restoration process, the team meticulously preserved over 2,000 original structural elements, such as bluestone bricks, steel trusses, and wooden doors and windows, recreating them with exquisite craftsmanship within the architecture to ensure the continuity of its history.
The Melbourne One Hotel boasts 277 rooms, including 36 suites, all fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Melbourne skyline and the Yarra River. Some walls are crafted from reclaimed railway sleepers from Victoria and New South Wales, infusing the rooms with a sense of history. The room numbers are made from recycled timber sourced from underwater pilings salvaged during dock restorations, showcasing unique natural textures and exquisite craftsmanship, complemented by smart thermostats and energy-efficient switches, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Additionally, the Melbourne One Hotel features 114 high-end brand residences designed to provide a luxurious waterside experience exclusively for residents who value quality of life. These top-tier residences offer privately curated dinners crafted by the head chef and professional spa services, seamlessly merging the professional management of the hotel with the comfort of home. Notably, the penthouse located on the 18th floor was designed in collaboration between Clement Lee, founder of Riverlee Group, and the renowned architectural firm Fender Katsalidis. It has been hailed as the pinnacle of the brand's residential series, boasting a private terrace, a lounge area, and upscale dining space overlooking the Yarra River and the city skyline, perfectly showcasing the harmonious blend of natural beauty and luxurious living.
