Creating design interiors for the new Oaks on William
Hotel World Design, led by industry veteran Peter Carmody, was commissioned by leading accommodation provider Oaks Hotels & Resorts to design the interiors of its newest Melbourne property Oaks on William, setting the bench mark for the next generation of serviced apartment hotels and marking a significant evolution in the Oaks brand of guest experience.
Featuring 220 King Suites, the Oaks on William is idyllically located on the fringe of Melbourne’s legal, financial and entertainment precincts and offers stunning views over the manicured lawns of Flagstaff Gardens, one of Melbourne’s most historic landmarks.
The hotel is within close proximity to a number of popular Melbourne attractions including the Melbourne Convention Centre, Queen Victoria Market and Etihad Stadium as well as many public transport options. Oaks on William is a mixed use development, sharing facilities with Art on the Park residential apartments and featuring a café, bar, fully-equipped gymnasium, meeting rooms, and onsite parking, well suited to both corporate and leisure travellers on short and longer stays.
Presented with a neutral colour palette and an exposed, split-level concert ceiling, HWD was tasked with creating an inner city cosmopolitan guest room exuding style and sophistication. “We knew immediately that the design needed to be strong in order to compete with such striking architectural detail,” says Mr Carmody. “To that end, we selected roller blinds, drapes and shutters for the windows.”
Ursula Tattersal of Norman Just Blinds commented, “Due to the width of the window, we recommended our Sussex Shutter. It’s made of FSC certified hardwood and offers the guest a user-friendly yet sturdy operation that delivers a versatile combination of privacy and sun protection. Shutters can often be a costly window treatment for hotels but for those window types that don’t lend themselves to curtains, they can make for the perfect solution and we expect to see an increasing number of hotels use this type of product,” she says.
HWD was presented with a ridged project building code that required the outer side of the drapes to be black in colour and, as such, turned to Warwick Fabrics to source a triple weave base cloth that was then double printed.
For the bed head and base, HWD selected a washable Warwick Lustrell faux leather (vinyl), both modern in appearance and durable.
HWD engaged Commercial Innovations to manufacture and install curtains, tracking, roller blinds and painted pelmets, noting their strong alliance with BQ Design.
Director Chris Blair commented, “The multiple installations needed to be coordinated in tight unison with the ridge installation program. At times, curtains for an entire floor of the hotel needed to be manufactured and installed within a week of receiving fabric, making for a swift and seamless operation.”
In search for the perfect feature wall, a vibrant, streetscape mural from The Wall Paper Company prevailed as the winning look, lending to its rich colour palette and viability.
In the event that the wallpaper is damaged, the product can easily be replaced with a new strip, ensuring little to no damage to the wall.
To add a contemporary twist, global furniture manufactures, Pedrali Italy, were contracted to supply the stylish polycarbonate dining chair, a sleek gloss black laminate and Methacrylate dining table, in addition to the relaxing synthetic leather Island armchair.
The ambient bedside table lamps were custom designed using a metallic high gloss mirror finish, complemented by a soft melon-coloured shade, delivering an ideal balance of hard and soft to the room’s décor. The 440-unit supply contract was awarded to Bloomingdales, one of Australia’s leading lighting and décor accessories manufacturers. A team of highly skilled lighting designers, led by Linda Hirst, worked with HWD’s drawings to arrive at an approved pre-production sample that was later delivered seamlessly within the project’s timeline and budget.
A shallow TV unit was designed in line with the building’s existing electrical and data points, which also features a magazine rack. Australian hotel joinery manufacturer, Workspace Commercial Furniture, led by hotel manager Adrian White, was contracted to manufacture, supply and install the 220 TV units in a variety of sizes. “We took HWD’s drawings and value engineered and perfected the unit design to allow for no visible joins,” says Mr White.
For added durability, the units were finished in a contemporary Laminex Bold Clone, complemented by 2pac paint finish and a curved, frosted glass top. The Workspace team worked with Oaks Hotels & Resorts and HWD to critique certain design factors in order to facilitate cord management and embrace the integrated hidden electrical access panel and wall mounts, making for an overall strong and functional product.
As a requirement of Oaks Hotels & Resorts, HWD was to deliver the highest bedding comfort for guests, and as such, decided on MicroCloud – a unique, luxurious and high–tech bedding range designed to provide unparalleled comfort and support. Unlike other bedding products in market, MicroCloud’s products are odourless, hypoallergenic and long lasting, promising a five-star experience for guests. Oaks on William features a combination of king and queen pillow sizes, a MicroCloud bed topper and duvet insert. In order to maintain superior housekeeping productivity, the triple sheet solution was implemented over a duvet cover. All rooms feature King Splits, while the MicroCloud toppers enhance the bed’s overall presentation and provide exceptional comfort.
“Unlike many other hotel competitors, Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ decision to implement high-quality bedding products goes a long way in ensuring satisfied customers and repeat business from guests; there is no substitute for quality and a good night’s rest,” says Mr Carmody.
Testament to Oaks on William’s unique apartment designs and functionality, superior service and high-grade facilities, the property has gone from strength to strength since opening its doors to travellers in July 2013, now recognised as one of Melbourne’s must-stay hotels. The property delivers an exceptional experience for guests, offering an irresistible combination of affordable accommodation in a sought-after city location.
