The restored Beach Hotel at Merewether Beach stands as a vibrant portal to Newcastle’s rich surfing history. Recently reopened, this landmark venue seamlessly merges its original 1886 architecture with a contemporary interior designed by EJE Architecture, renowned for their expertise in heritage hospitality and commercial spaces.
Sustainable Design with BAUX Acoustic Ceiling Panels
A key feature of the renovation is the use of BAUX Acoustic Ceiling Panels, chosen for their exceptional sustainability and acoustic performance. Jodie Duddington from EJE Architecture explains, “These panels have a high acoustic rating and are made from sustainable materials, making them an ideal choice for our project.” Their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the hotel’s vision, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the space.
Recognized Excellence in Design and Awards
The Beach Hotel has garnered significant recognition for its outstanding design, being shortlisted in the Australian Design Review’s IDEA2024 Hospitality category and set to appear in Season 7 of Australia by Design. This recognition celebrates the hotel’s community relevance and design excellence, reflecting its role as a cherished local icon. The project has also achieved accolades, including being a finalist in multiple design awards and winning the AHA Regional Hotel of the Year and the AHA Best Regional Development.
Honoring Heritage while Embracing the Future
The renovation not only honors the hotel’s heritage but also creates a space that fosters communal connection and appreciation of Newcastle’s beach culture. The design embraces elements from its art-deco predecessors while capturing the hedonistic spirit of the 1970s and 80s surf culture.
Exceptional Craftsmanship and Community Spirit
With careful planning, the refurbished interiors breathe new life into this iconic building, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship through details like 70s-inspired metalwork and vibrant material palettes. Each functional zone within the hotel possesses its own unique character, fostering a sense of shared community ownership.
A Local Landmark with a Rich History
The Beach Hotel also serves as the spiritual home to Australia’s oldest board riding club and overlooks a National Surfing Reserve, making it a place of many famous, and infamous, moments in local history. The thoughtful integration of history, originality, and craftsmanship has resulted in a timeless setting where visitors can reflect on the memories of the past while embracing the vibrant future of Newcastle.
Curious to learn more? View the interview with Jodie Duddington, Interior Designer at EJE Architecture, featured on Australia by Design.
BAUX is exclusively distributed in Australia by Surfaces by The Andrews Group. For more information, contact surfaces@theandrewsgroup.com.au.