The Amora Hotel, a former tram depot in Richmond retransformed into a chic lobby, restaurant and function space, drawing on the area’s rich character in its revitalisation.
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Location
Richmond
The Traditional Custodians of this land
Wurundjeri people
Completion Year
2020
Site Area
1900m²
Gross Floor Area
1500m²
Services
Interior Design
Architecture
Architecture
Balancing heritage values with contemporary updates
To pay tribute to the old trams, the design team carefully preserved elements of the century-old depot and included detailing within the upholstery and joinery that referenced the vintage design of tram cars. The refurbishment also includes the complete reconfiguration of the reception, lobby, lobby bar, courtyard and courtyard bar.
“Our challenge was to reinvigorate the interior of the ground floor using the existing bones of the building. It was important to reflect the history of the hotel’s location as the former Cable Tramways Depot. By doing this, we were able to emphasise the prominence of trams in Melbourne’s identity and reference the industrial past of the area.”
– Sam Sempill, Associate Director
The glazed screens throughout pay tribute to the old vintage tram interior seat divisions.
Each joinery piece has a chamfered detail to reference the existing internal courtyard angled facade. The use of walnut timber, brass and bronze detailing brings a sophistication and vintage feel to the interior whilst keeping it contemporary with dusty pink walls and vibrant upholstry colours.