M
elbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital enjoys
a stellar reputation for its life-saving service
spanning a little over five decades at Parkville.
The addition of a hotel adjacent to the recently
expanded hospital, provides welcome support
for patients’ families, visiting medical staff and
general tourists.
Bates Smart has helped create a whole new
dimension for the Larwill Hotel – and adjacent
hospital. So much so, that within a few months
of opening, this low-key building on the southern
flank of Royal Park has seen the Art Series
hotels zoom to top ranking on Trip Advisor’s
171 m ost recommended.
Grand, but not grandiose, the whole ground plane
rises with lofty volumes behind the original entrance
and across much of the existing footprint. The result
is a shining example of place-making. The expansive
use of Viridian glazing virtually absorbs the lush
landscape and does so with light-filled, non airconditioned interiors.
Named after the Australian artist David Larwill,
whose works feature prominently, the hotel is the
latest in the Art Series group including the Olsen
and Blackman.
Kristen Whittle, design director of Bates Smart’s
Melbourne studio discusses a project where glass
magnifies the setting to such great effect.