Architectural design with a heritage view
This new hotel, designed by Gravitas Consulting Ltd, offers a welcoming space that embraces the city’s heritage while looking towards a vibrant future.
In the heart of Ōtautahi, an exciting new hotel has emerged on Kilmore Street, strategically located opposite the iconic Christchurch Town Hall. This ambitious project, designed by architecture and design management firm Gravitas Consulting Ltd, not only enhances the skyline but also serves as a catalyst for urban revitalisation in this part of the city. With its modern design and thoughtful amenities, the Quest Apartment Hotel is poised to become an excellent destination for both local and international visitors.
Director James McCondach and Associate Architect Murine Lai reflect on the vision for the hotel, noting, “Placement for a hotel directly across from the Christchurch Town Hall made perfect sense, giving back the venue’s importance to the city and its people. It is an internationally acclaimed iconic landmark that attracts numerous events each year, ensuring a steady influx of entertainment. This brings social engagement back to the central city of Christchurch.” The hotel boasts 43 thoughtfully designed rooms, with options for interconnecting family suites, ensuring comfort for all types of travellers.
At three storeys high, the hotel presents a contemporary aesthetic that is fully cognisant of its location and history. “We aimed to create a structure that not only complements the Town Hall but also enriches the area with a dynamic presence. The design takes consideration of a blend of materials; the feature is an angled precast concrete facade that frames the entrance, creating an inviting focal point with human-scale aspect.”
The Gravitas team worked within the strict financial parameters for the client. “It forced us to innovate,” Murine explains. “We used a mix of precast concrete and aluminium composite panels, which allowed us to achieve a striking visual impact without compromising on quality.” The attention to detail through materiality ensures that the hotel maintains a modern yet durable presence amid the historic acclaimed architecture of the area.
The allure of this hotel extends beyond its design. Nestled just 200m from Te Pae Convention Centre, and 500m from Cathedral Square, it positions guests at the epicentre of the city’s pulse. With Hagley Park and the future stadium nearby, this space promises year-round excitement, drawing crowds for events, festivals, and concerts. “We wanted to ensure that the guests could easily access the beauty and vibrancy of the city, making their stay not just about accommodation but also about experiencing the city and all its offerings.”
The common areas of the hotel, lift entranceways, and stair shafts have views overlooking the Town Hall, providing a picturesque backdrop for guests to savour. “It’s quite spectacular at night, with the lighting, too. And we also designed rooms on the ground floor, so they are easily accessible for those with physical impairments.”
The journey to completion was not without its trials. The Covid pandemic forced the design team to adapt to new ways of collaborating. “Designing during a pandemic was a unique experience,” Murine recalls. “We adapted to remote collaborations, which sometimes made communication a challenge, but ultimately led to innovative solutions.”
The site, at just 27.9m wide, meant the Gravitas team had to think carefully about the positioning of the rooms and maximising what space was available, particularly incorporating car access down each side of the building. “The vehicle lanes took four metres off our available space on either side, so it was a great challenge to make it all fit!”
A notable feature of the hotel is its soundproofing design, ensuring guests enjoy a peaceful environment among the urban buzz. “We meticulously designed the internal structures to prevent noise and fire transfer. Basically, the interiors have headboards encasing all the services.”
In partnership with Miles Construction, Beattie Air completed the installation of mechanical services. It installed Mitsubishi Hot Water Heat Pumps (HWHP) and Hybrid VRF (HVRF) systems, ensuring efficient heating and cooling throughout the building. Beattie Air also installed air conditioning systems across all areas, fresh air fans, and seismic supports for mechanical equipment. Delivered on time and within budget, Beattie Air was also awarded the ongoing maintenance contract for the building.
The completion of this hotel, opened in July, marks a significant step in the ongoing revitalisation of the city. With plans for more medium-density developments in the vicinity, including office and retail spaces, the project promises to breathe new life into a previously relatively underutilised area. Murine concludes, “Our goal was to contribute positively to the urban landscape, and we believe this hotel will play a resounding role in that transformation.”