Rockford Grand Mercure Hotel

This project comprised the refurbishment of the original hotel into strata titled apartments, as well as new luxury beachfront apartments and boutique retail spaces.The location of the existing 25-year-old building was excellent, comprising a large lagoon pool in the central courtyard. Access and other functional requirements required significant change to activate the Esplanade street frontage, while making best use of existing tropical rainforest gardens and magnificent ocean views. The vision for the project was to create an inviting luxury hideaway in the tropics.

Backed by the Daintree Rainforest, and sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, Palm Cove is one of finest beach communities in Australia. This new design provides for a spacious, free flowing holiday experience for guests as they rest within the beautiful surrounds.

Queensland tropical architecture inspired the inclusion of new design elements including large overhangs, timber detailing, openness and quality of light. Bespoke timber lanterns and battening link to the timber decking that flows from the porte cochere, through the lobby, out to the lagoon pool. Public amenity is enhanced by the integration of boutique retail into this project. Opening-up the ground floor area allowed the public to view the lush internal rainforest lagoon pool. Integration of the architecture with the landscape allow the buildings to sit comfortably in the exotic context.