The sky's the limit

To be a successful project, the design of a new building needs to be considered in relation to both nearby buildings and the rest of the city's skyline.

Architect Gordon Moller of Craig Craig Moller Auckland says the new SkyCity Grand Hotel was designed to integrate with the conference centre and the rest of the SkyCity complex.

"But we also felt we were creating a piece of architecture that would be part of the whole city, visually as well as physically," he says.

"On the exterior, the new hotel is a simple, elegant tower block with pedestrian links to the rest of the SkyCity complex. Inside, it is designed as a series of classic spaces that create the ambience expected in a five-star hotel."

Over its 21 levels, the hotel has 316 rooms, including a penthouse suite and a number of executive suites, buffet-style and formal restaurants, a private members' room and cocktail lounge.

The SkyCity Grand Hotel, in combination with the four-star plus SkyCity Hotel, also in the complex, is now the largest single accommodation provider in Auckland. With the other facilities in the complex, it is an attractive venue for international and corporate conferences and conventions.

Story by: Trendsideas