The new 12 storey, 300-room five star hotel and pedestrian laneway forms part of the master plan for the development of the Hobson and Nelson Streets block and will be built as part of the New Zealand International Convention Centre facility. The master plan further contributes to the rejuvenation of the central city’s western edge and will create an enhanced contemporary and dynamic space for Aucklanders and tourists alike.

The hotel will be linked by an air bridge to the rest of SKYCITY, enabling guests to enjoy the best in New Zealand dining, bars, entertainment and the unique Sky Tower experience. A pedestrian laneway adjacent to the hotel will be a contemporary version of the historic Vulcan Lane with bars, restaurants and boutique shopping at street level. It will provide a pedestrian walkway linking Hobson and Nelson Streets.

The pure elliptical building form, set off grid, combined with the delicate “woven” glass facade hopes to offer a fresh and ethereal contrast to the surrounding somewhat rectilinear and solid urban building fabric. The transparent building skin allows the warm and specially illuminated interiors of onyx, bronze, mirror and timber, to glow from within, giving the building a lantern or beacon like appearance.

References to boating traditions, forms and technology are explored through the interior with inclusions of sunken lounges, timber battened cabin-like bathroom enclosures within hotel rooms, and nautical detailing throughout.

Collaboration with local artists and artisans to collectively "craft" the interiors through development of integral pieces such as light and water sculpture and feature furniture, as well as inclusion of individual artworks, will create an architectural experience that is truly unique.

The contemporary design and planning methods proposed will deliver an integrated project offering views towards the harbour and urban landscape.

Design of the hotel and laneway is a collaboration between Warren and Mahoney and Moller Architects.