ARKABA

Approaching the redesign of the Arkaba Hotel, our focus was to respectfully evolve one of Adelaide’s most iconic suburban hotels while celebrating its strong mid-century foundation. Originally built in 1966, the Arkaba carries a distinctive architectural language from that era — simple forms, clean lines, and understated elegance. Rather than overwriting that history, the design response aimed to refine and elevate it, delivering a sophisticated, contemporary hospitality destination that feels both familiar and completely reimagined.

Throughout the interiors, we worked to balance the heritage character with modern expectations. Materials were selected for their warmth, tactility, and timelessness — pairing natural timber tones with soft neutral palettes, rich upholstery, and layers of texture. Clean architectural detailing allows these materials to sit comfortably alongside advanced technology and contemporary hospitality requirements.

Functionality was a core driver behind every design decision. The hotel’s many spaces — from the restaurant, lounges and bars, through to the completely reimagined function rooms — are designed to flex and adapt to the wide range of clientele the Arkaba serves. The Sportys bar, now anchored by its 360-degree wraparound LED screen, is a bold contemporary intervention that sits comfortably within the broader design language. Even this highly technical feature feels seamlessly integrated, as part of the venue’s commitment to creating dynamic and versatile experiences.

The Arkaba’s refreshed interiors are not about recreating the past, but about allowing the hotel’s original DNA to evolve with integrity. The result is a venue that feels grounded, layered, and enduring — one that can confidently serve the next generation of guests while remaining deeply connected to the community that has supported it for decades.