The East Hotel in Canberra is fast gaining recognition for being one of the cooler spots in town. Its location; flanked by the trendy suburbs of Kingston and Manuka certainly gives it a foot in the door, but its fitout really gives it an extra edge. Recently conceived by local Canberran Dan Bisa, the lobby is dressed with beautiful GECA certified products from long-standing GECA licensee KE-ZU.
GECA products featured in the hotel lobby include the Folk sofa, Tea Lounge, Soul Lounge, Rock tables by Sancal and the Tipo Chair by Aichi. The design of this space is a wonderful fusion of shape, colour and style, which was a collaboration between Sally Hieatt Interiors and Cox Architecture. The lobby firmly abolishes all things bland or beige and opts for bright colours and style instead.
“In bringing East Hotel alive from plan, to build, to fit out, many people were involved with one main vision of bringing something intoxicating and fresh to Canberra,” says Dion Bisa, conference and events manager of East Hotel.
“Part of my job was to find furniture for our lobby that was comfortable, warm and inviting. My brother Dan Bisa, who directed this project, was very specific that the lobby had to be a place that was relaxed and not stiff in any way. I searched high and wide for lounges and chairs that were comfortable and had a great design edge and in the end could not go past the Tea Collection and Folk Collection by Sancal from KE-ZU. They were bright and colourful, warm and comfortable and were certified by GECA which complemented our environmental philosophy perfectly. The search in the end was a success as many people frequent our lobby and comment on the overall appearance as being funky and fresh, which is something Canberra has been looking for.”
The East Hotel goes above and beyond when it comes to creating an arty, eco-friendly hub for those wanting to explore Canberra. It has its own gallery-style art collection, fully equipped gym, free-range newsagency, electronically powered bike rental service, and they clearly take great food and drink very seriously, too.
Prepare for the changing face of Canberra. No longer is it simply the heart and soul of Australia’s government, but now art, design and sustainability are stamping their mark on the city, too.
