Location: Byron Bay
Architect: CO-architecture
Completed: June 2024
Products used: Cork Essence Flooring in Identity Timide
The project:
Every stay at BASQ House is an opportunity to unwind, discover, and seek sanctuary—inside or outside the hotel room. Owners Matt Walsh and Shane Wilkinson conceptualised a universal “home away from home” that rings true to its beachside locale.
Situated at the most eastern point of the country’s coast, BASQ House is a gateway for guests to immerse themselves in the bay’s vibrant culture of wellness, relaxation, adventure, wining, and dining.
The brief:
The design challenge was to build a 32-room destination that felt more like staying with a friend than staying at a hotel. Inspiration was taken from residential design elements to convey a sense of comfort, homeliness, and humility. At the same time, BASQ House needed to have all the amenities and features one would expect from a boutique hotel, with a particular emphasis on placemaking, sensory experiences, and luxurious interiors.
BASQ House was guided by a design philosophy that embraces a diverse range of cultural influences and artistic expressions. The mood board showcased three key elements: the vibrant energy of Fauvism, the warmth and charm of Bohemian design, and the balance and unchaotic nature of minimalism. The intention of these elements? A seamless indoor-outdoor flow that complemented Byron Bay’s natural beauty and people’s natural curiosity to explore it.
The solution:
BASQ House embodies wellness, contemplation, and an exploratory spirit with a rich tapestry of influences, eras, tones, and textures. Each space is intentionally layered, incorporating predominantly natural elements to keep the senses engaged but not overwhelmed. Underfoot, a soothing palette of natural cork harmonises beautifully with the bespoke honey-hued timber joinery and low-slung leather chairs.
From the free-flowing communal spaces to the well-appointed guest rooms, sustainable cork flooring adds to the easy, laid-back luxury of the hotel and its surroundings. Beyond its intricate texture and earthy colour tones, Cork Essence flooring was chosen for its exceptional acoustic properties. When paired with the T21 Acoustic Underlay, the floors achieve a 5-star acoustic rating—as well as being naturally soft, hypoallergenic, and insulating to keep guests comfortable during every single minute of their stay.
Need inspiration for your next project? Take a look at our gallery to see how your favourite products will suit your space. Our collection includes a range of natural cork, engineered and solid timber floors, and wall coverings.
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