TheFantauzzo

Largely abandoned since the 1960s, the historic 3.43 hectare Howard Smith Wharves site on the Brisbane river has been transformed to a world class riverside precinct. It includes more than 2.7 hectares of public open space, a 166 room Art Series Hotel, exhibition and events centre, craft brewery, and an array of restaurants and cafes.

On arrival to the precinct — beneath the cliffs and underneath the Story Bridge, The Fantauzzo by Deague Group welcomes visitors to the revitalised Howard Smith Wharves. The hotel is named after Australian portrait artist Vincent Fantauzzo and features more than 200 of Fantauzzo’s most recognisable pieces on the walls including Bob Hawke, Julia Gillard, Asher Keddie, Heath Ledger and more.

The building’s striking façade is designed to blend with its natural environment. Material selection and the jaggared patterns mimic the cliffs behind the building with the goal to create a simple backdrop to the heritage buildings along the waterfront.

Hutchies was engaged by HSW Nominees to deliver the broader area of Howard Smith Wharves — a high-quality mixed use community space that celebrates its history and prime waterfront location. The development provides 30,000m² of parkland that connects the local community, nearby workers and visitors to the city via the New Farm Riverwalk and Bowen Terrace via two lifts, constructed along the lining of the cliffs above.