Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour, on Sussex Street in Sydney's CBD, was a unique project for the architects and building contractor. Originally part of a design competition for architects, the client was looking to create a distinctive, boutique hotel in a popular tourist area of the city. 

With strict Sydney City Council design guidelines to adhere to, the competition winning architectural firm, WMK Architecture, reflected on the surrounding streetscape and neighbouring buildings for material and design inspiration. Brick was critical to the exterior finish, and extensively integrated throughout the common internal areas of the hotel.

Originally designed with traditional brick hanging from precast concrete, the striking design elements which included curved walls, arches and columns, presented the building contractor Icon, with limited options for simple brick application. 

Due to the CBD location of the project, it was also a tight building site with minimal area for material handling. As a result, Icon recommended the use of the CORIUM System from PGH Bricks & Pavers, as it offered options for construction staging. 

CORIUM is a versatile, lightweight system that can deliver design impact for mid to high-rise buildings. In consultation with PGH Bricks & Pavers architects and builders are able to customise the system to deliver their clients with the perfect colour and texture of brick to achieve multiple design outcomes. The system is also suitable for applications where services such as electricity and water need to be accommodated behind the brickwork to maximise building functionality and the use of floorspace in common areas. 

CORIUM from PGH Bricks & Pavers enabled WMK Architecture and Icon Constructions to achieve an architecturally striking building internally, that integrates seamlessly with its external environment.