The Surf Interiors

For almost a century the Surf Hotel has occupied the site on Yamba’s beautiful southern headland. Today, with a northeastern aspect, the new boutique hotel in Yamba sits on possibly the best site in the area with wonderful views over the beach and further up the northern coast.

DKC was approached by the Mayne family more than 8 years ago to help them develop the site to fully take advantage of the exceptional site. With great foresight, the client recognised that Yamba would not remain a sleepy holiday town but would soon become a very popular destination for the expanding regional travel market. DKC’s approach was to design the hotel with that in mind by creating a standout building that is the first boutique hotel in the local area.

DKC was in the extremely privileged position of being responsible for not only the architectural design but also the interior design and the furnishings of the hotel thus creating a very cohesive design aesthetic throughout the entire experience at the boutique hotel in Yamba.

The interiors team started with the premise that we wanted the guests to enjoy an experience of the hotel that balanced a relaxed beach style with a sophisticated Mediterranean coastal vibe. We wanted the guest to feel comfortable walking from the beach and through the hotel barefoot. But also to relish the look and feel of the cool Italian terrazzo underfoot. All of the levels are threaded together by the use of Moroccan Glazed breezeblocks that are not only a nod to Southern Mediterranean styling but also provide a beautiful sense of breeziness throughout the building.  Each room was designed carefully to create a sense of generous space matched with a real sense of comfort and delight in its natural and warm finishes. Detailed timber joinery paired with grasscloth weave fabric creates a neutral warm palette which set off the pale pink and green rooms on either level. These colour themed rooms are enhanced by the changing terrazzo flooring with alters from level to level ranging from deep emerald greens to delicious pinks and sandy tones. Each room has its own generous balcony boasting the very cool outdoor dining settings and its own classic Mediterranean blue and white striped awnings that reinforce the sense of holiday, whilst creating shade and privacy.

Key pieces of bespoke timber furniture were designed by Jon King and were beautifully handmade by Brett Beattie of Solid by Nature. Jon and Brett have worked together for many years creating unique pieces of timber furniture and this partnership brought together the wealth of their shared experience. These key pieces were carefully designed in conjunction with the very detailed joinery package produced and manufactured by Mint Kitchens creating a very cohesive sense of unity in the space.

The bathrooms in each room were carefully designed with a touch of luxe and glamour. The beautifully lit spaces reflect the glass ceramic coloured tiles and enhance the Italian terrazzo. Each bathroom has a sliding grass weave screen that slides back allowing light to filter in through to the bathroom whilst creating a lovely connection to the room.

The furnishings throughout the hotel rooms were each selected to help soften the coolness of the terrazzo flooring. Soft, natural and tactile they are in keeping with the casual beach culture is particularly Australian.

The rooftop level provides the guest with breathtaking views both up and down the incredible Northern coastline. Our aim with the rooftop was to create a sense of glamour and relaxed style.  A jewel like tile clad pool is an incredible spot to take in the remarkable views and enjoy a cocktail. Our selection of yellow and white striped sun beds set off the pale blue and white mosaic tiles of the pool. Tait furniture’s outdoor settings on the Pippi Terrace are a perfect fit for this garden terrace which also overlooks the beautiful coastline.

Photography: Brett Boardman