Hotel Britomart

Craftsmanship at The Hotel Britomart

At the entrance of The Hotel Britomart in Auckland’s central city, Starlux coir matting builds on the story of craftsmanship for guests as they are welcomed into the lobby.

The hotel is a ten-storey building that is seamlessly integrated within its heritage neighbourhood, consisting of an urban tapestry of cobbled lanes and dockside warehouses. The design feels as if it belongs to Aotearoa and its people – from the handmade brick exterior cladding to the handmade materials and objects featured inside.

The Hotel Britomart is a celebration of local craft and natural materials and very much embedded in its urban context. ‘The reception lobby is the first experience for guests,’ explains principal architect Daijang Tai, ‘and needs to feel part of the city outside, while adding softer layers of comfort.’

Flooring enhances organic entry design

From the bluestone laneway paving, guests pass through floor-to-ceiling glazed steel entry doors and across coir entry matting by Advance Flooring. The large Starlux coir mat is shaped organically to mimic the boulders on the adjacent laneway.

‘It’s the same colour as a natural jute rug,’ says Tai, ‘and it feels as if you are walking on dried grass, with a colour and texture that complement all the other natural materials in the space.’

Natural palette for a timeless lobby

To contrast with the roughness of the bluestone paving and coir fibres is a luxurious, honed marble floor and wool rug insert. The natural palette of materials defines the interior of the lobby – from the oak reception desk, to its textural fabric backdrop, to the door handles shaped like branches – adding to the timeless quality of the design.

‘The coir matting looks like a piece of clay; it’s like stepping onto natural ground and makes for a nice transition from the laneway into the lobby.’

The natural fibres of the coir mat prevent slipping, and its clean edges merge seamlessly with other flooring materials, such as stone, timber and carpet, making it a highly practical and versatile material for entranceways.