The Porter House Hotel Project scored a double win at the 2024 Australian Institute of Architects NSW Awards, winning both the Commercial Architecture Award and the prestigious Greenway Heritage Award. Designed by Candalepas Associates, the hotel is the perfect example of how architecture and design can connect history and contemporary elegance.

Housed within a former tobacco factory in one of Sydney's most carefully preserved 1870s buildings, the Porter House Hotel showcases a distinct appreciation of craftsmanship that highlights the site's rich and layered history. Candalepas Associates focused on preserving heritage elements of the building including original timbers, exposed brick, and restored murals. A delicate interplay between history and modernity is witnessed by thoughtful displays of discovered artefacts, and rooms and suites that prioritise comfort and connectivity to the exterior architecture.

The jury citation stated: “The successful reawakening of The Porter House Hotel is a celebrated exemplar for the combination of embraced conservation methodologies intertwined with a responsive commercial operation, within an important heritage building of cultural significance.”

The heritage wing of the hotel encompasses five floors of bars, restaurants and meeting spaces, while the hotel wing pays homage to the original site by incorporating a modern take on original features, including contemporary curved windows that reference the building's historical brick archways. Supple leather detailing is used throughout as an ode to its former incarnation as a leather merchant, while lamps are playfully mismatched – one vintage, one modern – to symbolise the immersion of past and present.

Mitchell Turner, General Manager of The Porter House Hotel Sydney - MGallery Collection said his team was delighted to share this success with the team from Candalepas Associates.

“We are honoured to acknowledge that The Porter House Project has won these awards, which recognise the creativity and vision of Angelo Candalepas,” he said. “Every day, we are proud to bring the hotel's rich history and character to life through immersive guest experiences around gastronomy, mixology and a welcoming atmosphere that highlights the hotels' many stories.”

Commissioned in 1876 by philanthropist and horticulturist, Hugh Dixson, the hotel started its life as a grand tobacco factory and was later a furniture and leather merchants. From luxurious stays in the carefully curated rooms and suites to a casual breakfast or lunch in Henry's Bread and Wine, a delicious dinner at Dixson & Sons, or innovative cocktails at Spice Traders, the hotel's heritage is always evident.

For accommodation bookings go to: https://porterhousehotel.com.au/

About MGallery Hotel Collection

The MGallery Hotel Collection brand thoughtfully selects and curates unique properties around the world, forming a storied collection of boutique hotels with true soul where captivating stories are lived and shared. These more than 120 boutique hotels all around the world enjoy a unique history, inspired by the remarkable past of the building or destination that welcomes it allowing the guests to live memorable moments.

The MGallery Collection establishments are hotels in which guests live the most beautiful experiences, marked by exceptional interiors, an art of the mixology that awakens all the senses, and a well-being focused on balance in everyday life. MGallery Collection customers leave with an unconditional desire to discover the other jewels of the brand to live a new unique experience.

The most renowned hotels in this collection include the Hotel Molitor in Paris, the INK Hotel in Amsterdam, the Santa Teresa Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, the Porter House in Sydney in Australia, the Muse Bangkok Langsuan in Thailand, or the Saigon Arts Hotel in Vietnam. MGallery Collection is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services, and experiences.

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Press Contact:
Gaynor Reid
CEO Catalyst Communications
PR Agency for Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems Hotels, Pacific
E : Gaynor.reid@icloud.com

T: Ph: +61 491 161 531

Adriana Poh-Rush
Director of Sales & Marketing - The Porter House Hotel Sydney MGallery
E: adriana.poh-rush@accor.com

T: +61 490 058 062