Byron Bay is set to become home to a new destination hotel-apartment offering that will redefine hotel ownership and guest experiences, while bringing the famed form and function of one of Australia’s most exciting architects Richards & Spence south of the border.

Developer Podia has unveiled its breathtaking vision for The Barbotine, a luxury composition of hotel- apartments, refined hospitality and boutique retail and wellness designed by visionaries Richards & Spence.

Best known for The Calile Hotel in Brisbane, Richards & Spence have crafted a stylish new heart for the town over three low-rise levels anchored by a richly landscaped central courtyard from which spill a vibrant mix of public retail, wellness and dining venues.

Located at 116-118 Jonson Street, beside Mercato, The Barbotine offers a unique proposition to lovers of Byron and discerning investors alike. Its 41 two, three and four-bedroom hotel-apartments offer an alternative to Airbnb ownership, with prospects able to own their own hotel residence to use as both a part-time personal Byron retreat and also enjoy a hassle-free income stream when their apartment is not being used.

Apartment sizes are intentionally large and flexible to maximise returns for owners. Dual key offerings will have broad appeal, enabling owners to cater to large groups across two, three and four-bedroom formats, or smaller groups such as couples by dividing their apartment into two completely sperate residences.

Podia director Michael Grassi said: “The Barbotine is a new concept catering for guests who want the intimacy and home away from home feel of an Airbnb, but with the service of a boutique luxury hotel; and for investors who want the returns of an incredible holiday property but without the hassle of upkeep and security.

“The Barbotine intentionally redefines the hotel experience and curates an unforgettable destination in Byron Bay that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

The hotel will be managed by Jeremy & Jones, purveyors and operators of independent luxury hotels and deliver a guest experience unlike any other that is expected to make it a premier accommodation choice in a town where hotel-style tourism accommodation is scarce.

“This is apartment living delivered through the lens of a hotelier. Not only will guests enjoy the kind of luxury personalisation you’d expect of a hotel, but owners visiting for the weekend benefit from a concierge they can instruct from afar to have a surfboard tucked away in their room ready for their arrival,” Jeremy & Jones Director Jeremy Holmes said.

At the heart of the apartment-hotel is a creative and community sensibility, with a large central courtyard to engage and welcome the community, making The Barbotine a place for many.

Cascading greenery, lawns, outdoor seating and light-filled walkways create a welcoming urban oasis, with an activated cluster of vibrant retail tenancies to offer local experiences in food and beverage, health and wellness and fashion retail.

Importantly, while the soul of The Barbotine will feel innately Byron, its architecture and design also references local heritage to deliver a building that weaves itself into the surrounding urban fabric.

Inspired by historic buildings like the Great Northern Hotel and Timperley’s Corner, the three-level brick form is offset with pre-cast and off-form concrete, striking glazing and stone paving throughout, with generous balconies creating articulation along the façade and solid balustrades delivering privacy.

A communal rooftop crowns the building and entices guests and owners to new heights of relaxation with a central swimming pool set amid landscaped surrounds, with private rooftop terraces adding further amenity.

Richards and Spence co-director Ingrid Richards, said “We’ve sought to create a sustainable and conscious building that celebrates its iconic location and is inspired by Byron Shire’s historic urban fabric. We want this to be a true local destination, one that supports the arts and channels the creative culture that characterises Byron Bay.

“The contemporary architectural approach will create a strong identity to mark the arrival into the south Jonson Street precinct. A cluster of boutique retail tenancies and food and beverage uses will bring the ground floor to life, while the central courtyard provides a unique experience of a vertical landscape to encourage shared activities between visitors and guests.”

The Barbotine is a fully funded project and is now selling with expressions of interest currently sought from prospective purchasers. Construction is expected to commence mid-2022, targeting a completion in late 2023.