Zaha Hadid Reveals New Plans For Luxe “Stacked Vases” Building

Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental | © Zaha Hadid Architects

Home & Design Editor

The new 606-foot (185-metre) tower will house a Mandarin Oriental hotel and premier residences in Melbourne, Australia.

Loved by over 40s

On July 5, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) announced new details on the stunning new mixed-use luxury tower in downtown Melbourne. The design of the skyscraper — set to open in 2023 — resembles a series of “smaller stacked vases” with a “wide variety of interior spaces,” says ZHA project director Michele Pasca di Magliano.

Mandarin Oriental

The tower, located on Collins Street in the center of Melbourne’s financial district, will house the Mandarin Oriental’s 196 guestrooms, the interiors of which will be designed to reflect Melbourne’s local cultural influences, as well as 148 private residences. The residential units, according to ZHA, will “provide some of the most well-appointed private homes in the city,” and all of the hotel’s amenities will be at the disposal of the owners.

Mandarin Oriental

The facade resembles a delicate-yet-sturdy white honeycomb, while the building’s sections taper upwards like a cactus in bloom. The top section changes from the honeycomb-like design into straight vertical lines — almost like a crowning vase for the building. It’s this upper portion of the building that will house the private residences, as well as a restaurant and a bar with a landscaped roof terrace.

Mandarin Oriental

“The hotel’s façade reinterprets this historical detailing in a contemporary solution, introducing a delicate filigree that gently envelops the building,” says Pasca di Magliano.

The luxurious, urban project will be developed by Melbourne-based developer Landream and will be Mandarin Oriental’s first hotel in Australia.

Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.