The historic Hermitage Hotel, a 130-year-old landmark at Aoraki Mount Cook in New Zealand’s South Island, underwent a renovation in 2023 by Outline Design. With a history of successful hotel projects together, Outline Design was the ideal partner to revitalize the 60 rooms, lift lobbies, and common areas in the Hotel’s Aoraki Wing.
The design was inspired by the rugged mountains, glaciers, and Department of Conservation huts found throughout the national park. “We aimed to elevate the Hermitage experience by incorporating the spirit of the surrounding landscape into the interior,” says interior designer Victoria Wilkes. “This vision guided our choices for flooring, wall treatments, joinery, and furniture, ensuring an enriching experience for guests that reflects the dramatic landscape inside the hotel.”
The design language was conveyed through the varied textures and tones of the chosen fabrics and colours. "Certain elements were inspired by the volcanic and textured nature of the evolving walking tracks, while others captured the geometric and subtle yet impactful tones of the mountain terrain," explains Wilkes.
