Hotel Hotel architects March Studio win National Architecture Award for interior design

Memorable: The Hotel Hotel lobby, designed by architects March Studio. Photo: Peter Bennetts

As the head of the National Architecture Awards jury Paul Berkemeier spent two "intense" but "fun" weeks travelling across Australia visiting about 60 sites in contention for a gong from the Australian Institute of Architects.

But when he walked into Hotel Hotel's lobby-cum-bar-cum-restaurant, he was bowled over.

"It's really memorable," he said.

"It just has such a strong, quirky sense to it, both the architecture but also the social aspect really works."

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The "exciting and original design" of the hotel's lobby scored its designers, north Melbourne firm March Studio, a national award for interior architecture one of three handed out by the institute.

The Australian Institute of Architects' 2014 National Architecture Awards were announced on Thursday night in Darwin.

Across Australia, 43 awards and commendations were given to 36 projects, but Hotel Hotel was the only ACT winner.

Mr Berkemeier said the "playful" way timber and concrete was assembled in the hotel "sings".

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Hotel Hotel architects March Studio win National Architecture Award for interior design