Moss Hotel in Hobart by Circa Morris Nunn Architects & Studio Ongarato.

Circa Morris Nunn Architects and Studio Ongarato worked with the family-owned Behrakis Group to develop the new boutique hotel Moss in Salamanca, Hobart. The site has a rich history, set in Georgian sandstone warehouses on the docks of Salamanca Place. The name, Moss, is a tribute to the successful modernizing of heritage buildings, with moss growing on rocks symbolizing renewal.

Leaders of conservation and adaptation architecture in Tasmania, Circa Morris Nunn sought to transform the warehouses into an inner-city sanctuary inspired by nature. A palette of deep moss and forest greens paired with Tasmanian timbers invokes a relaxed and homely atmosphere. Each room and common area features a specially commissioned print by Australian photographer Derek Henderson, capturing elements of Hobart and Tasmania that guests would not necessarily see on a regular tourist journey.

Fabio Ongarato, Creative Director and co-founder of Studio Ongarato, says of the colour scheme, “As in colour philosophy, the collection of green artefacts created for Moss’ visual identity reflect green as the colour of life, renewal and nature, associated with growth, harmony, freshness and the natural environment.”

Moss has 41 rooms across two storeys and an attic level, with six rooms types including loft, pod, bower, grove, grove balcony and grove bath. Vertical internal gardens bring Tasmania’s verdant greenery within, while original features including raw timber beams and sandstone block walls are championed. Moody bathrooms are clad with dark green tiles enhanced by black ceilings.

Woolly blankets, fur throws, velvet upholstery and an open fireplace in the lobby make Moss the kind of hotel you’d be happy to camp out in. For those wanting to explore, however, the Host’s Bible points to renowned local restaurants and wine bars.