InterContinental Sorrento

Located in the heart of Sorrento, Victoria, just 90 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, the hotel occupies a landmark corner site spanning five buildings across six levels. It blends adaptive reuse with contemporary design and high-end building services, creating a premium coastal destination.

Designed by Australian-founded global architecture firm Woods Bagot, the vision for the project was to restore the Continental Hotel as Sorrento’s iconic social landmark while reimagining it for modern luxury hospitality.

By respecting George Coppin’s original ambition of European elegance, the design carefully preserved the heritage character and revitalised the “Conti” as a refined coastal destination, blending history with contemporary design and vibrant public life.

With luxury as a key focus, automated technology was chosen to suit the 5-star hospitality environment. Somfy delivered a quiet, reliable and premium shading solution, with integrated control capability.

A total of 129 Glydea 35e WT and Glydea 60e WT motors were selected to motorise the sheer and block out curtains throughout the hotel. Additionally, 100 Sonesse 40 WT motors powered the block out roller blinds, and 50 Sonesse 50 WT motors were favoured for the Roman Blinds.

The Glydea and Sonesse motors provided smooth, near-silent operation for guest comfort, while layered sheer, block out and Roman systems enhanced sleep quality, glare control, privacy, and interior aesthetics.

The project also featured 40 Altus 50 motors powering roof top systems, which improved usability of outdoor spaces by providing durable, wind-resistant shading suited to coastal conditions. This addition supported both guest experience and operational efficiency.

Somfy Commercial Expert Alessi Design Group installed the more than 300 Somfy powered end products, with the curtains manufactured by Unique Screens, and the roller and roman blinds by Verosol.

The motors were integrated with a Philips Dynalite Lighting Control System to enable centralised control of blinds and curtains, as part of private room and common area automation scenes.

“We are privileged to work on such an iconic project along with the developer Trenerry Property Group, the architect Woods Bagot, and the builder Hamilton & Marino,” said Pino Alessi, Managing Director of Alessi Design Group.

“The biggest challenge was that the project was executed during COVID, with limited access to site and restrictions in place,” he continued.

“With the help of our partners, Somfy and Verosol, we delivered the project on-time, and the project was a huge success.”