Nestled in the vibrant Seafarers precinct, the transformation of the historic Goods Shed No.5 into 1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne highlights Riverlee’s commitment to thoughtful urban renewal.. This development represents a perfect blend of preserving Melbourne’s heritage and pushing forward with innovative sustainability.

The project centres around the adaptive reuse of the Goods Shed, which has stood unused for over four decades. Riverlee has partnered with Jaks Timber and former AFL star Jason Winderlich to salvage and repurpose valuable heritage timber, integrating it into the design of the hotel and residences.

“A lot of the time you just don’t see this timber anymore, the only way to see it is from a recycled resource. We work really hard to salvage those timbers and ensure they get to see another life.” – Jason Winderlich

Over 4,500m2 of reclaimed timber has been thoughtfully incorporated, redefining luxury through sustainability. This includes the old Oregon growth timbers from the shed and subaquatic piers from the wharf restoration, which were once ravaged by naval worms and now offer a unique timber character. Also included are discarded railway sleepers sourced from various locations across Victoria and NSW, breathing new life into materials that would have otherwise been discarded.

Upon entering 1 Hotel & Homes, guests and residents will be embraced by the warmth and authenticity of reclaimed timber. This enduring connection to natural heritage timber fosters well-being and renews reverence for nature, in alignment with 1 Hotel’s ethos: “if you fall back in love with nature, you safeguard it…” – a sentiment that resonates with Riverlee’s approach to development.

Through repurposing reclaimed timber, Seafarers not only reduces waste and minimises environmental impact but also pays homage to the site’s rich history and materials. Each plank tells a story, reminding us of the place it once was and to honour the natural world.