Image Credit : Thom Davidson and Jasmine Ann Gardiner
Project Overview
This redesign of an existing site on the ground floor of a hotel in Perth’s CBD pays homage to the Italy of yesteryear in a fresh, contemporary setting. Cucina on Hay’s interior is inspired by the classic alimentari (Italian food store), incorporates traditional elements, refined for today’s context.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Michael Tan - Creative Director
Eleena Tan - Strategy Director
Jane Bunn - Senior Graphic Designer
Rosie O'Donnell - Account Manager
Stefany Halim - Senior Interior Designer
Jacinta Birchmore - Interior Designer
Charlene Antoneemootoo - Junior Interior Designer
Project Brief
The concept celebrates the simple pleasures of life: La Dolce Vita. Simple but bold, Cucina on Hay is an all-day eatery with an offer of quality coffee, authentic Italian share plates, and great company. Its lively yet relaxed atmosphere is focused around sharing and incorporates an indoor/outdoor style of eating.
Project Innovation/Need
The interior creates a ‘courtyard’ dining space internally, as an invited transition from the street frontage to Mercure’s sister restaurant. The space was transformed with a full-ceiling skylight, angled wooden beams, tumbled terracotta tiles and picnic style benches. The curation of a relaxed, indoor/outdoor space was complete with a wall-mounted trellis covered in ivy-like vines allowing guests to dine in the piazza. A series of signature Italian styled archways separate each area, and offer a stunning sight line upon entry. To activate the street front, a barista window was added for morning coffee orders without even having to step inside. The alfresco area considered, the space is complete with a waiting bench, nest tables, and a large communal seating area.
The colour scheme is a sophisticated take on the traditional Italian red and green. Terracotta and olive tones unite Cucina and articulate the brand throughout the interior. The kitchen design, made open, backs onto an island bar and deli counter display. The deli, finished in a signature speckled terrazzo, features a rotation of fresh food options – true to its alimentari inspiration.
Design Challenge
Translating the materiality became a challenge for the feature deli display. The finish for this feature was envisioned in typical Italian terrazzo. Sourcing the right specification with availability in the exact colour proved very difficult. The install was also challenging due to the nature of application. There were breakages and a lot of communication with the stonemason throughout. The finished result was perfect but a challenging process to pull off.
The kitchen design and concept took shape simultaneously. Previously a bar, redesigning the area started with influencing the menu. Equipment specifications were sourced in line with fresh and fast pizza serviceability. Open shelving with hidden storage solutions allowed the kitchen to function at optimum, while being exposed to the customer. The alimentari concept, with traditionally open food display, assisted to resolve the kitchen design holistically.
Sustainability
With a homely and authentic vision, the Cucina project utilised recycled timber for its feature communal dining table. The concept menu called on local suppliers and in season fare. The space also featured small, recycled elements such as tomato cans for cutlery holders. The project also utilised cork flooring for the dining room, a renewable and sustainable floor finish.
As a small sustainability gesture, during a site visit towards handover of the project, we commissioned the stonemason to utilise the offcuts and breakages of the counter terrazzo to make block stands to hold the table numbers. It was a beautiful result and a good use of the stone.
Interior Design - Hospitality - On the Go
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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