Image Credit : Robert Walsh Photography Instagram @robertwphoto
Project Overview
Steps beneath the high end luxury retailers of Sydney’s George Street sits Locali by Romeo’s a refined European inspired grocer and eatery.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Rod Faucheux Director
James Capewell Senior Designer
Jessie Wei Interior Designer
Project Brief
The brief was to create a new international style food hall, catering to the diverse demographic that is the Sydney CBD.
Our brief was to provide an international class For Hall and Restaurant space, in the subterranean space of 388 George St. The client has a rich Italian heritage and a love of history is communicated through expressive wayfinding, with all Locali signage written in Italian. Defined by a rich material palette of bronze details and mosaic marble tiling on floors and columns, the space is accentuated by rich green, the brand’s signature hue.
Project Innovation/Need
Echoing the glamorous retail windows of nearby George Street, the welcome sequence into Locali begins with a series of artistic gourmet product displays along the escalator wall. These set the pace for the elevated supermarket experience within.
Open shelves are arranged in neat rows in a space lined with various food stations; including an on-site pizzeria, espresso counter, artisanal bakery and cheese room opposite a central deli. An easily navigable spatial plan promotes intuitive circulation, with casual dining areas strategically positioned adjacent to each hospitality offering. Generous service counters and open sightlines into kitchen preparation areas help set an approachable, communal tone between customer and attendant.
Design Challenge
The design challenge for us was to interpret the needs of the CBD worker and to provide a new concept for the business that was like no other. There is an authenticity about the space, The design finds opportunities within the quirks of its tenancy, making a feature of cylindrical support columns and continuing this curvilinear form in the shape of counters and curved motifs. Made of high quality, durable finishes, the interior exudes laid back Mediterranean hospitality refined for its luxe George Street context.
Transcending the unique challenges of its subterranean location to accommodate multiple hospitality offerings and retail in a high traffic environment, Locali’s clever spatial plan neatly addresses a range of operational complexities to deliver an elegant mixed business.
Sustainability
We utilised locally sourced materials that reinforce a sustainably viable fit out. There was a careful selection of materials, such as recycled timber and recycled steel and we ensured that all surfaces were painted with low VOC paints. All of the refrigeration within the store installed operates under a water loop system which reduces heat and energy costs and reduces the carbon footprint of the business.
Interior Design - Retail
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
More Details