Image Credit : Jennifer Soo & Jason Jowett
Project Overview
Tucked away on Goldman Lane, Brick Lane echoes Double Bay’s European heritage and creative energy, while embodying Sydney’s laid-back lifestyle. The space has the intimate, almost secret feel of back lane eateries in London and Paris, and fits into the locale as if it had always been there. The original building was very dark, having housed a European restaurant since the 1970s. While keeping a hint of that heritage, we opened up the space and worked with local artisans to create a fresh, creative environment.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Alex Zabotto-Bentley
Peter Harley
Jenni Munster
Jaimi-Lee Wheelwright
Jason Jowett
Project Brief
The brief was to design a casual neighbourhood eatery that referenced the area’s history. The location is down a narrow laneway so it was important to create a space that felt open and inviting from the street. The original structure was to be kept, but we opened it up with skylights and wooden beams to maximise natural light and air-flow. To create a cosmopolitan, atelier environment that immediately felt like a favourite local space, we worked with local artists and craftspeople and sourced original 60’s and 70’s elements to work in harmony. Recent travels through Europe helped inspire many of the original elements, such as the cubist-influenced mural and the custom tiles.
Project Innovation/Need
A key element was craftsmanship and bespoke solutions: banquettes were custom-made in leather, oak and rattan, a master boat maker created the bar from solid Tasmanian oak and the encaustic tiles were made especially for the venue. We stripped back years of paint and render to get to the original creativity of the early ’70’s, that was right for now. Custom neon art in offbeat shades, original posters and artworks and a custom mural, create a downtown atelier atmosphere.
Design Challenge
The site was unique, meaning custom-builds were the best solution. Our aim was to promote craftsmanship that is being lost in the age of mass-production. Custom tiles helped to capture the European element, while also being durable and suitable for an indoor/outdoor site. Shades of green from viridian to soft sage helped to bring the outside in, along with lush plantings, to soften the space, which sits within an urban, concrete streetscape. AZBCreative did extensive colour research to add layers of meaning to the space and create a timeless design. The deep viridian tile colour came from fragments rescued from an old Slovenian palazzo.
Texture is also vital to creating a memorable space that resonates with customers. The team’s hand-picked craftsmen worked a slubby, rendered concrete for the walls, contrasted with a custom banquette crafted from delicate rattan and oak.
While the overall space and colour palette make the first impact, the hand-crafted details and original artworks help patrons become immersed in the environment. We used a mix of original artworks and vintage gallery posters to build the story of the space. An interior is a chance to showcase the work of artists and artisans and bring their work to a wider audience.
Sustainability
We worked with the original structure, stripping it back and opening up the ceiling space with skylights and wooden beams, to add airflow and reduce the need for heating and cooling. Reclaimed bricks were used for the entrance gate that leads to an open patio with black and white tiles. Vines and plantings help screen the interior from heat and noise from outside. We sourced many second-hand furnishings to help ground the space, including a 1960’s solid oak credenza which was converted into a hybrid waiter station and DJ booth, and 1970’s Italian molded glass sconces.
Interior Design - Hospitality - Luxury
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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