Design team: Kirsty
Mitchell from Veneer, Tim Dorrington from Dorrington Architects &
Associates, Lucien Law from Shine A pared back colour
palette and clean aesthetic provided a starting point to fulfill the brief for
a contemporary Japanese restaurant, incorporating the energy of a bar, with a
laid back vibe for casual lunchtime eating, as well as ambient evening dining.
The space is naturally
divided with a “terrace” running the front width of the restaurant with large
concertina windows. Bathed in natural light and overlooking Quay Street and
beyond to views of the harbour, this space naturally lends itself to daytime
dining, but easily converts at night to provide an ambient eating experience.The division between the
“terrace” and restaurant proper is created via a frameless glass walled
installation. This acts as a screen providing privacy between the spaces and a
lush visual backdrop. Intentionally the installation is not permanent and will
be updated from time to time.Predominantly a black and white space
punctuated by neutral tones in the form of the original jarrah posts and beams
and brick wall, the interior is clean and streamlined.Black timber walls,
polished concrete floors and glass contrast with the richness of the tan
leather booth seating in the main dining space.
The bar is set to one
side of the restaurant and works as a stand-alone element. A large void beyond
allows views of frenetic kitchen activity through the bottles of sake and
Japanese whiskey on display.