Technē Architecture + Interior Design has unveiled the completion of their latest project, three distinct food and beverage venues at Melbourne Airport: Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen, Small Holdings and Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar.
The three venues form the hospitality offerings of Melbourne Airport’s new dual-branded Novotel and ibis Styles—the first new-build hotels on the Melbourne Airport site in more than 20 years. The dining offerings will be welcome additions for hotel guests, travellers and the 20,000-strong airport precinct workforce.
The venues are a clear exemplar of Technē Architecture + Interior Design’s renowned expertise in hospitality design. Drawing inspiration from the new aerofoil structure and Melbourne's rich tapestry of diverse cultures, the design team has reimagined the traditional confines of airport dining. By artfully infusing elements that celebrate the local context and multicultural influences, Technē has ensured that travellers relax in modern spaces that resonate with the city's vibrant spirit, even within the busy space of an airport.
"Our vision for these dining options was to create a journey within a journey," explains Gabriella Gulacsi, Associate Director at Technē Architecture + Interior Design. "Each venue offers a distinct atmosphere that transports guests to different worlds, while still harmonising with the airport's unique environment."
Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen exudes an industrial vibe with a raw yet refined aesthetic.
The interior spatial experience shifts from the hotel’s grand entry through to the compressed space of the ‘active’ bar zone, opening up again to views of the sky and the external BBQ area. Similar to a traveller’s flight journey. The bar is the hero, featuring a folded metal front inspired by the venue’s folded glazed façade. The external BBQ area allows for theatrical activation to entice and engage with the greater precinct; seating options cater for every traveller, whether solo or large groups, inviting them to linger and savour the culinary offerings.
The design juxtaposes intricate metalwork and brickwork detailing against an abundance of lush greenery. The harmonious fusion of textures and natural elements creates a captivating ambiance that engages diners in the surrounding airport architecture and activity.
For Small Holdings, Technē Senior Interior Designer David Spaccatore says the design team sought to create a simplistic, tranquil space—a reprieve from the bustle elsewhere in the airport. The large volume of the cafe is cleverly and unobtrusively broken into distinct areas by a variety of architectural features, with each space creating a sense of privacy and interest. Celebrating the iconic aerofoil, the design language is inspired by the sculptural soft forms of a rigid structure: curves and arches. Under the aerofoil, ephemeral cloud-like forms and patterns create focus and flow within the space. The café offers a ‘third space’ to travellers and the precinct, enabling individual or group collaboration, or simply relaxation. At the curved end of the building, beyond the feature arched screens, you will find a serene winter garden area which sits beneath the aerofoil roof structure offering a sunlit refuge with alfresco style seating.
The simplicity of this space is further emphasised in the design’s colour palette, drawing cues from the baked goods and cafe kitchen itself. Warm earthy tones of clay and terracotta in the walls and furniture selection complement elements of stone and terrazzo. Terrazzo was used for its timelessness and playfulness of colour and scale. Timber, green hues and warm terracotta tones create simplicity and tranquillity. Together with an open kitchen that invites guests to watch the culinary team at work, the everyday, practical aspect of the cafe is heightened.
Boccata Italian Bar & Restaurant derives its name from the Italian phrase “a mouthful of food”, introducing Melbourne’s rich migrant heritage and Italian food culture to a new audience, or perhaps welcoming an existing audience home. Patrons are welcomed from the hotel’s grand entry into an intimate, warm bar space, before again opening up into the restaurant with large windows yielding generous views of the sky. Both spaces embrace a classic Italian design style with a modern twist, remaining harmonious in form but different in function.
The restaurant is again sensitively broken down into smaller volumes, with decorative screens and greenery creating an intimate dining experience for patrons. The pendant lighting is aircraft inspired whilst also providing acoustic comfort. Warm timber tones and classical Italian patterns are complemented by fluid forms and soft edges, echoed in the modern European furniture and soft banquette seating. A large pizza oven and on-show kitchen invites guests to be part of the theatrical culinary spectacle, further heightening the all-day dining experience.
Boccata’s Wine Bar sits in contrast, offering an aperitivo food offer and curated range of drinks in an intimate yet playful space. A luxurious palette of rich textures and tones, heavy draped curtains and abundant decorative lighting create a modern ambiance reminiscent of a classic Italian aperitif bar, but unexpected patterns and tones in the floor and furnishings provide a modern interpretation of a classical space.
With such carefully considered architectural and design features, Technē has redefined the travel experience. Whether seeking a moment of respite, a culinary adventure or a taste of Italy, travellers can embark on a journey within a journey, elevating their time at the airport to new heights of sophistication and indulgence.
Team:
Architects: Technē Architecture + Interior Design
Photographer: Tom Blachford
