Figlia

Jack Lovel

• Interior Designers

Redefining Italian pizzeria, Figlia takes a contemporary but thoughtful approach to the Italian dining experience in which Lygon St has always represented. The project aims to shape an environment that continues to foster a sense of community and embodies the local Brunswick context and feel. The brief called to create a venue that celebrated the history and tradition unique to Lygon St, whilst also injecting new life through an approachable hospitality venue where locals and visitors are always welcome.

“It would be a place where everyone is welcome, which anchors it’s neighbourhood and feels a part of the community ”

Figlia, will be the third member to the TipoOO restaurant chain run by Andreas Papadakis and Luke Skidmore. As opposed to its other sister restaurants, Figlia is unique in character offering a space that is inclusive, approachable, and casual. It is a community focused venue with quality and comfort at the heart, ensuring an authentic and genuine dining experience. This is exemplified in its open kitchen design where you can watch the theatrics of your open fire pizza being made.

With such a unique landscape to draw inspiration from, the local Brunswick community inspired the design outcome and was an essential driver in the aesthetic of the space. The concept was to celebrate and reinstate a connection back to the strong Greek and Italian heritage that Lygon St has been significant for. A community of working-class migrants that championed self-taught crafts and homegrown industries. The material palette was heavily inspired by the “backyard workshop” – utilising finishes that were both humble and robust. As such, patinaed steel is heroed in the space, alongside details that are raw and unrefined to reflect more traditional metal craft works. The rawness of these materials are then offset with warm timber veneers and soft ambient lighting to create a sense of intimacy within the space.

Despite the framework of the existing building being quite raw in itself, we felt it needed an injection of personality and presence. The new façade on a corner site, created an openness which allowed passbyers to notice the warmth and feel the energy of the activity within. The steel framed windows, exposed welds and all, shape a narrative of the space within but also frame the streetscape looking out and celebrate the local context beyond. The panel beater across the road, the graffiti on the walls and the phone booth on the footpath are all honest representations of the community that you experience from within the space.

Internally, the layout of the restaurant has carefully been considered in relation to the key elements within. The hierarchy between the bar, kitchen and seated areas works together in unison to create an approachable and comfortable environment. The scale of the bar, although large and central doesn’t dominate or dwarf the surrounding seating space but rather t creates pockets of comfortable and intimate settings.

Additionally, considered detailing to the joinery and lighting elevate the space to provide a memorable experience. This begins at the first touch point – the door handle. The crafted raw steel handle creates a tactile experience and connection to the space. It’s the perfect introduction to the authentic dining experience to follow and creates an instant memory. Within the restaurant the lighting plays a key role in softening some of the hard surfaces and materials while making the space feel approachable. Key elements such as unique pendants and concealed soft lighting are used to highlight textured walls and the organic qualities of burnished steel.

Bespoke joinery elements are carefully designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Integrated niches and shelving are used to showcase local wines. A unique window display in textured glass creates a sense of allure and curiosity. These are custom designed fridge units that create a connection to the adjacent deli next door showcases freshly made cheese made on site. The injected tones of green within the material palette evoke a sense of comfort and earthiness which is juxtaposed against raw steel and concrete elements.

The space allows the owners - Luke and Andreas to really take ownership and inject their own personalities and style (as you would moving into a new home). You can find, wine boxes stacked in most corners, furniture that’s been acquired over years. It gives a real “lived in” feeling. This goes hand in hand with the food offering providing an overall authentic Italian dinning experience.

Despite the large trends we are seeing in the Melbourne hospitality scene in which the brief is often about creating a “Instagramable” social viral space. Figlia is quite the opposite. It is not about a trending Instagram moment. It leans back into the traditional basics and doing them exceptionally well. Its about comfort food, great company and friends, wine and the memories made at your local Italian pizza restaurant. The space isn’t trying to be the next best thing, but rather the goal is to have a timeless impression on Brunswick and the wide community. It is a nice addition to the Melbourne hospitality scene and a welcome change from the overstimulating venues.