Situated within the newly refurbished Rosebery Engine Yards, Gelato Messina is marking its mark within Sydney’s inner south. The design weaves the stories of the site’s past with the optimistic promises of the forthcoming development, exemplifying the art and charm of an old-world pub.

Fitted with mid-century modern details, the store is a model of historical craftsmanship, with wonders at every corner. Inspired by the brand’s dedication to ingredient origins and transparent sourcing, we delved into the site's history. Previously operating as an aristocrat factory, the location held a warehouse that produced handcrafted slot machines. This story of artisanship sparked our design’s concept and visual direction. Emulating the vintage craft of an old-school pub, the store revitalises the handcrafted sophistication of the past within our present context.

This is highlighted by the central feature of the store, the wooden timber counter. Spanning over 11m in length, the counter is a crafted, woodwork marvel. Responding to the requests of our client, the counter, Proudly crafting each flavour from scratch, it was essential that the design highlights the gelato churner, allowing it to be visible to customers in the open kitchen. Detailed with a custom profile that pays homage to the building’s heritage features, the timber details along the counter front are an extension of the building’s external facade. Adopting adaptive reuse processes, the steel roof trusses are exposed, creating an eye-catching ceiling feature. The skillful weaving of past with present embeds the store into its surroundings, like a treasured relic being discovered.

These wooden profiles and features carry out into the banquette seats, demonstrating a clear connection between the two areas. Vintage light fixtures and a curved, concrete floor design continue the established design language. At the entrance of the store, the original floor tiles were retained, hearkening back to our concept