Design team: Kirsty Mitchell from Veneer, Tim Dorrington from Dorrington Architects & Associates, Lucien Law from Shine
A single storey building in the Britomart precinct, sandwiched between two brick heritage buildings and surrounded by glass and steel high-rises, the site, most recently a car park, encompassed a rawness of character integral to the project.
The brief was for a bar that provided great food, drawing on the industrial form of the building for inspiration.
Further to this was the desire to maintain the original form of the building.
The main bar takes up the entire length of the site running between Tyler St and Quay St, incorporating two entrances, both low-key in keeping with the building’s modest nature.
The fit out is deliberately pared back with a monochromatic palette, the existing concrete floors have been cleaned and sealed and retain the parking lines and yellow “reserved” markings of its former incarnation.
Existing brick walls are basically untouched both for heritage reasons and aesthetics. The original steel structure has been retained, stripped and painted black and to complement this a new steel stairway and steel panels have been incorporated. Wooden truss beams also painted black float above the space.
The lighting continues the industrial theme with large hanging pendants and exposed conduits supporting bulkhead lighting on the walls.
The materials of the bar area include glass and steel tubing and the bar itself has a riveted steel top and railway tiled base.
Furniture completes the aesthetic and is largely made up of steel and timber custom made pieces.
In contrast to this rawness of materials slouchy leather booth seats and ‘private’ lounge areas with black linen curtains, leather sofas and carpet provide comfortable spaces for relaxing.
The north-facing site looking directly at the harbour over the iconic red gates of the ports meant the flat roof space facing onto Quay Street was perfect for a roof terrace. A highlight of the space, the timber decked area with a dedicated bar, open fire, planting and built in seating, provides a unique sun-drenched lunchtime option and secluded evening choice.
Photography: Emma-Jane Hetherington
