Image Credit : Nicole England - www.nicoleengland.com
Project Overview
The brief for Juno and May was to transform a dark and narrow space into a light and uplifting café characterised by organic forms and natural materials, which reflect the origins of the establishment.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
EWERT LEAF PTY LTD & SAMANTHA EADES DESIGN
Team
EWERT LEAF PTY LTD - TOBY EWERT
SAMANTHA EADES DESIGN - SAMANTHA EADES
SAMANTHA EADES DESIGN - STEF MARSH
Project Brief
Juno and May were two cows that the owners milked as young country boys in order to earn some pocket money. The design aimed to harness the fluidity of the natural environment by using blonde vertical timber punctuated by a curving teal cut out which softens the rectilinear space and creates movement and texture. Steel windows reflect the industrial aspect of farm life, as does the concrete bench which is softened with a layer of timber.
The static nature of the original space meant that the rear portion of the café was uninviting and under utilised, thus the design sought to create multiple spaces by using partitioned banquet seating which runs along the length of the café and leads patrons to the raised dining area at the rear. Pendant lighting above the bar and wall sconces adjacent to the banquets also create compartmentalised spaces which break the long, narrow site into inviting pockets.
This play between light and shade is continued in the private dining room upstairs, which features a wall which casts geometric shadows through the use of raised, diagonal battens.
Project Innovation/Need
Reinvigorating a space that has lost its allure is nothing new. However the integral family orientated concept behind the business was the leading message that the fitout needed to portray. Organic shapes and subtle homely detailing gave the added layer of warmth and familiarity to the design, and makes it all the more easy for customers to settle in and feel like its been there all their lives.
Design Challenge
A single source of light is difficult to filter back into such a long space, so creating texture and movement was pivotal in activating the spaces towards the rear of the tenancy.
A bespoke feature colour creates a backdrop to the light timber cladding and cute waiters stations and coat hooks.
The middle transition between areas was no man's land originally, so we introduced opposing black mesh shelving units that are inundated with greenery to create a living walkway through to the rear kitchen area where light is scarce, thus softening the journey.
Sustainability
As much of the existing flooring and fittings were re-used as possible, to ensure the new works were minimal. This also enabled the design to draw on the colour palette to be the hero of the space rather than extensive new furnishings.
Interior Design - Hospitality
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
More Details