The Attic Lounge Bar is adjacent to "Gilligan's" the largest backpacker hostel in North Queensland. The core idea was to design a comfortable and inviting venue that sparked nostalgic memories through the re-use of discarded domestic items, triggering memories of home and reinforcing identity. The philosophy behind The Attic was to activate and stimulate patron's sensory experiences by creating a texturally and spatially rich interior, reflecting the clients brief to offer a unique venue in the Cairns entertainment precinct.
The design reveals the role of the 'domestic interior' as the site of memory, and how these objects not only shape our identity, but the spaces we inhabit. In addition, it aims to inspire the community to realise the value and potential of items that we dispose of regularly when they are no longer new, no longer fashionable or a little broken. The architects spent weeks rescuing forgotten objects and arranging them on site, injecting the objects with a new life and value. The objects in these intricately pieced together collages and installations turned out to be precious by association, beyond monetary value providing continuity, identity and individuality to patrons.
The proposal for creating an "attic" was shaped by the experience of entering the venue. Climbing up three flights of stairs to a space that received little natural light with relatively low ceiling heights and existing mechanical bulkheads.
The functional program was resolved through client meetings, investigating their target markets, budget and how the design and fit out would make this venue unique from those already on offer. The client wanted a venue that was versatile and flexible enough so that various sections could be separated for functions between 5 - 50 people. The renovation would also include the addition of a 100m² roof deck on the level above the lounge bar.
In collaboration with the client, audio visual consultants (JVG Sound and Lighting) and construction team, we envisaged ourselves seated on every lounge, standing at every bar and bopping on the dance floor to ensure the design was interesting enough to encourage patrons to look further and create a lasting impression through the manipulation of rhythm, repetition, proportion, colour and ornamentation. Spaces are divided by distinctive furnishings, drapes, level changes and the interactive LED lighting program.
The result is a unique venue with a high sense of theatre and drama, an assortment of seating options and focal points mixed with cutting edge technology.
Where permissible, we used led lighting to reduce energy consumption, recycled vanity basins, durable timbers that can be re-used or recycled. Countless fittings and finishes were used that were discarded or secondhand items found in refuse areas, op shops or donated by local businesses.
The clients desire for a 'unique' venue was realised but the project has also contributed to the patrons by stimulating vivid memories to recreate a time, space or mood in their past. The design demonstrates the role that domestic objects play in society, and their symbolic importance in our culture and history.
The edginess of St Kilda was the inspiration for Phamish, a new restaurant, bar and café on The Esplanade. With interiors designed by leading architecture and interiors firm, ROTHELOWMAN, an unbeatable location opposite Luna Park and the Palais Theatre and just a stone’s throw from the beach, Phamish promises to be the restaurant of choice for locals and visitors alike.
The interiors team was determined to capture the best of the St Kilda experience. The eclecticism and dynamism of the popular precinct is brought to life through the clever arrangement of materials and textures and the deliberate decision to concentrate on particular aspects of an edgy suburb.
ROTHELOWMAN interior designer, Roberta Tessarolo explained that their vision for the venue not only capitalises on the ‘unique St Kilda experience’ but aims to ‘breathe life’ into one of the few remaining quieter pockets of the otherwise thriving St Kilda hamlet. “Phamish enjoys an enviable location opposite two St Kilda icons,” said Tessarolo. “While the front of the restaurant has a very narrow aperture to the street, we were determined to design an all inclusive space with the potential to engage everyone; from punters at The Palais Theatre, families going to Luna Park and pedestrians walking by, to commuters on trams driving past the front of the restaurant. “This called for a flexible design that catered for the middle ground, accommodating large groups, people stopping by for a quick coffee, couples dining in, the weekend brunch crowd and those who just want to be bar flies,” Tessarolo added. This was achieved by referencing the best St Kilda has to offer. A raw look was achieved through the use of polished concrete floors, exposing structural features, juxtaposing raw materials against delicate white stone and specifying fashionable, drop pendant lights. The distinctive graphic for the floors was originally inspired by resilient plants that break their way free between the cracks of St Kilda’s footpaths. Tessarolo explained that the design deliberately draws the eye level in from the street and keeps the attention low through the use of ambient lighting, a mixture of bright furniture and furnishings and of course, the pattern on the floor. A white, wood fired pizza oven can be seen from The Esplanade outside, while a private dining area with copper mesh curtains for walls, red chairs, redgum fire wood along one side and a distinctive red chandelier, enjoys privacy at the rear of the restaurant.
Throughout the month of April, Aveda’s 2010 Earth Month campaign will unite its network professionals and guests to raise US$3.5 million to protect clean water. Aveda Earth Month 2010 calls for strategic local and global action to protect local waterways, empower communities, and help make clean water accessible to everyone—everywhere.
Aveda pioneered Earth Month in April 1999, which has since raised over US$14.2 million for environmental causes. What started out as a day of awareness in 1990 has grown into a month-long international effort to involve the entire network in Earth Month activities. Salons, institutes, experience centers and offices are free to tailor their Earth Month effort according to their own strengths and creativity. Some contribute a portion of all sales that month, or work during a “Day of Beauty” when they’re not normally open and contribute all sales from that day. Others partner with local environmental groups to hold silent auctions, online auctions and fashion shows.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
For the fourth consecutive year, Aveda is partnering with Global Greengrants Fund as their exclusive global Earth Month partner to provide grants for community-based water projects around the world. Global Greengrants Fund provides small grants to grassroots organisations working for clean water, clean air, sustainable livelihoods and healthy communities around the world.
INSTORE FOR EARTH MONTH 1 APRIL —9 MAY 2010
LIGHT THE WAY™ EARTH MONTH CANDLE (RRP $19.95)
This limited edition soy wax candle features a beautiful aroma of certified organic French lavender. Aveda will donate 100% of proceeds from the sale of the candle to Global Greengrants Fund.
EARTH MONTH SIGG WATER BOTTLE (RRP $39.95)
Better for the environment - a SIGG bottle is a healthy and safe choice for your body and contains no BPA, lead, phthalates and is leach-proof. Aveda will donate 100% of proceeds from the sale of the Earth Month SIGG to Global Greengrants Fund.
ACTIVITIES: WALK FOR WATER
Join in on Sunday 18th April for the Aveda ‘Walk for Water’ in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. The walk will extend over six kilometers—the average distance that women in developing countries walk to collect water each day. For further details visit: www.aveda.com.au from 28 March 2010.
The Cullen hotel, named after artist Adam Cullen is the first of the Art Series Hotel Group to open.
Check out the press release for more information:
Offering the very best in accommodation and guest services, The Cullen management have engaged former Hawthorn football stars Shane Crawford and Ben Dixon to offer guests personal training services through their business Corporate Release. A state-of-the-art gymnasium on the rooftop of The Cullen will offer guests the best views in the city during a workout, with Shane and Ben offering to run training sessions both in the gym and in surrounding parks.
Having worked with controversial artist Adam Cullen, in-house curator Jane O’Neill will be offering guests a comprehensive insight into the arts across The Cullen and the other Art Series Hotels. The specially-created curator position has been designed to offer guests a chance to immerse themselves in the works of each artist with tours of the hotels and Melbourne’s art galleries. Art aficionados will relish the opportunity to get expert advice about up-and-coming artists in Melbourne, visit cutting-edge galleries and be kept abreast of the top exhibitions each week.
The team behind The Cullen have also recently purchased a small fleet of Smart Cars and push bikes which will feature Adam Cullen’s works. The eye-catching transport will capture the attention of Prahran residents with their bright colours and are available for hire to take in the sights and sounds of Melbourne.
As part of a commitment to the Melbourne arts and cultural scene, The Cullen Hotel is the official hotel partner for next year’s Midsumma and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF). Held in January and March respectively, Midsumma is an annual festival celebrating queer arts and culture at over 60 different locations. The MQFF is also a strong arts-focused event celebrating its 20th year in 2010 showcasing more than 150 local and international films.
The Cullen Hotel will offer its guests a 5 star experience with the best services, facilities and connection to the wider Melbourne arts and culture community. The Art Series Hotel concept is the brainchild of Melbourne dynamo Will Deague, with The Cullen Hotel the first in a number of art hotels set to open in Melbourne over the next 18 months. Following The Cullen, The Olsen will open in March 2010 named for Australia’s greatest living painter John Olsen.
"Sally's mission is to share her knowledge and love of cooking. The menu is a combination of different cuisines and Sally's experiences of cooking for family and friends. Its all about good, wholesome, and healthy food and drink."
I reckon Sally achieves this goal. The Deck of Secrets team enjoyed a fabulous lunch here with superb service. The smart but cosy fit-out is a refreshing alternative in a takeaway and sandwich corner of town. Friday nights they stay open for wine, cocktails and nibbles until 1930.
"A smile and a wink upon arrival as you are guided to your favourite table whilst serving up your favourite tipple and nibble, is the art of hospitality."
Mr Delicious (24 Moons)
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON.....
Once in a Blue moon is a rare and sacred occasion held Fridays, where heading to 24 moons will see you offered a choice of fine Ale, Pilsner or a Louis Pedrier Rose along with freshly shucked oysters with those ever tantalising Pommes Frites for all of $18 - who could resist!
24 Moons is a pop up bar with a two year lease, after that they move on elsewhere. Every full moon they put on a special event. Nice fit out, great service. Recommended.
The restaurant Melbourne can't get enough of has opened its third outlet. MoVida Aqui (Here) and the adjacent more casual MoVida Terraza are a combination of the two originals with a spacious main restaurant which ramps up the offerings. The menu features three key areas; rice dishes with at least a couple of paellas, the flat grill and the charcoal grill plus daily specials and plenty of tapas. Perch at the bar to watch the team at work in the massive open kitchen. Count on the Terraza for impromptu breakfast or lunch or stay on for what has become the latest after work hotspot.
The MoVida crew have long used Spanish advertising design as decoration in their other venues and this continues with the lavish branding of the sunny yellow Moritz beer logo on walls and awnings. Try a Moritz stubbie, or Carlton on tap or my favourite; their summery Sangria a steal at only $4 a pop.
Current menu highlights:
RICE
Paella Marisco: Bomba rice cooked with seafood and saffron
Paella de Catalunya: Roger's paella with salt cod, rabbit and artichokes
Arroz a Banda: Bomba rice cooked with a rich fish stock, served with grilled swordfish
FLAT GRILL
Cuttlefish with onion and squid ink sauce
Tasmanian surf clams with fino sherry and grilled artichokes
CHARCOAL GRILL
Quail with housemade morcilla and chickpeas
Wagyu short rib with young garlic
Berkshire pork tenderloin with red mojo
MoVida Aqui - open lunch and dinner Monday - Friday and dinner on Saturday
MoVida Terraza - Open Monday to Wednesday for breakfast until late afternoon and Thursday and Friday evenings
500 Bourke St (easier and obvious access from Little Bourke St)
"New Guernica is for anybody who would like to experience a slightly obscure and left of centre Melbourne nightlife. The surreal decor and creative design screams different to any other venue in Melbourne. New Guernica consists of indoor gazebo booth areas, a cubby/tree house which leads into a separate back room and another music/lounge area kitted out as a 60's kitchen. Opennightly as a bar and getting clubbier on Friday and Saturday nights with international artists on 2 to 3 times a month."
