Image Credit : James Grant
Project Overview
peckvonhartel was approached to design Union Dining, situated in the heritage listed Union House in Richmond. Inspired by restaurants seen and loved in Europe, peckvonhartel approached Union Dining as a provincial European dining experience with contemporary Melbourne class.
The overall aesthetic embodies old world charm, authenticity and a modern twist. This exciting new establishment has received enthusiastic reviews since opening. The space provides two large dining areas at ground level and a separate function area at first floor level. Existing marble floors and feature archways were retained and restored, as was an original timber fireplace in the main dining room.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
peckvonhartel is an award winning practice specialising in the delivery of architecture, interior design, planning, and project facilitation services. peckvonhartel has been successfully delivering projects throughout Australia and South East Asia for over 31 years.
Project Brief
The brief required a design that was rich in substance and unpretentious: a reflection of the overall dining approach. An important consideration was the connectivity between patrons and the restaurant staff; to contemplate an approach that was in every sense a ‘union’ between building, patrons and atmosphere.
The overall aesthetic sought old world charm, authenticity and a modern twist; a contemporary restaurant that exuded warmth and style, “we want it to feel old” explained Adam.
The existing building dates to 1871. Formerly a Greek Tavern, the existing space provided two large dining areas at ground level and a separate function area at the first floor level. Enjoying a corner site at Swan and Brighton Streets in Richmond, the building envelope afforded an awning to Swan Street with intricate, detailed latticework and vast bi-folding doors providing an abundance of northern light internally. The space also presented original timber fire places, marble floors and feature archways that connected the two dining spaces at ground level which were to be retained and incorporated as part of the overall solution.
Project Innovation / Need
The design approach, quite simply, is the ‘union’ of old and new. The two large dining spaces are retained at ground level and further divided to generate a variety of configurations and settings: a place to have a drink, a quick snack, a long hearty meal, to admire on-lookers through the bi-fold windows, to linger near the fire, or to party on in the private function areas.
A key aspect to the project is an open kitchen pass that is centred within the ground floor area. Finished in spotted timber gum, to retain the language of the feature bar, the kitchen pass provides an extensive opening to the restaurant space, the bar area and to the passageways that lead to the amenities and service areas. The kitchen pass incorporates shelving in bronzed and timber finishes that allow for merchandising and display. Overall, the open kitchen pass facilitates total interaction; between the chefs and kitchen hands; bar and wait staff and the restaurant patrons that circulate adjacent the pass.
Design Challenge
The design brief called for a space that exuded old-world charm. Part of the design challenge was to incorporate a look and feel that was old, yet constructed with modern techniques and products; much effort went into sourcing products that reflected the heritage character of the building.
An overarching design challenge was the configuration of the overall space to create a variety of settings and experiences. peckvonhartel considered many design approaches with the client to articulate the restaurant space including mesh screens, low-height partitions, sheers, drapes and feature waiters stations and joinery.
Sustainability
The new restaurant pays homage to its former use as a Greek tavern and retains original timber fire places, marble floors and feature archways. In this way, the new design can be seen in terms of sustainability and capacity of the existing building to endure.
peckvonhartel was mindful in selecting products, materials and finishes that are sustainable.
Interior Design - Hospitality
This award recognises building interiors, with consideration given to
space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic
presentation. Consideration given to space allocation, traffic flow,
building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings
and surface finishes.
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