The antithesis of a 'fitout' we used architectural rather than decorative devices to create the environment. There is very restrained use of materials and devices .

The interior spaces are finished in timber, hand made tiles, terrazzo, aged brass and vintage looking tobacco tanned leather. The patrons and the products add a finishing layer of colour and vibrancy. The interior features Farnan Findlay bespoke furniture, lighting and even cushions.

The outdoor spaces follow the idea of a public square. There is no immediately obvious programme for the use; however it is clear that the objects can be used in a number of ways.

Our firm successfully managed the required heritage outcomes with the commercial needs of the client in order that the building could become a business asset. The building and the fit out have become a Sydney institution.

Photos: Brett Boardman

At our first inspection of the site, even we doubted our ability to turn this tiny back street garage into a hip suburban café worthy of the city fringe.

Taking the challenge, we set about creating a simple architectural interior using a restrained and innovative palette of materials in order to enlarge and enliven the space. Three materials, including laminated construction plywood were teamed with subtle and thoughtful detailing.

The result is a multi-dimensional effect lending a sense of more space and light than would have seemed possible.

Over a period of time, our firm undertook a range of upgrades, some small and some substantial to bring back some architectural shine to this solid example of 60's architecture.

On a different scale, we invigorated the interiors one bar at a time. We approached the task by first making each of the spaces a good room - the right light level, connection to the exterior and scale. The final finishes and furniture could then be altered over a shorter life cycle as required whilst the space would have a longer life.

The success of our approach to the Beach Road Hotel came from a sound understanding of the patronage and a lack of iconic 'designer elements'. Instead we imbued the place with a feeling of uniqueness and place.

Using simple architectural elements, we created several distinct zones from one a space that suffered from being too cavernous and unstructured. Each of these zones has a different feel and atmosphere.

Reinvention of the use of elements led us to use of ladders and brass fly mesh to create an iconic and functional glass display.

Farnan Findlay Architects were asked to create an environment that borrowed nothing from the corporate food halls in airports around the world. Our concept brought inner-city quality, uniqueness, service and style to market that had until then been ignored by the likes of the Grinders team.

It seemed that the success of the outlet was assured. Perhaps due to a lack of service consistency and a half hearted construction team, the vision faded into a less than perfect reality. Eventually the owners returned to their roots in restaurants where their success continues today.

Unbuilt.

Internally, we made the most of the heritage interiors and grand rooms by opening up the space and restoring order. It is very important in this project to retain the traditional front bar feel in the areas facing Church Street.

A site with enormous potential, the patronage was varied and our scheme ensured that these different customer profiles could happily coexist.

Under Construction.

The establishment is located in an area with a conservative, but nonetheless wealthy catchment. In order to justify the upmarket offer, we felt that it was important to deliver architecture of sufficient scale and quality.

This vast proposal added immense potential to an already successful establishment.

Unbuilt.

Looking to Melbourne as the benchmark for laneway establishments, we firstly looked to the architecture of the space and the significance of the heritage facade before adding a layer of ambiguous elements and decoration.

Unbuilt.

Drawing from contemporary Italian attitudes to dining and service with a strong emphasis on richness in atmosphere the project involved making a secondary space far more flexible for different uses.

The establishment is continually full at breakfast lunch and dinner.