Lee Ho Fook Duckboard Place

by Technē Architecture + Interior Design

From The Architect

Techne Architecture + Interior Design has created a novel incarnation for the second Lee Ho Fook restaurant, converting a pocket sized area in Duckboard Place, off Flinders Lane, into a sophisticated and modern interior, taking a creative method to reference Chinese culture.

The prolific Melbourne practice were given the task to design a tailored oriental enthused interior for the new place of Lee Ho Fook – the modern Chinese restaurant made by industry heavy weights Peter Bartholomew and David Mackintosh of MoVida, Rosa’s Canteen and Pei Modern.

The menu at Lee Ho Fook is the epitome of contemporary fusion. Explained by Head Chef Victor Liong as ‘not shit Chinese’, it has reinvented the old-style flavours of the orient with fresh contemporary techniques and appearance. It’s an available, fine dining Chinese that Melbourne has been eagerly craving.

Techne has perfectly interpreted Liong’s approach to Chinese cuisine into the design of the new site with a décor that subtly refers to Chinese culture in the framework of a thoroughly sophisticated, modern aesthetic.

“Ornament and decoration have been refined into a more minimal approach”, explicates senior designer Jonny Mitchell. “The intention was to embrace the existing character of the building and contrast this with contemporary, minimal objects inserted into the space.”

An outstanding cantilevered steel and American oak banquette seat expresses the main downstairs dining space and produces a feel of lightness to the small area. Timber and glass dividers have also been used to sector this challengingly tight area, splitting diners from the entrance and delicately conjuring visions of old-fashioned Chinese room dividers.

Spread across the two slim floors of a late 19th century brick warehouse, the present building boasts a colourful history – the building was apparently used by 1920s gangster Squizzy Taylor – and spectacular original features comprising robust Oregon timber trusses, raw brickwork, timber flooring, and graffiti. Referencing their broad experience with Melbourne’s heritage buildings, Techne refurbished and integrated these latent conditions within the new design.

A material palette of American Oak with terrazzo and brick tiles praises these robust characteristics, while leather detailing and custom designed carpets offer a softness to the area.

Linear brass angles have also been utilized to increase depth to vertical surfaces of key joinery fragments and the brass detailing remains through to the custom made light fittings.

“Brass detailing on the joinery and lighting is a nod to the significance of gold to symbolize good luck and happiness in Chinese culture”, clarifies Mitchell.

Techne have made a refined and carefully modern interpretation of Chinese symbolism in reply to the second Lee Ho Fook installment, which is sure to appreciate good fortune ahead of its August opening.