Orlo by McCluskey Studio

Melbourne’s newest Mediterranean dining haunt, Orlo, is a considered revival of one of the heritage buildings that line Collingwood’s Oxford Street. McCluskey Studio has restored the former cordial factory into an approachable yet sophisticated restaurant.

While the 1880s red-brick factory facade remains, the elevated interior signals a new era for the building. Orlo owner James Klapanis collaborated with McCluskey Studio to design an elegant yet relaxed space. Set across three levels, Orlo comprises a ground-floor dining room and courtyard, a private dining mezzanine and an intimate basement bar. In this way, the space offers communal dining as well as more private experiences.

While the 1880s red-brick factory facade remains, the elevated interior signals a new era for the building.

The design approach centres on creating a nostalgic restaurant that feels connected to its heritage, place and the people of Collingwood. The team wanted to preserve the charm of the historic building, entrenching Orlo in the building’s narrative in a way that makes it feel as if it were always there. Reflecting on the design, Kate McCluskey Kyle, founder and director of McCluskey Studio, says balancing “historic and contemporary elements, creating links between the building’s four spaces and weaving in James’ overall vision for the venue, including his collection of reclaimed and vintage furniture pieces,” was integral to the outcome.

In this sense, a key feature of the restaurant’s design is retaining existing heritage features wherever possible. The original brick walls are kept, playfully contrasted by finer-grain finishes inspired by the building’s historic character, such as marble, brass and amber glass. Klapanis’ collection of reclaimed materials and vintage furniture is also incorporated into the design, adding a beautiful sense of cohesion to the space.

The interior is dominated by timber cladding, burnt amber and deep burgundy tones complemented by a bronze kitchen pass.

At the same time, contemporary additions add elegance and a sense of familiarity. The interior is dominated by timber cladding, burnt amber and deep burgundy tones complemented by a bronze kitchen pass. Furnishings, including walnut bentwood chairs and a restored copper feature pendant, similarly evoke a sense of comfort and timelessness.

Grounded in an ageless approach to dining, together McCluskey Studio and Klapanis have thoughtfully bridged the past with the present. The result is an intimate and moody injection into Melbourne’s thriving food and wine scene that locals and visitors alike will gather for years to come.

Interior design by McCluskey Studio in collaboration with James Klapanis.