Mondrian Gold Coast

Nowhere is that more evident than in the restaurants, designed by Alexander &CO, where floor-to-ceiling openings, organic textures and coastal hues invite the landscape in and extend the experience outward. The ground-floor LiTO, which has an adjoining terrace, basks in earthy tones reminiscent of the shoreline. Meanwhile, Haven Restaurant, on the third floor, features handmade tiles, exposed brickwork and solid timber furniture, and seamlessly segues to its own elegant Pool Club, centred around a striking, marble-clad pool.

Part of the magic of the alfresco space lies in its ability to shift effortlessly between light and shade – an effect made possible by bespoke umbrellas from Basil Bangs. Visible from the esplanade and the beach, the umbrellas line both Haven’s pool deck and the outdoor dining area of LiTO at ground level, tying the spaces together with a calm, cohesive feel.

The acclaimed Australian brand partnered with the design team at Alexander &CO to develop pieces that not only withstand daily use and the robust coastal climate but also blend effortlessly into the hotel’s overarching design language. “At the Mondrian, our intention for the umbrellas was to carry the soft, Mediterranean-inspired palette from the interiors out into the surrounding outdoor spaces,” says Matthew Grand, senior interior designer at Alexander &CO. “The pale nude canvas and sage green piping reflect hues from the restaurant’s custom concrete bar fronts and leather banquettes.

“We’ve worked with the Basil Bangs team for close to 10 years across a range of projects,” he continues. “The ability to customise and adapt umbrellas to reflect the identity of each space, while maintaining the suitability for commercial use, has been invaluable.”

The umbrellas’ materiality was a critical consideration, says Basil Bangs co-founder Krista Huebner. “We really needed to balance the need for exceptional performance with aesthetic appeal,” she says. “To achieve this, we reinforced the umbrella frames with stainless steel, ensuring durability while maintaining the visual lightness that is a signature element of our designs. As well, Haven’s sophisticated coastal feel – with its emphasis on textural brickwork and warm timber – necessitated fabrics with a tactile, natural quality.”

Those fabrics are drawn from the company’s Italian Collection, inspired by the Aeolian island of Lipari, where co-founder Mike Durante has family roots. Designed in-house, the fabrics are woven in Italy by a mill with more than 80 years of fabric-making expertise. The customised umbrella’s dimensions were the result of a carefully considered, almost scientific process – balancing scale, shade, airflow and spatial harmony to ensure they felt intimate without overwhelming the pool deck.

The umbrellas’ materiality was a critical consideration, says Basil Bangs co-founder Krista Huebner. “We really needed to balance the need for exceptional performance with aesthetic appeal,” she says. “To achieve this, we reinforced the umbrella frames with stainless steel, ensuring durability while maintaining the visual lightness that is a signature element of our designs. As well, Haven’s sophisticated coastal feel – with its emphasis on textural brickwork and warm timber – necessitated fabrics with a tactile, natural quality.”

Those fabrics are drawn from the company’s Italian Collection, inspired by the Aeolian island of Lipari, where co-founder Mike Durante has family roots. Designed in-house, the fabrics are woven in Italy by a mill with more than 80 years of fabric-making expertise. The customised umbrella’s dimensions were the result of a carefully considered, almost scientific process – balancing scale, shade, airflow and spatial harmony to ensure they felt intimate without overwhelming the pool deck.

At every turn, Mondrian Gold Coast unveils a world where craftsmanship meets coastal ease and every detail speaks to quiet luxury. Basil Bangs’ bespoke umbrellas are an integral element of that world.