Embodying the Australian Summer – Blacksmith by The Stella Collective

Capturing the past and future stories of the regional town of Mulwala, Blacksmith takes inspiration from a modernist exploration of the Australian summer. The Stella Collective has taken cues from its mid-century neighbours to carve out an intriguing rural destination.

Located in rural New South Wales, just north of the Victorian border, Blacksmith sits surrounded by neighbouring mid-century motels, hotels and a thriving tourism sector, all of which inspired its inception. The proposal of Blacksmith as both a new piece of iconic architecture and a hospitality venue needed to fulfil a wide-ranging and diverse brief – being a welcoming place of comfort for a plethora of visitor dynamics. Creating a destination that speaks to a nostalgic past, and one that captures the essence of the Australian summer is no easy feat, but The Stella Collective seem to have taken just the right amount of everything and combined elements with ease and a much-welcomed sophistication.

The township of Mulwala has well been known as an escape from neighbouring working towns and embodies elements of recharge for its visitors. Its geographical location has over time afforded a year-round access to sunshine, with activities such as boating, water skiing and fishing among many of the attractions. This connection between inside and out had to be captured in a casual yet iconic way, to make this a destination in its own right. The combined use of textural elements such as brick, render and timber are contrasted against the refinement of mosaic tiles, ornately designed lighting and natural stone. This combination of materiality of curiosity is brought together through a sense of order in the design, planning and placement of elements.

The intention for Blacksmith to blend into its context but also be its own destination and have its own presence led The Stella Collective to also create a place that could transition from day to night, inside and outside, with ease. Through the integration of an arched colonnade-type structure, guests are able to move freely, and the internal space is intended to spill out across both zones. Embracing its sun-drenched location, and proximity to the water, elements of play are also integrated into the design, detailing junctions and furniture that has its own inert personality.

Blacksmith sees The Stella Collective bring a sense of fun and curiosity to a small rural township, as a further cementing of its place as a hospitality destination. Capturing the festive spirit of the mid-century era, Blacksmith Provedore welcomes a lifestyle and, due to a curated materials palette, application and furniture that enhance the experience, The Stella Collective openly welcomes an eclectic and varied audience.