Cinderella Deep

This key principle is immediately evident in the design of the nearly eight-metre-long communal walnut table with cork inlays, its generous presence gesturing to shared ideas, meals and conversations. The table also takes on an architectural quality; formed around the existing structural columns, it acts as the ‘spine’ of the space and draws visitors into the building. The base of the table reads as a volume, rather than typical legs. Hiding storage and power cables, the base amplifies the rhythm of the columns, while the custom stools are tucked unobtrusively beneath, also seeming closer to architecture than loose furniture – a nod to the inspiration the client took from a visit to the Judd Foundation prior to the briefing process.

Faced with a tight turnaround of only three months, Geller Studio chose to retain the existing structure and focus on making every move count. With the table as the anchor for gathering and exchange, “it’s one big, breathing room on purpose,” describes Geller. “We’ve tuned it by light and tempo rather than walls: sunny edges along the street windows for lounging, deeper pockets for focus. A clear height hierarchy of leaners, standard tables and low lounge settings sets the pace, and a tidy service spine lets the space flex without a reset.”

Into this milieu, a balance between material honesty and refinement lends depth and is designed to spark the imagination as well as enhance functionality. Warmer materials like walnut, cork, textured leather, lacquered gloss joinery and existing brick are balanced with cooler, robust elements such as galvanised steel, glass and concrete to create harmony. “We pair opposites to find balance – warmth against the industrial,” says Geller. The existing ceiling, which was transformed in place to read like off-form concrete while concealing services and softening sound, exemplifies this approach. Though appearing like a structural element, the attention to detail paid to the finishing subtly elevates the space.

This is the result of the collaborative nature of the project, which Geller emphasises was key to its overall success. “Bishop Master Finishes delivered a custom off-form concrete texture, and Sublime Custom Cabinetry prototyped and refined the joinery with us. Promena Projects ran the site with Catalyst Consulting steering delivery, and Sphera layered the lighting in custom colour finishes. Anna Dudek’s copper pieces punctuate key moments, completing the dialogue.”