From The Designer
Beach in the afternoon; sun kissed skin, sharp salty taste of the sea and sand between toes, we aimed to steer away from typical burger clichés. Eat Burger celebrates the nostalgia of summer and the things synonymous with Australian beach culture. Skilled artisans to create an evocative interior was key.
Our aim was to turn a compact, challenging but spectacularly located seaside site into a highly functional, efficient, relaxed and evocative casual, yet sophisticated burger dining experience. The 120 sq/m site was challenging. The modest 150k budget, had to integrate a full bar, retro fit an existing commercial kitchen into proposed plans and sit forty plus patrons for indoor dining.
Our aim was to turn a compact, challenging but spectacularly located seaside site into a highly functional, efficient, relaxed and evocative casual, yet sophisticated burger dining experience. The 120 sq/m site was challenging. The modest 150k budget, had to integrate a full bar, retro fit an existing commercial kitchen into proposed plans and sit forty plus patrons for indoor dining.
The palette was derived from the property’s idyllic beach side location. We juxtaposed the sandy coloured formed concrete bar with a wall of oceanic hand poured plaster tiles as the splashback, custom made by an artist. Against the richly textured stucco like walls, we introduced a rich combination of warm corks, fresh crisp white mosaics alongside a combo of American oak and cane furniture.
To anchor the bar, we custom designed bar stools comprising of a concrete base, powder-coated stem and cork seat. A dramatic backdrop to the communal table, was a photograph captured by a local photographer, so that diners entering the restaurant were greeted with a big pink sky and a free flying bird. The sole light fitting, located above the communal table , was a salvaged plastic bottle and served as a subtle and fitting reminder to keep our Australian beaches clean.
This project demonstrates two important things about interior design. First, that wonderful interiors are not necessarily a matter of luxury designer fittings and finishes, although they can be, but a memorable interior can be achieved on a range of budgets. Second, we believe that, like an artwork, interiors are felt and imagined as much as they are used, in equal parts. This belief remained the driving force behind our concept.; the use of skilled local photographers and artisans to create an evocative interior became an essential part if not the very essence of the build.
