An Elevated Offering – Lady Banks Rooftop Bar by Pony Design Co.
A refreshing addition to Bankstown in Western Sydney, Lady Banks Rooftop Bar embraces a minimalist design that exudes relaxation and rejuvenation. Serving as Bankstown’s exclusive outdoor rooftop bar, it provides 360-degree panoramic views spanning the Blue Mountains and the Sydney CBD, effortlessly immersing visitors in a holiday-like state of mind.
Located on the tenth floor of the Flinders Centre, a commercial office hub in the heart of Bankstown, the rooftop bar’s interior design was overseen by Natalie Dufton, director of Pony Design Co. “The brief was simple,” she says. “Create Bankstown’s first and best indoor rooftop bar and offer locals a premium place to go without having to venture to Sydney’s CBD.”
“We wanted to create a multi-seasonal space that felt open and relaxing during summer months, then cosy, cocooning and intimate during winter months while still enjoying access to natural light and air,” says Natalie.
The rooftop bar features a nuanced and thoughtful design. “We wanted to create a multi-seasonal space that felt open and relaxing during summer months, then cosy, cocooning and intimate during winter months while still enjoying access to natural light and air,” says Natalie. As such, the floor plan of Lady Banks Rooftop Bar is divided into three distinct realms. Two outer wings consist mainly of open-air spaces, with some covered areas providing shelter. The thriving central bar section is complemented by the welcoming entry, adorned with warm and earthy textures.
Each of these spaces is connected by a beautiful sculptural fireplace from Sculpt Fireplaces. “The fireplace is the absolute heart of this venue and the first thing you see as you enter,” says Natalie. “It creates a beautiful gathering space that ties in with the terracotta and earthy tones throughout.” It is also versatile; in the summer months, the circular fire space can be repurposed to showcase floral arrangements, fostering a deeper connection to the botanical elements outside. The rooftop bar’s aesthetic is characterised by a minimalist, neutral and textural palette complemented by abundant floral features. “We wanted the textures and materials to patina over time and grow into the space, like the botanicals and plants,” says Natalie.
“The fireplace is the absolute heart of this venue and the first thing you see as you enter,” says Natalie.
When asked what she loves most about the space, Natalie says, “I love when the windows are open, welcoming the golden light to illuminate the space, while the curtains billow in the wind from the summer breeze.” Pony Design Co. creates a rooftop bar with a unique presence, enhancing Bankstown’s offerings and crafting a space that seamlessly whisks visitors away to an oasis, providing a retreat from the demands of daily life.