PROJECT: Heirloom Ambleside
Completed: June 2018
Floor area: 3,000 sf
Located just a short stroll from Ambleside beach, within a high-exposure corner tenancy of the first phase Grosvenor Ambleside building, the second location for the much-loved South Granville vegetarian restaurant represented a fantastic opportunity to create a casual dining destination within an evolving community.
To reflect the coastal and mountainside setting, tones of marine blue and forest green were incorporated across the space from the millwork and tile finishes through to the upholstery and loose furniture. As a reference to Heirloom’s commitment to quality and as a nod to a few of the key finishes of the South Granville location, natural and handmade finishes such as white oak, woven wool upholstery and hand-made glazed tiles were carefully selected. These materials were then compiled throughout the space to create finely crafted wall panelling, fixed furniture and custom millwork that displays an attention to detail that is representative of the Heirloom brand. Black, tubular metalwork was used throughout the space as layering and framing elements to define seating areas whilst allowing the bright, open atmosphere to remain. A refined selection of bold decorative light fixtures, many from local designers, was used to define service zones and provide warmth and intimacy to dining areas.
Spatially, the all-day dining concept and diverse range of food offerings demanded a balance of varied dining options, and an efficient arrangement of front and back of house to manage the heavy food preparation program. To accommodate these requirements, the kitchen and back of house areas were consolidated to the rear corner of the space, enabling the formation of a broad service counter and two, bright, day-lit dining areas that engage the frontages onto the Marine and 14th Street promenades. The dining areas were arranged into zones that provided a mix of seating options to suit the varying dining needs of patrons, from bar counters that engage with the street and preparation areas, to flexible soft seating banquettes and booths that offer a more private experience.
Through the application of the aforementioned design concepts, it was our intent to create a space that enhances the Heirloom experience through a reflection of the local setting and brand values.
Photography: © Janis Nicolay Photography
