Image Credit : Alex Reinders
Project Overview
Pearl was born from the themes of 'Allure and Transcendence' with a desire to create a speakeasy style oasis in the heart of the city. With an end-to-end solution encompassing the strategy, branding and interiors - the team were able to conceptualise all aspects of the personality and feel of the venue while celebrating the niche offering of Oysters and Chablis.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Sophie Metcalfe - Lead Interior Designer
Emily Florencia - Interior Designer
Eleena Tan - Director
Michael Tan - Director
Project Brief
Inspired by the deep greens of the ocean and white luminescence of the cinque terre, our client hoped for a space that really placed the premium produce as the hero. We were tasked to create an intimate and luxurious setting that included a custom oyster display and wine fridge, whilst also creating a portal to the neighbouring tenancy - Pinchy's.
The result challenges the idea of what a speakeasy bar should look like. Walking into an environment shrouded from the outside world, it is bright and lofty without compromising on mood and warmth. Dry, mineral and light bodied. Pearl is an environment that does not only showcase its offer but fully celebrates it. Materiality and detail that exudes luminescence, minerality and dry loftiness transcends the patrons and encapsulates the essence of Chablis and Oysters.
Project Innovation/Need
The oyster display directly on the bar top was custom designed to be the focal point. Drainage has been worked into the stone top to make it fully integrated and fit for purpose. Both entry doors have been custom designed, one is constructed from timber that protects the view out to the garish shopping centre lighting. A custom door pull cut from the same stone as the benchtop hints at the environment within. The other door leading to the neighbouring tenancy is a pocket sliding door made from fluted glass that shrouds the pink neon from within Pinchys, a Lobster and Champagne bar adjacent to Pearl. Connecting these two adds intrigue and cross pollination of patrons between the two tenancies.
Design Challenge
The tight footprint was a significant challenge as we had an ambitious brief for only 45 square metres. This was tackled by placing the patrons up against the wine store and making the doors operable above bar height. Seats have also been placed along the bar where patrons can enjoy oysters being shucked, prepared and presented right in front of them.
Making a bright and welcoming space that is completely shut off from natural light made for a difficult finishes brief. Following inspiration from outdoor venues and the loftiness of European piazzas we were able to bring the outside in. The travertine crazy paving and Jurassic travertine bar top are strong organic pieces that are complemented by the natural hue of the Victorian Ash. These all work together to give warmth from the natural world in a space completely shut off from it. By including tones of ocean greens this is calmed and complemented.
Sustainability
Natural materials of stone, brass and timber have been championed throughout the space and all lighting specified is dimmable LED.
Interior Design - Hospitality - Casual
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors where people eat and drink - this includes bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs. Judging consideration is given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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