Project Overview

Penang Flavours fuses contemporary aesthetics with traditional charm. Drawing inspiration from 1960s Malaysian colonial shophouses, Rptecture Architects transformed the restaurant's interior, paying homage to the cuisine's rich cultural heritage. A minimalist approach was taken to designing the interiors, focusing on material selection, layout considerations and concealed plant and lighting features.

Project Commissioner

Rptecture Architects

Project Creator

Penang Flavours Doncaster

Project Brief

In addition to renovating the existing shop in Doncaster, the client required a redesign of its interiors to align with their refreshed branding. Central to the client's vision was the creation of a space that authentically captured the essence of Malaysian culture and cuisine whilst leaving a lasting impression. This entailed a focus on instilling the design with an authentic character that reflected its origins, coupled with a keen attention to detail to enhance the overall dining experience.

Spatial considerations were paramount in the project brief, with the client stipulating the need for ample seating capacity, strategically positioned points of sale (P.O.S.), and an eye-catching display counter. Moreover, the layout design prioritized efficient circulation to optimize the flow of customers, contributing to a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Recognizing the diverse demographics of the restaurant's customers, various seating arrangements were incorporated, ranging from cozy booths to communal tables, ensuring there were seating options suited for everyone. Overall, Penang Flavours aimed to merge functionality with aesthetics, delivering a dynamic and immersive dining environment that celebrated the vibrant spirit of Malaysian cuisine.

Project Innovation/Need

Analyzing the shophouses in Penang, the interiors draw inspiration from colonial Malay design through exposed rafter ceilings and patterned tiles lining the floors and walls. Featuring marble tables, vertical chair backs, and a subtle green color palette aligning with the restaurant's branding, the ambiance reflects the brand's identity whilst immersing diners in the authentic flavors of Malaysia.

A minimal color scheme featuring a light olive green allowed focus on the ambience of the restaurant, whilst subtly reinforcing the restaurant's branding. Focusing on minimalist details, a high plant shelf cladded with matching patterned wall tiles creates a seamlessly integrated look whilst dado rail trim conceals LED lighting beneath. The same style of field panel adores the counter benchtop to match.

A combination of seating types allowed the restaurant to cater to different kinds of customer needs. Upholstered bench seats create a comfy dining experience, suited for families and groups, whilst bar seating towards the front allows individuals to work or rest whilst dining. Timber pendant lights hang above the bar tables to add a comfy atmosphere. This feature is further emphasized with the circular semi-translucent vinyl decal on the front window, framing a view inside and inviting passersby to look inside.

Design Challenge

The primary hurdle we faced was the limited space available. However, we overcame this challenge by dividing the floor area into three distinct seating sections, enabling the restaurant to accommodate up to 34 patrons comfortably. As the design was heavily influenced by the cultural heritage of Malaysian colonial shophouses, it was crucial to capture this essence accurately while working within a tight budget. To meet this requirement, strategic material adjustments were made, such as substituting timber pendant lights with wall-mounted fixtures, without compromising the overall aesthetic.

Moreover, time constraints added another layer of complexity to the project. With the client eager to reopen the restaurant promptly, the team operated under a stringent timeline, from initial design concepts to final fitout. Despite these challenges, our team remained committed to delivering a high-quality result within the specified timeframe.

Sustainability

The sustainable ethos behind the interior design of Penang Flavours Doncaster was carefully executed through a combination of thoughtful material selections. The focus was on creating a timeless space that would endure for years to come, and emphasis was placed on supporting local businesses. Material selection was key to achieving this, with locally sourced tiles for the patterned feature wall and flooring to minimize transport and associated costs. Maintenance was another key consideration, using Caesarstone for the service counter and tiles for the flooring and walls for easy cleaning.