Image Credit : Steven Woodburn
Project Overview
Highly refined, yet resisting formality, RAFI URBNSURF, crowning NSW’s first surf park, yields a rich potency. Located in the curved upper level of a new build, patrons are offered elevated dining experiences with panoramic lagoon views, bracketed by a rooftop terrace and versatile event spaces also designed by our studio.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Stuart Krelle
Buket Meric
Laura Arango Gil
Project Brief
Nodding to its namesake North Sydney restaurant that we also designed, a jigsaw of textures and patterns abounds (with a less experimental, more sophisticated tone as requested by our clients to appeal to the Western Sydney market).
Mosaic-tiled table surfaces and floors mingle with woven rush dining chairs and printed fabric, including a botanical motif scattering freshness upon the plump banquettes, enhancing their glowing copper tone. Given the restaurant’s concave shape, we avoided jarring angled returns. Replicating it, the bar features a curved sweep and banquette armatures finish with gently sloped ends. Timber tables possess stepped bullnose edges, relieving sharp edges.
Project Innovation/Need
Including covered outdoor dining where tones switch to crisp pale blues, the restaurant can accommodate up to 200 patrons. All are granted lagoon views thanks to high tables lining the rear spaces throughout. Indoors, sculptural divisions cosily demarcate zones, including the banquette’s returns that envelop an intimate setting and the larger dining area without enclosing the room, plus the shimmering polished plaster bulkhead crowning the bar with ample seating. Enabling myriad seasonal experiences, the setting encourages repeat local patronage. The plan also prioritises fluid navigation for staff via one wide egress, aligning the open kitchen’s passageway flowing out to the terrace.
Resonating daytime and evening appeal, aged brass lighting accents by local NSW makers, Transmitt, add shimmering sculptural appeal and warm amber patinas come nightfall. Pearlescent globes illuminate glazed tiles set within concave arcs that dot walls, while ceramic lamps seal a mood of lounge-like intimacy.
Design Challenge
We acknowledged North Sydney’s spirited DNA without replication. Tactile layers are carved into timber joinery surfaces, subliminally alluding to the waterside locale – from recessed circular ‘bubbles’ dotting service counters to the stepped wave-like patterns framing high table share seating. Both also feature hero bars with URBNSURF’s face featuring rippled woodgrain panels studded with hand-glazed tiles. An expansive wool carpet by First Nation’s artist, Colleen Ngwarraye, sprinkles abstract symbols of Bush medicine herbs upon the dining floor. Identical in design to North Sydney’s private dining room rug, here, vibrant tonal markings are dialled down to resemble riverbed hues.
Sustainability
Avoiding stereotypical surfside themes, our design instead draws deep inspiration from the diverse natural landscapes and cultural richness of the Northern Rivers region of NSW. This connection to place is expressed through the generous use of locally sourced, sustainable natural timbers -including FSC-certified smoked oak not only for their tactile warmth and visual depth, but also for their low environmental impact and renewability. These timbers are complemented by a palette of earthy, grounded tones, subtly offset by expressive locally sourced natural stone varieties.
Energy efficiency is embedded into the architectural and operational DNA of the building. A comprehensive suite of high-efficiency LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and daylight-responsive controls significantly reduce energy consumption throughout the venue. Glazing is high-performance and optimised for solar control, while natural cross-ventilation is prioritised in passive zones to minimise reliance on mechanical cooling. Thermal massing strategies and considered building orientation further contribute to maintaining indoor comfort with minimal energy input. Where possible, energy demands are offset by on-site solar generation.
Our multi-functional event space, grounded in the use of sustainable materials, features a resilient and renewable cork flooring system. Harvested without harming the tree, cork offers not only a warm and tactile underfoot experience but also strong acoustic and thermal insulating properties.
Interior Design - Hospitality - Eat & Drink
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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