Project Overview

Situated within the newly refurbished Rosebery Engine Yards, Gelato Messina is marking its mark within Sydney’s inner-south. The design weaves the stories of the site’s past with the optimistic promises of the forthcoming development, exemplifying the art and charm of an old-world pub. Fitted with mid-century modern details, the store is a model of historical craftsmanship, with wonders at every corner.

Project Commissioner

Gelato Messina

Project Creator

Vie Studio

Project Brief

Known for their inventive and unique flavours, Gelato Messina has set a benchmark for high-quality desserts within Australia. Opening a new store within the Rosebery Engine Yards development, we were tasked with creating a bespoke design that responded to the surroundings of the site. While set to be a precinct of office, retail and commercial offerings, the space holds a rich history of industrial innovation and manufacturing.

Alongside this criteria, our client requested two bespoke displays – one for their merchandise range, and another to introduce their chocolate retail range. Proudly crafting each flavour from scratch, it was essential that our design highlighted the ice cream churner, allowing it to be visible for customers.

Project Innovation/Need

Inspired by the brand’s dedication to ingredient origins and transparent sourcing, we delved into the history of the site. Previously operating as an aristocrat factory, the location held a warehouse that produced handcrafted slot machines. This story of artisanship sparked our design’s concept and visual direction. Emulating the vintage craft of an old-school pub, the store revitalises the handcrafted sophistication of the past within our present context.

This is highlighted by the central feature of the store, the wooden timber counter. Spanning over 11m in length, the counter is a crafted, woodwork marvel. Responding to the requests of our client, the counter features an integrated gelato cabinet and chocolate retail display. Detailed with a custom profile that pays homage to the building’s heritage features, the timber details along the counter front are an extension of the building’s external facade. Adopting adaptive reuse processes, the steel roof trusses are exposed, creating an eye-catching ceiling feature. The skilful weaving of past with present embeds the store into its surroundings, like a treasured relic being discovered.

These wooden profiles and features carry out into the banquette seats, demonstrating a clear connection between the two areas. Vintage light fixtures and a curved, concrete floor design continue the established design language. At the entrance of the store the original floor tiles were retained, hearkening back to our concept.

Design Challenge

The mecca of the store, the counter posed a huge challenge during the design stage. In order to successfully communicate the artistry of the mid-century modern era, this feature required an outstanding level of detail, both in its design and construction. Creating the final display required careful planning and engineering, which was achieved through liasing with the joinery team.

It was vital that the mechanical service design didn’t interfere with the roof trusses, limiting where we could incorporate the services. We overcame this through creative solutions, such as strategically placing jet diffusers along the bulkheads in place of dropped ceiling diffusers.

Sustainability

Aligned with the mid-century modern values of enduring design, we carefully selected sturdy, long-lasting materials. Our predominant use of American walnut timber resulted in furniture that is built to last. Throughout the store, the design incorporates sustainably durable materials, such as marble countertops and brass for the foot rails. The micro-cement coloured flooring is similarly robust, incorporating a unique curved design that is an offset from the counter.

The open ceiling feature also maximises upon the site’s natural lighting. Eliminating the need for much of the store’s lighting, the uncovering of the building’s structures aligned with our design intent to build an ambient mood. Energy-efficient artificial lighting were strategically positioned in areas to highlight the features of the store.