Perth's Matisse Beach Club creates an exotic escape in a city where locality is the known charm.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Perth’s iconic Scarborough beachfront is Matisse Beach Club, quite literally a colourful new addition to the city’s rapidly growing hospitality landscape. In one sense, it’s a suitable addition to Perth’s recent influx of vibrant cafes and restaurants, but in a city where locality is the known charm, designer Jenlin Chia from Oldfield Knott Architects has achieved a surprising feat. “I wanted patrons to enter Matisse and feel like they were escaping to an International beach club far away from home. The experience of visiting a retreat, a new adventure, an international escape,” explains Chia.

In line with this ambitious theme, the venue includes six cabanas, each representing a different beachclub from around the world. In addition, materials such as wood, polished plaster and resin create a holiday feel, while white wash timber have been applied at the back of bar and on the wave ceiling detail to create a talking point.

The colour base is in neutral palette with tones of white and grey, while the reserved use of vibrant playful colours in the Cabanas set off the space. This is also achieved with the use of Vondom furniture from Mobila, adding a playful character and vibrant atmosphere.

Lighting was used extensively both internally and externally showing the geometry lines of the Cabana’s. The use of resin to backlight the light columns as well as the Maitre D Station following the geometry shape.

To tie the various elements of the project together, 1950’s beachclub vintage prints have been attached to wall murals, back bars, Mosaic tiles, and toilet partitions. Collectively, the project takes advantage of Perth’s atmospheric coastal vibe and transforms it into something exotic and bursting with new life.

Oldfield Knott Architects
oldfieldknott.com.au

Mobilia
mobilia.com.au