This London project represents pure industrial comfort. Elana Castle reports.
September 16th, 2009
When Australian industrial designer and entrepreneur Adam White walked into a trio of abandoned Victorian buildings in Bermondsey, an industrial neighbourhood in London’s “East End”, he knew he’d just happened upon the location for his latest gastronomic venture.
Fresh off the success of ’The Garrison Public House’, his first gastropub and a popular eatery conveniently located a few blocks away, White wanted to create another restaurant with local flavour but one that would also become a “destination”, attracting people from all over the city.
Not fooled by the dilapidated nature of the buildings and the maze of interconnected spaces, White stripped back the layers of plasterboard to reveal rugged brick and concrete that immediately set the tone for his design. ’¨
Aptly named Village East, the idea was to create a restaurant with a strong industrial theme, yet without compromising on comfort and practicality. ’¨
“I wanted to create a large, impressive environment in which you would find a collection of smaller spaces of varying atmospheres, uses and moods. It was also important that all the spaces flowed and interacted so that you could feel both the excitement of the scale but could also enjoy the intimacy of the smaller areas.”
Restricted by a tight budget, White decided to use his own creative skills and design as many of the fittings and fixtures as possible. Inspired by the modernist era and Danish design, “raw, purposeful and utilitarian”, White ensured that there was a logic and integrity behind every decision. ’¨
The bar was moulded out of strong and durable fire clay slabs that sit in solid concrete. Elements like the warehouse style light fittings, well worn leather sofas and weathered timber floors serve to reinforce the concept and the mood. ’¨
White explains, “I was inspired by the saying ‘like a beautiful woman without makeup’. That was my motto for the creation of Village East.”
Words: Elana Castle
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Brisbaneites, head down to Hynes Street in Fortitude Valley this Friday night for the Changing Lanes Laneway Party. In association with Brisbane Indesign, Laneway Party is bringing exhibitions, competitions, pop-up bars, boutique food stalls, DJs and AV displays to the Valley for a night of street fun. Midnight Tango, Baby Making DJs and Op-Thomas Prime […]
Ergonomics and efficiency are the key to an effective workplace at the NSW Transport Management Centre, with products from Uplifting Solutions.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
When iconic brands wield their influence, the ripples extend far beyond aesthetics. And so when the MillerKnoll collective formed, the very concept of design shifted, supercharging the industry’s aspiration to create a better world into an unwavering sense of responsibility to do so.