The newly opened Lesa, designed by Allistar Cox Architecture, uses a layered and textural material palette to give guests a rich dining experience.
Positioned above the local favourite Embla is a new dining destination – Lesa. The fit-out for the new restaurant was undertaken by a long-time collaborator Allistar Cox Architecture and is conceptualised with a distinctive historic vibe.
The existing building shell provided the perfect backdrop for the interior fit-out with rugged brickwork, a classic feature of factories typically found in the area.
“Lesa is a juxtaposition between the highly designed and hand-crafted, and the humble simple existing materials, where it feels that the building has been touched very lightly when in reality, each surface has been carefully considered,” says Designer Allistar Cox.
Large arching windows, which had been bricked in, are now open and restored allowing light to flood space while harking back to the buildings original purpose.
As evening descends, the interior turns moody and atmospheric with antique wall sconces adding ambient lighting throughout.
Other elements in the fit-out have been used to keep with the history of the shell. Timber battening in dark walnut and black leather banquette seats all work together to complement the rustic brickwork. Reclaimed farmhouse furniture dots the space alongside more classic selections, each adding a touch of nostalgia.
A tiny hint of colour has been worked in through the use of green tiling in the kitchen, which is visible through the glass-fronted wine room. The rest remains raw and natural.
Ascending the stairs to meet Lesa can take you above the bustle of the city, where time moves at a slower pace and a sense of nostalgia is abundant.
This project speaks to the themes from Indesign magazine #74: The ‘Design Relish’ issue. See what else we’ve been saying about hospitality design.
–
Always catch the latest design projects. Sign up for our newsletter.
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!
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.
Journey alongside Australian designer Ross Didier as he introduces a new chapter in the magical folklore of his iconic FABLE Collection.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
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.
We hear from the GA Group Marketing Executive about how the neighbouring forest reserve, local culture, art and sustainability create a unique boutique hotel with a sense of place.
Winners of The Social Space category in the 2023 INDE.Awards, RooMoo Design Studio has made its mark on the Shanghai’s hospitality landscape with a new restaurant design.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
From classic to contemporary, TECEsolid structure flush plates bring an upscale look to bathrooms with their design-forward aesthetics. Find out more.
In what is a growing workplace precinct, Fieldwork has wrapped a distinctive skin of operable screens around this office block.