Restaurant design that is theatrical? That provokes questions? Hunter & Barrel in Parramatta, designed by Cooop.co, does exactly that.
One of Materialised’s core values is to be curious. To never stop asking questions.
Exceptional interior design possesses the transformative power to evoke a myriad of questions, stirring curiosity and contemplation in those who encounter it. A well-designed space is not merely a visually pleasing arrangement of furniture and decor; rather, it serves as a narrative, inviting observers to explore the intentions and inspirations behind every choice.
“When embarking on this project, we were keen to delve into a familiar theme from the local area but to interpret it in a fresh and meaningful manner,” explains Associate at Cooop.co, Roberto Zambri. “We firmly believe that Materialised not only assisted us in achieving this goal throughout the entire process but also far exceeded our expectations.”
The Restaurant Design Brief
Cooop.co were tasked to elevate the well-known Hunter & Barrel brand, transitioning it from a raw and rustic restaurant design to a more contemporary aesthetic. This transformation aimed to create a dining experience that takes cues from the brand’s “hunt, gather, fire” while connecting it with the surrounding area.
Paying Homage To History
The design begins with the meeting of two worlds: the saltwater of Port Jackson and the freshwater of the Parramatta River. This departure point inspired Hunter & Barrel Parramatta, drawing from people’s historical connection with the river for millennia.
The interior design presents a modern interpretation of ancient rituals and raw elements of nature that redefine the hunter’s way. The space exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, featuring warm textured accents, grand stone features, and a wooden barrel bar paying homage to its history. The combination of elements ensures a captivating dining experience that beautifully weaves the restaurant’s narrative with the essence of its surroundings.
The Way The Space Responds To The Hospitality Offering
“The interior layout is designed with a focus on behaviour,” explains Director of Cooop.co, Callie van der Merwe, “considering how people move through the restaurant and its surroundings, and how they dine. This led to a refined installation with an upside-down mural, creating an intriguing dining space while offering a glimpse into the kitchen for added theatricality and celebration of the menu. This space is anchored with a custom-designed carpet mimicking a forest floor.“
Materialised Product
“Our goal was to craft a unique piece of artwork that resonated with the local area,” says Associate Calvin Janse van Vuuren. “As we delved deeper into exploring options, we consulted with Materialised, a company we had prior experience with. We were aware of their proficiency in custom fabric printing and through their guidance we determined the ideal fabric to use for our mural.”
Throughout the process, digital samples evolved into physical samples, allowing Cooop.co to assess various suitable fabrics to work with. Ultimately, they settled on Corfu.
“The experience with Materialised was effortless,” says Zambri. “We worked with the Materialised Design Team to expand the original graphic, creating a design that spanned 45 meters in width and 3 meters in height to cover the intended wall area. Materialised took our initial idea and further developed it by sourcing and seamlessly integrating imagery to form the mural.”
“They even conducted research in line with our concept and contacted the Mitchell State Library to gain access to similar-styled artworks and paintings by the original artist, thereby providing us with additional collateral to work with. With this, they also secured permission for us to use the artwork for the restaurant, giving due acknowledgment to the library and the artist. The graphic team excelled in this regard.”
The Result
The wall mural intentionally challenges guests, positioned upside down to provoke questions: art questions, design answers. Conceptually reflecting off the Parramatta River, the mural seamlessly ties the design to the local surroundings.
Further, it serves as the departure point for conveying a meaningful story and connecting the restaurant to the Parramatta River. Foam padding was incorporated behind the fabric, acting as a large acoustic panel to mitigate sharp, loud sounds during service.
“The Materialised team went above and beyond their original scope, collaborating closely with the building team to guarantee not only a successful print but also a seamless installation. It’s reassuring to know that they were willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of any project they undertake. This has made us realise how great Materialised and its people are.” – Cooop.co
The Team & Credits
Interior Design: Cooop.co
Photography: Hunter & Barrel, Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group
Carpet: GH Commercial
Materialised Team: NSW
About the Author: Catherine McGowan
