Already amassing three awards, The Meat & Wine Co. Circular Quay Sydney design was guided by COOOP’s insights into human behaviour and a relentless commitment to innovation. Their design philosophy creates rich, immersive experiences that truly transcend convention.
Design Brief
The vision for The Meat & Wine Co. Circular Quay Sydney was ambitious and clear: “I want to take people on an African Safari in the middle of Sydney’s CBD.”
This transformative project harmonises traditional African design with contemporary techniques, crafting an immersive dining experience through textures, craftsmanship, and innovative concepts.
Central to achieving this vision was the selection of fit-for-purpose fabrics, which not only complement the design but also meet the rigorous demands of a hospitality setting. As the African proverb aptly states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The realisation of this design relied on collaborative partnerships striving for a unique and enduring outcome.
Reimagined Boma Concept
A hallmark of the restaurant’s design is its reimagined Boma concept. Originating as enclosures for livestock or community gatherings in Africa, Bomas symbolise safety and decision-making.
This idea was modernised, drawing inspiration from Zulu circular kraals. The Boma units feature heated booth seating arranged around a central fireplace and shaded by custom-built acacia trees, fostering both intimacy and community interaction.
This setup reflects Zulu communal spaces and emphasises connection, making fabric selection crucial for ensuring durability, comfort, and visual harmony in high-traffic areas.
Symbolism and Functionality of the Fireplace
In African traditions, the fireplace is a sacred space for storytelling and wisdom-sharing. Similarly, in this restaurant, it serves as a social and emotional anchor.
Drawing from Ashanti culture, where the hearth symbolises family values, the fireplace blends tradition with modern hospitality. The fabrics used in seating and surrounding decor not only withstand heat and wear but also enhance the sensory experience, providing warmth and inviting guests to linger in meaningful conversation.
Significance of Fit-for-Purpose Fabrics
In African culture, trees often serve as gathering spaces for knowledge and community decisions. Similarly, the acacia trees in the restaurant symbolise connection and continuity. The “Savannah Hypothesis,” which suggests humans have an innate preference for savannah-like landscapes, informed their inclusion.
To complement this concept, the fabrics used throughout the restaurant were selected for their ability to evoke these natural settings while providing practicality. Upholstered surfaces, drapery, and seating materials are not only visually appealing but also resistant to stains, wear, and frequent cleaning, all essential qualities in hospitality.
Materialised Product
- Banquette seating upholstered in Crypton Clooney Sepia
- Brooklyn Buff sheer curtain fabric printed both sides: a) Custom Cooop design b) Custom-coloured Lino (to match Crypton Clooney Sepia)
- Boma curtains – Custom-coloured Lino design printed on Splash shower curtain fabric.
- Dining chairs upholstered in custom animal design and custom Cooop zebra design, both printed on Ritz
Unique Design Features and Fabric Integration
The restaurant seamlessly blends functionality with sensory engagement. Heated booth seating – covered in heat-resistant, comfortable fabrics – ensures diner comfort, while a cut-out in the centre of the dining table allows staff to greet guests and serve them individually.
Upholstered clay walls reinterpret traditional African materials, providing a tactile surprise that invites guests to interact with their surroundings.
Overall Experience
Hospitality design is not merely about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that resonate emotionally and sensorially with guests. At The Meat & Wine Co. Circular Quay Sydney, the philosophy of “form follows feeling” underscores every design choice.
Fit-for-purpose fabrics are integral to this approach, balancing visual appeal with practical performance. By selecting materials that can endure the challenges of hospitality environments while complementing the design narrative, the restaurant delivers a memorable journey through taste, culture, and innovation. Here, tradition and modernity converge, proving that the right fabric choices are as vital as the design itself.
The Team & Credits
Project Name: The Meat & Wine Co. Circular Quay Sydney
Client: The Meat & Wine Co., Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group
Project Address: 2 O’Connell St, Sydney Australia NSW 2000
Year of execution: 2024
Surface: 808 sqm
Design Firm: COOOP – Callie van der Merwe, Calvin Janse van Vuuren and Roberto Zambri
Photography: Kera Wong Photography
About the Author: Catherine McGowan
