The Mayfair Bar and Venue design solution revolved around the protection of the original elements that survived the 90s demolition: Bonnifait+Giesen re-instated the original entrance and the long corridor effect with gold coloured moulded cornices that lead to the cinema through a double staircase atrium space and a balcony with colonnades. The exterior canopy barge board is finished in Resene Shiraz.

We converted the atrium space into a highly lit centre to the complex through the use of a large contemporary designed lightwell so the, until then hidden space, would become a point of focus visible from the street. To balance this grandiose effect, some low ceiling nooks with sofas open symmetrically onto the long corridor for more intimate atmosphere.

The highly crafted front of house was developed parallel to the street to embrace its activity with a recessed and inviting frameless clear glass facade that allows a fluid circulation from the street through a protected terrace before reaching the bar. To compensate the expanse of this large open plan type of space, indirect warm lighting is provided through suspended plywood ceilings with a pattern of circular holes along with timber slatted screens and warm red leather soft furnishing.

The use of 16mm Danpalon polycarbonate as a ceiling replacement is a technique we have now used in a number of projects. This is a cost effective solution to bring sunlight into existing spaces. It revolves around replacing existing corrugated iron with clear corrugate. Foil paper is then used to create a lightwell. This creates a dispersed lighting effect that is everchanging with the exterior environment.

A palette of lush and crisp Resene Blue Lagoon, Resene Moxie emerald and shamrock green and warm Resene Fortune gold were used through the heritage ceilings to recall the exuberant colours of the 1920s. The inspiration for these colours came through research of lush 1920s interiors and particularly the use of gold in interiors.

Resene Soapstone and Resene Half Soapstone were combined with natural timbers in the highly crafted front of house and for walls throughout the complex balancing the intense and vibrant colours of the heritage elements with a warm and delicate glow.

Resene Milky Way from the Resene metallics range was used to create a more intimate space yet luxurious in the alcoves to contrast with the highly lit atrium. The subtle metallic effect adds a layer of texture to these spaces combined with weathered chocolate brown leather furniture and gold patterned carpet.

Architectural specifier: Bonnifait+Giesen
Client: Kymon Hill
Furniture: Ainsley Kimber, Thonet Furniture
Graphic design, branding: Design works
Photographer: Russell Kleyn
Property owner (protection of Heritage): Jeremy Thomson
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2013

› View a PDF of this article