The Old Vicarage

The old villa had for several years been home to a restaurant, located in suburban Christchurch. The new operator wished to both rejuvenate the current operation and add a new limb to the business, and a sympathetic addition to the rear of the villa of some 130 square metres was constructed.

The refurbishment of the existing spaces, retained in its multi-roomed layout was to enhance the day time café trade and further promote the dining experience. The client’s brief was to provide multifaceted spaces that were vivid and lively while respectful of the heritage fabric of the building.

The budget allowed sparing use of dark oak, so the design intent was that the walls, paint and wallcoverings provided more than a mere background to the atmosphere. The joinery screens picked up a discreet religious intonation, harking back to the building’s original use. They provide a contrast to the rich reds and lime stripes. The cream on cream flocked paper provides texture to the package.

Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne enamel and Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel in hues of Resene Alabaster and Resene Quarter Tea are used as a subtle backdrop in the dining/function and bar joined by deeper Resene Triple Tea on the bar raised booth area. The coffee room area is finished in Resene Nest Egg, a deep partner to the Resene Alabaster used in the café and entrance area.

The overall effect is one of a respectful contemporary approach to heritage spaces.

Architectural Specifier: Gemma Attwood, RM Designs
Painting Contractor: Renaissance Decorators
Photographer: RM Designs and Johanna Macdonald
Other Key Contributors: Alan Raine, Director of Design RM Designs
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2012

› View a PDF of this article