Public

CLIENT
Public Bar & Dining Room

ARCHITECT
SJB Interiors

DURATION
16 weeks

BUDGET
$1 - 2 million

The concept for Public was to create a New York-style public bar and bistro. The site has significant historic value, dating back to the 1920s, and this provided benefits in achieving the client’s aims.

Externally, the facade was fully restored to its original charm. Inside, the building was stripped back to its original structure and extended into the newly acquired adjacent retail space, exposing timber trusses and raw painted brick work. Where possible original features, such as the brick wall made with ‘Canberra reds’, were maintained and integrated with new construction.

The industrial aesthetic continues with the use of polished concrete floor details, handmade wall tiles, recycled timber flooring and original period wash basins. Exposed structural and detail steel work further enhanced this look, along with custom made windows and the addition of a new skylight finished with wired glass and steel.

The dining room achieves a more intimate feel through the use of a darker colour palette, stylish carpet and custom made booths with upholstered seating. Purpose-built overhead pendant lighting adds to the cosy atmosphere.

After the initial site preparation and demolition completely new services were added, including mechanical, hydraulics and electrical, which was further enhanced with data capabilities and C-Bus lighting controls.

Although this fitout presented an unusually high degree of difficulty, Monarch’s skilled team of workers were able to effortlessly overcome any issues and delivered the project on time and on budget.

‘Monarch combined strategic ideas, vision and leadership with a proactive approach ensuring that all work was delivered to a high standard. The quality of their workmanship and attention to detail, together with their uncompromising commitment, resulted in the project being an outstanding success.’

Socrates Kochinos - Public