Stage 1 of the entire renovation of Astra Lodge involved an internal upgrade of the Bar, Lounge, Dining and Kitchen area, as well as external works of new windows and cladding to this section of the building.
A new Foyer chandelier sparkles to announce the arrival into the main space of the venue featuring a new oak floor, rough sawn cedar clad walls and ceiling, traditional shiplap timber clad bar, honed brown granite bartop and a red glowing backlit display. The stone fireplace in the distance also flickers, drawing patrons into the leather lounges and swivel chairs to enjoy a refreshment and look up to take in the backlit timber veneer mountain-scape mural bulkhead over the bar servery. Bespoke snowflake wall light fittings, further compliment the alpine theme along with antler coat hooks, a leather stitched cowhide column and ski-shaped granite topped buffet unit.
Collaborating with lighting, leather, furniture and other craft / artists, the project aimed to collectively enliven and enrich the particular mountain atmosphere of the Victorian Alps in the refit. With references to a universal alpine oeuvre, the materiality and imagery of the design further reinforced and consolidated the original space as a warm, welcoming, well-appointed eating and drinking establishment.
Project Team: Grant Amon, Stephen Herbst, Lauren Zmood, Estelle Peter, Karen Macmull
Builder: Duggan & Hanlon Constructions
Awards: Commendation, Commercial Category, ArchiTeam Awards 2015, Shortlist Eat Drink Design Awards 2015
Publications: Artichoke #53 2015
Photos: Peter Bennetts
