BYRDI

An elemental bar experience showcasing cocktails and food grounded in Australian heritage, BYRDI’s design establishes an immersive environment beyond the bustle of a major Melbourne mall food precinct.

BYRDI is an atmospheric, immersive venue created within an irregularly shaped mall tenancy within Melbourne Central’s ELLA precinct, a high-traffic hospitality hub designed to attract the city’s hip young foodies.

With a philosophy focused on native Australian produce and seasonality, the brief for the space was to communicate these ideas in a nuanced, inventive way. The brief required the venue to work from day to night, and become a destination unto itself.

Offering a diverse selection of seating options throughout the bar, BYRDI also features a street-fronting experimental laboratory called the Aviary. Distinguished by terracotta-toned custom tiles made in Victoria, this six-seat room enables mixologists to explore and demonstrate more experimental techniques direct to diners, all showcased to passer bys on La Trobe Street.

Facing the ELLA precinct two anodised aluminium and timber portals stand either side of an oversized pivoting door lined in recycled felt, establishing a sense of anticipation and arrival. Inside, a moody palette of rusty ochre and wine tones express the earthy hues of the Australian landscape. These colours are complemented by richly tactile surfaces, with floors in bluestone and coir, bars and joinery in Australian timber and leather, and walls lined in cork.

This article originally appeared in designoffice.com.au