Blacksmith

The Stella Collective’s newest building & hospitality venue Blacksmith stands proud in Lake Mulwala. Bringing back the great Australian holiday dream of the 60’s and 70’s, The Stella Collective created a dream hospitality venue Blacksmith that tells the story of the past and the future of this beautiful regional Australian town.

Since the early 1960’s lake Mulwala was a celebrated good old-fashioned ‘escape from the big smoke’ resort town noted for its all year impeccable sunshine. Holidaymakers enjoyed being out on their boat all day, water skiing, fishing and enjoying the great Australian sunshine.

Standing proud, Blacksmith Provedore sits on the banks of Lake Mulwala, a modernist exploration into the hazy nostalgia of bygone summers set in the regional town of Mulwala. The outcome is a serene modernist building that successfully merges the country past of Lake Mulwala into a utopian present-day palace.

Guests step off their boats onto the green shores, welcomed by incredible wine and cheese from the surrounding countryside and afar.

There are little touches everywhere that tell a story of love, fun and spirit; the round cabana doubles as a dance floor late in to the night and custom peach tiger print umbrellas that are dotted around on the green lawn are not just stylish beacons from the foreshore, but are symbolic of the white tiger renowned for its strength, majestic courage, and vision.

It was our primary ambition to safeguard the town's legacy whilst being able to give something new and exciting to the people. Blacksmith was designed to not only blend but also enhance the environment of its neighbouring mid-century motels, hotels and tourism sector.

The regional location is significant as the design needed to have ‘wow’ factor but also be available to all people, whether in kaftans and swimwear or dressed up for a celebration, people needed to feel appropriate, comfortable and welcomed in the space. This design also marks a shifting landscape for regional hospitality and a new standard for country Australia.

“Blacksmith draws a comparison to a Slim Aarons scene but the design is quintessential Australiana. The glamour and appeal of Blacksmith reminds us of the good life that exists beyond the rabbit hole, but ultimately Blacksmith reminds us to walk on the sunny side, and smile.”

This article originally appeared in thestellacollective.co