One of Australia’s leading architectural firms, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, has designed the multi-million dollar refurbishment of Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House.

Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG) was briefed by The Fink Group to design a restaurant on a series of levels that celebrates the extraordinary architectural heritage of the Sydney Opera House, fuses it with the contemporary and, most importantly, plays to the unique cuisine of Executive Chef Peter Gilmore.

“The last thing anyone wanted to do was shoe-horn a restaurant into Bennelong,” says Director of the Fink Group, John Fink. “We wanted to build and operate a restaurant that is true to Bennelong’s original purpose and seamlessly integrates with the fabric of the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House and Jørn Utzon’s vision on a day-to-day basis.”

The tri-level layout at Bennelong will take the diner on a journey; from the lower level, where Chef Gilmore offers diners a signature take on Australian cuisine, to the drop-in ‘Cured and Cultured’ experience on the central and upper tiers. There is also a bar on the upper level for theatre-goers, an exclusive dining space ‘The Table’ on the central tier, and a special ‘Kitchen Table’ separate from the main dining area providing guests with a backstage view of the chefs at work.

“The kitchen is stunning,” comments Executive Chef Peter Gilmore. “We started with an empty room, so we could build from the ground up to create something that is as beautiful as it is functional. There are state-ofthe-art kitchen appliances, a dedicated pastry kitchen and, of course, the best harbour views of any kitchen in Australia. TZG call it ‘our dramatic architectural condition’.”

Working to the Sydney Opera House’s colour palate of ochre and natural tones, TZG has reimagined the space as a contemporary dining experience. The dining tables are stripped back, presented without traditional table cloths and made from Marblo, a translucent residual resin. TZG’s interpretive design allows the primary elements to shine, with a strong focus on balancing form and function. The restaurant’s iconic concrete, bronze and glass structure is enhanced by the layered felt that runs from ceiling to floor, softening the space and diffusing sound at the same time.

The vast windows let in an abundance of natural light by day, and by night the space is transformed by designer Tom Dixon’s new Melt lamps, which sweep across the soaring ceilings. At the centre of the restaurant is the much-loved Yolngu People’s Larrakitj artwork, which has anchored the space since 2002, connecting the site to the traditional owners of the land.

Commenting on the opportunity to design a new restaurant within one of the greatest buildings of the 20th Century, Director of TZG Tim Greer says: “The space at Bennelong is a much-loved icon that still allowed us to experiment greatly. In keeping with Utzon’s Design Principles, we were able to work closely with Peter Gilmore, The Fink Group and the Opera House to realise their vision and play to the strengths of this remarkable venue. Our design work focused on making an intimate dining experience inside a specular space with dramatic views.”

Sydney Opera House Louise Herron AM says: “The Opera House is the symbol of modern Australia. Bennelong is the Opera House in miniature; the only place that gives you an unimpeded view of all the architectural elements that make up Jørn Utzon’s masterpiece – from the shells to the cast concrete and bronze. It is hugely exciting to see how the very best in Australian food and culture will intersect in this incredible architectural space.”

Ms Herron said the new restaurant concept not only embraces the building’s cathedral-like qualities, but works effortlessly within the parameters of the restaurant space, including its size and multi-level layout.

Director of the Fink Group, John Fink adds: “From the practicality and beauty of the Bennelong kitchen to tiny details you’ll find at the ‘Cured and Cultured’ bar and then out onto the restaurant floor and its new approach to casual dining, we’re confident that any one of the millions of people who visit the Sydney Opera House each year will be able to come in and feel at home at the reimagined Bennelong.”