Fat Noodle is located in a prominent corner position of the historic Treasury Building in Brisbane. Majestic double height ceilings are one of many features of this classical style building built in the 1880’s.

In direct contrast to the style of the building Luchetti Krelle were trying to demonstrate the heritage and custom of the food offered across East and South-East Asia. The initial inspiration came from the Hawker markets of Malaysia and Singapore. Luchetti Krelle wanted to emulate the fantastic buzz created by their communal dining philosophy and fiery open kitchens. The greatest challenge was therefore to create a balanced and harmonious environment melding Australia’s own colonial past with these Asian cultures. The space was layered with modern twists and turns on iconic Asian artifacts and symbolism with references to eating utensils, stories of mythical creatures from the ‘Forbidden City’, a lucky coin and even Confucius’s ancient game of Mahjong.

With highly customised and bespoke interiors, Fat Noodle exemplifies the studio’s energetic approach to design. Drawing inspiration from travels to Asia, everything except the chairs was custom designed. True artisans were enlisted to craft the bespoke elements including special effects staging builders, industrial designers, stone masons, metal workers and even a foundry. Luchetti Krelle worked closely with Armature Design Support to bring two of the biggest features of the space, the fire dragon that winds from room to room and the suspended chopstick light, to life. Large lion head guardians to the back lit mirror wall were sculpted specifically for the application by Rosemont & Co; artwork of the Mahjong tiles was hand painted by a COFA student for the kitchen front; stunning custom gold wallpaper adorns the walls of the private dining room.

With dual entrances to the restaurant, a street presence was required to catch the eye of the pedestrian traffic as well as those who are already within the casino. Due to heritage restrictions this could only be achieved through glimpses into the interior. The soaring ceilings provided the opportunity to dazzle with super scaled suspended elements in the dining space and back lit vertical installations in the bar area. A Feng Shui consultant was also brought on board to advise on the orientation of the various interior elements.

Materials were sourced that would enhance the design while being complimentary to the detailed moldings and columns, the timber architraves and the expansive windows. Finishes were selected that referenced the concept without being too literal or themed. Examples are the polished and honed granite, terracotta and slate and the basket weave parquet floors. The many wall coverings selected, like the lotus pattern and gold wallpapers and the custom wallpaper to the private dining room, were chosen for how they sat harmoniously details of the existing walls.

The feature that ties the design together is an abstract fire dragon light sculpture bursting from the entry corridor and diving into the kitchen entices diners in the door and breathes energy into the open hawker style kitchen. The dragon is an imposing force that unites the spaces with energy and potency.

For lighting Luchetti Krelle took the opportunity to create a number of custom light features. They capitalized on the height of the space with a suspended custom chandelier of woks with up-lighting to thousands of golden chopsticks that delicately dances overhead in the dining room.  The intention for the architectural lighting was to accentuate the existing features of the restaurant while highlighting the new.

“On a recent trip to China I visited the Forbidden city, the Imperial Palace located in Beijing,” added Rachel Luchetti. “I most liked how the roofs were vigilantly watched over by a series of mysterious glazed ceramic creatures. We felt like we needed some of these creatures to keep watch over the Fat Noodle bar. They sit in shadowy profile in the overhead bar store.

“We are thrilled that the interiors of the project enhance what is already an incredible space. The different custom elements that accentuate the features of the building tell a story of Australia’s own evolution as an exciting, culturally diverse country. It was a privilege to work in the Treasury and add a new layer of meaning and symbolism to the building.”