Mon Bijou is a dazzling cocktail bar and functions venue, situated atop a prestige hotel. Its intricate, deco-inspired interior reflects the surrounding panorama of Melbourne’s skyline - a glorious network of cathedral spires, rooftops and windowpanes. It is a unique and intimate setting for celebrations, corporate events or spontaneous indulgence.

The client’s initial aims for the project were to update and polish the existing venue without implementing major change to the venue’s design. Aware that the site had already undergone several such conversions, lead designer Fady Hachem felt that this approach was not only conservative but also a potential waste of resources and a diminished opportunity.

The studio undertook extensive research and planning to demonstrate their capability to achieve a more considered and effective result. A holistic concept was developed through approaching the project as though creating a brand. Fundamental ‘pillars’ were identified - Sensuality, Confidence, Authenticity, Quality - ideas about which informed even the smallest details of the design.

Located on the two uppermost floors of an iconic building at a wonderful CBD address, the brief for the space that is now Mon Bijou was to maximise the impact of the spectacular views, and to create an equally incomparable atmosphere of contemporary luxury.

Fady Hachem has always thought that the space was like a little jewel, worthy of a special outcome, but there were numerous constraints: eight months in which to complete the venue’s design and construction; a relatively minimal budget of $695,000; extensive glass facade and entry by lift (or stair) access only.

The studio worked closely with the clients to overcome these limitations. The venue’s service areas are positioned discretely to allow for uninterrupted, intimate seating areas with stunning proximity to the cityscape just beyond the windows.

To reinforce the brand pillars, an elaborate series of three-dimensional geometric forms, inspired by French Art Deco jewellery, shimmer and glide over the walls and ceilings. Constructed using a mixture of glass, coloured mirror, alucobond and two-pack paint finishes, these multi-faceted shapes capture natural light and inspire a moire effect as one moves through the space. Subdued and minimal furnishings were selected to counter the feature elements, harmonising the overall effect.

Based on French Art Deco jewellery, inspiration for the colour scheme and textural qualities of the space were derived from precious stones from that era. To offset the strong visual elements, Hachem have used natural non reflective base colour of black and white which allows a relief from the highly reflective features.

The mixture of geometric shapes both 3 dimensional and 2 dimensional, works to harmonies the visual links between surfaces.

Hachem’s innovative technical concepts eventuated in response to the project’s aims and constraints. Without a budget for craning, the sizing, weight and quality of materials were of major concern. A modular system (that didn’t appear modular!) was required to enable the ceiling and wall ‘fixtures’ to be built, taken apart and reconfigured on site. Advanced 3D modelling techniques were used to conceive a singular design for Mon Bijou, predominantly using joinery techniques. This was so successful and precise that the installation of the modular elements took less than three weeks.

The ceiling engineering was carried out by Dome Consulting Group and James Ady who specializes in operational requirements on behalf of the client.