The newest edition to Grafton St in the Heart of Cairns is The Attic. Think antique, retro, chic and then turn it into a funky lounge bar; a world of classy risque comfort; vintage like you have never seen before. Simone Strushko and Rod Barr of Brand + Slater are behind the design of The Attic.

The philosophy behind The Attic was to activate and stimulate patron’s sensory experiences by creating a texturally and spatially rich interior, reflecting the clients brief to offer a unique venue in the Cairns entertainment precinct.

The Attic Lounge Bar is adjacent to “Gilligan’s” the largest backpacker hostel in North Queensland. The core idea was to design a comfortable and inviting venue that sparked nostalgic memories through the re-use of discarded domestic items, triggering memories of home and reinforcing identity.

The design reveals the role of the ‘domestic interior’ as the site of memory, and how these objects not only shape our identity, but the spaces we inhabit. In addition, it aims to inspire the community to realise the value and potential of items that we dispose of regularly when they are no longer new, no longer fashionable or a little broken. The architects spent weeks rescuing forgotten objects and arranging them on site, injecting the objects with a new life and value. The objects in these intricately pieced together collages and installations turned out to be precious by association, beyond monetary value providing continuity, identity and individuality to patrons.

The proposal for creating an “attic” was shaped by the experience of entering the venue. Climbing up three flights of stairs to a space that received little natural light with relatively low ceiling heights and existing mechanical bulkheads.

The functional program was resolved through client meetings, investigating their target markets, budget and how the design and fit out would make this venue
unique from those already on offer. The client wanted a venue that was versatile and flexible enough so that various sections could be separated for functions between 5 - 50 people. The renovation would also include the addition of a 100m² roof deck on the level above the lounge bar.

In collaboration with the client, audio visual consultants and construction team, the designers envisaged themselves seated on every lounge, standing at every bar and bopping on the dance floor to ensure the design was interesting enough to encourage patrons to look further and create a lasting impression through the manipulation of rhythm, repetition, proportion, colour and ornamentation. Spaces are divided by distinctive furnishings, drapes, level changes and the interactive LED lighting program.

The client’s budget of $2000/m2 was achieved. The result is a unique venue with a high sense of theatre and drama, an assortment of seating options and focal points mixed with cutting edge technology.

Where permissible, the designers used LED lighting to reduce energy consumption, recycled vanity basins, durable timbers that can be re-used or recycled. Countless fittings and finishes were used that were discarded or secondhand items found in refuse areas, op shops or donated by local businesses.

The clients desire for a ‘unique’ venue was realised but the project has also contributed to the patrons by stimulating vivid memories to recreate a time, space or mood in their past. The design demonstrates the role that domestic objects play in society, and their symbolic importance in our culture and history.