Inspired by the layers of time, from an 1880’s St. George and the dragon, through fleur de lieu hexagonal tile patterns of the 1920’s, to later versions as the Melbourne Wine Room, the George Hotel corner Bar has provided a rich history to inform this latest incarnation as a corner bar in St. Kilda.

The brief was to provide a refreshing refurbishment of the existing space addressing issues of noise, warmth and seating whilst encouraging a pub corner bar sentiment that welcomes all. With a limited budget, the design retained the existing bar layout and concentrated on enlivening the high ceilinged volume.

Taking a cue from the intricate mosaic floor tiles, the ceiling hexagonal ply boxes provide sound attenuation and simply something to look up to. Symbolically drawn from the floor itself the patterned format is accentuated by a new central column as it twists to the ceiling. The St. George Red Cross is at the base cantilevering off the column to provide a new high bar focus in the room.

Custom designed fibreglass ‘honeycomb’ lights randomly enliven the ceiling. New ribbed timber batten linings have been applied to bar, column and wall surfaces to bring a new warmth to the interior as ply inserts shelving add to the bar display.

Chiselled high benches are attached to the existing columns and the floor whilst rearrangement of the perimeter bench seating and stools offer better viewing to outside.

The dragon slayer image of St. George hangs over a previous shelving display just near the dart board.

The project is seen as a respectful design that acknowledges the layers of is various histories yet efficiently translates these to a fresh new interior design. It was not about stripping the room back to a fashionable ‘raw’ space but rather embellishing its components to make for a comforting and welcoming corner bar.

By referencing local histories and memory, the design displays a willingness to explore ideas of animation and translation in its methodology, highlighting the importance of a considered interior design that can have a graphic materiality as well as a functional operative to achieve a balanced rejuvenation of the space with tight budget constraints.

Of particular interest in the project is the employment of bespoke designed features and furniture throughout. The honeycomb ceiling, central Red Cross unit, island bench tables and seating arrangements and other careful insertions amount to a collective approach and craft building attitude that continues a narrative for the 135 year old room. By interweaving the decorative with new spatial and object manipulations, the venue invites a dialogue and engagement with its rich histories as a contemporary interior proposition.