Jury comment
Beautiful lighting, sophisticated use of colour and a thoughtful composition of elements create a delightful and intriguing interior at Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant. The designer has tailored shapes and forms specifically to the space, creating a refreshing take on a winery restaurant. The jury praised the designer’s attention to detail, making special note of the curtains, custom furniture and bespoke glass lighting. The spatial planning redefines traditional seating groups to create a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience, while maintaining a clear understanding on service and the role staff play within a hospitality interior. Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant is an immense environment that wholly engages the occupant – a luscious interior for any visitor to be seduced by.
Design statement
The client brief was to create a dining experience that best showcased Penfolds wines and paid tribute to the iconic Australian brand, its place and its history. The existing glass box structure was an elevated space; an expanse of windows. The interior had to work well with the splendid surrounding landscape that featured views of the vineyards, the hills and the city lights at night. Building on this and the concept of terroir, the materials are strong and elemental (blackwood timber, metals, stone and leather), and fittings emulate the surrounds. The handblown glass sphere pendants are suspended overhead (a collaboration between the designer and artist Emma May Lashmar) and are a nod to the twinkling city lights in the distance. Mirrors and diaphanous materials open and soften the space. The design creates a range of spatial experiences for the diner: pre-dinner drinks in the red bar, where you can view and select rare vintages; in the restaurant you can watch sommeliers decanting wines at bespoke wine stations; and the cellar below is another space to experience the wine.
The Hospitality Design award is supported by Laminex. The Australian Interior Design Awards are presented by the Design Institute of Australia, DesignEX and Artichoke magazine. For more images of this project, see the Australian Interior Design Awards gallery.
