Jury comment
The Collingwood outpost of popular gelato shop Piccolina showcases an approach that makes wonderful use of the raw materials with which the designers were presented. Elements of the historic building were defining factors for the overall design of the project: original interior brickwork was exposed, as well as layers of light green, cream and brown paint, which became
the inspiration for the colour palette of the shop. Original terrazzo floors and a pressed metal ceiling were also restored, giving the space an authentic vintage feel, while clean lines in the gelato counter, seating and signage modernize the space. The result is understated but beautiful, and evokes Southern Italy – a specific request of the client – without blunt literal interpretation. As a retail space, the shop expresses an appropriately stylish sense of fun, in perfect alignment with the product being sold.
Design statement
Hecker Guthrie’s approach was to touch the existing building space lightly, taking cues from the existing patina to form the palette. The owner wanted the space to echo 1950s Southern Italy, from the colourways and the theatre of gelato to the idea of home cooking and gathering around the kitchen. Coats of green are intended to reference the Italian flag, as is Projects of Imagination’s red, white and green logo and packaging. The green is also a nod to the building’s earlier occupancy. During the site’s renovation, Hecker Guthrie exposed original architectural features and worked only lightly to shape the new space.
Piccolina Collingwood
269 Smith Street
Collingwood, Vic
piccolinagelateria.com.au
Hecker Guthrie
Project team: Hamish Guthrie, Paul Hecker, Josh Watt
1 Balmain Street
Cremorne, Vic
heckerguthrie.com
See the whole gallery of images at the Eat Drink Design Awards website.
The 2019 Eat Drink Design Awards are organized by Architecture Media and supported by major partner Chandon Australia; supporting partners Harbour, Latitude, Ownworld, Roca and Tasmanian Timber and event partner Four Pillars Gin, Jetty Road Brewery and S.Pellegrino.
The Eat Drink Design Awards are endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects and the Design Institute of Australia.
