Kouzina
Project
Kouzina cafe & restaurant
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Job Type
Complete site redevelopment
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Year
2023
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Location
1 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW
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Client Requirements
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Select a venue that Merivale has yet to explore, differentiating it from its current locations.
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Offer distinctive experiences for guests that Merivale has yet to offer in other venues.
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Incorporate understated Greek interior design and architectural elements without resorting to the clichéd blue and white palette.
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Preserve the original restaurant's structural integrity while imbuing the interiors with a subtle, contemporary ambience.
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Software
SketchUp
Enscape
Kouzina is a contemporary Greek restaurant located on the iconic Byron Bay Beach along the East Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It stands as the latest addition to the Merivale portfolio and signifies Merivale's presence in this coastal town. The restaurant showcases panoramic views of the sandy beach.
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Fish Heads, previously a seafood restaurant, was acquired by Merivale and required transformation into a modern Greek-style establishment.
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The restaurant's layout has been reimagined to include a street-facing takeaway kiosk with a coffee bar, catering to Australia's coffee culture. The indoor dining area, positioned just beyond the entrance, seamlessly transitions into an outdoor dining area at the rear, providing uninterrupted views of the breathtaking beach. An additional private dining area is adorned with two long custom timber tables, each seating six guests, complemented by bespoke bouclé chairs and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the shoreline.
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The bar wall's joinery features iconic arches with a sculpted clay-like texture, achieved using MDF and plaster. A striking blue marble feature wall tile draws attention towards the rear of the restaurant, guiding patrons toward the captivating beach views.
Situated beachfront with minimal existing structures nearby, the venue design prioritized abundant natural lighting through its expansive windows. This allowed for a deliberate focus on distinctive lighting features in the overall design. A custom modern chandelier graces the bar area, while custom wicker pendant lights adorn the private dining tables, harmonizing beautifully with the blue marble wall feature. Throughout the interior walls, handmade travertine wall sconces add a warm glow, highlighting the clay texture of the walls.
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Crucially, the interior design was meticulously crafted to complement, rather than compete with, the breathtaking views. This goal was achieved by employing a palette of materials and colours such as blue marble, clay texture, wicker, and timber inspired by Greek interiors and architecture, while infusing a modern sensibility that harmonises with the unique Byron Bay environment, creating an ambience of serenity and intimacy for patrons to savour.