ROCKPOOL BAR & GRILL
Australian Open 2019
This 220 seat fully functioning restaurant played a key role in the delivery of the 2019 Australian Open.
The success of this activation was the convincing transformation of a marquee into a high end restaurant limited by time and budget.
Tennis Australia's brief outlined that the project must be consistent with Rockpool Branding -
The interior of the space, albeit within a marquee, needed to have the look and feel of a permanent high end restaurant. The brief requested a square marquee, however we felt this restrictive, so added an extension which proved successful in increasing internal dynamics to accommodate a bar, three private rooms and a dining area.
CHARD International developed a bespoke A/C system, with strong architectural form and options for multiyear use. This coupled with a full internal colour wrap helped eliminate any sense of a marquee.
A refined black palette supported the dark Rockpool brand and along with custom black roof liners, black reflective surfaces and luxurious black furnishings built layers and increased depth. Given the pared back palette, the resulting interior design had a quiet settled ambience which was considered key in achieving the Rockpool style. CHARD implemented a linear motive evocative of tennis lines to provide links to our client, Tennis Australia.
A red design line cut the space one way referencing a private area initially hidden from arriving guests.
A cream design line cut the space from North to South. These lines worked to unite the different areas changing the vista depending on where guests sat. The final effect was the transformation of a bland marquee into somewhat of a Tardis, a contemporary dining space that felt concrete but wasn’t.
Client: Tennis Australia
Build: Red Exhibitions
Photographer: Armelle Habib
Furniture: Dann Event Hire and Harry the Hirer
Custom Lighting: Slide Productions
Florals: byAzumi
Planting: Nathan Burkett Design
