A LOCAL PUB IN BRUNSWICK EAST
The brief called to create a venue that celebrated the existing fabric of this heritage listed building unique to Lygon St, whilst also injecting new life through an approachable hospitality venue that locals and visitors alike could call an extension of their home.
Both the concept and brief formed around the idea of celebrating community. To create a hospitality venue that becomes an extension of your home. A place to enjoy an afternoon drink after a long day, a place to celebrate, a place for first dates and a place to get to know your Neighbour.
BUILDING TELLER
Approaching the existing structure and layout of the building with an emphasis on community resulted in a series of individual spaces, differing in offering and Intimacy.
Retro-fitting a 1900’s building into a hospitality venue for the first time certainly comes with it’s fair share of challenges. In addition to an extensive Town Planning process, all existing services were upgraded to enable the operation of a venue and extensive problem solving was required to ensure the building and design met current day compliancy regulations.
Working within an existing building envelope, the approach to spatial planning was inventive and considered. The spatial adjacencies between commercial kitchen, bar, wait stations, amenities, keg rooms, cool rooms and back of house areas were required to flow seamlessly in order to ensure both efficiency and productivity.
In the current era of contemporary design there is an increased understanding and appreciation that modern insertions may sit harmoniously within a heritage building fabric. The restoration of 81 Lygon St, demonstrates the successful integration of a modern hospitality venue housed in the framework of an early 20th century building. Teller successfully offers a range of experiences; catering for many different groups in the community, providing a flexible setting for all occasions.
WHO IS SHE?
Once the former “State Savings Bank of Victoria” established in the early 1900’s, 81 Lygon St. has taken on many unique identities, most recently as Teller, the local’s restaurant. Like the colourful history of the building, the venue is comprised of a series of different spaces all taking on anidentity of their own and forming their own narrative. From the enticing bar upon entry to the open pavilion to the rear, casual laneway dining and function space above, there is a unique experience to be had
throughout all areas of the venue.
Teller offers multiple varied dining experiences allowing patrons to interact with the venue differently with each visit. Private dining rooms, casual laneway seating, love seats, high bar seating surrounding trees and a cosy spot next to the fireplace, all provide opportunities for new memories to be made
with friends and family.
The carefully createdmenu is fresh and casual, encouraging the communal sharing of food, inviting patrons to explore various tastes and cuisines. The design approach like the menu focused on bringing people together in an environment which is relaxed and inviting. Exploring the idea of “Community” through colour inspired the vibrant and diverse palette experienced at Teller.
Deep navy tones complement the existing red brick external walls whilst evoking a sense of tranquility, natural green hues lead patrons up the stairs to the function room and beyond whilst the colour of vibrant clay creates a threshold between the interior and exterior as patron’s transition between the laneway and interior. The exploration of colour is further celebrated through the texture application of paint forming a handmade artwork by Clare & Gang at Scanlanandmakers, unique to the site representing layers in time and history. Local craftsmen in Steve Edwards Furniture and we engaged to make custom furniture, further embracing the venues focus on supporting local.
