Projects
| Locura | Three Blue Ducks | Hospitality | Byron | 2016 |
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Inspired by Mexico City’s small late-night venues, geometric pattern-play and evocative uses of light and colour animate this minimalist bar and casual diner in Byron Bay operated by the Three Blue Ducks. A tide of deep oceanic blue laps the saturated walls with patchy brushwork determining the dado line, punctuated by a crudely outlined terracotta orange zone towards the rear. They simultaneously reference the imperfect, hand-crafted appeal of Mexican sculpture and traditional architecture, whilst off-setting the tautly aligned concrete, mild steel and industrial brickwork interior features. A slit petrol blue leather staff doorway – reminiscent of a Japanese noren – and a theatrical burnt orange velvet curtain dominating the DJ nook relieve surface density, as do classic globe wall sconces dotting its perimeter. Their ambient glow gently detects ripples of gold upon the cloud-grey upper walls, whilst linking the interior to the al fresco seated deck.
Vivid shades are introduced in the bathrooms where concealed LED strips triggered by smartphone app activity instantly wash the treated surfaces with selected RGB colours. Acknowledging the venue’s former life as an iconic dancing venue, they also reference the colour-blocking palettes used by Mexican architect Luis Barragán and American artist James Turrell’s sensorial manipulation of light.
Photography by Ben Hosking