Thorough historical and contextual research formed the foundation of the design process, enabling a deep understanding of the project’s potential for the community. Collaborating closely with an engaged client, their childhood memories of surfing at Merewether shaped the vision for Larrie’s and the larger hotel project, ensuring an authentic interpretation in it’s first stage of completion.
Limited slab-to-slab height, circulation, functionality, and heritage determinations provided sufficient design constraints to generate an optimal outcome for the interior fit out and spatial arrangement. Attention to detail, historical references, community collaboration, the diurnal experience and connection to external landscape were employed to evoke an emotional response and enhance user experience.
Recognising the venue’s significance to the community and being the unofficial home to one of Australia’s oldest board riders clubs, our aim was to bring the community back to itself.
