Techné designs new casa for the Fonda familia

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Australian based design studio Techné has transformed the interior of the newly opened Mexican restaurant in Flinders Lane, Melbourne. This marks the third restaurant to join the Fonda family, following the Mexican wave of success from Chapel Street and Windsor locations. The new location continues its promise of a fast and fresh Mexican food destination.

Techné designs new casa for the Fonda familia

Image © Tom Blachford

Having to deal with a space known for a previous string of failed hospitality businesses, Techné’s design approach was to break down the large tenancy into more intimate spaces, with a greater relationship to the workings of the restaurant.

Image © Tom Blachford

The obvious challenge, was to transform a large 400 m² large space with lacking street presence into a successful restaurant.

– Alex Lake, Techné

Image © Tom Blachford

The new-look Fonda features playful colours, with graphics and branding by Luke Henley of Wild Hen Design to emphasize the festive, Mexican vibe. Bespoke furniture, from booths, banquettes and tables, were all designed by Techné as a reference to picnic furniture and park benches.

Image © Tom Blachford

The lighting makes reference to the power line compositions of suburban Mexico, creating an authentic atmosphere. The designers incorporated custom Inkster Maken pendants based on the shape of a domestic lampshade, as well as re-used existing copper pendants from the old fit-out as wall lights.

Image © Tom Blachford

The rectangular pattern found in the original windows on levels 2 & 3 of the heritage building front façade are similar to vernacular Mexican patterns found in buildings, enhancing the feeling of being in a traditional Mexican ‘Fonda’.

Image © Tom Blachford

Techné transformed the new Fonda location into a true Mexican oasis. Every detail was carefully thought of to bring in Mexican influences, for a unique experience.