Australian studio Techné Architecture + Interior Design has recently completed The Nelson, a rum bar with a maritime, timeworn and rustic feel located in the heart of St Kilda, Australia. The bayside landscape of St Kilda both the stunning backdrop and the inspiration behind the design. The Nelson is where you can come to indulge your appetites in rum, while relaxing in a comforting local bar fitted out with raw, rustic materials complete with a legendary Kraken looking over you.
Image © Tom Blachford
The client’s brief was to create a laid back venue with a real ‘local pub’ feel and our ‘maritime / dive bar’ theme caters for this perfectly, whilst at the same time it is a fitting response to the bayside suburb of St. Kilda.
– Dale McDougall – Techné
Image © Tom Blachford
The rustic feel was carried throughout the interior of the bar from the design of the furniture, to the hand painted murals on the wall. The timber-clad bar is based on the design of a port’s pier and serves as the main feature of the scheme as it runs centrally through the longitudinal space. This allows customers to sit on either side of the bar allowing them to chat directly to bar staff giving the place an informal ‘local pub’ feel.
Image © Tom Blachford
The modest choice of materials and finishes help reinforce our concept further.
– Dale McDougall – Techné
Image © Tom Blachford
Designers used recycled timbers recovered from the Docklands throughout to form the joinery and help create an authentic timeworn aesthetic. A hand painted mural of a mythical sea creature ‘The Kracken’ by artist Dexter Rosengrave, is located at the back of the space adding another layer to the maritime theme of the space. The legendary sea monster serves as a main feature in the bar, and will be sure to make any impression of any bar-goer.
Image © Tom Blachford
For those who are drawn to the pub but not necessarily for the rum, then never fear. The Nelson is also fully stocked with beer, wine and other spirits. Enjoy a variety of shared plates of food, while sipping on your favourite drink and enjoying the atmosphere.
Image © Tom Blachford
Image © Tom Blachford
Image © Tom Blachford
Image © Tom Blachford
Facts:
Design: Techné Architecture + Interior Design
Photography: Tom Blachford
Year: 2014
Location: 56 Acland Street, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
*All images and information courtesy of Techné Architecture + Interior Design.
