pierre's
2009 Commercial Architecture Commendation AIA
2009 Launceston City Council Heritage Award – Best Attention to Streetscape
Pierre’s is an ambitious re-development converting a tired 1865 building into a mix of Brasserie, Restaurant, Bar, Conference Room, Offices, Fashion Boutique, and Apartment, at 88 George Street, Launceston, Tasmania.
Pierre's contributes to contemporary architecture & interior design practice through synthesis and recollection of an establishment's history reordered into an expressive modern design solution.
The principle aim of the project was to capture and distill the essence of what the character of Pierre’s originally was, what made it a local favourite as a brasserie, and how this should be grafted into an upgraded fit-out which supports the future use. Urban renewal and inner city living make a positive contribution to the cultural, social and environmental life of cities. The mixed-use redevelopment is contemporary, ecologically responsible and socially inclusive, knitted together by a consistent design response.
With an unbroken history from 1956 to today, Pierre's is the iconic coffee house brasserie of Launceston, and forms a significant part of the collective memories of many Tasmanians. The scheme relies on not alienating or divorcing the clientele of their shared memories of what Pierre's was like, but rather re- appropriates these memories. Active questioning and reinterpretation of the historical narrative guided the design process.
Traditionally, Pierre’s was a place to meet and dine around events held at the nearby theatre. Tables are individually lit to dramatic effect by theatre style beam shaping lights; striped red carpet set between proscenium arches exaggerate the perspective depth of the space; black and white tiles reinforce the theatrical theme; smoky mirrors frame pictures of culinary art and extend spaces with an exotic playfulness; rose stained Tasmanian Ash fold and form the bar and wine cellar; the hinge between the two main spaces of the redevelopment is marked by a chandelier suspended from crossing steel members beneath a large ocular skylight.
A limited colour palette of black, white, varying hues of red, and natural timber coupled with consistent detailed attention to floors, walls and ceiling reinforce the three-dimensional quality of the space. Bronze mirrors placed opposite each other endlessly extend narrow spaces while still maintaining a subdued and subtly reflective atmosphere. Perspective and spatial depth are emphasized by contrasting patterns, controlled colour palette and repetition of elements.
Lighting is directed to avoid washing onto black surfaces while beams are shaped to light artwork and tables only. Striped arches and red and gold ceilings are highlighted by casting light across their surfaces.
The retail space is inspired by the fashion catwalk and exhibition. A bold stripe is laid out centrally through the boutique, folding up the rear wall, and back along the ceiling, accentuating the depth of the narrow space.
In the first floor apartment, black stained timber veneer panels line the circulation space, transforming into kitchen joinery then wrapping up around the lush living space and ending as a sideboard. Translucent glass panels screen private spaces, carefully placed skylights and roof windows wash spaces in even natural light, balancing the deep warm hues of furnishings and joinery.