Code Black, South Melbourne

South of the river…uncharted territory for both ourselves and Code Black, what’s a Brunswick babe to do in far-off lands…jokes, we were super excited about our first project in South Melbourne. A site on Coventry St, right across from the South Melbourne markets, what more could you ask for!

We were struck by descriptions of the area as a volcanic outcrop with lush green vegetation, elevated above the surrounding land. This landscape, layered together with images of Canvas Town – the tent city that emerged there to house those flocking to Melbourne seeking their fortunes during the gold rush – formed the narrative for the project.

The space is framed by a series of fixed yet floating elements, the espresso bar, the filter bar, and banquette seating. These are imagined as lush green mounds, clad in a sultry green terrazzo. Sitting atop the green base, the surrounding walls are layered with a mixture of American oak and a woven metal mesh forming a series of arched layers that reference the shapes made by the taught fabric of the canvas tents.

Design: We Are Humble
Contractor: Four Seasons Commercial Interiors
Photography: Peter Clarke, Georgia Haynes