Monster Restaurant Dining Room

Based in the award winning NewActon Nishi building in Canberra and part of Hotel Hotel, The Monster Lounge and Salon area was a 205sqm expansion of the successful Monster Bar and Dining Room into the periphery zones of the ground floor space in order to provide additional formal dining, and lounging space around a bespoke fireplace.

Invited to collaborate on the design with the Molonglo Group, Ken Neale, and Don Cameron, we were responsible for creating the ceiling plane, custom stained bamboo blinds, and the custom black steel fireplace in the round. The conceptual theme of the space was a personal reference to their Greek immigrant diaspora origins through use of furnishing and finishes.

Cognisant of the Nishi theme of engaging people, the ceiling was considered as providing a threshold onto the lounge space which enjoys views onto Parliament House. The dark pegboard chevron pattern aims to engage the senses of the visitors, and is accented by the lighter toned woodwool panel ceiling nested within the space. The finishes were chosen provide acoustic attenuation and to complement the other finishes and furnishings within the space.

The elegant bespoke black steel fireplace becomes the focus of the lounge area, and is open on all sides to activate the surrounding spaces.

Photography by Ross Honeysett