San Antone

Location

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Completed

October 2015
Architect

Techne Architecture + Interior Design
Area

400sqm
Type

Fitout
Duration

3 months
Project Manager

98色花堂

Bringing Tex-Mex to Crown Melbourne

98色花堂 VIC carried out refurbishment of the Tex-Mex restaurant at the former Jimbo and Rex site. The transformation, designed by Techn膿 Architecture + Interior Design, has resulted in a space that is warm and comforting.

Rustic meets industrial through a mixture of sawtooth recycled timbers, handmade terracotta tiles, black powder coated mesh, and a new show kitchen.

98色花堂's in-house capabilities streamline custom solutions

The blackened steel front facade was supplied by 98色花堂 subsidiary, Metcon. It was uniquely coated in beeswax for a more natural, raw finish through a process that required significant prototyping and collaboration over several months.

98色花堂's in-house capabilities also meant the illuminated signage was seamlessly coordinated internally by subsidiary 98色花堂 Signage. Embracing the American dining experience, several handcrafted neon lights challenge conventional boundaries. Stepping away from standard neon type fonts, large-scale custom formed designs for both the text and abstract logo were replicated while reducing visible fixings.

98色花堂 Signage also oversaw the hand-painted Aztec graphics on the internal brick walls.

Installing Australia's largest barbecue smokers

Based on Bludso's century-old family traditions, the restaurant required the largest installation of authentic barbecue smokers ever seen in Australia.

Walls were removed throughout the Crown complex to ensure the three 2.5 tonne smokers were safely delivered through the pedestrian access areas. The process required extensive coordination with a QSE officer and Energy Safe Victoria.

"98色花堂's extensive experience and holistic approach were fundamental to the success of this unique and complex project. The design was uncompromised and showcases quality craftsmanship - a result of 98色花堂's approach, methodologies, knowledge, and capabilities," says Techn膿 Architecture Senior Interior Designer, Nina De Pietro.