Project Team
design: Matt Darwon
Suppliers
furniture: custom made by Tasker Joinery
lighting: Optic Fibre & LED Lighting Solutions Pty Ltd
Clients Damian Heads and Kyprianou Families requested that Matt create a really cool, very functional space with a private dining room.
”The venue is all about position and location with Neutral Bay tipped to rise as an A list dining precinct,” commented George Kyprianou, Director. “We had a blank canvas and a brand new building to create an amazing space.
” We also wanted to create a comfortable space for our clientele to dine. The height of seating and the bar area are conducive to a dining experience that allows the guest not only to experience the food but to watch what is happening around them therefore making it interesting.”
The most functional solution was required to fit the elements of the restaurant in such a long rectangular floor plan. The large open pass in the kitchen allows the diners to see how their meal is prepared. There is also an effective corridor running down the restaurant which aids service and the seating of guests without disturbing fellow diners. The bar is of a lower level along with the kitchen creating a “theatrical” dining experience, where guests can see what is happening around them.
Specialist trades people were chosen for their skills in creating Matt’s vision. For example the slatted ceiling was great on paper, but to
Reflective and LED lighting was chosen. The muted tones along with the natural colours create a calm and comfortable ambience. There is no harsh lighting in the space.
The materials chosen are a direct result of trying to provide an architectural design space that is timeless. The joinery and ceiling are left in their natural colours.
”We wanted to utilise natural colours - from the timber joinery, slatted ceiling and steel shop front,” said Matt. “The ceiling is made from Victorian Ash simply oiled to preserve it’s natural state. The undulations follow the loop of the Pony logo. The Corten Steel design running down the side of the restaurant to the bar will colour at its own pace providing depth and interest.”
”I love the slatted ceiling, there is 5 km timber that follows the pony logo, it was a great way to make it ‘Pony’,” remarked George. “The end result realises my initial vision for the project with all the key elements that Pony is - great food, great design, great atmosphere - amazingly unique.
Pony Lighting
Throughout the Pony Lounge & Dining project Optic Fibre & LED Lighting Solutions Pty Ltd supplied their linear SMD ribbon, tri-chip ribbon and weatherproof tri-chip ribbon within concealed joinery within various areas in this project. They used warm white SMD Ribbon and warm white Tri-chip ribbon in the main dining room within concealed joinery to create a seamless warm ambient lighting effect
Warm SMD ribbon is also within the island banquette concealed within a rebate under the seating to create a soft under glow effect and within the top back section to feature light glasses.
In addition Optic Fibre & LED Lighting Solutions Pty Ltd supplied weatherproof tri-chip linear strip within the cool room storage area to offer additional bulkhead lighting.