Crafting the perfect balance of atmosphere, architecture, and a culinary experience

Architect: Rothelowman

Installer: Star Ceilings & Partitions

Categories: Commercial, Project

Account Manager: Sam McGarry

Photographer: Arianna Leggiero

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An image of black Quietspace® Panels in 25 mm, with custom Tasmanian Oak Timber print secured to the ceiling with and Type C and D edge trims and Type E tee joiner in Dulux Electro Dark Bronze powder coat.

Elevating the dining experience through bespoke acoustic solutions

The project

Located on the ground floor inside the prominent 11 Eastern building in South Melbourne is Lucia, a bustling Mediterranean restaurant designed by notable architecture firm, Rothelowman. Lucia welcomes guests with a warm and inviting atmosphere that seamlessly integrates modern design elements with a textural palette to create an ambiance that is sophisticated yet homely. Drawing inspiration from European heritage and the Renaissance period, the light-filled dining room features earthy tones of maroon and moss green, floor-to-ceiling windows, marble tops with brass detailing, and an abundance of timber textures.

The spatial layout is meticulously planned to enhance the dining experience, ensuring a smooth flow from the entrance to the seating areas. The main dining room is a large open-plan space with unobstructed views through to the kitchen creating engagement between guests and chefs. Additionally, a unique feature of Lucia is ‘The Vault’, an underground private dining room accommodating 25 guests in an elevated and intimate setting.

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A corner detail of custom Tasmanian Oak Timber printed Quietspace® with Type C and D edge trims.

The challenge

Interior acoustics play a crucial role within hospitality settings. Crafting a balanced atmosphere can be the difference between an impeccable or mundane dining experience. Conversations need to flow between guests, encouraging them to stay longer, and staff need the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Majority of modern restaurants, including Lucia, are designed as large open-plan spaces meaning there is limited surface area to counteract increased noise reverberation. Initially, both the main and private dining rooms were designed to have timber feature ceilings. Autex Acoustics® collaborated alongside Rothelowman to utilise these feature ceilings as a way to deliver a bespoke acoustic solution, that preserved the aesthetic integrity of the original timber design as well as achieved a group 1 fire rating.

Panels of Tasmanian Oak Acoustic Timber™ were suspended from the ceiling around lighting tracks throughout the main dining room, reducing noise and aiding in a lively yet comfortable environment. Powder coated custom trims line the edges of each panel matching the sophistication and tones of the surrounding interiors.

An image of the custom Quietspace® interior acoustic solution designed for the private dining room.

Quietspace® Panels in black 25 mm with custom Cork print

External shot of the prominent corner signage at the 1 Eastern Building.

Lucia restaurant signage at the prominent 11 Eastern Building

Additional info

The solution

A detail shot of Quietspace® Panels in black 25 mm, cut into strips and printed with a custom cork print.

The private dining room presented a more challenging exercise. The space required a high performing acoustic treatment due to its enclosed nature but, with a curved ceiling and minimal flexibility in the thicker panels, a creative solution had to be designed.

Quiet Space Panels in 25 mm were printed with a custom Cork Surface Finish and precision cut into long strips. This allowed them to line the ceiling and follow the curve of the architecture whilst providing a complimentary texture to the timber interiors details.

Lucia Restaurant exemplifies how challenges in design and acoustics can be turned into opportunities for innovation. The result is a space that is as functional as it is beautiful, proving that the perfect balance of atmosphere, architecture, and culinary experience is achievable.