Helm

/design intent “Anchor a new casual seafood restaurant into its harbour-side location” 

We were charged with morphing the dark Creatures Next Door into a light-filled space fit for its new identity Helm. Working with the original architecture, reminiscent of boat construction, we then formed a series of spaces: circular dining booths with tables; an enclosed balcony, lounge area, an internal loggia and bar tables.

A palette of dark and light blue, with the warm tones of terracotta and timber, were brought in to not only reflect the water-side location, but also the fresh seafood focus of the menu. While the location and colour instantly anchor the space into the summer psyche, we installed a stone hearth and fire in the centre of the space to make it a cosy winter destination too. Detailing such as the tiles used in the bar area are utilised at the bottom of the stairs to signal the new restaurant/bar experience above, and circular windows and hand painted wall lights were created to further play with the harbourside location.

Overall, the space provides a good-time holiday feel from day through to night all year around.