Shining in the dark
For more than five years Sydney's once-forgotten Walsh Bay harbour precinct has been undergoing a major redevelopment. The 17-hectare site now incorporates retail, residential, commercial, public and cultural facilities.
Among its many bars and restaurants is the distinctive-looking Firefly Espresso and Wine Bar. Designed by Kathy Arnold of Arnold Lane Design, Firefly sits in the heart of the theatre zone, with views out over Sydney Harbour.
"The location was the main driving force behind the choice of materials and colours," says Arnold. "We wanted the design to sit seamlessly and harmoniously within the context of the heritage precinct."
A key design objective was to remain sympathetic to the fabric of the surrounding building and wharf precinct.
Coupled with this was the desire to create a theatrical experience for patrons, who drink and dine on an elevated viewing platform that extends out into the promenade like a stage. A second tier of seating in front of the bar provides another vantage point for observing the harbour activity.
Most of the bar is located outside, sheltered by a suspended glass canopy. After hours, all of the furnishings and accessories pack away behind glass bifold doors.
Highly reflective finishes enhance the sense of theatre and glamour provided by the nearby Sydney Dance and Theatre companies.
A prominent design feature is the polished screen that conceals the kitchen area. Made of individual vertical tubes of polished stainless steel and copper, it adds a sense of drama and interest to the space.
Shiny glass mosaic tiles on the bar-front and the uplit steel bollards provide further reflective elements.
"We wanted to create a moody, intimate and theatrical atmosphere within a very limited space," says Arnold.
"With the 22.5m² back-of-house largely on display, it was a major challenge to combine the operation requirements in a functional, well-resolved way."
The final ergonomic solution was the result of an extensive collaboration with the head chef and proprietor.