Whiskey Lab

THE NOBLE

ABANDONED TUNNELS ST JAMES STATION, SYDNEY

INTERACTIVE BAR DESIGN

LOCATION

Docklands Drive/Pearl River Road, Melbourne

SITE

D11 The District/434 Docklands

YEAR

2019

CLIENT

Luke Sheen; a Melbourne socialite and entrepreneur

CLIENT BRIEF

A design which puts health, sustainability, culture, and interactivity at the forefront of the design process
To have a heavy focus on air quality, closed-circle value adding, social inclusion and interactivity possibilities

SOFTWARE

3ds Max
Photoshop

SOFT SKILL SET

Concept Development
Moodboard
Sketching
Materials board

SITE LOCATION

DOCKLANDS DRIVE/PEARL RIVER ROAD,

MELBOURNE

Docklands is a modern harbour development dominated by high-rises and the colourful Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, and popular for its shopping and waterside dining.

The area's pedestrian plazas are adorned with public murals, sculpture and light displays.

Families head to concerts and sports at Etihad Stadium, and to Harbour Town's mini golf and sports car simulators.

OVERVIEW

A bar, a restaurant, and an underground whiskey distillery, all in one. If you're looking for that perfect spot for after work drinks, or even somewhere to head to on a night out, look no further, Whiskey Lab has some of the very best seasonal home-brewed whiskey spirits, which have been crafted by the very talented distillers on site. You too can be apart of the journey by creating your very own whiskey concoction crafted by you.

CONCEPT BOARD

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Luke Sheen is a 28 year-old Melbourne socialite and entrepreneur, who's love for whiskey has found him establishing his very own whiskey distillery and bar on Docklands Drive, Melbourne.

The vibrant and alive culture of Melbourne has made this new venture a meeting spot for the busy socialites and those who like to call themselves a whiskey lover.

Whiskey Lab was designed with a considerable amount of thought for people with physical disabilities, energy conservation, resource conservation, harassment and safety, social vs. binge drinking, and non-digital interactivity in mind. These key areas were put under the microscope to help deliver a design which touched on sustainability, health, culture and interactivity at its forefront.

With an underground whiskey distillery, accompanied with the rustic tones and industrial aesthetic used throughout the space, Whiskey Lab invites you to get cosy, relax, and enjoy some of the finest whiskey in Melbourne.

A key on-brand design element is the custom-made seating nooks and booths found on the underground of the bar. A false brick wall a circular cut-out has been included within the design to represent whiskey barrels, barrels which age the whiskey. The process of distilling the whiskey is what really drove the materiality decisions and the design of some unique bespoke elements.

SKETCHES

BRANDING EXPERIENCE

Non-Digital Interactivity

Whiskey distillery tours allow interested clientele to sample both the seasonal and regular whiskeys, whilst also having the opportunity to craft their own creation on site

Culture

Flexible furniture has been used throughout the space to allow for re-arrangement when needed to cater for mingling and interaction. Bar stools have also been incorporated to encourage patrons to have a drink and conversation at the bar. Large round tables have been used to encourage interaction and communication amongst guests.

Health

Greenery, skylights, and large retractable doors have been implemented to allow for natural light and adequate air flow throughout each zones. Acoustic panelling has also been designed as a wall feature which helps to minimise noise throughout the space.

Sustainability

Whiskey Labs greenhouse fosters fresh fruits and vegetables, which have been incorporated into the beverage and food menu, catering towards a sustainable design