The flagship store for speciality roaster First Love is a showcase for its coffee beans as well as a stand-up coffee bar offering takeaway breakfast, lunch and pastries. The brand’s focus on provenance and sustainability is exemplified through natural materials such as cork, copper, marble, terracotta and rose gum.

The colours of the materials reflect the spectrum of reds and greens in raw coffee beans.

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

Tucked away in a narrow back street of Prahran, the Flying Duck Hotel has been a centre of social life in its local community for more than 150 years.

The pub was established in 1868 in a neighbourhood of workers cottages. The existing building dates from 1891 and has one of the few remaining Victorian-era hotel facades in the area.

Our design approach recognised the pub’s enduring heritage and revitalised it through several considered adjustments.

Disjointed spaces were connected through minor interior alterations. The sprawling beer garden will continue to be a green oasis in a dense inner-city neighbourhood. The pub now offers numerous spaces for assorted occasions throughout the year; a cosy dinner in winter, al fresco drinks with friends in summer, and group celebrations year round.

The material palette is Modern Victorian, taking its cue from the vibrant colours and textures of the Victorian era, including rich reds, browns, greens and golds. These are expressed in a contemporary manner through dusky olive-green upholstery, dark-stained timber, brushed brass and bronze accents, and the earthy tones of the existing exposed red brick walls.

Completed 2022

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

Hawthorn House is for a family that would like to scale down to a smaller block in a more central location. The house is composed of two double-storey building masses arranged in tandem along the depth of the site. It presents to the street as a single storey house. The two masses are separated by a courtyard, which allows natural light in to the centre of the house and down to the basement.

The house incorporates a spacious living area, several bedroom suites, a conditioned cellar, home office and roof deck. The bedroom suites are designed to allow the adult children in the family to have their own work spaces. The north-facing living area connects seamlessly to the rear garden through large sliding doors.

Completed 2019

Builder: Masterplan Builders

Photography: Tom Blachford

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

This Rustica café is located on a bustling corner in the reborn Queen & Collins precinct in Melbourne, neighbouring the Gothic Bank, one of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings, which was designed in the Venetian Gothic style and is notable for its opulence. 

The design approach for Rustica is influenced by the colours, textures and details of this neighbour. The tessellated floor tiles in the heritage building are mirrored in the ornate floor tiles of the café, which feature a quartrefoil pattern, a four-leaf clover motif which is a common decorative element in Venetian Gothic architecture. The coloured glass lights throughout the space, hand-blown by a local artisan, allude to the Venetian tradition of glass-making. The central counter is draped in deep red marble, which is also found throughout the interior and exterior of the Gothic Bank. Dark bronze trims echo the intricate gold leaf patterns that decorate the old banking chamber. The tiles, lighting, tables and stools are all designed and made in Melbourne.

The space occupies a prominent position. The tenancy shell presented several challenges, such as multiple entry points, existing structural columns in the centre of the space, and extensive glazing on all sides. In response to these challenges, the main counter is situated at the centre of the space, where it is visible from all windows and entries.

Completed 2021

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

Hobsons Bay Hotel has returned to its roots as a neighbourhood pub. It has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces spread over three levels, including a new roof deck with spectacular city views.

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

Rustica Brighton is a 100-seat café and bakery in the Dendy Village shopping strip.

The design approach for the project is influenced by its coastal location. A breezy colour palette of sunny sand, warm earth, luminous white and muted green forges a relaxed, polished mood. Enduring natural materials such as travertine, terracotta and timber contrast with bronze accents and soft leathers.

Rustica anchors a new boutique apartment block. Bronze framing, travertine cladding and cement render on the exterior of the building are carried through to the interior material palette to link the inside space with outside.

Expansive travertine counters in the bakery display Rustica's hand-made breads and pastries, and custom-built shelving features freshly roasted coffee beans from sister brand First Love Coffee.

The spatial transition between the retail area and the dining area is modulated through a change in ceiling height, while wide columns lined with green acoustic felt provide a sense of enclosure.

The dining area has sweeping views over the street through full-height windows. Pairs of diners are seated along timber banquettes with olive green leather seats. Round tables are placed in the centre of the space for larger groups of diners.

Completed 2023

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Bunurong people

A house for a family that loved their Californian Bungalow but not its convoluted layout. The alterations have created a more efficient spatial flow and a stronger connection with the garden. The light-filled living area is set back from the north boundary to optimise sunlight. Exposed roof beams in this space articulate the gable roof which is a continuation of the roof profile of the original house. A deep west-facing bay window is a great spot for reading and napping.

Completed 2016

Builder: Peter Oberegger

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

Rustica’s new home celebrates the brand’s artisanal bread and pastries and the people who make them. Large windows between the café and production area enable customers to observe the bakers and pastry chefs at work.

Completed 2019

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

This house on a gently sloping site responds to its coastal location with subdued colours and natural materials that blend with the landscape. The roof forms reflect those of the neighbouring houses.

Completed 2020

Builder: Hedger Constructions

Landscape: Loci Landscape Architecture

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wathaurung people

Plain Sailing is a cafe in bayside Elwood. The restrained material palette and considered lighting design provide a relaxed environment that can transition seamlessly from season to season.

Completed 2017

Builder: Locbuild

Photography: Tom Blachford

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Bunurong people

Awards:

Eat Drink Design Awards - Best Cafe - Shortlisted

City of Port Philip Design and Development Awards 2020 - Interior Fitout - Commendation

The three dwellings on this corner block have two bedrooms each. Two of the dwellings have north-facing living areas with views out to a garden and a paved pergola, which can be be used as a car space or for outdoor living. The recycled brick walls refer to Brunswick’s history of brick manufacture, and the steel cladding on the upper floor reflects the corrugated steel roofs of the surrounding houses.

Completed 2018

Builder: Synergy Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

Rustica Rialto is a branch of the sourdough bakery brand located in the atrium of Rialto Towers. The compact space includes a front counter, coffee station, pastry display, bread display, full commercial kitchen and seating.

Completed November 2017

Builder: Bear Projects

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

The varying roof pitches of this addition to a single storey terrace are designed to capture northern light while minimising shadows to neighbouring properties. They were inspired by the wings of the mythical Pegasus (winged horse) which the client wanted to incorporate due to its place in local history.

The fully retractable sliding door extends the living area out into the rear yard.

The deep tones of the ironbark flooring and spotted gum cladding are balanced with a monochrome material palette and high levels of natural light.

Completed 2018

Builder: Blueprint Constructions

Photography: Tess Kelly

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

Awards:

2019 HIA Victoria $400-$600K Extension - Winner

Port of Call is a café on a prominent corner site of a beachside shopping strip, with views to Beach Road and Port Philip Bay. A significant amount of structural work was carried out to open up the interior and to bring more natural light into the space. It provides a casual but memorable environment as a setting for the enjoyment of the quality coffee and food on offer.

Completed 2018

Builder: Locbuild

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Bunurong people

An inter-war cream brick veneer house has a pavilion added to it, which slices the conventional hip roof form into quarters and stretches the apex out towards the leafy park at the rear of the sloping site. The original labyrinthine floor plan has been reconfigured to streamline circulation and accommodate current modes of living. The lower level of the addition can be used an office, second living space or bedroom.

Completed 2013

Builder: KLE Building Group

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

This restaurant, bar and store revitalizes a landmark 1921 building. Previous renovations were removed to reveal the original timber floor and ceiling structure. An old photo from the State Bank archives led to the reinstatement of the corner entry portico. Light, acoustics and sustainability were prime considerations. Albert St was the first restaurant in Brunswick to receive a chef’s hat in the Age Good Food Guide, in which it was also shortlisted for 2012 Best New Restaurant.

Awards: 2012 Eat Drink Design Awards High Commendation, 2012 AIDA Awards Shortlist, 2012 IDEA Awards Shortlist, 2012 Melbourne Design Awards Finalist

Completed 2011

Builder: Easton Builders

Photography: Carla Gottgens

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

A branch of the sourdough bread brand in a compact space at the base of a new apartment building. The fitout includes a full commercial kitchen, bread and pastry retail, and cafe seating.

Completed 2017

Builder: Jenkinson Building

Photographer: Johnson

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

The complete refurbishment of a 140m2 building which originally housed an old confectionery shop and was most recently an Indian restaurant. Internal walls were demolished to allow better circulation and visibility for customers and staff.

Completed 2016

Builder: Locbuild

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Bunurong people

Awards: Good Food Guide 2017 Cafe of the Year Finalist

This branch of the sourdough bakery is in a narrow shop tenancy. The front counter is extended to the window in order to display the pastries and breads.

Completed 2015

Builder: Locbuild

Photographer: Rebecca Newman

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

This boutique fitness centre with an holistic approach to health is in an 80 year old warehouse which previously housed a mechanic’s workshop. Facilities include an infra-red yoga studio, personal and group training spaces, running track, consultation room for health assessments, juice bar, lounge, climbing wall, infra-red sauna, and spacious washrooms.

Completed 2013

Builder: KLE Building Group

Photography: Elite

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

This first branch of the sourdough bakery is in a 100 year old warehouse on a secluded Melbourne laneway, which had previously housed a gallery. A full refurbishment was undertaken, including a commercial kitchen, café and retail bakery. The rich tones of spotted gum timber contrast with the original brick walls, steel beams and steel windows.

Completed 2015

Builder: Locbuild

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

A 519 square metre fitout on the 17th floor of the Herald & Weekly Times building in Southbank. The tenancy has been completely refurbished to include flexible office space, meeting rooms, a loan academy, and two training rooms that can be combined into a large function room for evening in-house auctions with the Melbourne skyline as a spectacular backdrop. The large reception area can be used for pre-auction gatherings.

Completed 2012

Builder: Project One

Photography: Andrew Wuttke

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people

The refurbishment of a wholesale artisan bakery and café. The new front counter extends to the front window, providing a view of the pastries from the street. A window opening between the bakery and the cafe provides a view of the pastry chefs at work.

Completed 2013

Builder: Owner

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Completed 2020

Builder: WB Built

Photography: Rebecca Newman

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people