Description by Techne Architecture + Interior Design:
The Flinders Lane restaurant is the third to join the Fonda family and continues its promise of a fast and fresh Mexican food destination. With a previous string of failed hospitality businesses in the existing space, the design approach was to break down the large tenancy into more intimate spaces with a greater relationship to the workings of the restaurant. The new design uses bold, playful colours throughout the space. Graphics and branding by Luke Henley of Wild Hen Design emphasise the festive, Mexican vibe, which has become synonymous with the Fonda family. Techne designed bespoke furniture, from booths, banquettes and tables which explore references to picnic furniture and park benches. The lighting scheme reflects the power line compositions of suburban Mexico, adding to the authentic atmosphere, and is combined with custom Inkster Maken pendants based on the shape of a domestic lampshade. The creative re-use of existing copper pendants from the old fit-out as wall lights, helps enhance the rustic vibe of the restaurant. The rectangular pattern found in the original windows on levels 2 & 3 of the heritage building front façade are similar to vernacular Mexican patterns found in buildings, enhancing the feeling of being in a traditional Mexican ‘Fonda’.
Design Office: Techne Architecture + Interior Design
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Photographs: Tom Blachford
