The project
Located on the ground floor inside the prominent 11 Eastern building in South Melbourne is Lucia, a bustling Mediterranean restaurant designed by notable architecture firm, Rothelowman. Lucia welcomes guests with a warm and inviting atmosphere that seamlessly integrates modern design elements with a textural palette to create an ambiance that is sophisticated yet homely. Drawing inspiration from European heritage and the Renaissance period, the light-filled dining room features earthy tones of maroon and moss green, floor-to-ceiling windows, marble tops with brass detailing, and an abundance of timber textures.
The spatial layout is meticulously planned to enhance the dining experience, ensuring a smooth flow from the entrance to the seating areas. The main dining room is a large open-plan space with unobstructed views through to the kitchen creating engagement between guests and chefs. Additionally, a unique feature of Lucia is ‘The Vault’, an underground private dining room accommodating 25 guests in an elevated and intimate setting.
The challenge
Interior acoustics play a crucial role within hospitality settings. Crafting a balanced atmosphere can be the difference between an impeccable or mundane dining experience. Conversations need to flow between guests, encouraging them to stay longer, and staff need the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Majority of modern restaurants, including Lucia, are designed as large open-plan spaces meaning there is limited surface area to counteract increased noise reverberation. Initially, both the main and private dining rooms were designed to have timber feature ceilings. Autex Acoustics collaborated alongside Rothelowman to utilise these feature ceilings as a way to deliver a bespoke acoustic solution that preserved the aesthetic integrity of the original timber design as well as achieved a group 1 fire rating.
The solution
Panels of Tasmanian Oak Acoustic Timber™ were suspended from the ceiling around lighting tracks throughout the main dining room, reducing noise and aiding in a lively yet comfortable environment. Powdercoated custom trims line the edges of each panel matching the sophistication and tones of the surrounding interiors.
The private dining room presented a more challenging exercise. The space required a high performing acoustic treatment due to its enclosed nature but, with a curved ceiling and minimal flexibility in the thicker panels, a creative solution had to be designed.
Quietspace panels in 25mm were printed with a custom Cork Surface Finish and precision cut into long strips. This allowed them to line the ceiling and follow the curve of the architecture whilst providing a complementary texture to the timber details.
Lucia Restaurant exemplifies how challenges in design and acoustics can be turned into opportunities for innovation. The result is a space that is as functional as it is beautiful, proving that the perfect balance of atmosphere, architecture, and culinary experience is achievable.
Project details
Project: Lucia Restaurant
Location: South Melbourne
Architect: Rothelowman
Installer: Star Ceilings & Partitions
Featured Products:
- Acoustic Timber
- Quietspace Panel
Photographer: Arianna Leggiero
