New Messina HQ 70s retro-inspired fitout

Moving a few doors up from their original store on King St, the ‘new’ Gelato Messina is a bit retro, a bit 70s, but also a bit shiny. The clients approached Sans-Arc Studio to design this store after seeing a mid-century-style house the studio had designed.

Their brief was to embrace the existing concrete ceiling and to create something that was a bit mid-century but funkier than the house.

GALLERY  

The site, just up the road from (and replacing) one of the first Gelato Messina stores, is narrow, with just enough space to fit a small rear counter and circulation on either side of the gelato freezer.

The idea was to use some elements from diners and classic gelato bars, timber panelling, and a chequered floor but add some modern details with a robust and timeless finish. Interested in the recyclability and availability of aluminium products, Sans-Arc added aluminium detailing to the warm timber cladding and contrasted it with the more practical stainless elements. Responsibly sourced timber veneer and high-quality tiling was used throughout, with reusable and recyclable materials such as aluminium and stainless to tie everything together. The clients were owner-builders with their own joinery workshop around the corner in Marrickville at Gelato Messina HQ; they built the wavy counter and all the joinery and project-managed the build with their trades.

The materials and form tie to the original 70s style of their brand and store; Sans-Arc then added modern details and new ideas they found interesting, while aiming for timeless and enduring. The use of mirror, stainless and aluminium materials is also unique. The designers were conscious that the gelato churning area would clash/compete with any warmth added into the space. The shiny/metal surfaces throughout the project soften the equipment into the fit-out, making the space feel cohesive instead of having a distinct visual difference between functional and aesthetic elements.

Images by Jack Fenby via ArchDaily

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