A Refined Take on Surf Culture

On the shore of Australia’s first surf park in Tullamarine, Three Blue Ducks’ latest restaurant was designed by Pattern Studio to be a contemporary, warm and tactile take on surf culture. Here, studio co-director Lily Goodwin shares more about Pattern’s approach to the project

Design Anthology: How did you first meet the client?

Lily Goodwin: We’ve been fans of Three Blue Ducks since the first restaurant opened in Bronte back in 2010. Their ethos is one we really admire — it celebrates delicious food that is produced ethically and used responsibly. We got to know the founders personally in 2018 and first worked with them on Locura, their bar in Byron Bay.

What was their brief to you for the project?

This restaurant project is somewhat unusual due to its location. It’s situated at the edge of a man-made lagoon at URBNSURF surf park in Tullamarine. Usually the F&B offerings at these kinds of commercial recreational facilities are somewhat unremarkable, so our challenge was to create something that has much more character and atmosphere. The clients wanted the space to feel welcoming and relaxed, something that suited their laid-back and fun service style. It also needed to be interesting enough to attract the general public to Tullamarine, away from the CBD, as Melbourne’s restaurant scene is excellent and highly competitive.

What’s the overall size of the space?

The restaurant is approximately 1,200-square metres, including an indoor mezzanine area and plenty of al fresco seating overlooking the water.

How did you approach the project — what design references or narrative did you try to incorporate into the space?

The restaurant is housed in a fairly industrial building. We wanted to the space to feel inviting and comfortable, so we introduced natural, textural finishes wherever possible. We drew inspiration from surf towns around the world, but we were careful not to introduce any literal or kitsch references to surf culture. The furnishings include classic shapes and forms, as well as vintage Moroccan rugs and cushions that bring colour and texture into the space. We sourced decorative elements like lamps and ceramic vessels from vintage stores to bring a hint of retro cool.

Please tell us a little about the material choices for the space. 

We selected materials that will wear well over time and are able to withstand a high volume of customers. Our intention is for this venue to look and feel as good in 10 years as it does today.

The relatively pared back materials palette includes Shou Sugi Ban charred timber, Australian blackbutt, timber furniture and aniline leather, and we also used galvanised aluminium detailing, concrete, steel and grey brick to reference the structure’s industrial character. 

Images / Traianos Pakioufakis