Luke Nguyen at Pier One

Location

Walsh Bay, 11 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000

Year

2022

Client Brief

Luke Nguyen

Requirements:

Water front location
Minimum one communal dining table
Space to be heavily inspired by Vietnam and its cooking
Vibrant and fresh design
Seating for 65-85 people
Combination of indoor & outdoor dining

Project Description

Luke Nguyen is a world class chef who has 2 ventures in Sydney already – Red Lantern (est. 2002) in Surry Hills and Botanic House (est. 2019) in Sydney’s Royal Botanic House. He is opening a new restaurant in the Pier One Hotel in Walsh Bay. The current space serves as a function room with water views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The client wanted a space that transforms traditional restaurant dining by incorporating at least one communal table.

The vision for the new venture was to create a space that is a community “living room”. In a post-Covid world social interaction is encouraged and sought after more so than before. The client will be harnessing this idea by creating a menu that is authentic and home-grown therefore the restaurant also needed to reflect this. The oversized north facing windows flood the space with all day sun whilst blending the inside with the outside. There are two wicker pendants hanging over each of the communal tables which draw patrons towards these shared dining areas.

The identity of the space is defined by the vibrant lotus flowers, the national flower of Vietnam, hung above the satellite kitchen. This design is sleek and modern and yet welcoming where people can gather to enjoy authentic cuisine packed full of fresh ingredients, together.

Skills Used: Archicad, Photoshop, Hand Drawing

Click to Download: Floor Plans

SITE LOCATION

The Pier One in Sydney is the city’s most historic hotel located in Walsh Bay on the edge of The Rocks; Sydney’s most historic district colonised in 1788. The area is now a must-see stop for visitors (both local and international) to the city, offering markets and culinary experiences.

Figure 5. Aerial View of The Pier One Hotel