Victoria’s award-winning restaurant designs revealed for 2018

For those whose don’t know, a jackalope is a mythical hybrid of a jackrabbit and antelope which was somehow brought to “life” by Wyoming taxidermists who would bung on some antlers onto a stuffed hare’s head and throw it on a wall and then shroud with legend of its ferocity. Think along the lines of the equally ferocious and mythical Australian ‘drop bear’. We’ll let the submission outline work its wonder now, but don’t expect any explanation as to why a Mornington Peninsula hotel is named after a mashed up rabbit-deer or how “its friendly yet ferocious associations, informs an overall attitude of dramatic contrasts as well as a multitude of intriguing references.” Ten points if you can, though. Mwah. That said, Jackalope is beautiful, truly inspired and also shortlisted in the Interior Architecture category.

Inspired by the cinematic visions of Stanley Kubrick and fuelled by a desire to merge his love of film with his family hotel legacy, Jackalope’s founder, Louis Li’s, vision was to create a unique escape – a surreal hotel set amongst a bucolic landscape.

The fabled North American Jackalope was the inspiration behind the hotel’s namesake. This “fearsome critter,” with its friendly yet ferocious associations, informs an overall attitude of dramatic contrasts as well as a multitude of intriguing references.

Jackalope seeks to achieve a level of sophistication and refinement – unexpected considering it responds so explicitly to regional qualities – celebrating its locale through an expression of an intelligent and highly considered architectural narrative.

Drawing from mythological and alchemic themes, the response is a curation of a decadent almost hedonistic hotel experience, defined by elemental and evocative materials and an architectural vernacular celebrating the regional qualities of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Jackalope is a finely-crafted hotel project combining a rich mix of architecture, landscape, art and interiors in a unique environment within the rural Mornington Peninsula landscape.
Sitting atop the ridge, the existing brick winery buildings have been well used to create a delightful entry court. Visitors pass through the innovatively re-purposed historic cottage to the sumptuous new hotel beyond. Clear and elegant planning provides a coherent collection of spaces which are enveloped in a series of striking dark agriculturally inspired structures with refined detailing throughout. The interior is inwardly focused, an exotic and sensory realm punctuated by artwork and vistas at every turn. Passing from the inner realm to the suites, visitors are reconnected with the outer natural landscape through bold and simple balcony spaces framing idyllic views across the vineyards.
Jackalope is an experiential delight. The elegantly resolved design deftly combines diverse architectural elements in a luxuriant and theatrical ensemble.

Nothing says elite like dining on duck-and-truffle consommé, sipping a latte, and politely poking at a salmon-and-truffle roulade engineered by ST ALi while floating around in an S-Class Merc dream. Nothing, we say. Mercedes-Benz knows how to next-level.

Mercedes Me Melbourne is one of seven concept stores globally. Situated on the ground level of the Rialto, on the corner of Collins and King Streets, the site occupies a highly prominent position in an area of the city currently undergoing extensive regeneration. Part of an extensive Rialto redevelopment, the design captures this shift and provides a focal point for the surrounding precinct.

The design premise was to evoke a connection with the language, care and finesse associated with the design of Mercedes-Benz cars while also capturing a distinctly Melbourne flavour.

Drawing on a palette of leather, limestone, polished concrete, timber and steel framework, the design embraces versatility on multiple levels, creating a series of compelling spatial sequences that vary in volume and character and transition seamlessly from daytime cafe and meeting place to evening event space for opening parties, launches and black tie functions.

Mercedes Me is an exceptionally well-executed and carefully-considered fit-out of a hospitality space that effortlessly moves between café, bar and multi-purpose events space. The craftmanship and architectural detailing references the client’s early manufacturing of cars which is clearly experienced throughout the interior. Materiality is rich, durable and practical while still supporting the ‘theatre’ of the space. Clever incorporation of a ‘garage’ within the café to showcase a vehicle meets the client’s brief whilst adding another unexpected layer to the spatial experience.

Mercedes Me is an exemplary example of a hospitality fit-out which successfully supports multiple modes of occupation. Layering of diverse spaces service a wide range of users. Every space within the interior is meticulously designed and executed to functionally support flexibility. Careful integration of audio-visual equipment, lighting and a large-scale curtain demonstrate a successful strategy to seamlessly transform Mercedes Me from daylight to after dark.

Interior Architecture