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Bulter’s owners have a background in Melbourne hospitality and they know their stuff, the brief to create a relaxed space for locals to enjoy was an easy choice and seemed to naturally take on a Melbourne/Japanese vibe.

The clients are also aware that for an intimate izakaya style venue, charming staff are a vital element. The plan therefore works to surprise the guests by deformalizing the standard interactions between staff and customer.

A perforated ply lining sits within a raw concrete shell to describe the dining room, an easily approachable bar near the entrance helps to make a welcoming and intimate arrival. Moving through the space, diners are required to squeeze past a kitchenette, challenging the standard “back of house” notion.

Seating follows the curve of the table around to the back bar. Guests on this side are in the unusual position of sitting next to the barman while looking across the dining space towards the chef. Spacing between guests is cosy, enough to be comfortable but close enough to encourage casual conversations between groups.

The transparency of the ply sheeting was tweaked to create glimpses within but still allow enough privacy to allow guests to let their guard down (and even misbehave!)

Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones

Hogg & Lamb
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About the
Professional

Hogg and Lamb is an architectural design practice based in Brisbane and Byron Bay, with experience in award winning residential & commercial projects.

The studio combines the energy and enthusiasm of a new firm, with decades of experience designing and delivering high end residential & boutique interior projects.

Hogg and Lamb was established in 2016 by good friends and colleagues, Michael Hogg and Greg Lamb.

Michael spent more than 15 years at the renowned architecture firm Donovan Hill where he was involved in over 60 residential projects including the internationally published C House. He was Project Architect for the Robin Boyd awarded D House and numerous other published and awarded residential projects.

He has significant experience in the conceptual, schematic and design development phases of projects of varying scales from residential projects through to large commercial and public buildings.

Prior to establishing Hogg and Lamb Greg had worked at several firms in Australia and the UK. Over 25 years of experience has led to a knowledge base across a broad range of projects including; restaurants and bars, office fit-outs, hotels, health clubs and residential work.

A particular interest in human cognition and perception, combined with an expertise in the design of the custom fixtures, furniture and graphic design result in a total user experience which characterise Greg’s approach to the design environment.

Both Michael and Greg have been working in the industry since the early 1990’s and have a back catalogue featuring hundreds of projects in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Together Michael and Greg provide a high level of service to create unique buildings for discerning clients.

Nominated Architect NSW: Michael Hogg 11220
Nominated Architect QLD: Michael Hogg 3398