Via Porta

Studio Esteta’s client brief sought to rejuvenate the existing three-storey commercial property located in Mont Albert to provide the local community with a unique and dynamic Eatery & Deli – Via Porta.

Studio Esteta’s design response is rich in detail but similarly pared back and refined, exuding a contemporary elegance and sophistication to not deter from the array of vibrant products that line the merchandise shelving.

Drawing inspiration from the linear nature of the site and Italian heritage of the family, the design references the quaint and narrow alleyways of Italy, lined with eateries and food stalls, abundant in culture and activity and layered with texture – the design seeks to evoke a familiar feeling that resonates with Southern Italy.

Important to the success of the project is the dynamic and versatile layout that showcases in equal measure, both the dine-in Eatery and Deli retail offering.

When entering the venue, patrons are welcomed into the dining area featuring an enticing banquette that transitions into merchandise shelving.

The array of products guides the procession towards the monolithic Deli counter.

Lined with textural limestone, the counter accentuates the idea of the ‘Italian alleyway’ and provides a neutral backdrop to the array of cold meats it showcases.

To complement the flexible offering, the upstairs dining room caters for a variety of settings; general dining, private dining and conferences. The Juliette balcony articulates a beautiful romanticism whilst providing a connection to the activity of the venue.

The palette is intentionally minimal but textural adopting honest finishes and traditional methods inspired by Southern Italy.

The crazy paving flooring, created from earthy toned offcuts destined for landfill, is the hero of the design for its beautifully imperfect nature and tactile quality. Originating from ancient Rome and found in abundance in Italy, it was a non-negotiable design statement for Via Porta.

After two years in the making, Via Porta is a testament to the hard work, patience, and dedication of a strong project team.

Project Details

Completion date – 2019
Building levels – 3

Project Team

Architecture and Interior Design

Studio Esteta

Founded in 2015 by directors Sarah Cosentino and Felicity Slattery, Studio Esteta embraces the understanding that beauty – often raw and unpredictable – has many facets.

Often these can be found in the many subtle, bespoke details that elevate a design, set it apart and work in harmony to evoke a sense of surprise and delight.

Studio Esteta strives to always approach the built form, materials and project briefs with a worldly outlook, eschewing trends in favour of a more considered, directional and wholly tailored approach leading to contemporary designs of a refined and timeless nature.

Based in Melbourne, Studio Esteta specialises in a range of sectors and scales and is dedicated to creating responsive and holistic design solutions that reflect the unique personalities, commercial objectives and site-specific needs of the individuals and brands they work alongside.

www.studioesteta.com.au

Construction

Adept Construction

Since its incorporation in October 2001, Adept has produced high quality outcomes in projects ranging from restaurant fitouts, shop fitouts, shopping centre refurbishments, multi-townhouse developments, architect-designed homes and low-rise commercial projects.

www.adeptconstruction.com.au

Photography

Sean Fennessy

Sean Fennessy is an Australian photographer based in Melbourne, but with strong ties to his home state of Tasmania. His fresh, minimal style and unique sense of observation has seen his work published internationally.

Some of Sean’s clients include Acne Studios, Belle Magazine, Beyond By Lexus, British Airways, Christies, Monocle, National Gallery of Victoria, QANTAS, Travel + Leisure, Virgin Australia, Vogue Living, and Winkreative.

www.seanfennessy.com.au