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THE SHIPPING NEWS A new Wellington bar and eatery takes inspiration from the maritime origins of its heritage building. INTERVIEW / Jeremy Hansen PHOTOGRAPHY / Russell Kleyn
36 / HOME NEW ZEALAND
HOME What did the owners of Charley Noble ask you to design? CHARLIE NOTT, ARCHITECT Something that was respectful. They loved the work we did at Depot in Auckland and wanted something that was respectful of the original building, the restored Merchant Shipping Line headquarters. We had absolute freedom – they were totally open to our ideas. We wanted to make a restaurant which looked like it had been there forever, with an open kitchen, distempered floors and a natural, raw ceiling. It’s a timeless fitout that could be 1930 or 2014.
Did the refurbished building give you much to work with? The building dates from the 1930s so we combined that influence with the thread of that nautical vein running through it. There’s an honesty and an integrity to the building so we feel comfortable in those spaces – they’re not pretentious or fancy or frilly. There’s a kind of rawness to them, as well as lovely steel windows and a high stud.
We inserted elements which soften it a bit, like the over-height booths. We raised the dining area away from the bar area, so you get that view through. How do you like it now? I’ve been there once for lunch and loved it. The open-plan kitchen gives you that real theatre. You’ve done Al Brown’s The Depot, Federal Delicatessen, and Best Ugly Bagels, as well as Napier’s Mister D. How’d you end up doing so many food projects? We seem to be falling into it – they are all really nice projects. And I think I’m a very good end user. Charley Noble G round floor, Huddart Parker Building 1 Post Office Square, Wellington 0508 242 753 charleynoble.co.nz Nott Architects nott.co.nz