The latest example of this skill is a cafe which recently opened its doors in Melbourne. The Hungry Fox (by LaManna) at Autocentro at Essendon Fields has been designed using natural materials from around the world and has a mouth-watering global menu that combine to provide a uniquely uplifting Australian experience.
The cafe is the first project in Australia to use thermally-modified American tulipwood in exterior cladding. Selected for its rich colour and uniform texture, American tulipwood provided not only the aesthetic impact sought by Bruce Henderson Architects, but also the stability. The thermal modification process heats the tulipwood to almost the point of combustion. This changes the molecular structure of the timber and results in a material that is durable for outdoor use. It requires minimal attention once outside which makes it a perfect choice for a project such as this.
Interior Architect, Lukas Partners, took on the challenge of creating a contemporary, warm and inviting interior for the cafe. Aware of biophilic design principles and their emotional impact, the mood it looked to capture was one of earthy Australian fauna. Its focus was on natural materials, inspired by gum nut and eucalyptus tones. The vaulted ceiling, taking its lead from the exterior design, is also an expanse of thermally-modified American tulipwood. This richness is offset by a stone counter. A velvet-finished granite with a steel edge adds impact at front of house and counterbalances the exposed concrete floor.
Chunky American ash tables, created by local high-end manufacturer Charles Sandford, are accompanied by chairs created from the same timber with perforated leather seating and wool which has retained its natural colour variation. This perforation forms a motif throughout the space, the screens in the waiting area and the laser-cut American walnut veneer panels that mask an acoustic board with style, making the cafe the perfect venue to meet for relaxed conversation. The look is completed with vast drum pendants created to Lukas Partners’ design by local bespoke lighting specialist Bad Wolf.
The playground adjacent to the cafe has been created by Adventure+. Australian white cypress thoughtfully treated with a tint to match the American tulipwood cladding means that the Hungry Fox is a magnet for families in addition to local professionals and shoppers from the nearby LaManna supermarket.
It’s a healthy habitat in every way for all who visit.