Monopole, Sydney
The Brief and the direction of the interior design, which is always the catalyst for our architectural lighting design approach, was that of a warm cozy sophisticated wine bar/ bistro
Monopole, its meaning: “ a simple electric change , a magnetic pole, especially a hypothetical magnetic pole..”
In wine terms: “a single winery, one wine, one vintage, one producer….. a monopoly ..”
And Monopole is certainly all of the above, it is a wine bar eatery restaurant bistro recently opened, yet has become an institution. A gravitational pull with culinary and wine buffs around Australia and beyond. A place for a solo single glass of wine, ohhh - make that a carafe, try a few varieties, hmmm - or simply make that a bottle from the 500 strong list bursting with hidden gems that only few sommeliers, globally, can claim to know. An electrifying experience – a singularity which can only be found here – the perfect blend of dining & drinking, service, atmosphere and comfort and interest of the interior.
The Brief and the direction of the interior design, which is always the catalyst for our architectural lighting design approach, was that of a warm cozy sophisticated wine bar/ bistro. A place where any one, or a group could feel comfortable to venture for that single glass, snack, or full degustation from award winning kitchen to compliment a superbly chosen varietal from the equally awarded wine list.
A place where comfit is paramount. The warmth of a French bistro yielding years of experience that holds its own. A locale, and a destination for many. An atmosphere not too stayed; clean and fresh, dark and intimate. Which an interior with well executed and thoughtful lighting design can create.
Slightly raised above the bustling MacLeay St of Potts Point, Monopole is a calmly bustling entity in itself. A 3 quarter height metal screen separates the clientele from the street; its perforations allowing engagement from afar.
Interest within the interior abounds, light and shade articulate the geometric forms of the bespoke acoustic paneling sculpture which hovers across on the ceiling. A suspended circular metal hanger is flanked with long strips of more acoustic paneling, spot lights within create shafts of light against the textured panels; this decorative element establishes a threshold between entrance and dining areas.
Glorious bottles of wine housed in timber boxes line the walls above the banquette and are randomly highlighted by beams of light from the ceiling. The luminaires give great flexibility to an array of displays, as they do behind the bar which doubles as the kitchen area and the displays their expansive range of spirits.
Pendant lights hang from above; an articulated brass at the front, and a hand blown cluster of burgundy coloured glass globes, bunched together like grapes; adding glowing forms and sparkle overhead.
Behind the leather banquettes a warm glow of LED strip softly illuminating the front of upright bottles. A mirror behind reflects the bottles and the activity of the venue, and discrete shaded wall lights, are attached to small columns. An ode to Paris Bistros.
With a perfect balance of food, wine, interior and lighting design, its inevitable that such a place certainly has a monopoly over this variety of establishments.
Architect: PGMD
Client: Brent Savage & Nick Hildebrandt
Photographer: Murray Fredericks
Awards (Design): Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards – best Hospitality (PGMD)
Awards (Restaurant): 2017 Wine list of the year and 2 hats
