Bird On A Wire

This store is the latest in a line of successful nationwide franchises, with the latest store building on previous experiences. The brief for this store centred around creating an inclusive, stylish, friendly, and relaxing environment for diners. The site also presented a unique opportunity, through its open plan mezzanine nature, with continuous balustrading around the perimeter.

Through detailed conversations with the client, the design team settled on the concept of a barnyard. This was inspired by the farming roots and organic nature of the food offer. They also set out to achieve a playful and authentic theme, that feels warm with rustic charm. There are further nods to sustainability and variety through material and colour selection. This is best embodied through the architectural forms of the kitchen and servery structure, incorporating sawtooth framing with grooved plywood lining inserts. These forms and linings are layered within an exposed steel truss framework that acts as an exoskeleton for the kitchen and service areas. The architectural formwork is also a response to its surroundings, with the features referencing the exposed structural nature of the base build environment.

The structural layering of the servery and kitchen is finished with half-round clay pipes, forming the servery counter cladding. These pipes have been hand-painted in Resene Pirate Gold, which ties neatly into the brand colours, creating a unique feature whose vibrant colouring helps to demarcate the service area. This also adds a playful aspect to the design Resene Pirate Gold enhances the rounded pipes while still retaining the rawness of the pipe itself. Recessed LED strip lighting underneath the Meranti plywood countertop creates a continuous luminescent glow, washing over the pipes culminating in an excellent downlighting effect.

The servery counter cladding is complemented by the overhead gantry joinery, supporting menu boards in the servery and shelving for ingredients in the kitchen. These overhead gantries are painted in Resene Rivergum. The matt finish of the Resene Rivergum was also hand-painted on-site with light brushstrokes. This application has created a rich texture and gives the steelwork an authentic aged feel.

The hierarchy of colours and materials are accented by custom neon light features and colour coded furniture. The barstools and low chairs are upholstered in paired colours that speak to the vibrant colour of the servery counter.

The banquette seating stained with Resene Woodsman Grey Green, was another opportunity to keep to the concept of barnyard while also adding a visual to the timber rich environment. This also worked in conjunction with the only stress graded timber available being tinted green due to the treatment process.

The Bird On A Wire Commercial Bay store has been the evolution of the existing concept and strategies. This new environment successfully combines the personality of the brand with materials and colours that create a harmonious feel.

Architectural specifier: AND Ltd
Building contractor: Datum Projects
Client: Bird on a Wire Franchising Ltd
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2020