Bar Lettera

Architecture Hospitality North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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1. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_01

Dining area

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2. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_02

Corridor

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3. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_03

Bar

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4. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_04

Entrance

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5. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_05

Dining area

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6. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_06

Dining area

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7. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_07

Corridor

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8. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_08

Kitchen

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9. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_09

Thoroughfare

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10. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_10

Dining area

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11. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_11

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12. Bar Lettera_Jordan Design Studio_Floor Plan

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Description

Director at Jordan Design Studio, Sophie Jordan, has curated a space which celebrates the relationship between fine art and fine food, paying homage to Australian landscapes and local artistic heritage. The muse for Bar Lettera was the first female sculpturist in Australia, who also lived locally in North Sydney.

“Theodora Cowan’s artistic soul underpinned our approach to Bar Lettera, which feels like a modern-day artist’s apartment,” said Sophie. “The rounded forms of ceramic sculptures are juxtaposed with strong marbles and raw Australian hardwoods across the dining room and bar. Hard and structured stone surfaces at ground level become softer as the eye rises to give the space a lighter feel. The punchy colour palette also takes a lot of references from Australian landscapes.”

“We use pendants within the canopy to throw a welcoming warm glow in tandem with inviting table lamps. Intricate lighting fixtures illuminate the travertine stone bar to infuse a sense of warmth, inviting guests to linger and savor every moment.”

Accessed from level 5 of Citadines Walker North Sydney, Bar Lettera will feature an all day offering that caters to locals and visitors alike, from business lunches to special occasions.

‘Project description’ words credit: Andrew Stewart, Alpha Consult

Questions and Answers

What was the brief?

The project brief was to design a restaurant and bar on the fifth floor of a hotel, aiming to attract both the general public and hotel guests. The client sought a captivating, elevated design that would draw customers without relying on a traditional shopfront. The venue needed to transition seamlessly from day to night, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that respects the local history, architecture, and surroundings.

What were the key challenges?

The building's architecture is impressive but tends towards a corporate aesthetic, with extensive glazing enveloping most walls. Combined with the double-height dining area further posed a significant design challenge, as we needed to infuse the space with intimacy and warmth. Additionally, as the venue is situated on the fifth floor we needed to create a distinctive design to set it apart.

What were the Design Results?

Our muse for Bar Lettera was local resident Theodora Cowan, Australia's first female sculptor, whose artistic soul guided our approach, creating a modern artist’s apartment feel. Rounded ceramic forms contrast with strong marbles and Australian timbers. Hard, structured stone surfaces at ground level soften as they rise, giving the space a lighter feel. The punchy colour palette is influenced by Australian landscapes.

Details

Project size 240 m2
Completion date 2024
Building levels 1

Project team

Building Guild Builder
Fellow Hospitality Hospitality Consultant
SUPERHAUS Branding
Construction Assignments Project Manager
The Ascott Limited, Australia Client