techne's chinese restaurant in melbourne retains industrial character

techne’s chinese restaurant in melbourne retains industrial character
images courtesy of techne / photography by brooke holm

hidden and out of sight down a lane in melbourne, locally-based australia firm techne has completed the refurbishment of lee ho fook restaurant. the chinese eatery is known for its focus on reinventing old world flavors of the orient with fresh modern techniques and presentation. the site itself is a two-storey 200 sqm brick warehouse dating back to the 1900’s. ‘ornament and decoration have been refined into a more minimal approach’, explains senior designer jonny mitchell. ‘the intention was to embrace the existing character of the building and contrast this with contemporary, minimal objects inserted into the space.’ by retaining its historic and industrial character, techne has inserted contemporary surfaces and objects into the space- cultivating an understated interior with asian influences.

the dark and moody interiors is a different direction to normal chinese restaurants

the use of brass on the details seen on the joinery and lighting throughout is a nod to the significance of gold in chinese culture- this also adds a contrast against the rawness of the exposed brick walls. the robust features are complemented with the use of cantilevered steel and american oak banquette seating in the main dining area, meanwhile timber and glass partitions zone this challenging tight space, separating diners from the entrance and subtly conjuring visions of traditional chinese room dividers.

linear brass angles have also been used to add depth to vertical surfaces of key joinery pieces

ornament and decoration have been refined into a more minimal approach

the main dining area

exposed brick of the industrial building has been kept

stairs leading up to the main dining area

the concealed entrance of the lee ho fook restaurant, melbourne