PROJECTS

Sugar Mill

DETAILS

Arch / Design:		David Hicks (web)
Project Manager:		Keystone Hospitality Group (web)
Type:		Bar
Year:		2009
Location:		Sydney
Photographer:		Shannon McGrath (web)

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PROJECTS BY ARCHITECT DAVID HICKS

PROJECTS BY PROJECT MANAGER KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY GROUP

PROJECTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANNON MCGRATH

Once the domain of grand homes and stylish Victorian-style terraces in the 1800s, the Cross became the city's main stage for sex, drugs and entertainment following the arrival of American sailors during Second World War. There is also an invasion of Bohemian subculture of writers, artists, actors and musicians (which sprung up during the 1920s) and modern King Cross crystallised. Sugar Mill - a new entertainment venue is created by David Hicks aims to be a major infuser of that change while retaining the remnants of the past.

The theme of the Sugar Mill is quirky, relaxed, tactile and earthy. Mixing these concepts and injecting new, fresh ideas has resulted in an exciting, warm and tailored design.The brief from the client is to source, design and scout furniture that are unique. A majority of the furniture has been specifically designed for both comfort and empathy with the local street scene while taking cues from yesteryear.Hicks' challenge of the project also involoves the coordination and implementation of building services into the existing structure.

A gold deco-inspired zig-zag bar creates the stage for the overhead 14 meters of antique and vintage glass light fixtures. This mix of treasures glow in the pinkness of the Venetian Stucco space and become a focal point when contrasted with the blass gloss bottle display shelving behind. Within the ode to the Ming dynasty sit two large antique Chinese dragons made from solid bronze. The custom made carpet, a retro pattern in geisha red and samural black, totally contrasts with the eclectic interior providing yet another visual feast feature oriental wall screens lined in bamboo and shimmering gold detail are illuminated around the perimeter of the space indicate a contextual contradictions. Gold leafing by Pedro Friedeberg, red Asian wrought iron lace work lanterns, black gloss bamboo chairs with gold leather seats, a gold hand shaped chair and a immensive leopard print snake shaped banquette - a collision of nostalgia, kitsch, frivolity and superfluous. Vintage pieces have been sourced from all over the USA to emphasis the authenticity of the space. Famous pieces of furniture have been secured to add to the time wrap, while unknown classic pieces provide an intriguing layer. A vast combination of fabrics have been used to counteracts the enormity and provoke ridicule at the same time. The mirror tiled bar reflects the madness and creates the level of glam. Three dimensioned flower wall sconces line the back timber wall creating an entry to the powder rooms. Green leaf pattern curtains line the space giving way to views over the Cross and the old trees lining Darlinghurst Road.