Pipit is a fine dining restaurant in northern NSW where the motivations and inspirations of the food formed the inspiration for interior design, and is the brainchild of celebrated chef Ben Devlin. Hyper-regional cuisine calls for design that recognises this core element. Whitewood understood this and has created a solid foundation to show what Pipit is all about, where the food is front and centre.

 

The interior design is a fusion of the abundant coast and the rich hinterland. Materiality played an integral role in setting the atmosphere for the restaurant, while simultaneously communicating the ethos of Pipit and its food. The palette is natural with touches of carefully chosen colour to punch it up. Behind the bar is a rich teal glazed tile, reminiscent of the ocean, while the front of the bar features an earthy terracotta tile, a nod to the rich red soil the region is known for. The walls are thickly-hewn in a sandy-hued concrete render, bringing in a new texture to add depth to the space.

 

Just as the food is full of depth and flavour, the material palette has been crafted, layer upon layer, to create a richly textured space. In line with the local focus of Pipit’s cuisine, where possible local makers have been brought in, including bespoke cabinetry by The Blackwood Collective, a Brisbane-based business. While the hand-blown glass feature pendants are from local designers Søktas.

 

Getting the right ambience in a fine dining restaurant is critical. To ensure the echo of the polished concrete floors didn’t acoustically overpower the whole space, whitewood designed a plywood baffled ceiling with a blade detail to absorb the excess chatter and capture sound.

 

In terms of space planning, a challenge that whitewood overcame is in the efficiency of a tight seating area. Pipit’s cooking techniques require specialist charcoal grills which took up a large portion of the floor print, so it was essential that the limited left over space brought an elevated dining experience even in a small space. The space has been set up in line with how the food is served, for couples and groups of no more than four, as such bar seating encourages a more intimate setting for this to unfold.

 

Pipit is a true realisation of its locality, from the sea to the hinterland it brings together artisanal flavours and finishes for an unforgettable dining experience.