Nottingham-based interior architects and designers Macaulay Sinclair has put their flag firmly in South Coast sand after customers began flocking to one of the UK's most exciting new bar and restaurants - Urban Reef at Boscombe Bay, Dorset.
Opened to the public on Thursday May 15th, Lead Designer John Macaulay has successfully blended a destination restaurant, decked external terrace, bar, cafe and deli outlet to deliver a vibrant social hub at the home of Europe's first artificial surf reef.
Taking the building's architecture as his starting point, Macaulay has used eye-catching design references and colour palettes from the 1950's including furniture, materials and finishes.
"We looked at, and were influenced, by 1950's transport posters, advertisements and seaside resort branding," explained Macaulay. "As a result, on the ground floor, the colours are energetic and snappy, which also echoes the pace of the offering. The design forms are simple, efficient and functional referencing the simplicity and functionality of post-war furniture. We've also referenced post-war Britain's renewed relationship with the seaside by using beach huts and weatherboarding."
On his operational considerations, Macaulay added: "It made sound commercial sense to design the back of house into the ground floor; we used over 50% of the total area. The oversized bar and kitchen ensures that the 80-seat external decking can be efficiently served during peak summer months. Also, we developed a linear space across the front of the ground floor with excellent physical and visual cues with the deck and beyond via three sets of double glazed doors."
Higher, on the site's first floor Macaulay installed a mezzanine to provide 40 additional covers and a second stairway to improve commercial performance and occupancy. The space has been designed so that every seat can see the English Channel's horizon and art deco style panelling used to create a theatrical effect, using the sea as a natural screen.
The philosophy of exploiting natural resource extends throughout Urban Reef; Macaulay was keen that the building and environment should echo owner Mark Cribb's vision of locally sourced food : "Mark wanted Urban Reef's carbon footprint to be as small as possible so we employed low energy fluorescent or LED lighting throughout while kitchen equipment has been sourced for its low energy consumption credentials. The ethical reasons for using these elements are clear but we also felt it was something Urban Reef's customers would support."
Urban Reef owner Mark Cribb was equally enthusiastic about Macaulay's support. He concluded: "In Macaulay Sinclair, I have been fortunate to work with a company who do more than design. Throughout the build, John repeatedly showed a deep commercial understanding of every element of our business. The result is a product that not only looks spectacular but one that I'm sure is going to draw in customers from far and wide."