Drawing the best from nature has always been engrained in the ethos of the New Zealand men's clothing brand Rodd & Gunn.
Utilising the finest materials available and with a close eye on detail, the award winning designers Pennant and Triumph and shoplifters Gartshore, embraced these key values in the execution & design of the company’s first hospitality venture, The Lodge Bar, on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.
The design draws it's inspiration from a southern NZ lodge re-imagined and reinterpreted for modern times. The space is intimate but carefully proportioned to maximize the room available - the project incorporates a small entry lobby, several seating areas, kitchen, bathrooms and a generous bar. This all shelters under a pitched charcoal ceiling with contrasting solid oak rafters.
The bar itself, being a focal point, is particularly impressive - made from blackened steel, oak & brass it provides the perfect backdrop for the bespoke brass and sheepskin bar stools that line it’s length.
American White Oak floorboards were laid throughout the bar with contrast chevron patterned blue-stone used for the entry lobby and bathrooms. The chevron pattern repeats throughout the design from the eye-catching wood feature wall behind the bar through to subtle details found in the soft furnishings.
Floor to ceiling steel & glass doors run the full length of the bar that faces lakeside and onto one of the best vistas in the world.
Pressed steel is also used to clad another key focal point - the Lodge bar's fireplace - standing in harmonious contrast to the warmth of the oak boards that line the walls either side.
Turning to the interior the bar features the artworks of several NZ artists that stand out against the white board and battan walls. Carefully selected antique furnishing from the 1907 French farmhouse communal table through to the marble and brass bespoke side tables have been sourced or designed to fit perfectly within the space.
The designers have delivered a design that truly reflects the spirit of the brand's passion to deliver an authentic and all encompassing experience bringing together outstanding food, wine, design and interiors all in a magnificent location deep in New Zealand's Southern Alps, making it a deserving winner of the Brand Experience and Visual Merchandising and Styling Awards at the 2017 Red Awards.
Judges commentary:
The new bar reflects the timeless style of Rodd and Gunn, providing a unique environment customers will be compelled to return to time and again. A beautifully crafted space, with a series of intimate settings. This design takes detail to another level with the added touch of styling to ensure every element of the desired ambience is reached. Finishes reflect the retail space, but with a point of difference too. A great addition to the retail offerwhen required, but also indpependant. Well designed and laid out for all seasons. And has a distinctive yet fitting presence on the waterfront.
The lighting shows off the handsome ceiling details. Fixtures are arranged to sit within a balanced grid.
Pure luxury and reflective of both the brand and the location. Beautiful textures and finishes and an exquisite fireside experience.
An incredibly elegant execution. There has been excellent attention to detail in delivering the Rodd & Gunn brand through this experience extension. Upmarket, elegant, warm, inviting, cosy, classic. This is an execution which is both modern and timeless.
