The Atomic Beer Project has transformed a derelict mid-century corner brick warehouse with storefront, in Sydney’s inner-city Redfern, into a new and engaging hospitality destination true to its location aesthetic and with a Pan-Asian flair. This is the first microbrewery and taproom on the east coast of Australia for the client, West Australian craft beer specialists, Gage Roads Brewing Co.

Three imperatives were essential to the design. Firstly, to create a state-of-the-art microbrewery accommodating fermentation vessels that can be seen from every aspect and are instantly connected to the taps. To also provide cool room storage plus an open kitchen and share dining environment and lastly, to encapsulate Redfern’s tough street history with the retro tech of Tron in the design aesthetic.

The space comprises two levels – kitchen and main dining area with bathrooms above. The interior boasts exposed brickwork, layered paint, roller door shutters with chains and graffiti elements. Textured window borders and assorted new internal walls were covered with obsidian paint that transitions to a polished epoxy paint sheen and covers the banquettes’, stacked brickwork and defines datum lines. Key furnishings and fixtures include chrome tubular stainless steel. There are tubular cushions bound by belt straps, reminiscent of Thai backrests, as well as upturned milk crates and hawker stools, padded for comfort.

Complying with acoustic and insulation requirements, Koolthern K18 insulated plasterboard has been installed with the foil-backed insulation facing outwards, to replicate the existing roof blanket while the existing timber purlins and steel trusses have been retained.

The colour palette is bold with the raised red Thai diner complementing the bar, a glistening green Pyrolave slab, while illuminated, translucent yellow plastic strips dangle from above.

Furniture: Steelotto, custom designed furniture by YSG, Kvadrat, Rematerialised, Design Nation, Laminex. Lighting: custom lights designed by YSG, Macgyver Models, DMF International, Sphera, Steelotto, Lunatiques, CCSS, Castorina & Co. Finishes: Upright Cement Renders, Promena Projects,  Artedomus, Total Concrete Services, Creative Finish Sydney, Cre8, MTWO Carpentry, Ironbark Flooring. Fittings & Fixtures: Door Furniture Direct, Caroma, Hay, Design Stuff.

Photography: Anson Smart