AP Design House creates "relaxed, lived-in" taverna in Sydney

Australian firm AP Design House has completed a Greek restaurant in Sydney defined by stainless steel, concrete and mid-century seating.

The 100-seat restaurant, called Homer Rogue Taverna, is located in the Sydney suburb of Woolooware within a newly constructed building, which gave AP Design House fairly unlimited design freedom for the interior.

Dining area with mid-century seating and blockwork walls — Stainless steel panelling is used throughout the space

The local studio looked to Greek taverna culture to inform the design, which aims to emphasise the communal sharing of wine and food.

"The spatial layout is designed for casual dining, encouraging a lively atmosphere with tight arrangements and an open bar and kitchen," architect and AP Design House founder Alex Ponting told Dezeen.

Restaurant kitchen with white brick pizza oven — A traditional brick pizza oven is found in the kitchen

Another traditional aspect of the interior is the white-brick pizza oven in the kitchen, which contrasts with its stainless steel surround.

Stainless steel is used in abundance throughout the interior, its industrial aesthetic bolstered by raw blockwork walls and exposed concrete.

These materials manifest further in the open bar that sits against one wall of the dining space and the large custom-made wine fridge nearby.

"The injection of steel brings a contemporary edge to the idea of a traditional taverna," Ponting continued.

Diners are seated on an eclectic mix of mid-century chairs – including Marcel Breuer's cantilever Cesca chairs, Harry Bertoia's wire Diamond chairs, and Arne Jacobsen's Butterfly chairs – alongside wooden stools.

Vintage lighting fixtures, including pendant and wall lamps, are hung throughout the space in a bid to create further warmth and visual interest.

"The materials and furnishings support the notion of a traditional Athenian taverna in that they will wear in with use and age," Ponting said. "However, their sleek attributes push a boundary, giving the space an effortless cool."

The space is shaded from the strong Australian sun by blinds and sheer curtains.

"We sought a relaxed, lived-in feeling using natural, durable materials that reflect a connection to the Greek landscape: concrete, granite, terrazzo and wood," she continued.

"Being so close to the beach in a relaxed Sydney suburb, Homer Rogue Taverna feels perfectly at home in its Australian location – the design is intentionally open to interpretation, welcoming diners barefoot from the seaside or dressed up for a leisurely long lunch."