The site, just up the road from (and replacing) one of the first Gelato Messina stores, is narrow, with just enough space to fit a small rear counter and circulation on either side of the gelato freezer.

Our idea was to use some elements from diners and classic gelato bars; timber panelling and a checkered floor but add some modern details, with a robust and timeless finish. Interested in the recyclability and availability of aluminium products, we added aluminium detailing to the warm timber cladding and contrasted it with the more practical stainless elements.

We used responsibly sourced timber veneer and high-quality tiling throughout, with reusable and recyclable materials such as aluminium and stainless to tie everything together. The clients were owner-builders, with their own joinery workshop around the corner in Marrickville at Gelato Messina HQ, they built the wavy counter and all the joinery and project-managed the build with their trades.

‍