Serving up casual mediterranean cuisine to Auckland’s fashionable elite, the Verandah Restaurant at Cable Bay Vineyards is an award winning contemporary design exuding an atmosphere of chic, understated elegance.

Renowned for the breathtaking views offered by its idyllic Waiheke Island location, the Vineyard is recognised to a far lesser extent for its commitment to the natural environment and stewardship of the land; and yet, this ubiquitous philosophy is at the very heart of Cable Bay Vineyards’ ethos.

Reflecting on this affinity with nature, we took inspiration from these core values using them as a basis around which to model our initial design framework.  This approach informed our selection of key materials, enabling us to intrinsically weave this fundamental essence of the brand seamlessly through our design of the multiple entertainment venues and public areas comprising the project scope.

Cork, with its historical connection to the wine industry and sustainable natural qualities, was selected purposefully as a key material central to our design concept. Ever cognisant of its enduring bad PR , which thanks in no small part is due to prolific overuse and questionable design aesthetics of 70’s era cork interiors. Cork is a material requiring any client to put a high level of trust in their Interior designer, as much skill, design consideration, and sensitivity in combining the palate of materials is needed. As highly experienced designers with a natural affinity for materials, we rose to the challenge, to ensure sophisticated interiors were realized

In creating our vision for Cable Bay Vineyards, we re-imagined this key element using it in a variety of manners and forms throughout the project in its entirety. In some areas it was layered through the design to bold and striking effect, while in other areas its use subtle and restrained, and on occasion imperceptible even - as is the case in The Verandah Restaurant. Here, cork going largely unnoticed ,is used to great effect hidden under the huge expanse of flooring specifically selected for its integral cork backing, thus adding to the underfoot feeling of comfort, and enhancing the overall ambiance of the restaurant through its acoustic sound dampening properties.

Finalist, Best Awards 2022