A subtle seaside flavour for PizzaExpress st ives
Using maritime references ranging from the rib frames of Cornish luggers to sailboat deck cladding, Absolute has completed the interior of the new PizzaExpress in St Ives. Located on the harborside of the quintessentially West Cornish fishing town and with views extending across St Ives bay, the new venue has been designed to pay subtle homage to the community's history as both a port and arts colony in a unique contemporary way. Threads of detail including vintage speedboat-style upholstery and ceiling murals combine with a colour palette that sets blocks of primary colour against neutral coastal whites and blues, creating an airy, welcoming and intriguing space for guests to enjoy time and time again.
Throughout the restaurant, the Absolute designers were keen to add elements that would draw upon the visitor's knowledge of the town and its history. Pendant lighting, evocative of the works of celebrated sculptress and former St Ives resident Barbara Hepworth, hang overhead, while the ceiling murals include references to a pulley system which existed here decades ago when the building was used as a general store. Locally-produced concrete tiles add to the overall effect, with sculptural forms fittingly providing many of the finishing touches and ornamentation.
"We needed to create a contemporary harborside space that wouldn't be crudely overt in its treatment of the key themes and would also engage repeat business," says Absolute's Creative Director and founder Helen Blake. "As with our other projects for PizzaExpress we needed to get under the skin of the local area and draw on its existing styles and assets. St Ives, as a celebrated arts hub and historic fishing port, obviously had plenty to offer, but we needed to execute it in a refined way that would make people stop and think. By alluding to some of the aspects of the community and history in a slightly esoteric way we have created an interior in which people can draw something new from each time they visit. At first glance some of the design elements are more apparent than others so this really is a restaurant in which there is more than meets the eye. Obviously we were delighted to be working with PizzaExpress again and we're extremely proud of the results."
The completion of PizzaExpress St Ives marks Absolute's fourth project for the national chain. Absolute has also created interiors for the PizzaExpress restaurants in Bath, Truro and Cardiff.
|
