Chandon Homestead
“Hosting with Heart” served as the guiding motto in the homestead redesign for sparkling winemaker Chandon. Layered design elements are incorporated into the interior of this historic building to create a celebration of history, terroir, craftsmanship and storytelling.
Located on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, the cool-climate and diverse terroir of the Yarra Valley provides fertile ground for the Australian vineyard for global sparkling wine maker, Chandon. Our vision for their homestead embraced site context by drawing inspiration from the layered surrounding landscape, tones and textures. We reimagined the interior of the former 1880’s Green Point homestead, focusing on three key spaces offering different experiences; the entry reception and retail space, the Green Point Lounge for larger group events and the Vintage Room for intimate tastings and corporate events. Our material strategy consistently featured raw textures and warm earthy tones reflecting the sandy, clay and red volcanic soil of the area, contrasted with reflective and sleek finishes that mirror the refined nature of the brand’s winemaking and curated experiences. Part of the brand’s intent for the homestead experience was to feature the work of local artists and makers throughout. We facilitated these collaborations by engaging makers whose medium or subject matter relate to the Chandon Australia ethos. From Emma Shepherd’s custom handwoven wall hanging depicting the local Yarra River, to Kristin Burgham’s plaster casts of Chandon sparkling bottles, the presence of art is part of the storytelling experience.
Our role as interior designers transcended to being collaborative curators of space, layering our custom designed joinery, finishes and lighting with objects and art referencing local environment and brand history and craft. We worked closely with the client and artisans represented by Craft Victoria, Pepite, and MrKitly. Furniture makers Lana Laurary, Rachael Donath, Ellia Trich, Fomu, Barbera, Jordan Flemming, Snelling, Forjliving, Cocoflip, Grazia&Co, Maas, John Bastiras, Daniel Bodham, and BMDO, plus weavers Emma Shepherd and Jacquie Lazzarotto collectively contribute to this multifaceted space.
This collaborative nature demonstrates how contemporary interior design can create meaningful spaces made up of highly considered design drawn from a wealth of local skills and knowledge. Artists include Kate Tucker, Korynn Morrison and Indivi Sutton. Ceramicists Lauren Joffe, Emily Ellis, Georgina Proud, Tessy King, Alison Frith, Minhi Park, RL Foote, Terunobu Hirata & Ella Reweti. Suzie Stanford door accessory and Anna Varendorff Table centre pieces. Glassware by Amanda Dziedzic. Planters from Antaeus Flowers.
The design innovation lies in the layering and hierarchy of spatial program and atmosphere. As Chandon aspired for their visitors to feel at home in this space, we implemented the program requirements within a warm residential atmosphere that permeates the hospitality and corporate events that bring visitors to the homestead. This was achieved by creating a base of warm and tactile materials overlaid with décor, soft furnishings, art, indoor plants, ambient light and diffused scent. In this process we found a key way to create generosity, comfort and memorable experience into interior space is to cross reference pragmatics with symbolism of familiarity. Intersecting program and ambience was also evident in our custom designed servery in the Green Point Lounge, featuring pivoting mirrored screens to dynamically incorporate moments of food and beverage preparation into the lounge event experience.
Testimonial – Susan Caudry – Estate Director
Very rarely have I seen something shift from concept to design to final implementation so true to its original vision.
Personally I feel extremely proud to have this space at Chandon Australia. Perhaps even more so was the awesome collaboration – ambitious – respectful – driven.
