Renown for their beautiful hospitality venues, designers Bergman & Co were commissioned by the Mount Erica Hotel, Prahran, Victoria, to restore the Hotel as an inviting place for the community to gather.

Over its 160-year history, the Hotel was haphazardly expanded with add-ons and quick fixes, diluting the original charm and purpose of the Hotel. Bergman & Co, led by Wendy Bergman, wanted to restore both of these elements and worked to retain the surviving detailing of the original, Victorian-era front bar.

Timber panelling, cleverly paired with warm tartans and painted timber mouldings, was used in the front bar to create a modern colour palette, making the interior space feel grand, yet casual and familiar.

While retaining the stylistic elements of the front bar, the newer, single story dining area and outdoor bar were transformed into an entirely different zone. With a nod to the mid-century era, the modernisation of this area evolves from traditional profiles and colours into a more eccentric mix.

Bergman & Co have successfully restored the Mount Erica Hotel as a beloved neighbourhood local and retained its mid-century charm with a contemporary, roughly polished edge.

The Specification

Timber mouldings were used to tie in the mid-century heritage feel of the Hotel and balance the eccentric details of the new lively hub. With the use of timber mouldings, layers and depth of pattern was created - connecting the old space with the original.

Due to the extensive product range (shapes and sizes) and the ability of the product to be stained to match other surfaces, Porta timber mouldings were specified, enabling Bergman & Co to achieve their design intent.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION:

  • Half Round Dowel 15x7mm in Tasmanian Oak -
  • Round Dowels 19mm, 40mm and 64mm in Clear Pine
  • Round Dowels 19mm and 40mm in Tasmanian Oak
  • Quad 9mm and 19mm in Tasmanian Oak
  • DAR 50x19mm in Pine* - Product Code

*Custom order for the project.

 

"Porta’s timber mouldings gave the project a depth of layers and the pattern, which helped connect the new and old spaces, as the panelling remains but evolves from the more traditional profiles into something more eccentric... We choose to use wood panelling and timber grains in the project to maintain the heritage feel of the space. Wood panelling was continued throughout the venue, and given a fresh, modern twist by using colour and application."

Wendy Bergman, Creative Director, Bergman & Co