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Location
Launceston, Tasmania
Client
Kosaten
Year
2018
Images
Renee Hodskiss
Land of
Stoney Creek Nation
+
Fairbrother
COVA
Aldanmark
Kosaten
Launceston
A former power tool workshop, renovated into a multi sensory, Kyoto-inspired restaurant transports diners from Launceston, Tasmania, to the streets of Japan.
Inspired by traditional izakayas, Kosaten is designed to feel like a hidden sanctuary, an unexpected place in the heart of the city. Approached by the owners to reimagine the Japanese gastronomic experience, we leant on the industrial nature of the building — the brick columns, the steel trusses, the utilitarian exterior — to highlight a series of vibrant dining spaces separated by contrasting lighting, colours, and distinct murals painted by graphic art collective DaisyLegs.
Underneath the Sakura
Each dining area, intended to reflect a different region of Japan, encourages guests to experience a new space with every visit. Past the solid timber door, light materials and bright colours reflect cherry blossom season. Moving through the high-table dining area, coloured perspex, digital projections and white subway tiles recreate Shibuya at night. The structured booths, dim lanterns and industrial partitioning of the main dining space, transport diners to the cosy market alleys of Kyoto. The chashitsu, an intimate tearoom, provides a sanctuary where diners can extend their stay.
A vibrant voice in the city’s growing dining scene
Colour, technology and interactivity were central to creating a unique experience that has become a centrepiece of Launceston’s dining scene. The restaurant features automated delivery tracks, tablet ordering systems, and digital projections reflecting changes in season. For each dining space, we carefully chose furniture that compliments Kosaten’s intent — low angular stools by Hunt Furniture and plush booths create a casual feeling, while high leather Uccio chairs by Barbara Design add a sleek Shibuya touch.
KOSATEN
LAUNCESTON
Add a Title
Add a Title
Add a Title
Location
Launceston, Tasmania
Client
Kosaten
Year
2018
Images
Renee Hodskiss
Land of
Stoney Creek Nation
Fairbrother
COVA
Aldanmark
+
Community-led,
contemporary living
Quality, community and accessibility first. As it should be. Goulburn Street Housing is a 25-apartment public housing complex in Hobart created from a cluster of forms.
Goulburn Street is the outcome of a state government collaboration to identify suitable sites for new public housing projects. Specifically, it addresses the lack of housing for the elderly and disabled. Our design subverts the stereotype for public housing to prioritise natural light, ventilation and generous outdoor space.
Underneath the Sakura
Each dining area, intended to reflect a different region of Japan, encourages guests to experience a new space with every visit. Past the solid timber door, light materials and bright colours reflect cherry blossom season. Moving through the high-table dining area, coloured perspex, digital projections and white subway tiles recreate Shibuya at night. The structured booths, dim lanterns and industrial partitioning of the main dining space, transport diners to the cosy market alleys of Kyoto. The chashitsu, an intimate tearoom, provides a sanctuary where diners can extend their stay.
A vibrant voice in the city’s growing dining scene
Colour, technology and interactivity were central to creating a unique experience that has become a centrepiece of Launceston’s dining scene. The restaurant features automated delivery tracks, tablet ordering systems, and digital projections reflecting changes in season. For each dining space, we carefully chose furniture that compliments Kosaten’s intent — low angular stools by Hunt Furniture and plush booths create a casual feeling, while high leather Uccio chairs by Barbara Design add a sleek Shibuya touch.
