Putting a label on Biasol’s aesthetic is difficult. “Our projects are defined by our adaptive approach to design,” says Jean-Pierre Biasol, who established the Melbourne-based firm in 2012. He cites the completion of Kitty Burns as the firm’s big break into Australia’s restaurant scene, while the Wes Anderson-inspired Budapest Café in Chengdu, China helped raise their profile abroad. Next up, the studio will unveil Farmer J restaurant in London, which boasts “modern and tactile finishes and a good injection of neon,” Biasol says. But back at home, three recent openings prove the studio is on top of its restaurant game.
Pentolina
Biasol took inspiration from the winding alleyways and ancient ruins of Rome to create traditional pasta bar Pentolina, complete with burgundy tones, rose-pink marble, bronze accents, and terrazzo. “There’s a sense of nostalgia and warmth that takes you back,” he says. While renovating the century-old building, the team discovered hand-rendered walls that added a level of authenticity and texture. “We took immediate action to ensure the integrity of the design remained with these walls,” adds Biasol.
Rose-pink and burgundy accents warm up Pentolina.
Pinkie
The daytime café’s postmodern design was inspired by its existing concrete infrastructure. Rosy glass blocks juxtapose slick black terrazzo counters, while two-tone custom banquettes add a pop art feel. “Everything has a place and purpose,” Biasol points out, including the overhead services and exposed ducts, which were painted dark pink in lieu of being hidden. “They stand out, but the space feels complete and balanced.”
Pastel pink hues contrast black terrazzo counters in Pinkie.
Hinoak
Taking cues from traditional Chinese iconography, Biasol kept this Korean barbecue “quite neutral and simple with the intention to create impact,” he explains. The lightweight timber façade, marked by a cutout of the Chinese character for fire, was an instant hit with the local community. “It helps elevate the street frontage,” says Biasol. The light-toned wood was carried into the interior, softening the black leather accents and concrete walls. Pendants were swapped for LED backlighting, allowing light to filter naturally through the slatted exterior.
A slatted timber exterior welcomes patrons to Hinoak.
