Morningside Tavern in Auckland by Material Creative

Material Creative were tasked with creating a ‘trusty neighbourhood watering hole’ in Morningside Tavern, set amongst a disjointed mix of residential, industrial, historic and commercial buildings on Auckland’s city fringe. An old curtain factory, the original building consisted of a corrugated shed atop a concrete slab, so the designers set about transforming it into an approachable, locals-friendly hub.

Part of the Morningside Precinct development of bars, eateries, events, retail and office space, the Morningside Tavern champions the single use of brick; a reference to the ‘brave madness’ of the original developer of Morningside, who in 1865 invested in swamp farmland that’s now grown into a vibrant suburb. Procuring the right brick was a challenge in a country that champions timber, however once sourced, Material Creative added layered detail using a laser-cut template and collaboration with meticulous joiners and bricklaying craftsmen.

The red brick interior links the tavern to its industrial past, with the use of a singular material employed to express multiple built elements, proving both warm and monumental. Cladding the walls and the bar, Material Creative celebrate multiple variations of bricklaying, using it to form a perforated screen, protruding from the wall as a graphic feature, laid vertically, horizontally, and in herringbone formation to name a few.

The depth of colour, pattern and inherent character of herringbone oak floors contrasts the brick. A black steel mezzanine, leather-upholstered banquettes and a large surrealist mural by artist Hayley Brown add further dimension against the timber and brick. Brightly coloured lacquer beer taps and ductwork add an unexpected touch of playfulness and eccentricity to the tavern, a further nod to the untamed character of its namesake suburb. Straddling both rustic and industrial aesthetics, Morningside Tavern is set to stand the test of its most discerning locals.