An Eclectic Cosmopolitan Bar From Mars: Burly Bar by Studio Plenty.

There’s something delightfully daring about Studio Plenty’s design for Burly Bar, a local gin distiller’s first public venue located within The Warehouses building by JAR Office in Byron Bay. We’re impressed with how this young practice has balanced experimental materiality with atmospheric intent.

Studio Plenty describes the scheme as “an eclectic cosmopolitan bar from Mars”. The interior thrives as two deeply connected yet distinct spaces—an embracing mezzanine lounge saturated in deep soft reds, and a refined, compositionally eclectic ground floor bar.

The material narrative is drawn directly from Burly Gin’s product design. The frosted glass of the gin bottle inspired an exploration of epoxy resin as a haptic and ocular companion, creating a sculptural harmony between the brand and interior. Run your hand along the bar counter and you’ll feel the embodiment of the brand—a clever touch that connects product to place.

A Playful Touch: Light Years Asian Diner in Byron Bay by Studio Plenty.

Working in tandem with Sarah Ellison, Studio Plenty explored tonality and texture to capture the playful personality of the hospitality hotspot and to elevate the brand to a new plane.

The preserved timber saw-tooth roof dramatically soars overhead, connecting the two-level space while allowing each to maintain its unique identity. This spatial division creates contrasting patron experiences, encouraging engagement with the mezzanine that might otherwise have been considered merely secondary space.

Studio Plenty’s approach reflects their philosophy, where “Plenty” represents an opposing attitude to excess. As Director Will Rathgeber puts it, “Our appetite is for rational design, avoiding excessive tendencies, encouraging an obsession for functionalism.” This sensibility manifests through hard-wearing finishes, maximised natural light, and modesty in wall coverings.

The client’s openness to push boundaries aligned perfectly with the studio’s experimental concepts, resulting in a bold, coherent design that opens doors for innovation in its industrial context. It’s this willingness to explore challenging materials and forms, underlined by thoughtful composition in tone and texture, that makes Burly Bar a standout example of contemporary Australian hospitality design.

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[Images courtesy of Studio Plenty. Photography by Jessie Prince.]