We set out to design a new hospitality space for our long-time client Katrina at St Clair Beach in Ōtepoti Dunedin. The project brings together two venues side by side: a compact bar and a gelateria, each with its own identity, yet together forming a warm, familiar neighbourhood gathering place.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5

Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

Item 1
Item 2
Item 3

Unordered list

Item A
Item B
Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

^Superscript

_Subscript

Local context shaped the design from the outset. Just metres from the ocean and embedded in a close-knit community, the space needed to feel relaxed enough for sandy feet while remaining refined for the discerning hospitality audience Katrina attracts.

Piccolo was conceived around a 1960s Italian brief - small plates, local wines, and measured elegance. At just 97 square metres, Piccolo seats 35. Drawing on the restrained geometries of Gio Ponti and Aldo Rossi, we created a layered interior that reveals itself over time. A simple shell gives way to soft yellow textured walls, cream acoustic panels laid in a crisp grid, and a terrazzo floor of burgundy, green, and neutral tones arranged in a loose, almost accidental composition.

Cheshire team: Emily Priest, Jono Coates, and Lauren Ashley in collaboration with Dajiang Tai

Photographer: Sam Harnett