Client

• Milk Madu Group

Sector

• Restaurant

• Bar

Services

• Interior Concept

• 3D Renders

• Construction Documentation

• Signage

Brief

Longtime - a love letter to cuisine from all corners of Asia, and the beauty of the perfect dinner party, stretching from al fresco aperitifs all the way to after dinner cocktails and spinning tunes well into the wee hours. Longtime was to cater for all pleasure-seekers who are simply looking for good food with good company.

Approach

With an approach that celebrates the fusion of East and West as seen through a Melbourne lens, the design objective is to bring together a diverse memoir of stories, recollections and connections in the island, seamlessly bringing the best from life to create the perfect moment. Longtime is the embodiment of that deja vu feeling, welcoming our guests to stay a while longer with a longtime friend.

Challenges

The tropical climate, characterised by high humidity, intense heat, and frequent rainfall, significantly influences the material curation in the design. Materials selected must withstand moisture to prevent warping, mold, and deterioration, making durable, water-resistant options like treated wood, tiling, and synthetic composites ideal. Seperate to that, Bali itself is a melting pot of local and international appeal. Digital nomads, Indonesian holidaymakers and travellers from all sides of the globe, Longtime was to cater to a cross section of all these clientelle.

Outcome

Blending the sleek elegance of mid-century modern architecture and contemporary tongue-in-cheek, Longtime pays homage to the cozy charm of a timeless vacation home, a place where the Donal Drapers of the world would take their friends on holiday for a weekend of lazy dinners and mischief.

Designed to recreate the feeling of a vacation home, the space is seperated in zones. Out the front, a garden for voyuers to smoke and enjoy a cocktail as they watch the madness of Canggu zip by. It is a place to see and be seen.

Entering the main dining room, you are greeted by a commanding double height vaulted ceiling, an almost cathedral like atmosphere is accentuated by the existing load bearing columns being clad in rendered surfaces and cove lighting highlights the exposed brick. In this space, dining, drinking and hedonism is worshipped. The walnut stained battened ceiling follows and hides the steel frame of the original heritage building, forming a dramatic zig-zag that also aids the acoustics of the space.

Vintage-inspired profiles, including the iconic oak hourglass motif hidden within many of the details of the space, create an atmosphere that is specialised for Longtime but also timeless. During the design phase, the interior designers were challenged with bringing Longtime’s iconic burgundy from the branding into the space. Originally set to be ochre and brown, the back bar was switched up to bring in this colour with custom-made local tiles. This is where the design truly comes alive. The playfulness of the brand shines through with a custom mosaic at the beer taps, subtly showcasing the motif "here for a good time". The front bar has been carefully detailed to house the subwoofer underneath the DJ decks, greeting you as you enter it becomes clear that the soundscape of Longtime is just as important as the food and interior.

Lighting plays a pivotal role in transforming the ambience of Longtime between day and night, and collaborating with the esteemed lighting studio, Nimmersatt, in Bali ensures a sophisticated and dynamic design. During the day, natural light can be maximised with strategic window placements and light-diffusing elements to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere. As evening approaches, the lighting design shifts to a more intimate and cozy setting, utilising warm, adjustable fixtures, ambient lighting, and accent lights to highlight architectural features and décor. After dinner service, Longtime’s playful side comes out with a more sensual and surprising lighting palette adorning the walls where the coving turns a deep shade of pink.

Moving into the sunroom, we celebrate areas iconic to mid-century design. Latticed windows bring in the greenery of Canggu, and the palette is switched up to celebrate the ochres and greens synonymous with the era. An undulating banquette encourages diners to lounge and socialise with their cocktails, making the space suitable for private dining events.