Peter Rattle - CUS (Vic) Pty Ltd · CLIENT: Commercial Upholstery Solutions (Vic) Pty Ltd
Undergoing a transformation into a state -of the-art presentation and lecture theatre, the Capitol was fitted out to become a unique work environment hosting, conferences, student lectures as well as cinema graphic productions. The specialised Banquette seating and componentry now ensures that the Capitol remains a heritage masterpiece for the next generation of patrons.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Tender brief was to add new modern seating but with a link to the past for this 3 storey dilapidated Building, which was originally designed by renowned Architects Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion Mahony Griffin. Built in 1924, this Building was one of the worlds earliest examples of Art Deco / Chicago Gothic styles. Using images from the past the design team were able to create the desired "Chunky Club" style of leather seating to meet the Client, Architect and Buildings needs
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Traditionally upholstered seats are manufactured with a timber carcase, however in this instance a custom metal frame was required for additional strength and support.These frames were bolted and chemically fixed to the concrete plinths so that the seats did not interfere with the glass panels behind the upholstered seats.
- Tags
- Banquettes, Seating, Leather, Upholstery, Furniture, Custom Design, Joinery
- Production Technology
- The Design utilises both a hard foam insert with a softer outer core covered with Dacron. This is then wrapped with an Aniline pull-up leather that will age over time to give an antique look.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest challenge was to ensure that all seat cushions matched on the 90 degree corners between columns and a 45 degree mitre as well as the curved tops and bottoms. This involved hand made templates and several prototypes prior to the final manufacture.
- Project Duration
- The project required several months to manufacture in the factory and around 6 weeks to install on site in the Melbourne CBD.
- Operation Flow
- The Banquettes were designed to be oversized and along with the antique green leather the seating blended in with the large floor space, carpets, tall ceilings and columns without taking away from the Art Deco format.
- Research
- In order to understand the Clients requirements CUS researched the Buildings history along with other Cinemas from this period. From these observations the production team were able to design the Banquettes to best match the Client's brief along with the heritage format.
- Inspiration
- After winning this project at the tender stage the design team addressed the issues of how best to manufacture and install the seating against the existing concrete steps as well as the addition of new glasswork and metal balastrades behind the seats. After producing several prototypes, the design and production team were able to reach a satisfactory outcome that was both functional and fitted into the Buildings past life.
- Image Credits
- Peter Rattle for CUS (Vic) Pty Ltd
Tatjana Plitt Photography
RMIT University
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