2024 Interior Awards, Hospitality Award winner

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The design of Metita takes inspiration from the culture, cuisine and art of the Pacific.⁠ Image: Mark Scowen

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Rich textures and materials complement the high-end menu. Image: Mark Scowen

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Custom hand-made sculptures crafted from banana leaves and suspended from the 7-metre-high ceiling are a focal point in the centre of the restaurant. Image: Mark Scowen

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Introducing a new floor-to-ceiling shopfront allowed CTRL Space to control lighting and atmosphere, enhancing the immersive experience. Image: Mark Scowen

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A ceramic art installation by Sāmoan artist Amanda Stowers for Masina Creative. Image: Mark Scowen

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Congratulations to this year’s Hospitality Award winner — Metita by CTRL Space.

The jury’s comment:

“Delving deeply into our Pacific roots, this interior beautifully evokes a sense of calm and place through a re-imagining of colour, texture and materialism. The thoughtful design demonstrates a deep understanding of both the personal and cultural narrative, through research and making, with spatial features and crafted design elements that speak to the essence of Samoa, fishing and the moana in a new way. Given the constraints of the existing space and the necessary retention of portions of the original fitout, the quality of the outcome is exemplary. Both the big idea and its finer details have received appropriate consideration, with warm, natural fibres and timber tones layered against the cooler, almost underwater-like ceiling creating a unique, immersive experience.”

A ceramic art installation by Sāmoan artist Amanda Stowers for Masina Creative. Image: Mark Scowen

PROJECT DETAILS:

Location: SkyCity Auckland

Client: Metita

Building area (m²): 495m²

Project brief: Metita was led by celebrity Samoan chef Michael Meredith and his culinary vision to bring modern high-end Pacifika food to Auckland. The brief was to create an authentic venue that would complement the suite of restaurants operated by Sky City, while supporting the sophisticated menu. We had to appeal to food-oriented customers seeking something new while also attracting guests of the hotel and making an impact on the wider hospitality scene.

Credits:

Project principal – Shamal Makwana
Project director – Chris Stevens
Creative director – Sam Griffiths
Procurement – Emma Harvey-Gibbs

“The design takes inspiration from the culture, cuisine and art of the Pacific.⁠ Directly influenced by traditional fishing tools and the essence of the ocean itself, the restaurant offers an immersive experience; where rich textures and high-end materials complement the lavish menu. Metita, named after Michael’s mother, was a special and sacred notion. We were careful to curate stories and experiences from Michael himself which guided the design process, ensuring a meaningful and culturally significant atmosphere. It was crucial to strike a balance between authenticity and innovation, delivering a fresh-to-market dining experience tailored for the modern metropolitan customer.” - CTRL Space.

ctrlspace.co

Watch the finalist presentation here: