Foster & Black, Melbourne Central

MEGANITE acrylic solid surface delivers seamless design and durability for this Melbourne Central retail kiosk fit-out by Bergman & Co. At Melbourne Central, one of Australia’s busiest retail destinations, Foster & Black’s latest kiosk demonstrates how considered material selection can shape both brand presence and long-term performance. Designed by Bergman & Co., the 20sqm tenancy transforms a compact footprint into a bold, sculptural retail statement. Central to the outcome is MEGANITE acrylic solid surface, specified to deliver a seamless monolithic red form that balances visual impact with durability and repairability. “The brief was to create a bold coffee kiosk that stood out from the crowd,” explains Hamish Collins of Bergman & Co. “The café design was to be playful to cater for Melbourne Central’s primarily youthful demographic.” MEGANITE delivers a seamless, monolithic red form that balances sculptural presence with durability, repairability and long-term performance. Positioned between two structural columns and surrounded by predominantly black and white retail interiors, the kiosk needed to work hard visually. Rather than layering materials, the design relies on a single confident gesture – a bold red form resolved as a singular architectural gesture. Achieving that uninterrupted expression required a material capable of maintaining colour consistency across planes, edges and curved forms. MEGANITE’s through-body pigmentation and thermoformability enabled the team to realise smooth curves and refined detailing, while minimising visual interruption across joins. Achieving that uninterrupted expression required a material capable of holding colour consistency across planes, edges and curved forms. Performance was equally critical. Shopping centres presentsome of the most demanding interior environments: constant pedestrian traffic, regular cleaning and sustained daily use. “MEGANITE allowed us to achieve this seamless block of colour whilst ensuring the kiosk would be robust and durable within its demanding shopping mall environment,” Collins notes. Its non-porous surface supports hygienic food-service applications, resisting staining and moisture penetration – essential for café counters and preparation zones. Importantly, solid surface can also be refinished in situ, allowing minor damage to be repaired without full replacement. For commercial fit-outs, this whole-of-life performance is as important as first impression impact. For commercial fit-outs, this whole-of-life performance is as important as first impression impact. This Melbourne Central location marks Foster & Black’s 16th store nationally. As brands expand, maintaining consistency while adapting to site constraints becomes increasingly important. Here, MEGANITE enabled a clear material strategy that supports both brand identity and contextual responsiveness. In high-traffic retail environments, disciplined material use and confident execution matter. This project demonstrates how MEGANITE supports design ambition while meeting the practical demands of Australian shopping centre fit-outs.