Lexus of Tasmania and Omotenashi

Lexus of Tasmania engaged Core Collective Architects and BYA Architects to design their flagship showroom on the ground floor of The Rox Apartments on a prominent street corner in Hobart. The architects’ brief was to design a space that reflected the Japanese car company’s brand in a way that was distinctly Tasmanian. The project involved the fit-out of the ground floor for the display of cars, and associated office spaces. The architects chose to keep the space minimal and only add materials where needed. The existing concrete floor was left exposed, and the ceiling and services painted dark to visually recede. Tasmanian oak wall lining was introduced throughout the space, to visually warm the interior and provide acoustic attenuation. The space is arranged around a central ‘pod’ with a full-height sculptural curtain to soften and lead occupants around the space, shielding back-of-house areas and toilets with a minimal cost. The space is furnished with Tasmanian furniture and artwork, including the custom-made seating by Scott van Tuil and artwork by Nick Goodwolf. Lexus expressed a desire for the showroom to be welcoming and to be able to host small parties for events. The space leant itself to a unique intervention; tucked away behind the cars in the Lexus of Tasmania showroom is Omotenashi, a produce-focused restaurant operated by chefs Sophie Pope and Lachlan Colwill. Core Collective Architects and BYA worked closely with chef Luke Burgess to create the intimate, 12-seat setting clustered around the food preparation area. The kitchen becomes a stage for the performative preparation and presentation of the seasonal, Tasmanian-centred set menu, with the design central to the Omotenashi experience.