Gray Puksand has cast an expert eye over the base building re-design of the highly visible corner of Southgate opposite Flinders Street Station, Melbourne. The site is now home to hospitality venue Pure South Dining, interiors designed by Herbert & Mason.

Previous dining incarnations floundered due to internal facing settings. But now, the reconfigured base building and exterior design has solved this dilemma by integrating the two-level space into a single hospitality venue via a new external entry and internal stair. 

The design brief called for a two-storey glass construction with a direct connection to Southbank Promenade and pedestrian bridge which crosses the Yarra River. Gray Puksand’s design is a sympathetic addition to the existing post modern architecture of Southgate. 

Double height steel and timber columns continue the language of the timber colonnade found at the east end of the precinct. These are topped off with black steel louvores for sun protection. 

A formed concrete plinth with electronically controlled counterweight windows along the base of the building connects the inside and outside. 

Diners overlook the passing parade of pedestrians who can now peer inside in return.