Best Retail Design
Adriano Zumbo by Luchetti Krelle

Jury comment

Proving that sophisticated design does not need to take itself too seriously, the whimsical fit-out of Zumbo creates a magical setting to take the current gastronomic fashion for macaroons to the level of an immersive experience.  Inspired by the diabolical humour of Roald Dahls’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Zumbo uses the idea of movement and mechanical ingenuity in the two sections of its store – retail and dining, which are strategically separated by a carefully resolved and specialised kitchen, able to respond to high demand. Apart from its clever play on other cultural and childhood references (e.g.sushi trains and the Mouse Trap board game), the project is noteworthy for its inventive construction and fabrication, from display cases and dynamic conveyor belts, to  appropriately sugary wallpaper.  In the retail field, eye-catching design can often become gimmicky and brash with colour and effect, yet Zumbo manages to be exuberant, amusing and fresh.

Design statement

For his latest venture at The Star Casino Adriano Zumbo was keen explore new ideas. The two parts – retail shop and restaurant – are connected by a “dessert train” that snakes through the large open kitchen and out to waiting patrons. Coloured Marblo is stacked like a liquorice allsorts and cut and layered like dripping icing. Macaron wallpaper conjures childhood memories of lickable wallpaper. The storefront contains cakes displayed in “mouse traps,” specially commis- sioned by industrial designers Luxxbox, while the chocolate display in a bathtub is at risk of walking off with its shiny purple boots. The budget for Zumbo Patisserie was $1,000,000 and work was completed over ten months.

Read a review of this project from Artichoke 38. 

Adriano Zumbo 
80 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont NSW 2000
+61 2 9777 9000
adrianozumbo.com