Merrywell

For Merrywell, we set out to design a venue that embodies approachable, social dining while expressing a refined architectural sensibility. Positioned in one of Melbourne’s busiest hospitality precincts, the space needed to feel energetic and inviting, yet still grounded in thoughtful spatial planning and material clarity.

We shaped the interior around moments of gathering. The open dining floor, the centrally positioned bar and the series of flexible seating zones all contribute to an environment that encourages movement, conversation and ease. The material palette blends warmth and robustness; timber paneling, dark metals, soft upholstery and ambient lighting work together to create a relaxed, contemporary character.

Careful attention was given to managing scale within the larger Crown environment. High ceilings and broad openings maintain a sense of generosity, while booth seating, crafted joinery and acoustic treatments introduce pockets of intimacy. The bar becomes a visual anchor, offering guests a connection to service and activity without overwhelming the room.

Our intent was to design a place that feels unpretentious yet distinctly considered. The Merrywell delivers a casual, lively dining experience enriched by a layered architectural narrative, comfortably positioned within the energy and diversity of Crown’s entertainment precinct.

Glass door with stickers: cartoon figure with a smiley face, holding a knife, with 'MW' on face; rainbow-like logo in the center.
Interior view of a modern building with a black and red staircase and hanging decorative lights.
Interior of a modern restaurant or bar with large windows, hanging pendant lights, a bar counter with bottles, and a small seating area with red stools, during daytime.
Modern staircase with wooden steps and glass railing in a colorful, artistic interior space featuring murals and posters on the wall.
Sunny restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, large glass windows showing trees outside, and a colorful tiled floor.
Interior of a modern restaurant with wooden tables, brown leather chairs, large windows, and decorative ceiling tiles.
A cozy corner in a restaurant with a white cushioned bench along a wooden wall, small round tables with condiments, and colorful posters on the back wall. Sunlight casts shadows on the wall, creating a warm atmosphere.
An outdoor restaurant patio with wooden tables set for dining, overlooking a city skyline with tall buildings. The tables have utensils, napkins, and condiments, and the area is shaded by a modern roof structure with slats, with glass barriers and greenery along the edge.
Nighttime rooftop restaurant with a view of a city skyline, outdoor dining table set with napkins, cutlery, and candles.
Modern lounge with black leather sofas, wooden tables, a central fireplace, and decorative star-shaped light fixture on the wall. Multiple hanging pendant lights with yellow interiors illuminate the space, which features wooden paneling and a patterned rug.
A dimly lit restaurant or private dining room with a long wooden table set with napkins, forks, knives, and small candles. There are red chairs around the table, cream-colored curtains, and a large window at the back. The room features modern lighting fixtures and a flat-screen TV on one wall.