When the premises you are renovating used to be a prison, you don’t want to gloss over that kind of backstory too much, but neither do you want the new (voluntary) guests to feel like they are being punished for something while trying to enjoy a coffee. Biasol: Design Studio were tasked with striking the that balance at the former Pentridge Prison in Melbourne. Decommissioned in 1997, the correctional facility building is now known as Pentridge Village and houses a number of new businesses including the one we’re doing time at right now – Jury.
The oppressive atmosphere of the old place has given way to a fresh outlook with the use of blond wood. A striking lattice installation counterbalances the bluestone surroundings outside with the more natural material, while maintaining a link to the past with its cheeky off-kilter prison bars effect. Cheerful colours have been painted into the geometric pattern on the feature wall, and big windows opposite let in plenty of light and give a feeling of freedom. If you fancy nicking some of Biasol’s ideas for your own place, the pendant lights are from the Nud Collection, paired with bulbs by Plumen.
Photography, Martina Gemmola
