Intrigue and surprise bring a heritage building to life

Prefecture 48

Brenton Smith

Director, Bates Smart

Prefecture 48 is a Japanese-inspired dining precinct, designed for Azabu Group. It comprises six food and beverage venues, each offering a unique culinary narrative.

 

The project brings to life the heritage Foley Brothers building, maximising its historic fabric and sensitively inserting new tales. It is a carefully crafted journey for guests; every corner of the precinct celebrates the best of Japanese cuisine, culture, art, fashion and design.

Guests begin their journey via the arched entrance, and through the historic cartway. From here, each space tells a different story of surprise, intrigue and discovery.

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‘Whiskey Thief’ is the whiskey bar that spans two levels and glows from beyond the central courtyard. The bar itself is clad in a copper material reminiscent of whiskey stills. Lounges are wrapped in a tattooed fabric that references Japan’s cultural underbelly. Moments of wonder reveal themselves in hidden whiskey cabinets and unexpected artworks.

The patisserie walls of ‘Dear Florence’ are glossed and dusted, like the whimsical desserts themselves. A large, arched window looks out to the street, inviting visitors to join in the magic.

David Birtwistle

Associate Director, Bates Smart

On the other side of the cartway is ‘Ibushi,’ which showcases the fire of the Japanese robatayaki cooking technique. Guests are immersed in textured timbers, soft fabrics and a sweeping woven artwork overhead that feels like the smoke from a robata grill.

Level 1 houses ‘Garaku,’ a kaiseki-style experience where every small piece comes together in a symphony. Interior detailing is intricate and elegant, like the many courses crafted by the chefs.

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Above, Level 2 combines ‘Five’ and ‘Omakase.’ The omakase is an intimate exchange between guest and chef, shared over premium ingredients. The restaurant is slightly raised on a platform, its edges pulled back from the brick walls. A simple timber insertion celebrates Japanese wooden joinery and complements the timber-trussed ceiling. ‘Five’ engages all the senses. It focuses on seasonal produce and zero waste, using the ingredients leftover by the Omakase via their shared kitchen.

The immersive art strategy and signage, developed by Studio Ongarato, weaves through every level of Prefecture 48, from restaurants to shared amenity spaces. It is a voyage through Japanese art, travel, folklore, theatre and entertainment.

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Amelia Donald

Associate Director, Bates Smart

Details

Client

Azabu Group

Location

Sydney | Gadigal Country, Australia

Year

2024

Status

Completed

Area

903 sqm

Photography

Anson Smart, Linda Nguyen