The Relaxed Coastal Charm of Two New Dining Concepts by Alexander & Co.

“The narrative that we hoped to achieve would be like walking through an ancient oceanside salon, full of artifacts of something long forgotten,” says Alexander & Co. principal Jeremy Bull of one of the architecture and design office’s latest projects. Mission accomplished—LiTO and Haven, the two dining concepts designed by the studio for the newly opened Mondrian Gold Coast hotel, Australia’s first from the global brand, are a far cry from the typical cookie-cutter approach of many hotel restaurants, featuring simple bars, a sea of matching chairs and tables, and little character.

Instead, LiTO and Haven feel warm and organic, a natural extension of the Burleigh Beach coastline on which they are situated, with just a bit of global influence. Layers of texture, from handmade tiles to bronze light fixtures to walnut furniture, give a homey feel to the bright and inviting spaces, while contemporary statement lighting fixtures and grand architectural details—like dendriform columns and venetian plaster elements—lend and an elegant and sophisticated air.

On the first floor, just beyond a striking curved walnut reception desk by Hugh McCarthy and a subtle feature wall with custom white bricks engraved with the mantra “Any way you want,” LiTO makes a welcoming first impression. The space had to be multifunctional, serving as not only the lobby bar but also a destination for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as to-go coffee orders. To make it work for diverse needs, the designers focused on versatility, flow, and creating distinct dining experiences in different areas.

For instance, a 10-metre curved concrete bar, cast to have a rippling effect and topped with walnut with lamb’s tongue and ogee edge details and aged zinc inlay, adds just enough moody elegance for a late-night drink while still being bright and airy enough for sitting on one of the matching wood stools with a laptop during the daylight hours.

Esplanade passersby can stop in at the smaller low pink coffee bar for joe on the go. Throughout LiTO, furnishings are relaxed and comfortable, in deep red, sage, rust, and walnut. Terrazzo tiles can withstand sandy, wet feet.

Tucked out of the way on the third floor, Haven is the hotel’s dreamy restaurant, bar, and pool club, enjoying views of the beaches below through a stoic stand of pine trees. Here, a similar design language takes a more colourful twist. “The conversation held between the venues is one of monolithic coastal relics and midcentury glamor,” Bull says. “Pumice-like, wind-blown, and elegant, the venues adjust to their scale and outlook, patronage, and service style.”

Sections of flooring in patterned stone, concrete, and oversized tile distinguish different areas of Haven’s space. A mix of furniture, much of it taking midcentury cues, including sleek banquettes, green-and-wood stools, chunky leather dining chairs, and seats with arching rattan backs, creates a relaxed lounge feel. Table tops come in all shapes and sizes, including triangular and lozenge, offering something for every group size. In one corner, a domed pizza oven has a sculptural feel, while plants in worn pots scattered throughout add life. Outside, a 25-metre swimming pool, framed with retro sun umbrellas and striped loungers, beckons diners for a postmeal swim.

Designing from afar proved to be the biggest challenge for senior interior designer Matthew Grand, as Alexander & Co. is based in Sydney, a 90-minute plane ride away from Mondrian Gold Coast in Queensland. “While we maintained frequent site visits and often resolved details through sketches and video calls, the experience made me truly appreciate the ease and convenience of being able to pop down to the site and see progress first-hand at short notice,” Grand says.

Still, the team was able to achieve what they set out to—a space that Bull describes making visitors feel “comfortable, elevated, and curious.” As for Grand, his favourite part of the finished project is watching LiTO evolve throughout the day. “From a sunrise coffee overlooking the Esplanade and ocean to a dusk dinner seating under the softly dimmed lights, the materiality is the hero,” he says. “Pastel tones in the concrete and tiling blend with the warmth of the walnut joinery and ceilings, providing a refined and versatile backdrop for every moment.”

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