The new building has taken a significant amount of time to rebuild, as well as an additional investment beyond $1.6 million. The reason for this is that Stokehouse has been designed by renowned architect Robert Simeoni as the first five-star ‘Green Star – Design & As Built’ building of its type. The Green Star rating “assesses the sustainability outcomes from the design and construction of new buildings or major refurbishments, across nine holistic impact categories”, including management, indoor environment quality, energy, transport, water, materials, land and ecology use, emissions and innovation.
Frank van Haandel expressed immense pride in the achievement. “This building design is on a world scale and there is nothing like it. The geothermal technology alone includes 8.5 kilometres of continuous copper piping, down to 80 metres below the building – those works added six months. It is daunting now to reflect on the work that has gone into achieving our five stars – however the results are incredibly exciting."
In addition to its eco-friendly approach, Stokehouse boasts a dramatic new look in both its architecture and interiors. The entire ground floor is buried under a sand dune, giving the appearance of a floating restaurant. Guests can access Stokehouse through the sand dune, adding a theatrical element to their experience.
The new Stokehouse will also host three bespoke offerings in the one precinct. Designed by Pascale Gomes-McNabb, the first floor will house the iconic Stokehouse restaurant. No stranger to Stokehouse, Gomes-McNabb oversaw the restaurant’s refurbishment back in 2010, lending the new restaurant an old charm.
“We want people to walk in and still have that same Stokehouse feeling – the laid back charm perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner, overlooking the water, with the same great atmosphere, welcoming feel and generosity,” said van Haandel.
“We also want to pay the utmost respect to our beachside location, and as part of that we have managed to source reclaimed timber from the fire breaks around the Dandenongs for use on our floors and walls.”
The restaurant seats 130 guests for lunch and dinner every day, with the addition of an outdoor bar, lounge and terrace area that accommodates up to 120 guests.
New to the precinct are the ground floor venues Pontoon St Kilda Beach and Paper Fish, designed by George Livisiannis. Pontoon St Kilda Beach has been inspired by the eating and drinking culture of the Mediterranean seaside and created to work as a social space with a more laid-back approach.
With a capacity of over 250 guests inside and a further 150 outside, Pontoon is a no-booking, counter-service only venue, giving it a communal feel. Pontoon features an 18 metre-long bar with a revolving offering of craft beer and ciders and a compact drinks list.
Paper Fish is a premium fish and chip kiosk located beachside in the precinct, offering a healthy take on the traditional takeaway. Continuing with Stokehouse’s green ethos, Paper Fish sources sustainable seafood as well as incorporating recycling and reusable initiatives.
The kiosk can be accessed directly off St Kilda beach boardwalk for those wanting to take away food and also seats up to 70 guests.
Paper Fish Pontoon St Kilda are both now open and the Stokehouse restaurant will officially open its doors for service this Friday. The Stokehouse St Kilda is located on 30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda, VIC, 3182.
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