Timber iQ August- September 2018 // Issue: 39 | Page 26

PROJECTS The iconic Mootee Bar draws in patrons. Continued from page 22 created a situation where the building no longer turned its back onto the alleyway but rather faced it and embraced it.” To maintain the essence of the alleyway while simultaneously tying in with the concept of Mootee, the architects decided to use a palette of materials that are natural and robust. “We would use the inherent characteristics of each material aesthetically. We rusted metal, chipped walls and burnt wood in such a way that all materials tied together in a harmonious way. We often joked between ourselves that as soon as a material arrived on site we would ‘destroy’ it,” laughs Millar. “I would say that we are destroying sensitively. This approach is brought through the entire project from the alley to the bar itself, being rusted galvanised panels. It also offers a fantastic texture to the project, especially when burnt. When burning the timber the soft grain is burnt away leaving the hard grain unburnt. This emphasises the natural grain in a unique way. The burning of the wood is a technique that is often used in Japan. They do this to seal the wood in a natural way,” explains Millar. THE MOOTEE TOUCH Millar notes that simple South African pine was used in the design of Mootee. “We chose pine because it’s both a cost effective solution and it offered us a nice contrast between soft and hard grain. It’s a great wood to burn. While the wood will require maintenance over time, the timber is very resilient though due to both the burning process and also through the use of clear matt polyurethane sealant,” he explains. Despite the traditional budget and time constraints, many of the project’s challenges were overcome easily due to the close working relationship between Milarchi Architects and Mootee, highlights Millar. While every aspect of the bar is a firm favourite, Millar shares his appreciation for one of Mootee’s hidden gems. “There is a secret roof top garden that is amazing to sit on and gaze over the roofs of Melville.” DO YOU HAVE A GREAT PROJECT OR STORY TO SHARE WITH READERS? Send your article and high resolution images to [email protected] or call [phone] for more information. PRINT. DIGITAL. ONLINE. EXHIBITIONS. CONFERENCES. CONTACT US: When measurement matters 24 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018 // 0861 727 663 | www.interactmedia.co.za