Ctrl Space has devised a casual and charming pub set in the old Ponsonby Post Office in Three Lamps, Auckland. A contemporary yet authentic reimagining of a classic style unfolds as the designers embraced the buildings existing history and character.

Working in a notoriously tricky site for hospitality, Ctrl Space sought to reflect a sense of history in order to support the age and exterior of the building. Looking to the 1930s for inspiration, the designers drew on form, colour and materials from old pubs in the UK and hotel interiors within Australia to curate a modern atmosphere with old-style character.

Finishes needed to look and feel true to concept yet fresh enough to entice locals and visitors alike. Striking a balance of approachability and style was vital to create a durable and enigmatic fixture on the Auckland dining scene.

Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 07 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 01 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 02 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 03 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 04 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 05 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 06 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 08 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 09 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 10 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 11 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 12 Ctrl Space Hotel Ponsonby Auckland Hospitality Photo Jono Parker Yellowtrace 13

The back bar is perhaps the strongest reference to a hotel — reminiscent of a classic reception check-in desk. In particular, the rich and grand handcrafted timberwork and rhythmic fluted details in the panelling, glass and tube lighting are distinctive. Other typical, softer, hotel-style features in the dining room are the nostalgic Axminister carpet, traditional wall lights, lush velvet fabric and linen lights.

Traditional pub details like the green vinyl tabletops, green leather bench seating and brown detailed wall panels demarcate the pub area. Clear space separation between the pub and hotel areas reinforces the visually separate zones for casual drinking and table service dining.

Local talent was engaged to add the final touches on the space. Ctrl Space brought Blanc Industries on board to make the highly crafted bar, back bar, all of the tables, banquette seating & maître d unit. Styling wise, the Art Dept helped add depth to the interior with hand-painted walls and aged sconces as well as a fireplace painted to look like marble.

[Images courtesy of Ctrl Space. Photography by Jono Parker.]