In late September of 2020, our client came to us with a vision to build this highly complex restaurant in Canberra. This was no standard restaurant; rather a multifaceted fitout, with highly intricate management requirements. The quality of workmanship demonstrated throughout the build is unparalleled. The programme for this project was just 12 weeks and this limiting time factor left minimal room for error or for reworking certain aspects. A highly efficient and collaborative environment was paramount in ensuring that each element of the project was delivered to an immaculate standard from its conception stage through to completion.
The project has received numerous accolades in the media and most recently being named a finalist in the 2021 Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire Construction Awards. The Canberra Times have described INKA as “Swanky and sophisticated” also stating “Inka’s interiors are a work of art. It’s clear that no expense has been spared for the restaurant and bar fit-out. There’s a feeling that we could have walked into a restaurant in London or New York.”
This unique venue has left no surface unfinished including the tiles, metals, render, and porcelain finishes that evoke the senses at every turn. Upon entry, the door signage – a polished green marble with a copper Inlay of “INKA’ greets you. Our team also worked closely with a specialist subcontractor to deliver the hand sculpted INKA stone-effect wall which frames one side of the stairwell. The floors are one of many features of this restaurant, with reclaimed grey ironbark timber in varying widths to look more natural and create depth. There are 18 different types of tiles throughout, 4 marble and granite stones and colourful handmade Peruvian fabrics draped from the ceiling.
Our team took on every challenge including communicating with an Architect that was in Peru and was unable to come to Australia. The height of the site was another significant challenge overcome by our experienced team. The building was not constructed to facilitate a mezzanine level. Our team were required to make changes to locations of services to ensure Australian height standards were being met. Where this was the most complicated was in the kitchen below the newly built mezzanine. To meet Australian building code, plasterboard was required to run to the millimetre to the underside of the ridged mechanical ducting, with nonstandard rangehoods being designed to fit.
To meet our tight construction program, items that could be manufactured onsite were created in factories in Sydney or Canberra. Items were then delivered to site in modular form to maximise the use of on-site resources and capitalise on factory workshop standards. This kind of building method required our site manager to measure every element to the absolute millimetre. This also involved checking every trade on sites work to ensure all the same standards were being met, resulting in a cohesive final product.
We listen to our clients’ needs and we avidly work alongside our stakeholders to bring these visions to life, building not just a physical venue that is fit for purpose, but to also build a fulfilling experience on the project journey. Upon completion of INKA, our client was overjoyed with the result and stated that “No restaurant even comes close to this remarkable establishment.”
INKA // In the Media
