THE STILL
2021
‘The Still remains a focused environment that prioritizes the weight and history of the Lark brand.’
Located in Hobart, The Still is a dedicated whisky bar for Lark Distilling Co., conceived as an immersive environment that celebrates Tasmania’s rich distilling culture. Attached to the heritage-listed Mercury building, the project occupies the former footprint of a well-known restaurant, adapting the existing fabric to establish a darker, more contemplative identity while retaining the integrity of the original structure.
The space is designed as a total expression of whisky. A large wall of barrels, extensive bottle displays and the inclusion of Bill Lark’s original still position the bar as both archive and stage, foregrounding the craft and history of Tasmanian distillation. Programmatically, the layout supports multiple modes of occupation, from a bottle shop for takeaways, to booth seating for extended meals, and informal bar seating for after-work drinks.
Materially, the interior is grounded in a deep, restrained palette. Charred timber panelling and black vegan leather booths create a dense, atmospheric setting, while lighting is carefully calibrated to reinforce a sense of intimacy and focus. The Barasol ceiling introduces a dynamic layer, capable of shifting colour to suit different events, including a deep red during DARK MOFO, allowing the space to transform while maintaining its core identity.
Moments of performance are embedded within the architecture. Retractable whisky barrels descend for tastings, turning service into theatre and reinforcing the ritualistic nature of whisky consumption. At the rear, a nine-metre-wide fireplace anchors the space, its scale and presence reminiscent of a Tim Storier painting. Designed as a place to gather, it offers a point of warmth and retreat, inviting patrons to settle in and reheat themselves on cold Tasmanian nights.
The Still operates as more than a bar. It is a distillation of Lark itself, where material, atmosphere and ritual converge to create a singular expression of Tasmanian whisky culture.
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BAR
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COMPLETE
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MUWININA | HOBART | TASMANIA
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BUILDER | TAS CITY BUILDING
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER | ALDANMARK
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PETER BENNETTS
ADAM GIBSON