I’m late in posting this so if you didn’t go, you’ve missed it cos it’s long gone but the temporary fixture in Federation Square that was Greenhouse by Joost was one of the best things in Melbourne this Summer. I went a couple of times and had coffee on the recycled signpost chairs and once soaked up the sun on the rooftop terrace with its little veggie garden. Such a memorable venue although it left no footprint. It was lovely and airy, insulated with hay bales, with strawberry plant pots lining one side, with light cages and wire boxes filled with old lightbulbs. Staff wore vintage uniforms.
You could tell designer Joost Bakkar put his heart into this idea. Greenhouse was built to inspire and challenge “the current vernacular on minimizing the impact on the planet, whilst dishing us degustation fare and operating as a unique gallery, cafe, bar and public space…it would also educate, generate debate, and serve as a model for a cheaper, more spirit-lifting form of public housing in our suburbs.” And it was built entirely from recycled or recyclable materials.
Oh hai!
Beverages like Little Creatures beer, coffee and old fashioned lemonade were served up in recycled glass jars and bottles. The lemonade was delicious, unsweetened and the best I’ve ever had.
This is a bicycle I saw parked outside. I want to be friends with this person.
I’ve heard rumours of Greenhouse travelling to the Milan Furniture Fair and making a comeback in a new spot but while that is still unfounded, I’ve got my fingers crossed.
