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Soft exposed brick
Designed inside a World War II-era seaplane hangar, Little Creatures' Kittyhawk is an all-day trader that converts from a café in the morning to a cocktail bar at night. The space is inspired by the hangar’s rich history; Kittyhawk was once the Officer’s Mess Hall of the original Sunderland Hangar, where aircrew and service mechanics relaxed during their break or before flying out.
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A rolled aluminium bar top
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All-day trader
It was important to the team that the design of Kittyhawk told the story of Hobsonville Point’s aviation history.
Stephen Parkes
Associate
“With its vintage décor and intimate setting, Kittyhawk offers punters an alternative experience to the busy food hall of Little Creatures.”
The enclave has the refined style of the 30s and 40s with an overlay of robust art deco forms; the patina of time is evident with the soft exposed brick (a result of 70 years of overpainting) and the assortment of glass panels in the timber windows (a result of multiple replacements over the years, often due to a game of in-hangar cricket). Original wartime posters and black and white photos of mid-century aircraft adorn the walls.
The space has a smokiness rendered through darkened floorboards and furniture, offset with creamy deco arches, panelling, portholes, and a silvery burnished counter.
The rolled aluminium bar top references the plane fuselages, while an oversized vintage clock takes pride of place on the wall – a nod to when breaks and departure times were ‘on the clock’.
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