The Percy Plunkett Café is a thoughtful transformation of a heritage-listed cottage into a contemporary hospitality space, where material honesty and local character guide the design approach. Designed by Killing Matt Woods, the project balances raw texture with refined detailing to create a warm, grounded interior experience.
A key material in achieving this atmosphere is Rockcote Earthen Render Medium, used internally to introduce a soft, natural clay finish. With its subtle undulations and earthy tonal quality, the render brings a tactile richness to the café, helping soften the architectural geometry while enhancing the sense of warmth and calm within the space. Its natural composition also supports a breathable, low-tox environment, aligning with the project’s focus on material authenticity and sustainability.
The design was captured by photographer Dave Wheeler, whose imagery highlights the layered textures and tonal depth of the earthen surfaces, reinforcing the intimate, handcrafted feel of the interior.
The result is a café interior where Rockcote Earthen Render Medium becomes more than a finish, it becomes part of the spatial experience, grounding the heritage context with a natural, contemporary softness.
