The boathouse
A relaxed dining experience by the riverside.
We delivered: Strategy, Brand & Interior Design
The Boathouse Cafe was half of a large scale interiors & branding project for a riverside building in Guildford, The Boathouse, the property housed two businesses, connected within the space but each with their own objectives; one a co-working space and the other a cafe.
Raw Clay were tasked with designing a brand identity and interior scheme that honoured the heritage location and natural surroundings, whilst blending in with the design for the rest of the three story property and the identity created for the co-working space. We were responsible for the brand, graphic design and interior design working closely with The Boathouse’s creative director Jess Meins.
idnetity
The Boathouse Cafe prides itself on a seasonal menu and relaxed riverside setting. An understated visual identity featuring illustrations of native riverside plants focusses guests attention on the idyllic surroundings of the restaurant and the seasonal nature of the menu.
interior design
Informed by the visual identity, the interior scheme for the Boathouse Cafe pays tribute to the heritage of the site. We designed a screen made of handcrafted wooden paddles, inspired by the rowing boats that have been hired from here since the Victorian era - immersing diners in the story of the location.
A palette of natural materials like stone, wood, linen, and clay are used repeatedly throughout the space, chosen to reflect the materials found in and around the river. On the largest wall, layers of clay render create a relief design, traced from a map of the Wey. A huge floral installation hanging overhead feels like rushes and plantlife lifted directly from the riverbed.
menus & Print
Our sustainable approach to design continues into print. A suite of menus are printed on paper stock made from recycled beer pulp, and are layered into reusable, linen-wrapped hardback covers. A hand-illustrated childrens menu engages little ones in the story of the river.
DIGITAL
To create consistency across the brand, we designed digital assets that would complement the physical print. We created template designs and directional concept work for social media content as well as designing the visuals for an online ordering App.
packaging
All takeaway packaging for the Boathouse Cafe has been sustainably produced, and can be recycled or home composted once it's been used. Paper food boxes are coated with seaweed instead of plastic, and reusable coffee cups are made from old takeaway cups.
We came to raw clay with a feeling we wanted to create. We described our dream to them, and they somehow made it a tangible reality that could be felt by others.
Jessica Meins - The BoathousE
Collaborative partners
Main Contractor - O&D Construction
Archutect - Mitchell Evans
Lighting Designer - Mistry Lighting
Photography - Lydia Harper & Trish Henderson
Documentary - Fraser Stephen & Alicja Rymarowicz
