PROJECT
TITANIC DISTILLERS, BELFAST
RUSTIC SOUL TOOK INSPIRATION FROM THE WORKMEN FROM THE DOCK AND THE TITANIC ITSELF TO CREATE AN INDUSTRIAL FEEL IN THE NEW DISTILLERY… INTERIOR DESIGN
T he new Titanic Distillers welcomes visitors from all over the world, but the main inspiration for Rustic Soul to create the interior design of the building has a much humbler origin: the men who worked at the Thompson dry dock and pump house. “During the design and execution of this project, one of the specific challenges we faced was ensuring that the interior design seamlessly integrated with the distillery’s historical significance. We needed to strike a balance between preserving the site’s heritage and creating an enjoyable and engaging space,” commented Emma Anderson, Director of Rustic Soul. “We drew inspiration from the workers and the materials that were traditionally used in the shipyard during the era when the Titanic was built. This allowed us to incorporate design elements that paid tribute to the distillery’s history while creating a contemporary visitors centre that would leave a lasting impression.” The interior design project comprised a ‘spacious’ open café, reception, seating areas, exhibition space, gift shop, tour
entrance and an enlarged mezzanine floor for tasting sessions. All furniture and feature pieces were designed and manufactured in-house at their workshop in Newry, and Rustic Soul used accent pieces in raw steel and natural wood, shipbuilding materials and distressed leather to create an industrial but welcoming feel. The Titanic Distillers trademark black was emulated throughout the building. Emma and her team designed and made tasting tables in the style of factory work benches used by the dockers, a steel and mesh- plated bar and a bespoke tour lectern for the mezzanine tasting area. “The retail area features open shelving that beautifully showcases the products,” Emma explained. “We also incorporated a mesh entrance with a sliding steel door to pay homage to the industrial heritage of the site and to create an exciting transition into the retail space.” One of the most striking features of the project is the Barrel Wall, made of reclaimed barrels with a steel framework,
a tribute to the massive scaffolding that enveloped the Titanic while it was being built. The heritage whiskey wall is a another exquisite display unit that seamlessly blends steel craftsmanship with captivating design elements. This display wall features a six-meter steel-plated unit with open mesh panels at the top and hardwood shelves, adding a touch of industrial sophistication and elevating the overall aesthetic. This was Rustic Soul’s first experience of working on a listed building. “It was not an everyday fitting job where you can drill into any wall,” Emma commented. “We had to design and create free-standing pieces that wouldn’t touch the original fabric of the building and needed a lot of thought processing and creativity from design to installation.” Emma said they were simply delighted to participate in the project. “It was a pleasure to be part of such a significant cultural and historical attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. We did our best to do this place and the Titanic legacy proud.”
Unit 3, Craigmore Mill Industrial Estate, Craigmore Road, Newry, BT35 6JR E: hello@rusticsoul.co.uk www.rusticsoul.co.uk
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