Vin Populi by Rezen Studio: Modern Tribute to Fremantle's Italian Heritage

Located in the heart of historic Fremantle's West End, Vin Populi from Rezen Studio reinterprets the wine bar concept by blending nostalgia with contemporary hospitality design. Situated in the former Roma Restaurant, a cultural hub that operated from 1954, Vin Populi pays homage to Italian culinary traditions, offering a fresh and immersive experience for a new generation.

This transformed space combines maritime textures, heritage elements, and refined materiality — setting a new standard for hospitality design in Western Australia.

Restoring Fremantle's Icon with a Modern Sensibility

When Rezen Studio, led by designer-director Zenifa Bowring, began the Vin Populi project, the goal was clear: to honor the spirit of Roma Restaurant while creating a vibrant new identity that resonates with today's food culture.

The studio carefully stripped away decades of renovations to reveal original features such as rough-plastered walls and heritage elements. This tactile canvas now envelops every detail of the bar and dining areas, creating an authentic and texturally rich environment that connects past and present.

Interior Design: A Dialogue Between Old and New

The Bar as a Social Anchor

At the center of the layout lies a dramatic, centrally positioned wine bar, acting as the social hub of the venue. Clad in soft red terrazzo and surrounded by steel shelving, the bar sets the tone with its imposing presence and welcoming energy.

Archways and Zoning

Dining areas are organized around a series of arched openings, visually connecting the bar to more intimate seating zones. These gently framed thresholds provide clear spatial separation while maintaining a sense of openness and flow.

Material Palette and Details

Rezen Studio's approach to materials is both nostalgic and bold. Key features include:

• Three-color floor tiles, reflecting vintage Italian eateries
• Curved steel furniture with tubular upholstery, reminiscent of industrial maritime heritage
• Subtle designer touches such as the 'Naughty Corner' sign — an inside joke rooted in site history

Together, they form a unique Fremantle aesthetic style — playful, layered, and proudly grounded in place.

Contextual Storytelling Through Design

The design of Vin Populi goes beyond aesthetics — it's a story about place, memories, and continuity. Located near Fremantle port, the space subtly references its coastal setting through:

• Patinated steel finishes, evoking dock equipment
• Rough, exposed surfaces, indicating the passage of time
• Shared dining spaces, echoing traditional Italian family meals

This commitment to contextual storytelling defines Rezen Studio’s empirical philosophy: creating emotionally resonant spaces that invite connection and celebration.

Sustainability and Respect for Heritage

Instead of erasing history, Rezen Studio chose an adaptive reuse approach — a sustainable method that preserves the building's character and minimizes waste. By restoring key architectural features and updating infrastructure thoughtfully, the studio maintained the essence of the original venue while enhancing its long-term functionality and usability.

Awards and Recognition

Vin Populi has garnered widespread recognition for its outstanding design, including:

• Nominated – Eat Drink Design Awards 2023 (Best Restaurant Design)
• Winner – Best of State (WA) – Commercial at 2024 Australian Interior Design Awards

These accolades affirm Vin Populi's status as a benchmark project in contemporary Australian hospitality design.

Conclusion: Where Memory Meets Modernity

Vin Populi is more than just a restaurant — it's an experience crafted through architecture, memory, and human connection. Rezen Studio's design celebrates Fremantle’s rich cultural layers, offering timeless style where the past shapes the present.

Whether you're drawn to the Italian menu, atmosphere, or history embedded in its walls, Vin Populi delivers a unique sensory journey unlike anywhere else in Western Australia.

To learn more about Rezen Studio’s diverse projects, visit the Rezen Studio Projects page on ArchitectureArtDesigns.com.

Photo: Dion RobesonPhoto: Dion RobesonPhoto: Dion RobesonPhoto: Dion RobesonPhoto: Dion RobesonPhoto: Dion Robeson