DesignAgency puts the finishing touch on Queen's Marque in Halifax

Canada’s maritime city of Halifax has taken the concept of the amusement pier and given it a sophisticated upgrade. Since the launch of the Queen’s Marque complex two years ago, centred on the city’s 18th-century dock, it has revitalised the downtown waterfront with hotels, restaurants and public art. The latest is Mystic, a 75-seat restaurant perched on the edge of the harbour, fused to the kinetic sculpture Tidal Beacon, by artist Ned Kahn.

Mystic is the final tenant to open in the district’s signature building. Designed by local architects MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple, the Muntz metal structure slopes downward as sheets of glazing open up views over the water. Diners are enveloped on three sides by the angular windows so that they can enjoy a wide Atlantic panorama as well as views of the open kitchen indoors.

Stepping in to oversee the interior was Matt Davis, founding partner of Toronto studio, DesignAgency. He delineated two distinct sections in the vaulted room: a bustling pantry-bar and a plusher, sexier dining room. The open kitchen sits at the centre of it all, adjacent to the open pantry, which amplifies the hyper-local theme of the restaurant by displaying sea flora and fermentation jars.

‘We found endless inspiration in the layered textures and humble gestures of the maritime terroir, and enjoyed interpreting them with a luxurious touch,’ says Davis. ‘It was important to us that the design feel of the place and embody the vision of a bright future on the world stage while staying firmly grounded in the landscape.’

To wit, the dining area is dressed in ancient driftwood and weathered stone with flashes of harbour-blue and pine-green to reflect the surrounding nature. To bring further interest to the building’s hard angles, Davis designed a plaster ceiling relief moulded in the shape of a boat’s keel. Soft lighting from ship-style lamps brings in texture and elevates mood.