by Thompson Designs for Merivale
Rebekah Thompson
Rebekah Thompson is an emerging interior designer based in Sydney, known for creating immersive, sophisticated spaces that seamlessly blend functionality with elegance. Drawing inspiration from natural environments and her family heritage in Papua New Guinea, Rebekah’s work embodies a refined, textural approach, bringing cultural significance and modern luxury to each project. She is passionate about sustainable design, expertly layering materials and colours to design environments that resonate deeply with her clients.
With a distinctive, contemporary style, Rebekah’s work has already made an impact in Australia’s design scene, positioning her as a dynamic and thoughtful force in the industry.
BRIEF:
Location: Type of Build:
Client:
35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Hospitality; Bar & Resturaunt
Merivale
The project reimagines Barangaroo House in Barangaroo, Sydney, into a high-end restaurant and bar for Merivale, a renowned hospitality group. The concept celebrates a cultural collaboration with Papua New Guinea chef Molly Vaike, blending the vibrant heritage of Papua New Guinea with the contemporary lifestyle of Barangaroo.
Aru Wara (inspired by the Tok Pisin word “wara” for water) is designed to offer a luxury, immersive dining experience that seamlessly integrates cultural storytelling with modern hospitality. The space will evoke connection, texture, and mood, catering to locals and tourists. It balances sustainability and innovation while highlighting Papua New Guinea’s rich artistry through layered materials and thoughtful design.
The design draws inspiration from the union of Australia and Papua New Guinea, symbolised by water as a connecting element. It incorporates natural forms, textures, and colours, with traditional Papua New Guinean art and craftsmanship layered into the modern, moody aesthetic. Key design features include:
3D-printed recycled glass bricks to reflect water and sustainability.
Elements inspired by woven techniques, raw materials, and cultural motifs.
A sensory, experiential atmosphere blending luxury and authenticity, aligning with the Barangaroo lifestyle.
Aru Wara emphasises connection, sustainability, and cultural celebration, creating a space honouring tradition while embracing modern elegance.
Aru Wara, meaning “Woven Water” in the local dialect of Papua New Guinea, transforms Barangaroo House into a refined dining space celebrating the cultural and natural heritage of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Inspired by water’s fluidity, the design evokes movement, tranquility, and connection, merging traditional Papua New Guinean craftsmanship with modern Australian aesthetics. Handwoven textures and sustainable materials like timber and recycled glass balance the organic with the refined, reflecting Barangaroo’s historic ties to Sydney Harbour. Light and shadow play across textured surfaces, inviting sensory exploration.
Aru Wara offers an immersive journey, honoring the “woven waters” uniting these regions.
First Floor
First Floor
First Floor
First Floor
First Floor
Second Floor
Second Floor
Custum Chair
Second Floor
Second Floor
Second Floor
Ground Floor
Second Floor
First Floor
KEY MATERIALS:
Lithos Design | Piano Ginger Tiles
Copper Wave | Liquid Metal Finish
Aluminium Chain Curtain | K riskadecor
Kelly Wearstler | Cascadia
Venetian Glass Emerald Green
Palmi Indian Green with Carrara Natural Stone Mosaic Tile
Taj Green Long Honed Flute | Tile Cloud
Verde Oceania Marble | CDK Stone
KEY SELECTIONS:
Weave Pendant | Copper Design.
Illyria Ice Glass Pendant | Betu Design
Liam 3 Layer Bamboo | Temple & Webster
Pod | illumebydesign By Brad Cole
Fan Dining Chair
| Tom Dixon
Rose Tyrone 27” Counter Stool
Fat Lounge Chair | Tom Dixon
Veranda Vue Chair | Victoria Queen
The “Hat” Lamp | By Kilzi
Seville Tile Round Dining Table | Burnt Sienna Tile | Globe West
Bell Straw Marquetry for ClassiCon | Sebastian Herkner
Vellah Round Dining Table | Casa Blanco
Acknowledgments
All interior design concepts, 3D renders, technical drawings, custom furniture designs, video production, and lighting solutions presented in this project have been meticulously designed and executed by Rebekah Thompson. This work represents a dedication to originality, creativity, and precision, embodying a passion for innovative and sustainable interior design solutions.
This project stands as a reflection of the hard work and commitment to creating meaningful and impactful spaces.
All Rights Reserved
No part of this work may be copied, reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written consent of the creator.
Thank you for taking the time to engage with this collection of work.
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by Thompson Designs for Merivale