A Study in Craft, Context and Cohesion:
Lee Brennan Design at The Belongil Precinct, Byron Bay
Set within Byron Bay’s evolving hospitality landscape, The Belongil precinct marks a considered and ambitious collaboration between acclaimed chef Shannon Bennett and Lee Brennan Design. Comprising four independent venues—each with its own narrative yet bound by a shared sensibility—the project stands as a testament to the power of restraint, craftsmanship, and cohesive design thinking.
As head designers, interior architects, and makers, Lee Brennan Design was entrusted with the full conceptualisation and execution of the precinct’s interiors. From early vision through to final installation, the project unfolded over twelve months of meticulous planning, culminating in an intense eight-week on-site build to meet the high-season December opening—an ambitious timeline by any measure.
Inspiration Rooted in Place
The foundation of the design direction began not in Byron Bay, but in Noosa—within Lee Brennan Design’s own workshop showroom, FOUNDRY. Upon visiting the space, Bennett was drawn to its tactile warmth and raw materiality, requesting that Feu, one of the precinct’s signature venues, take direct inspiration from the Foundry showroom itself.
This connection became a guiding force for the project. Reclaimed timbers, natural wall panelling, hand-applied render, and softened structural forms were elevated as hero elements. These materials were intentionally left to breathe—celebrated rather than concealed—creating a sense of escape for guests stepping inside. The aim was to strip back excess and allow texture, imperfection, and craftsmanship to speak for themselves.
Four Venues, One Language
While each venue within The Belongil precinct was designed to reflect its own story and purpose, Lee Brennan Design approached the project with a singular philosophy: strong individuality anchored by a consistent design language. An underlying theme—rooted in honesty of materials and human-scale craftsmanship—was woven throughout all four spaces.
This cohesion was achieved through a disciplined material palette, repeated thoughtfully across venues in varied expressions. Timber, stone, natural fibres, softened metals, and muted, earthy tones reappear in different forms, creating visual continuity without repetition. It is a quiet confidence that allows each venue to feel distinct yet unmistakably part of the same world.
Above image by Jamie Green.
Handmade, Considered, Global
Central to the project was Lee Brennan Design’s role as both designer and maker. Furniture pieces, flooring details, artistic wall panels, sculptural plinths, and custom basins were all handcrafted by the studio—designed specifically for the precinct and built to age gracefully over time.
Complementing these bespoke elements was a curated selection of antique pieces sourced from across the globe. Each item was chosen not for ornamentation, but for its ability to add depth, history, and soul—reinforcing the sense that these spaces have evolved rather than been imposed.
Art also played a vital role. Working closely with creatives, the team developed soft fabric installations that subtly integrate art into the architecture itself—bringing movement, softness, and an ethereal quality to otherwise grounded, textural spaces.
The attention to detail extended right down to the smallest touchpoints: leather placemats, custom serviceware, plateware, napkins, outdoor fire pits—each element carefully considered to ensure the guest experience felt complete, intentional, and deeply tactile.
The Power of a Strong Theme
For Lee Brennan Design, the success of a project of this scale rests on the strength of its original concept. A clear theme acts as both compass and filter—guiding decisions and preventing dilution as complexity increases.
“We work with a consistent selection of materials and colours, returning to them repeatedly,” the studio explains. “If ever in doubt, we go back to the original moodboard. It pulls the project back into alignment and ensures we stay true to the design direction.”
This discipline allows raw materials to take centre stage. By stripping back unnecessary layers and ornamentation, the spaces lean into a rustic, natural palette—one that feels grounded, timeless, and inherently connected to its coastal setting.
A Precinct with Purpose
The Belongil precinct is not defined by trends or spectacle. Instead, it reflects a shared belief in authenticity, craftsmanship, and emotional connection to space. Through a thoughtful balance of concept, material honesty, and handmade detail, Lee Brennan Design has delivered an environment that feels both elevated and deeply human—an enduring addition to Byron Bay’s cultural fabric.
The Belongil is a disruptive
world-class, multi-venue
destination.
A dream-like sensory experience,
fusing textures, memory and
sense of place.
A sanctuary for the global
traveler, the informed local,
and the curious wanderer.
Reserve your table now!
