projects
Mapo Gelato Darlinghurst
Our Work
About Mapo Gelato
Darlinghurst, NSW | 56 sqm | Hospitality / Retail
- Scope Design & Construct
- Services: Full fitout, joinery, services coordination
DB Projects delivered the design and fitout of a new Mapo Gelato store in Darlinghurst, NSW, located within The Oxford & Foley development —a$200M+mixed-use precinct revitalising the heart of Oxford Street.
Positioned between Hyde Park and Taylor Square, the project forms part of a landmark development comprising commercial offices, retail tenancies, anda boutique hotel, requiring a considered design response within a high-profile urban context.
Client Brief
The Client Brief
Mapo Gelato engaged DB Projects to design a new gelateria that respected the heritage character of Oxford Street while introducing a fresh, contemporary interior aligned with the Mapo brand. The brief was to:
Preserve the historic streetscape and respond sensitively to the building context
Translate Mapo’s established industrial design language into a refined retail environment
Create a bold, inviting destination with strong street presence
Balance warmth, minimalism, and durability within a high-traffic hospitality setting
Design Response
Inspired by the raw, urban character of existing Mapo stores, the interior adopts an industrial design language layered with refined textures andawarm,
contemporary palette.
Key elements include:
- Exposed and honest materiality to reflect Mapo’s industrial aesthetic
- Bold tiled joinery forms creating a strong architectural identity
- Clean, minimal detailing balanced with warmth and texture
- A layout that maximises visibility, customer flow, and engagement from the street
The integration of heritage sensitivity with modern industrial finishes creates a space that feels both timeless and current — respectful of its surroundingswhile unmistakably Mapo.
Smart Impact
Sustainability & Innovation
Our scope included:
- Space planning
- Concept design and 3D and VR visualisation
- Concept design and detailed construction documentation, including FF&E schedules and bespoke joinery drawings.
- Full construction and fitout
- Custom joinery, services coordination, and commissioning
The Outcome
The completed gelateria delivers a distinctive retail destination on Oxford Street, seamlessly blending heritage context with modern hospitality design. The space enhances Mapo Gelato’s brand presence within one of Sydney’s most vibrant precincts, offering a bold yet welcoming environment that
attracts both local foot traffic and destination visitors.
