PEARL OYSTER

114 Miller St, Preston

Visited: 7th March 2014

Design: The golden lacquered timber holding the rope screen works well against the white chipped timber frame. I love the rope screen so much better than the usual plastic stripping found in most cafes, it gave it a tropical feel. The recycled car tyre mat found at most corner stores added the final touch to this scene of dreamy summer afternoons. I found this entry had a light airy happiness to it. It felt like I was looking at a scene still from an animated film. The oriental font of the cafe sign and the Tin Tin related illustrated menu conjured up memories of Kung Fu halls and romantic ideals of far off mysterious lands that I would read about as a kid. This door created a nostalgic pleasure in me, like the passing scent of a stranger that reminds you of your kindergarten teachers perfume. The natural references of the slate wall panels at the base of each window bring a nice touch to what would be a standard shop front. The stainless steel capping at the base of the windows and across the step create a brilliant visual divide between materials. Once through the rope screen you enter through the well worn wooden red framed door with a central glass panel. There was an almost orchestral squeak to the door on the full swing to open and the close. A loud slight bang at the end of the close upset the flow of the close. There was a nice jingle as the OPEN/CLOSE disc on the window clanged slightly against the glass. One unusual touch to the empty glass window was a small sticker in the top right that featured a fairy with a fly's head. Interesting. The door handle was the old stainless steel ball handle which complemented the red door nicely.  

Door resistance: 2

Closure mechanism: Hydraulic arm

Draft: Minimal

Squeak level: 3

Change return time: 52 sec