FIDEM has been honoured at the Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Construction Awards 2025, winning in the Hospitality Buildings, New, Open Price category for its exceptional delivery of Iron Gate Kitchen in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley.
This project introduces a high-end Spanish-inspired restaurant that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary construction techniques at Iron Gate Estate.
Designed by Studio Etic, led by principal Emilie Delalande, Iron Gate Kitchen is marked by distinctive architectural features such as a hand-laid curved brick ceiling reminiscent of Andalusian wine cellars, and a precision-engineered curved timber pergola that frames a charming outdoor courtyard perfect for long lunches and evening dining.
The build incorporates passive design principles, local materials, and off-grid water and wastewater systems tailored to the regional environment.
The result is a venue that elevates the Hunter Valley’s hospitality offering while maintaining a strong connection to its place.
Michael Ghobrial, Director of FIDEM, said: “Recognition from MBA NSW reflects the precision and discipline our teams bring to complex hospitality builds.
Ghobrial said Iron Gate Kitchen required a blend of traditional craftsmanship executed with contemporary precision, adding that the vaulted brick ceiling and curved pergola stand as both visual and structural centrepieces.
Emilie Delalande of Studio Etic explained: “The brief called for warmth, intimacy and authenticity without pastiche.
“The curved ceiling, arched openings and crafted finishes create a sense of place that belongs to the vineyard and the Hunter light.”
The client from Iron Gate Estate added: “Iron Gate Kitchen adds a refined dining experience to the estate and to the region.
“Guests move easily between cellar door, dining and the landscape, which is exactly the way we want people to experience Hunter Valley hospitality.”
Key highlights of the project include the signature curved brick ceiling constructed with custom formwork, engineered bricks, and progressive structural sign-off, alongside a double-curved glulam pergola digitally modelled and CNC fabricated for millimetre accuracy.
The design features a passive thermal strategy employing mass, cross-ventilation, and deep shading to reduce mechanical plant loads. Innovative off-grid potable water treatment and a closed-loop wastewater system suit the rural setting, and local procurement of stone, brick, and timber supported regional supply chains.
FIDEM managed the project through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) preconstruction phase, transitioning into a Design and Construct delivery model.
Rigorous controls ensured coordinated services modelling preserved the integrity of the vaulted ceiling, while environmental protection measures and ISO-aligned workplace health and safety systems utilised SignOnSite for inductions, toolbox talks, and issue management.
