A commercial rooftop project shaped through materiality, atmosphere, and a sense of home
Set above New Farm, Ruma Rooftop introduces a considered approach to Brisbane’s rooftop hospitality scene. This is not a space defined by spectacle, but by restraint. A venue where materiality, spatial flow, and furniture selection work together to create an environment that feels both transportive and grounded.
At its core, Ruma is built around a simple but powerful idea. Home.
“The word ‘Ruma’ means home in the Motuan language,” explains Jessica Mead, who led the furniture and styling direction. “Our intention was to create a space that evokes that feeling, with a relaxed, elevated tropical vibe that transports guests somewhere special.”
This balance between escape and familiarity underpins every design decision. It is not expressed through bold gestures, but through a series of quieter, more intentional layers.
Designing a rooftop with depth and intention
What sets Ruma apart is the presence of human touch. Beyond the architectural framework, the space has been shaped through a hands-on approach to detail and finish.
“We seek to create with intention and let our little soul touches shine through,” Jessica shares. “From hand dyed and stitched chef’s table curtains to fabric-covered armchairs and banana palm fibre menus, these are the details that sit in the background but invite guests to linger longer and return.”
This approach aligns naturally with Uniqwa Collections, where material honesty and handcrafted elements are central. The integration of Uniqwa pieces was not an afterthought, but part of a broader philosophy around creating spaces that feel lived in rather than styled.
Materiality as the foundation of atmosphere
Material selection plays a defining role in the success of Ruma. Rather than embracing a polished, newly constructed aesthetic, the intention was to create a sense of permanence from the outset.
“We wanted the space to feel like it had been there a while,” Jessica explains. “Not something with that shiny new commercial feel.”
Working with Alkot Design Studio, the base palette was established through stone, plaster, and warm terracotta tones. From there, layers of rattan, timber, and textile were introduced to create depth and softness throughout the space.
“In a world full of synthetic aesthetics, we chose natural materials to enhance that feeling of ‘welcome home’ and connection.”
Within this material framework, the Salalah Dining Tables and Mukalla Dining Tables provide a strong architectural anchor. Their sculptural forms and softened finishes reinforce the grounded nature of the space, while the tadelakt-style surfaces offer both durability and tactility, essential in a commercial rooftop environment.
Zoning a rooftop for both experience and operation
Ruma’s spatial planning reflects a clear understanding of how guests interact with hospitality environments. Rather than a single uniform layout, the rooftop is divided into a series of distinct zones.
“We’ve learnt that zones are integral in a rooftop restaurant,” Jessica explains. “They allow you to cater to different guest expectations and create a variety of experiences.”
Each area invites a different rhythm. Bar seating encourages engagement and movement. Booths provide intimacy. Lounge areas offer a slower, more relaxed pace.
“Just as a home offers different places to sit, we wanted guests to experience something different each time they visit.”
This zoning is not only experiential but operational. Defined furniture groupings support service flow, while repetition of materials ensures visual cohesion across the space.
The Oasis Sofa plays a key role within these lounge zones, introducing a residential softness that shifts the perception of the rooftop from purely commercial to something more considered and lived in.
Layered within the lounge settings, the KULALA Living Lantara Coffee Table and Lantara Side Table provide functional surfaces without interrupting the overall visual calm, supporting the composition rather than competing with it.
Rethinking outdoor furniture for commercial use
One of the most deliberate decisions within the project was to challenge the visual language of outdoor furniture.
“My guiding principle was not to let it feel like a typical outdoor space,” Jessica says. “Instead, it should feel like the interiors have been placed outside.”
This led to the selection of warm timbers, textured stone, and fabric finishes, moving away from colder materials often associated with exterior environments.
At the same time, performance remained critical. Teak and performance fabrics were chosen for longevity, ensuring the furniture could withstand the demands of a high-traffic rooftop setting.
The Tsuana Stools extend this material language into the bar, while the Maaru Planters introduce scale and greenery, grounding the space and softening transitions between zones.
A space defined by experience
While the design language is clear, the success of Ruma ultimately lies in how the space is experienced.
“We are proud of the unique setting we have created for Brisbane,” Jessica reflects. “It brings together our Islander heritage and our desire to create a space with intention and soul.”
This experience is reinforced by the broader hospitality offering, particularly through the work of head chef Felipe Oliveira.
“His ability to deliver high-quality, elevated food that complements the relaxed nature of the venue has been a defining strength.”
Despite its resolved design, Ruma is not static. It is a space that will continue to evolve.
“Even though it’s early days, the venue feels grounded, but still has room to grow and forge its own identity. Our guests and staff will continue to shape the space, and that is something we’re excited to see.”
A shared approach to commercial design
Ruma Rooftop reflects a broader shift in hospitality design, one that prioritises material honesty, human touch, and longevity over trend-driven outcomes.
The integration of Uniqwa Collections throughout the project reinforces this direction. Pieces are not used as decoration but as part of the space's architectural language, contributing to both atmosphere and function.
The result is a rooftop that feels considered, grounded, and enduring. A space that does not rely on excess, but instead invites guests to settle in, connect, and return.
At the heart of Ruma Rooftop, co-owners Daniel, Katrina, Jessica and Chris, alongside the chefs and venue manager who bring the space to life [photo credit: Markus Ravik].
Featured pieces
Location: @ruma_rooftop
Photography: @andreavanheerden.creative