Having previously opened a ‘shipping-container café’, where they were hands-on in design and build, this was the client’s second venue - bigger and more aspirational. The brief had three main requirements; 1. A space that maintained the rustic, handmade aesthetic from their first venue, 2. A multifunctional space with distinct zones, 3. The open wood fire cooking as the heart of the space.

Our idea was to embrace the existing volume of space - an old carriage works building, then simplifying the building fabric to its most basic elements and introducing two free standing elements that underpin the program. A floating bar and arched open wood grill. These two elements bookend a layered, slighting sunken dining space. Adjacent the river, additional glazing opens views to the east, embracing large gum trees along Karrawirra Parri and emphasising the natural, light feeling of the building. The material selection embraces subtle contrasts and fine grain textures. The intention is to do more with less; logical but effective and beautiful. Clean, textural white render for the walls, a hardwearing stone floor that will patina with wear, warm Victorian Ash and masonry elements all under a bright and light green raked ceiling.

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