400 GRADI

400 GRADI in South Australia is a modern Italian restaurant and bar, situated on the leafy Parade in Norwood.

The Dean Dyson Architects design concept for 400 Gradi envisioned the creation and exploration of spatial drama and illusions, inspired by the idea of theatrical experience.

They designed a customer experience that built a sense of suspense and surprise.

A key piece of that experience involved creating a portal like journey into another world at the entry.

A large sculptural void was carved out of a monolithic concrete façade to form a narrowing entry approach, with the curved vaulted ceiling starting high and tapering down towards the Gradi door.

Then, once inside, a carefully and spatially broken-down interior provided a series of dynamic and unique sensory dining experiences within the restaurant.

Each space was created with purpose and designed to provide either a relaxed, intimate, formal or playful dining experience.

At the heart of every restaurant is food.

Dean Dyson Architects inserted a stunning brass salumi cabinet as a centre piece and visual focal point displaying fresh produce immediately upon arrival.

The theatrical nature and activity of the bar and salumi station are designed as a focal point and encourage visual interaction with the theatre of food from all areas of the restaurant.

A blanket-like ceiling drapes across the central dining space providing a spatially intimate and formal feel.

The use of mirror expanded the visual length and depth of space, creating visual illusion and intrigue within the restaurant.

Brass detailing and stunning terrazzo surfaces created an elegant yet playfully dynamic interior that was paired with a natural concrete wall finish adding an industrious feel.

Sculptural handmade glass light fittings water-falling over fixed booth seating from the high ceiling above were used to create a weightless experience.

The Dean Dyson Architects design of the 400 GRADI restaurant in Adelaide helps deliver a truly memorable dining experience.

Project Details

Project size – 290 m2
Completion date – 2019
Building levels – 1

Project Team

Architecture and Interior Design

Dean Dyson Architects

Dean Dyson Architects was established by English Architect Dean Dyson.

Over the years Dean has trained with the industry’s best in both the UK and Australia within the housing and commercial sector. He has worked with architects and interior designers including Robert Mills, Sue Carr, Elenberg Fraser, and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw.

Dean has crafted his own unique architectural style which has always been influenced by a strong connection to the natural environment and the positive impacts this has on people’s lives.

www.deandysonarchitects.com.au

Photography

Dianna Snape

Dianna Snape is an Australian photographer based in Melbourne. She specialises in interior photography, landscape photography and architectural photography.

www.diannasnape.com