Bloom is a cafe and function space by the Karrawirra Parri / River Torrens in the Adelaide suburb of Thebarton.
Tucked in behind the old West End Brewery, the space is layered, full of light and embraces its natural surrounds.
Sans-Arc Studio’s client had committed to a 10-year lease on the property and they wanted to leave the envelope of the building in good shape for future occupants and emphasise the quality and character of the building.
So they created the identity and feeling of the space through the fit-out elements but creating a beautiful shell that can be embraced by future tenants.
In a world of venues being demolished and re-fit regularly, Sans-Arc Studio’s work to allow new occupants with varying uses to occupy leased spaces the whole process is simplified by the existing building, a beautiful envelope, and where a few simple moves inside create a space perfect for the offering.
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.
- A space that maintained the rustic, handmade aesthetic from their first venue.
- A multi-functional space with distinct zones.
- The open wood fire cooking as the heart of the space.
Sans-Arc Studio’s concept 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 emphasizing 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 hard-wearing stone floor that will patina with wear, warm Victorian Ash and masonry elements all under a bright and light green raked ceiling.
The Bloom project required clever use of the limited budget to create design impact.
Sans-Arc Studio’s idea was to apply simple, and robust materials to the existing building, and focus budget and energy on the joinery elements and layers within the space.
Circulation paths along the east and west boundary walls allow the envelope to breathe, emphasizing the long, gabled volume of space.
The joinery elements within the space create layering that is dynamic yet comfortable, subtle curves contrast strong lines creating tucked away, intimate and convivial seating arrangements.
The excellence in this design resides in its balance of a pragmatism and sculpture.
A hyper-functional layout uses subtle texture and contrasting forms to create a unique and convivial space.
The materials are robust and will patina in a way that improves and adds character to the space over time.
Project Details
Project Size – 220 m2
Site Area – 325 m2
Completion Date – 2020
Building Levels – 1
Project Team
Interior Design
Sans-Arc Studio
Sans-Arc Studio is a self-described off-beat architecture studio using environmentally responsible design to create fun spaces and good vibes.
Photography
Jonathan VDK
Jonathan is a commercial photographer whose clients include Monocle, Vogue Germany, City Mag, Wallpaper*, Condé Nast, the Wall Street Journal, the Sydell Group, and Genesin among many other notable publications and brands.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2021 Sans-Arc Studio. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2021 Jonathan VDK. All Rights Reserved.
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