But First, Coffee

The cafe lies adjacent to the building’s most historically significant and ornate room which features ornate details such as original ceiling details adorned with gold leafing, commanding archways, feature wall paneling, glazed tiles, and a marble fireplace. To complete the site context, the cafe is accessed from, and squarely addresses the commercial lobby, which features lofty heights and a contemporary all-white marble interior.

The café design centres on a trio of brass lined arches which punctuate the back bar with a simple grand and visual gesture, while drawing inspiration from the arched openings in the red brick façade. Lime-washed oak floors, white timber wall panelling, natural oak and ‘penny round’ mosaics are complemented by a constrained application of richer materials such as brass, marble and a feature glazed profiled tile. The unique composition provides a contemporary design feature with subtle heritage influences unique to the project and site.