Beans Café & Roastery by Figureground Architecture // Melbourne.

Amongst over 400 entrants Figureground Architecture has been awarded the 2014 Hospitality Design Award and the 2014 Best of State Commercial Design Award for transforming a concrete shell warehouse in Fitzroy into a busy café and roastery. Inspired by the intimacy of Melbourne laneways, the design took advantage of the high ceilings to create a long narrow ‘dining hall’ experience. Economic materials such as operable black painted pallets and corrugated polycarbonate define the space and create a playful sense of habitation. The language of operable panels is also used in the external seating area which can be completely open during the day or securely closed down after business hours.

The design team aimed to transform a cold, empty shell into a vibrant, warm space that achieves a balance of calmness with a sense of theatre. The furniture has been carefully configured to provide a variety of seating opportunities, including long, low communal tables in the centre, high tables for couples along the wall, and high tables for small groups pushed to the rear. This arrangement allows for practical circulation and encourages “people watching” from the periphery inwards.

The jury praised the architects’ clear and concise vision when resolving the vast volume of space of this old warehouse. The quality of light in what could have been a dark and dreary space shows a consideration of the connection between the interior and the exterior. The designers have exhibited a simple and clear concept that has realised the interior’s true potential while weaving it into surrounding street life. The Industry Beans Café & Roastery is one of Figureground Architecture’s first projects. Their aim is to become a leader in Australian hospitality design through providing their clients with surprising and innovative design solutions. Two thumbs up from us!

[Images courtesy of Figureground Architecture. Photography by Luke Brice & Sean Fennessey.]