Mr Robertson Cafe in Nunawading, Melbourne by Maria Danos.

In conceiving Mr Robertson, the brief for Melbourne architect Maria Danos was to create a buzzing suburban café within the Nunawading Industrial Park. The café had to strike the right tone for a number of patron demographics including local tradespeople, office workers and residents, as well as explore the venue’s potential as an event space after-hours.

The café overlooks the striking, historic Roberston Chimney, which the design team drew on in developing the material palette, along with a strong consideration for sustainability credentials. A single custom stone forms the sculptural central bar, acting as an anchor in the heart of the space. Above, crisp steel truss insertions define volumes and provide support for services in elegant architectural, trapeze-like forms. Avoiding ‘applied’ motifs, functional details such as stone and steel bar shelving are integrated within the interior architecture and limited finishes palette.

Collaborations for bespoke elements included working with Fibonacci stone to produce a custom terrazzo with large earthy aggregates that resonate with the brick chimney. Britton developed a fluted Tasmanian blackwood profile, which assists in acoustic attenuation and providing richness and depth. Masson light fixtures were integrated within steel insertions.

Mr Robertson’s interior demonstrates how a limited palette of robust materials can be formulated to create a rich, engaging and exciting venue. The composition of Fibonacci stone, Tasmanian blackwood and colours referencing ‘charred clay’ at once define, link, conceal and reveal spaces. The architects use an interplay of industrial and natural elements to balance warm and cool tones throughout the cafe.

[Images courtesy of Maria Danos. Photography by Sharyn Cairns.]