Project Team

design: twoDESIGN
builder: Duncan Rose

This sites defining unique feature was the existing, very old two-story stable building along with exposed first floor structural timber detailing and bluestone floor. Sadly though with building and health regulations the designers had to cover over some of these features although they did retain as much as they could of the old stables charm.

The theme was for soft space filled with natural light from the new 6m covered area leading to the kitchen. twoDESIGN softened the space with natural timbers and a green wall but the focus was still to remain on the existing stable building

The site was actually the combination of two leased spaces on very long term leases. The design and construction had to be altered to allow for separation back into the two separately owned land areas at the end of the lease. The health department also would not allow the exposed ceiling of the old stable first floor over the coffee bar to be retained so after much negotiation at the last minute twoDESIGN had to install a timber ceiling over that area and leave only a small amount of the structure exposed.

The space was planned through very detailed meetings with the client to ensure twoDESIGN could fit many function requirements of the space. Items like the stair, toilets and kitchen all took their place quite quickly but the final coffee bar and servery area went through many plan changes to get it working.

twoDESIGN focused on some basic material choices with bold contrasts but all needing to marry in with the heritage stable.

When you are working with a space that has so much heritage being retained it is that part of the project that determines your colour scheme and textural qualities.

With so much natural light in this space from the atrium roof twoDESIGN had a focus on feature lights over the coffee bar area. These feature lights were selected in copper finishes to tie in with the feature copper flue used for the coffee roasting machine.

As stated above the heritage old stable building is a big part of this project. The coffee roasting machine which has been placed onto a platform is the hero of the new space with clear views directly down Raffa place to its location and an almost stage like quality of it once you are in the space. Other unique features though would have to be the large clear roof atrium space that has encapsulated the exterior of the old stable building as an interior feature. Further to this the window that was removed for the new stair access to the first floor has been retained and placed on the end wall with mirror background to make it feel like its still part of the space. Is a cute little feature that no doubt many will notice

This job, again due to the old stable building, is full of quirky little design details. twoDESIGN is a big fan of the tiny little door in the existing stable doors and regret that, due to the building regulations, that this cant be the normal entry. Retaining these stable doors and getting them to work to building regulations was something they worked hard to achieve.

A huge thankyou must go out to the builder for this project Duncan Rose who worked very hard with both twoDESIGN and Mike Cracknell, the client, to eventuate ideas. With all the building and health regulations in such a unique space Duncan’s support was always positive and he deserves a big wrap for it.