Le Velo Café
Project Type
Hospitality Café
Date
November 2021
Location
148/48 Baywater Drive, Wentworth Point, NSW
Software Used
Client Brief
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Design a cafe for cyclists and the local community, that incorporates a workspace for minor bike repairs.
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Design aesthetic to include:
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Recycled materials
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Vibrant colours including, blue and orange
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Relaxed atmosphere
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Gallery space for rotating exhibitions and artist showcases
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Pet-friendly exterior
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Incorporate original artwork by Australian street artists
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Take advantage of waterfront views and connection to waterfront bike paths and pedestrian zones
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Internal stairway to connect a new mezzanine
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Maximize ceiling height
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Revit
Building Site
Water-front 8-storey mixed-use residential building built on Parramatta River in 2003.
Original store built on ground floor, which was converted into 3 shops in 2015.
Concept
The landscaped exterior includes a significant allocation of bicycle parking, with plenty of seating outside allowing patrons to visit with pets. Open spaces surround the seating, along with a flat grassy space opposite the coffee house.
Where possible recycled and sustainable materials were used for construction and furniture.
The colour scheme is bold, using mainly blue, orange, and yellow.
The interior has a newly-created half-mezzanine floor level, maximising natural light from the double-story windows, as well as providing excellent views of the river from most positions inside. A new, feature-designed interior staircase allows for access to this mezzanine.
The final design includes the work of three Australian street artists: Beastman, Meggs, and JimmyC. This is showcased in a gallery on the mezzanine level which is surrounded by booth seating and stools.
Spatial planning considerations:
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A large, public-facing commercial kitchen is included because the shop also functions as a restaurant. The washing and preparation zones are retained as back-of-house areas to minimise any associated noise.
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The mezzanine gallery has been designed to allow the artwork and exhibitions to be visible from the main café space below, inviting exploration and inclusion.
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Most of the patrons will arrive alone or in pairs so much of the seating caters for two people.
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Larger tables are configured to encourage cycling community camaraderie.
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A small amount of space is dedicated to a simple coffee shop outside, which caters for customers that don’t wish to enter the store or want a quick takeaway order.
