Bloom is a cafe and function space by the Karrawirra Parri / River Torrens in the Adelaide suburb of Thebarton. Tucked in behind the old West End Brewery, the space is layered, full of light and embraces its natural surrounds.

Project Name: Bloom
Studio Name: Sans-Arc Studio
Project size: 220 m2
Site size: 325 m2
Completion date: 2020
Building levels: 1
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Photography: Jonathan VDK

5046 Bloom by Sans-Arc Studio : Sheet 9
Cafeteria ©Jonathan VDK

Having previously opened a ‘shipping-container café’, where they were hands-on in design and build, this was the client’s second venue – bigger and more aspirational. The brief had three main requirements; 1.A space that maintained the rustic, handmade aesthetic from their first venue, 2. A multifunctional space with distinct zones, 3.The open wood fire cooking as the heart of the space.

5046 Bloom by Sans-Arc Studio : Sheet 1
Cafe ©Jonathan VDK

Our concept was to embrace the existing volume of space – an old carriage works building, then simplifying the building fabric to its most basic elements and introducing two free standing elements that underpin the program. A floating bar and arched open wood grill. These two elements bookend a layered, slighting sunken dining space. Adjacent the river, additional glazing opens views to the east, embracing large gum trees along Karrawirra Parri and emphasising the natural, light feeling of the building.

5046 Bloom by Sans-Arc Studio : Sheet 7
Exterior ©Jonathan VDK

The material selection embraces subtle contrasts and fine grain textures. The intention is to do more with less; logical but effective and beautiful. Clean, textural white render for the walls, a hardwearing stone floor that will patina with wear, warm Victorian Ash and masonry elements all under a bright and light green raked ceiling.

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