Beachside Café

Concept Design / Sydney, NSW

A new circular-shaped and glass framed restaurant maximises views whilst protecting patrons from onshore winds.

The new café is a core element in the activation of an under-utilised and exposed beachfront park. The donut shape reduces the perceived building mass and reduces the visual impact for nearby residential areas. The roof slopes gently to the central courtyard adding to the light touch.

The sheltered outdoor seating in the centre of the building – the donut hole – means patrons can enjoy the winter sun and avoid southerlies, whilst still enjoying views to the beach. Inside 200 patrons can enjoy uninterrupted vistas out to the bay through floor to ceiling glass windows.

Raising the floor level of the building by one metre maximises views but also generates a raised seating edge which, together with a wide veranda, encircles the building, generating additional dining capacity for calm days.

The project is a benchmark for environmental performance and sustainability. Highly durable and sustainable materials were chosen for the marine environment and public use, minimising embodied energy, maximising recyclability – cross laminated timber ceiling panels, Australian hardwood external columns and engineered timber internal columns and beams. It also features low carbon concrete, a zinc roof, double-glazed windows, recycled blackbutt doors and window frames. The amenities section is clad in a dark stained timber, recessing it from the cafe, a contrast to the other warm materials. There are solar panels and underground rainwater tanks.

There are new public toilets for an upgraded playground. Vehicular and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades all rejuvenate the reserve. Careful planting assists in retaining views to and from the building. An existing mature fig tree provides a scenic view from the café, whilst new tree and native planting softens the various access points to the café.

The site-driven design of a circle-shaped building responds to the variables of wind and solar, and achieves the brief for protected internal and external seating with a scale appropriate to its context.

Project Team

Sam Crawford, Benjamin Chan, Sofia Nay

Client

Undisclosed