Abacus Restaurant

Outside-In Dining.  

PROJECT SUMMARY

Project: Abacus
Site: Former Westpac Bank building, South Yarra
Project Type: Hospitality
Head Architect: Architects EAT
Project Design Development & Documentation: Tegan Hancock (Project Team 1 of 5 ) of G&T Architecture

Deliverables: 
Design & Documentation

Key details:
Total Building Area: 443 sqm
Completed: 2016

THE BRIEF

Refurbishment of the former Westpac Bank building in South Yarra into the new Abacus pizza restaurant covering 443m2.

Project requirements: 

  • Service’s update through occupancy change-of-use.
  • In-direct lighting and use of existing structure and minimal structural changes. 
  • Combination of a rustic yet refined style.  
  • Signage with worn paint and a play on the abacus device throughout the design.
  • Exterior and interior seating.
  • Indoor landscape. 

THE CHALLENGE

The challenge for this project was to rethink how patrons interact and dine in restaurants. The client's vision was to transcend the conventional dining encounter and incorporate greater connectivity within an indoor landscape setting.

THE CONCEPT

To re-imagine how patron’s interact within a restaurant setting, inspiration for the final design was drawn from public spaces, civic and park style seating arrangements, in particular the openness of these public realms and the interactivity achieved within their settings.

For the Abacus pizza restaurant the re-imagination for how restaurants are experienced was the specific exploration for a relaxed and comfortable environment reminiscent of an oasis park-like setting.

Noteworthy features of the design that capture this essence include the central seating adorned with foliage, the incorporation of bifold openings allowing street-tenancy interaction thus fostering a dynamic interaction with passersby. Further foliage and planting were thoughtfully integrated throughout the space infusing it with a harmonious natural aesthetic.

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