Positioned to take advantage of views across Dolls Point Beach, the design includes ample, well-protected outdoor dining areas.

“The new restaurant in the much-loved Depena Reserve replaces an ageing venue that dates from the 1950s,” says Sam Crawford, SCA Director.

"Bayside Council’s vision to activate the reserve with an architecturally-designed building, contemporary kitchen facilities and family friendly dining areas, all connecting to beach, parklands and playground, will enhance the community’s use of this special place,

Designed to set a new standard for environmental performance and sustainability, the project incorporates robust, long-lasting materials suited to the demanding marine setting and heavy public use.

“We designed the building form to wrap around a central sheltered outdoor courtyard so diners can enjoy the winter sun and are protected from often strong north easterlies and southerlies,” says Ben Chan, Senior Associate at SCA and Project Architect.

“Inside, generous glass windows give over 120 diners beach and park views, while two roof pop outs bring in light and glimpses of the sky.

“We raised the floor level by one metre to maximise views. This generates a raised seating edge encircling the building for additional sandy-feet dining capacity, and also, importantly, addresses the site’s flooding issues”.

The development also includes new public amenities and a kiosk to support the nearby upgraded playground. Dense landscaping along the street frontage of the cafe helps reduce visual impact for neighbouring residences.

These selections reduce embodied energy and support recyclability, including low-carbon board-form concrete walls, recycled timber cladding, windows and doors, structural columns and beams, and double-glazed glazing.

The amenities zone is finished in dark-stained timber, set back from the cafe’s warmer-toned materials. Sustainability initiatives also include solar panels and underground rainwater storage tanks.

“The site-driven design responds to the variables of wind and sun, providing protected internal and external seating, with a scale appropriate to its park and residential context - all for the enjoyment of the local community,” Crawford says.

Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026.

Visuals supplied

Clémence Carayol

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