project281 concrete planters

Located inside a former warehouse building, Project218 Cafe is a strong reference to Brunswick’s industrial past.

The warehouse concept of this fitout has facilitated the preservation of the character and history of the original building, while adding new elements in a way evoking a sense that the building has naturally ‘overgrown’. From plate to fitout, the design correlates with the venue’s raw, robust and sustainable hospitality approach.

project281 exterior

The space is broken up by naturalistic plantings consisting of stacked cast concrete forms, made from various sizes of pre-cast drainage sumps into sculptural dividers and planters. Along one of the walls, a series of metal bars have been embedded into the brickwork, which will allow the plants to grow up the wall.

Spanning two storeys, the space includes a coffee roastery, yoga space, herb garden, seating for 120, and a large kitchen area. A herb garden has been built into the upper-level mezzanine, functionally contributing to the cafe’s dishes.

project281 lattice lights

Raw building materials were used throughout the design, celebrating beauty in imperfection. For example, the cafe service counters are made from layers of poured concrete which draw on the patterns exposed in floors, revealing stains and blemishes from its manufacturing past. Rebar steel has been used to create a mezzanine wall, as well as feature lights throughout, which also include compositions of detached lacework.

project281 industrial aesthetic

Key products/suppliers

Benchtops - Insitu Concrete with CCS black oxide mixed through in layers
Tables - Blackbutt
Light Fittings - Studio Italia
Planters - Frankston Concrete Products precast concrete sumps
Toilets - Caroma care
Stair Safety - Prostep Hilight Nosings
Steel Mesh - Nepean Mastermesh
Tarnished Mirrors - Varga Brothers
Glass - Viridian Comfort Plus ’82

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