This Former Mechanics Workshop Is Now A Friendly Cafe

August 25, 2015

Code Black Cafe By Zwei Interiors Architecture

 

Australian interiors and architecture firm ZWEI, have designed Code Black, a cafe that was once a mechanics workshop in North Melbourne.

 

Code Black Cafe By Zwei Interiors Architecture

The designer’s description

Set in what was originally a mechanics workshop, 119 Howard St, North Melbourne, is the next chapter in Joseph Haddad’s Melbourne coffee empire.

Code Black Cafe By Zwei Interiors Architecture

The space is a warm tonal interplay of existing spatial elements with natural light and materiality, and uses residential references to create an environment that is a ‘home away from home’.

Code Black Cafe By Zwei Interiors Architecture

Howard St encourages customers to sit, stay, play and work within the space by creating a seating zone that wraps around the new centrally positioned double height insertion.

Code Black Cafe By Zwei Interiors Architecture

While the coffee machine is located front and centre, seating nooks tuck around the counter line, even exposing the rear roaster to those positioned deep into the space – a subtle reference to the more serious and coffee centric Code Black in Brunswick.

Code Black Cafe By Zwei Interiors Architecture

Seating is intentionally wide and comfortable with a focal round dining table generously positioned to the front. The new timber slatted mezzanine caps the counter-line, with the intention to open up the upstairs area as a long stay work zone and weekend overflow area.

Code Black Cafe By Zwei Interiors Architecture

With a friendly, irreverent graphic treatment and tone throughout, even down to the menu, one could feel as if they are at a quirky friend’s house for breakfast.

Code Black Cafe By Zwei Interiors Architecture

Code Black Cafe By Zwei Interiors Architecture

Photography by Michael Kai