Approach
Smithy, with its prime location on Henderson Avenue aimed to bring a sophisticated industrial atmosphere that did not previously exist in the area. A long and narrow retrofit location sandwiched between existing buildings gave us the opportunity to explore a dramatic front facade and patio entrance that transitioned into a raw yet refined interior.
Outcome
With the front facade being the only visible portion of the space we created a tall front facade, laid in intricate brickwork. A gabled roof silhouette void within the facade forms the open air dining room. The existing demising walls, left exposed, continues from the open air space into the open plan bar and dining room, separated by a thinly framed storefront. Inside, the pitched ceiling scales up for a taller, open structure ceiling with pitched structural trusses and all equipment painted in a clean white. Most walls were left to their original raw texture refinished in the same white paint as the ceiling above. The main bar, backed in simple dark floor to ceiling brick is contrasted with a stacked, unglazed ceramic tile faced wall. Towards the back the open expo kitchen walls are faced in horizontal wooden planks that, along with other finishes, accentuate the horizontality of the space. Clean white quartz countertops contrast with the polished concrete floors. Finally, circular repetitive mirrors on one side lead to a full back wall illustrated mural. Smithy carefully crafts a refined space with playful touches forming a modern feeling space with clear ties to its previous bones.
