Le Velo Cafe

The Bellagio is a modern apartment complex, designed to provide an opportunity to be surround with all of the enviable lifestyle qualities that make Sydney one of the best places in the world to live. Apart of this new upcoming residential project, a cafe was briefed to be situated within the entrance of the building. As there is a prominent coffee and bike culture already existent within inner Sydney and the complex having close proximity to Bicentennial Park cycleways, it was nothing but a perfect attraction and timing to introduce something new to this new upcoming development. 

The name Le Velo was giving to the cafe, based on the idea of introducing a brassiere that serves both the love for cycling and coffee. Upon entering the space, high rise exposed ceilings helps encapsulate the bold and lively notion of the cafe. Concrete floors and walls are contrasted with the playful colour palette of orange, blue, pink and yellow tones. These range of tones was inspired and taken from Australian artist, Michael black, who’s work will be showcased within the cafe. The colours chosen for the space is fused with the choices of raw industrial materiality, to further extenuate the need for a bold space. 

The furnishings within the space fit up to 145 people, ranging from smaller to larger seating areas. The choices of furnishing were reflected and contributed to the colourful notion already present within the space. Behind the bar, a orange bold subway tile wall holds a brass custom shelving system. The brass and orange fuse well together, allowing the mesh framed detail of the bar to stand out and blend well within the space. Behind the bar, a large commercial kitchen and extra storage has been designed for the space. You can also find gender orientated and disabled bathrooms that have been designed based on BCA standards.

On the far right hand side of the space, a striking blue metal staircase allows access to a mezzanine level above. A custom mural by artist Michael Black sits on the far right wall near the stairs, which contributes pastel tones to help break up the bold sharp colours already dominate in the space. The mezzanine level above holds a bike repair shop, which is a great feature to draw in customers and create a point of difference in comparison to any other competitors within the area. Custom booth seating with mural walls showcasing more of Michael Blacks work, are another feature that is situated within the mezzanine level. 

Within the exterior of the cafe, a grass area grants extra seating for those who want to be amongst the outdoors whilst enjoying there coffee. There is also the option to grab a coffee and go without having to enter the space with a custom made takeaway hut.