Dezeen Magazine

Biasol Design Studio adds booths with pitched roofs to Melbourne restaurant

Dining areas within this Melbourne restaurant are housed beneath individual pitched roofs, which local practice Biasol Design Studio added to give the space a "home away from home" feeling (+ slideshow).

The Kitty Burns restaurant is situated close to the bend of Melbourne's Yarra river in the suburb of Abbotsford.

The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio

With the aim of creating a space that would feel homely to the residents of the nearby area, Biasol Design Studio introduced a series of pitched roofs to the interior.

Through varying roof heights and designs, the open-plan space was organised into three different dining areas.

The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio

Smaller groups are seated underneath an overhanging wooden structure, and booths for larger parties are placed around the edge of the restaurant.

Diners can also eat at a bar area in the centre of space, or outside on the restaurant's terrace.

The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio

"Challenges presented themselves in the shape of pre-existing six-metre-high ceilings," said Biasol Design Studio. "We took this as an opportunity to capitalise on stunning natural light and open space while ensuring a level of intimacy was maintained."

The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio

"To maintain this, we designed three main dining areas to break up the space, creating unique dining experiences that work together cohesively."

The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio

Across the lower walls and surfaces, pale turquoise tiles contrast with Australian timber panels, while imitation greenery stretches towards the top of the high ceilings.

The restaurant is located close to Melbourne's iconic Skipping Girl – a neon sign originally constructed in the 1930s that advertises a vinegar brewery.

The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio

"The Skipping Girl story provided Kitty Burns with a name and created a dual personality for the brand," said the studio.

"The contrasting elements of the Kitty Burns personality are creatively woven into every design element – Kitty's fun-loving, playful personality, juxtaposed with Burns' more serious and structured side."

The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio

Biasol Design Studio was established in 2012 by Jean-Pierre Biasol. The Melbourne-based practice previously converted a disused prison into a cafe through used pastel-coloured wedges to pattern the light wooden walls.

Photography is by Ari Hatzis.

The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio
Floor plan – click for larger image
The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio
Section one – click for larger image
The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio
Section two – click for larger image
The Kitty Burns restaurant in Melbourne by Biasol Design Studio
Section three – click for larger image