Special Supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence FOOD & BEVERAGE AWARD OF MERIT EARLS RESTAURANT, COLORADO e+ Design & Construction
FOOD & BEVERAGE AWARD OF MERIT EARLS RESTAURANT, TORONTO e+ Design & Construction
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riginally built in 1999, this restaurant needed an update to reflect the company’s West Coast roots and casual attitude. The building had a strong rustic Chalet character unique to this location. On a tight budget the design needed to embrace these architectural elements and blend them with natural materials and rustic industrial details to make the space feel warm, casual and inviting. As the original building had few windows and a convoluted floor plan, it was important to brighten the space and improve the layout and draw light and energy into the far corners of the restaurant. To draw guests into the space, a dynamic wine room at the entry was added, creating immediate interest with exposed industrial fittings and glazing. The design highlights the kitchen which features a dramatic marble wrap with exposed antique lighting. A fireplace was also added to create that desired warm, comfortable atmosphere while retractable glass walls were used to connect the interior and exterior spaces. The dining room now relates to the architecture, framed with custom metal screens and booth seating and the efficient floor plan has allowed customers to feel connected to the space at all areas.
Judges Comments: “Photos don’t show how bright it is. It’s a successful reno: inviting. Mature solid design work. Plan is good. Like the outdoor bar.”
Location: Denver, Colorado Design Team: Elly Chronakis RID, Tara Factor (Provisional) Square footage: 7,309 42
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2012
s the first flagship location in Toronto the design for this restaurant creates a stylish hot spot blending big city edge with warm, natural materials and rustic industrial details, reflective of the company’s West Coast roots. The space offers intimate dining areas, a lively bar, and encourages casual mingling. The unusual building layout inspired the concept of creating two separate spaces; an intimate dining atmosphere, and a lively exciting bar with a connection between, and areas for casual mingling. The design incorporates large design features and dramatic focal points to fill the expansive space. The patio is made to feel like an outdoor oasis, with rustic materials and natural elements to create cozy seating areas and a comfortable environment suitable for lingering. The use of cedar and fir on the patio is nothing that can be seen elsewhere in Toronto’s concrete jungle. The use of natural materials such as re-purposed pallet cladding on ceilings, and rough textural stone columns showcases the company’s West Coast roots. The design team also used a blend of hip, upscale details such as an extensive marble wall and dynamic wine room with casual West Coast warmth and exposed industrial elements to bring a unique atmosphere to the downtown core.
Judges Comments: “Excellent repaired use of West Coast theme. Very competent project. Able to transform a space in a concrete jungle. A lot of warmth and wood; cohesive, bold.”
Location: Toronto, Ontario Design Team: Elly Chronakis RID, Jennifer Hoffbeck (Provisional) Square footage: 10,281