Le Velo Cafe Documentation Package

Client
Sue and Andy Baker
 
Project Type
University Project

Year 
2023

Location
Wentworth Point, Sydney

Software Used
Revit

Client Brief
Design a two storey cafe with a commercial kitchen and bar. Document the entire design through detailed documentationd drawings. 

 Documentation Download: 

For this project, I was tasked with transforming a café space into a vibrant, multifunctional hub that seamlessly integrates a commercial kitchen, bar, and commercial bathrooms. The design needed to reflect both form and function, providing a warm, inviting atmosphere while ensuring the flow and efficiency of a professional-grade kitchen and service area. Another addition to the brief was the second level, which I reimagined into a sleek bike repair shop, aligned with the client’s vision to create a unique, multi-use destination. Precision in documentation was key throughout the process, ensuring that every detail—from layout to finishes—aligned with the client’s operational needs and aesthetic goals.

I began the design process by printing out the provided floorplans and sketching various layout ideas on different sheets, experimenting with how to best allocate space for key areas like the kitchen, bar, and bathrooms. This hands-on approach allowed me to explore multiple configurations and establish the most functional flow, ensuring a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor seating was included. Once I identified the layouts that best suited the brief, I drew them to scale, refining each concept to fit the space. This step was crucial in understanding the spatial demands of a commercial kitchen with its extensive equipment, the requirements for commercial bathrooms—complete with an airlock, male and female restrooms, and a disabled toilet—and a bar that would serve as a striking design feature while remaining practical for staff. Additionally, I carefully considered the placement of the staircase leading to the first floor, ensuring it occupied minimal space without compromising the overall design or flow of the ground floor.

Once the final floorplan sketches were decided, I transitioned the designs into Revit using the provided file. This allowed me to visualise the space digitally, confirming that each area worked cohesively in terms of size and layout. I began by placing the walls to define the key areas, starting with the commercial bathroom. Ensuring compliance with standards, I carefully checked the dimensions for cubicles, airlocks, and disability access, confirming that my sketched design met the necessary requirements. From there, I moved to the kitchen, meticulously planning the layout of the equipment to create an efficient workflow for staff.

Next, I focused on the bar, aligning its shape with the exterior kitchen wall to form a striking design feature. By incorporating a detailed front made from timber, I made the bar a focal point for guests while keeping it functional for staff use. This approach also helped me determine the optimal placement for the staircase and seating arrangements within the café space. With the interior layouts for both the ground and first floors finalised, I turned my attention to the outdoor area, designing seating options that included tables, booths, and an outdoor bar complete with a coffee machine for take-away orders. This holistic design ensured the café flowed seamlessly, inside and out.

With the plans firmly in place, I moved on to creating comprehensive RCP plans, elevations, sections, detailed floorplans, and stair details to clearly communicate how the design addressed the client’s needs in each area. Each drawing was meticulously detailed with keynotes, product specifications, finish codes, annotations, dimensions, and hatching to ensure clarity and precision. Once the technical drawings were complete, I formatted them onto A1 pages in Revit, incorporating legends and scale bars for easy reference. This ensured that both clients and contractors had a clear, scalable visual of the design, making the entire process seamless and transparent from concept to execution.

Documentation