Written by
01 August 2023
•
4 min read
Nestled in Adelaide’s leafy eastern suburbs, amongst Norwood’s boutique shops, diverse restaurants and buzzing bars, Arkhé (pronounced Are-kay) is as much visual art as a dining experience.
The restaurant and bar is inspired by the colours and textures of nature – where frayed fabric, worn ceramics, knots in wood and imperfections are all celebrated. “The organic nature of the fit-out is always in flux," says Dave Bickmore, Director of Studio Gram.
"The reflective polished plaster throughout the venue deviates from warm whites to smoky blacks and is either rendered or sprayed in vermiculite."
Founded by Directors Dave Bickmore and Graham Charbonneau, the award-winning firm Studio Gram is known for creating compelling spaces with a blend of familiar comfort and the allure of the unexpected.
The inspiration for the design was drawn from the colours and textures of nature, where imperfections are admired and the authenticity of objects and materials is respected. Frayed fabric, worn ceramics, and knots in wood are all embraced and showcased throughout the space.
“Chef Jake Kellie’s concept of open-flame cooking was something that resonated with us and drove much of the concept behind the open-plan kitchen space, resulting in an adaptive environment offering experimentation with cooking concepts and the opportunity to showcase new techniques,” says Dave.
The open-plan kitchen at the heart of the restaurant allows the patrons to witness the spectacle of fire cooking, building anticipation and excitement directly in the dining room. Smoky blacks symbolise the ritual physically, while a selection of neutral tones and natural materials emphasise the celebration of a cooking format steeped in history.
“The central kitchen isn’t hidden away; it is celebrated and elegantly materialised through native Australian spotted gum hardwood benchtops and custom joinery instead of the traditional commercial stainless-steel bench,” says Dave.
“This, coupled with locally sourced Juperana Granite featuring hand-chipped edges, oozes a welcoming warmth more akin to a domestic kitchen or a rural campfire’s edge,” adds Bickmore.
Throughout the project, several challenges needed to be solved. Working within a heritage-listed building presented its own set of constraints and considerations.
Additionally, the global pandemic brought about border closures, necessitating the sourcing of alternative materials and contractors. Managing these realities was crucial to ensuring the smooth construction of the space.
"The design also addressed the challenge of a 400 mm level change and activating a dark and narrow central section of the venue, which was naturally undesirable,” says Dave.
“However, this provided an opportunity to create a sense of arrival as guests rose through the space, leading to three distinct seating zones with unique experiences – a lounge area at the entry, the formal dining room connected to the open kitchen and courtyard, and the central ‘chef's table’ premium experience binding the two areas,” adds Bickmore.
Each material choice contributes to the restaurant's unique atmosphere. Reflective polished plaster with varying shades from warm whites to smoky blacks adds an organic and ever-changing element to the venue while defining the spaces.
Being on site at Arkhé is an experience that redefines conventional dining.
The reimagined commercial kitchen, constructed with natural stone and timber, evokes a sense of familiarity and engagement.
The lower kitchen floor encourages interaction, as guests can witness the captivating open-fire cooking, adding to the overall dining experience.
The materials used throughout the space play a significant role in celebrating and responding to the dining experience. From dark and moody areas with acid-blackened steel and deep, textural lime-plastered walls to handcrafted stone details and native Australian spotted gum hardwood benchtops in the kitchen.
Each material choice contributes to the restaurant's unique atmosphere. Reflective polished plaster with varying shades from warm whites to smoky blacks adds an organic and ever-changing element to the venue while defining the spaces.
What makes Arkhé genuinely unique is its holistic approach.
The project's meticulous attention to detail extends to every aspect of the guest journey, from design to branding, menus, uniforms, and food and drinks.
The carefully crafted atmosphere envelopes guests in a harmonious blend of imperfection and excellence, creating a memorable experience that stands out in the Adelaide restaurant scene.
“There are so many moments in the project that are special to me. Arkhé is a holistic sensory experience which is what makes it unique. Every architectural detail is considered and relates to the restaurant’s principle of cooking over the fire,” says Dave.
“The design, coupled with the unmatched dining, create a truly memorable experience.”