By Parsonson Architects
Loretta, located directly beneath our studio, is the 'little sister' of Floriditas Cafe a few doors down Cuba Street. The space has had several guises since it was built around 1910, including as an arcade to a picture theatre and most recently as a commercial bakery with a small cafe fronting Cuba St.
The space was stripped out to reveal elements of the original building and to make a connection through to Swan Lane at the rear. New elements have been inserted that contrast the existing textures and materials and complement the natural, earthy food and the Paul Melser earthenware.
A variety of spatial qualities are achieved through dividing the long narrow space into different zones, with views filtered through steel screens creating a sense of intimacy in a space that can seat up to 120.
Photographer – Jeff Brass
Awards:
Parsonson Architects was established in 1987 and is based in Wellington, New Zealand. The practice has focused primarily on individual houses and aims to produce work with a high level of sensitivity and discipline, engaging the spirit of each owner and site. More recently projects have included apartment buildings, retail fit outs in North America and Europe and competition entries across a variety of building types and project scales.
The practice is recognised as consistently delivering work of excellence, represented by the major awards and regular features in both local and international architecture and design publications.