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A thoughtfully designed all-day diner, Sofia Bistro by Sans-Arc Studio embodies postmodern architecture and a vibrant interior.

Sofia Bistro, located on the edge of Adelaide’s CBD, is an adaptive re-use project that breathes new life into a former 1980s low-rise office building. The ground floor has been transformed into a vibrant all-day diner, an open, light-filled space that extends seamlessly to the street, inviting the surrounding environment into the heart of the venue.

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Contextual Design & Thoughtful Architecture 

The design of Sofia Bistro thoughtfully responds to its urban context, consisting of two interconnected pavilions: the bistro and an outdoor dining area. A new corrugated bullnose roof anchors the bistro, harmonising with the postmodern architecture of the original building. Inside, the space is divided into three distinct zones, featuring central booths and a sweeping banquette that wraps around the perimeter. Sashless windows open to natural light, fresh air, and views of the surrounding greenery, creating a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere.  The interior is defined by muted tones of terrazzo and cork, alongside tactile materials such as concrete, which ground the space while enhancing its warmth. Subtle artwork and design elements bring character and personality to the space, creating a lively and inviting environment. 

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A Signature Statement of Design 

A key design feature of Sofia Bistro is the Super Moon Pull Handle, crafted in Polished Chrome with a semicircle backplate. Its bold, rounded form provides a striking tactile presence at the entrance. Minimal yet impactful, the handle’s design suggests strength and simplicity. The Polished Chrome finish enhances the overall aesthetic of the bistro, complementing the clean lines and modern materials throughout. 

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Professionals used in
Sofia Bistro

About the
Professional

Bankston is a thoughtful and consistent lab of design incubation. Our goal is to identify and collaborate with the best and brightest minds of architecture and design; to explore and produce sought-after, functional, physical objects of exceptional quality. 

We like to think of our architectural hardware as the punctuation marks within designed environments-intentionally crafted as objects that elicit a moment of pause and appreciation within a space, prior to engaging with it.