Chato is a small and intimate Spanish Tapas Restaurant now open in Thornbury, Victoria.
September 16th, 2015
Designed by Kalliopi Vakras Architects, Chato whose name means, “small glasses of wine” in Spanish, is inspired by the street bars of Madrid, Spain. Attention to detail in design of space and food enriches the experience of the space for diners.
Kalliopi Vakras Architects’ aim with Chato was to create an inviting down to earth experience that couples with the menu on offer where customers have a glimpse into the Spanish world of the client’s background. The design plays on the idea of traditional small and intimate Spanish bars with their rustic timber framed doorways and windows to the street, as well as coloured tiles common in Spain.
Attention to detail in the design became important, as a reflection of the detail and plateware that goes into each small meal. The design creates a warm, dimly lit and intimate space for people to enjoy their tapas and wine.
The space is divided into zones to allow staff to focus on key elements of service. Bar, kitchen and wait stations have been designed for close contact with the dinners to enhance their experience.
By using existing the brick walls and concrete flooring, as opposed to covering them, Kalliopi Vakras Architects has the existing location’s interesting qualities retained. New colours and materials, namely timber, green and maroon fabrics and tiles have been incorporated to create a cosy yet industrial atmosphere, which suited the personality of the owner.
The front bar consists of a timber surround inspired by traditional Spanish street bars. The existing wall behind the bar had a mix of old wallpaper and brickwork with a green paint – both remnants of the previous use of the space.
Kalliopi Vakras Architects has created a warm and intimate space for people to enjoy tapas and wine. Various shelves have been incorporated in Chato at different points throughout the venue for wine display and an added sense of charm.
Photography by John Karasavidis
Kalliopi Vakras Architects
kvaarch.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Suitable for applications ranging from schools and retail outlets to computer rooms and X-ray suites, Palettone comes in two varieties and a choice of more than fifty colours.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
In A+D we talk a big game about pushing boundaries. But, is there a ‘right’ way to push the boundary? What’s the secret to ongoing innovation?
Designer Rugs announced the winner of the Seidler Textured Rugs competition at the fantastic penthouse of Seidler Apartments in Glen St Milsons Point on 19 November.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Continuing our new series on the design enthusiasts who work in all sorts of different roles across the industry, we hear from Innerspace’s Creative Collaborator and State Manager NSW.
The Australian Design Centre (ADC) this year celebrates 60 years! A series of events are coming up to mark the occasion.