Bringing the alleyways of Cuba to life, Casa Chow is all charm and thoughtfulness within its Latino inspired design. A new and exciting venue for the Brisbane hospitality scene.
August 30th, 2022
“Inspired by Cuban alleyway bars and buzzing boltholes, Casa Chow exudes a high-energy vibe layered with textured materiality.” Mikaela Walker, business director of Collectivus, couldn’t sum it up more perfectly. Continuing its relationship with Pellicano and FnB Collective, Collectivus and Unita have delivered Casa Chow in Brisbane – a fit-out of refined imperfection.
Drawing inspiration from Latin and Chinese design cues and the restaurant’s Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese) cuisine, Collectivus has conceived a space that offers a visual narrative in its Latino inspired architecture.
The soft, curved design of the space continuously guides the eye, applied from the smallest of joinery details right through to the structural form of the space. Yet there’s an element of precision to the flowing form of the space.
As Walker says: “With a spatial strategy promoting fluid connectivity and seamless transitions in food service, the space is carefully considered to welcome guests with enthusiasm and generosity at any time of the day or night.”
Related: Ewert Leaf’s Moonhouse restaurant
While the designers’ attention to detail is immaculate, the restaurant itself embraces the vision of “perfect imperfections”. Yet, it’s hard to find fault within its warm-toned French-washed walls.
The bespoke furniture, manufactured by Unita, offers a subtle treat for the eyes through its curvaceous form and a rustic palette of light beiges and soft greens – reminiscent of Cuba’s alleyways.
“Bold design choices are reflected with pops of colour, neon lighting and ostentatious curves throughout,” says Walker. “This is offset with a rich palette that imbues warmth through distressed paint details, earthy tones and vintage fixtures. Forms influence flow with a multitude of dining zones, each connected and distinguished by custom detail.”
But the dazzling key feature is the distressed shutter feature wall, made of salvaged Balinese doors. And after dark, these bifold doors and the windows open up to the street, bringing the outdoor seating’s greenery and bamboo paneling into its folds. By night, LED lighting shines through the free-flowing space, splaying the furniture with brilliantly coloured hues.
“The design outcome is a fun yet authentic space that works visually, materially and acoustically to capture the energy and dynamism of the team’s contemporary Chifa-inspired cuisine.” Walker couldn’t have said it better! Saludos.
Collectivus
collectivus.com
Unita
unita.com
Photography
Cathy Schulser
We think you might like this story on Collectivus’ creation of an immersive wellness escape at Eden Health Retreat.
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.
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.
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.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
A hair salon in the Japanese capital blends a language of metal and water in a distinctive, original design.
A hospitality venue in the heart of Osaka comprising four dining options – a place where nostalgic pastimes meet high-end dining.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Paying homage to that wonderful tool of life, the book, SJK Architects’ design for the new headquarters of Penguin Random House is both a temple to the library and a captivating place to work.
Available now across Australia, Eden TPO is setting new standards in terms of not just sustainability, but also style.