Olympia.

Café Olympia is a small and cosy café located between the Merivale Mall and Post Office. The café is constructed from a repurposed shipping container, which has been transformed into a unique and eye-catching space. The exterior of the café is lined with raw Corten steel, creating a bold and industrial look that stands out in the surrounding area. Blackbutt timber decking creates a natural warmth and balance to the area. The interior carries the raw materials through in their refined forms, featuring raw steel linings that retain the industrial feel, while soft shades of pink and terrazzo flooring add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

The location of the 42.2m² site presented a unique challenge for both design and construction, as the site was very restrictive with limited space between the existing buildings of Merivale Mall and the Post Office. The use of a repurposed shipping container as the primary building element provided a practical solution — partially fitting out the container before transport allowed the owner-builder to minimize on-site construction time and limit the impact of construction activities on the surrounding buildings and businesses. The unique design features, including the folded raw steel linings and terrazzo flooring, were all chosen to fit the industrial aesthetic and for their ability to be pre-installed before the container was transported to the site. Large windows allow natural light to flood into the space, creating an inviting atmosphere and a sense of 'volume' in a small space.

The interior café space is a showcase of unique finishes utilised for both their aesthetic value and functional use. One of the standout features is the use of raw folded steel wall linings, which have been expertly folded to form internal shelving and a working tabletop for the interior bench seating. To counterbalance the raw and industrial feel of the steel, a range of softer materials and colours have been employed throughout. Resene 'Wildflower' pink painted fluted timber linings create an inviting and warm atmosphere that is both modern and playful. A bolder Resene 'Devoted' Pink has been applied to the La Marzocco coffee machine as a focal point. The use of terrazzo flooring adds an element of sophistication and provides a durable, easy-to-maintain surface well suited to a busy café environment.

• Completed — 2023
• Photography — Stephen Goodenough
• Crafted by — The Owner