PROJECTISETTA CAFE AND BISTRO
TYPERENOVATION AND INTERIOR DESIGN
YEAR2020 – 2022
LOCATIONWEST VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA
PHASECOMPLETED
SIZE2,100 SF

Photos by Ema Peter

The project consisted of a full gut and renovation of half of this iconic mid-century building in as sensitive a manner as possible in order to maintain the original design intent of the building.

The windows were upgraded and in some instances replaced with operable windows all while maintaining the look of the original design.

The entire front and back lots were regraded and partially remade with pavers, adding both a north and south patio as well as rain protected seating along the central breezeway.

The interior comprises of an open plan with flexible seating and a full size kitchen. The original solid wood tongue and groove roof and rear were fully restored and remain exposed.

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The café is intended to act as a community hub that will be able to host private events through a flexible interior layout and full service kitchen. In addition, the unpretentious interior is meant to be friendly and inviting, encouraging random conversations and encounters with strangers.

Over the years, the three buildings on the site have cycled through many tenants and varying programs from restaurants, to a market and fish shop, and an office and garage. The site contains a gas station and two separate buildings connected by a breezeway. The original gas station is no longer in use and instead, along with the West building, houses some of the property owner’s extensive vintage car collection.

Original architectural drawings by Scott and Furnadjieff Architects

This iconic West Vancouver building was originally designed by Scott and Furnadjieff Architects in 1961 and remains a well known and much loved hotspot along Marine Drive. To this day, it is hard not to notice the wing-like roof hugging the two mid century buildings when driving or biking by.

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Photograph by Thelma Davidson, May 1965