Location: 36 Toronto St.; Toronto, ON

Area: 148m2 (1600 sq.ft.)

Located at the South-West corner of Adelaide and Toronto Street within a heritage building, the design was approached with a modern sensibility while respecting historical elements. The main challenge was to integrate a Main Dining Area with Bar, Private Dining and the BLD Express along with designing the kitchen and back-of-house while at the same time providing all-day functionality offering full breakfast, lunch and dinner.

By successfully designing and integrating all requirements within a mere 148m2 (1600 sq.ft.) space, the designer did not neglect the opportunity of sustainable practice by seamlessly utilizing materials such as bamboo veneers, low VOC paints, refinishing the existing concrete floor and using natural and/or recyclable materials. Low voltage lighting and energy-conscious equipment became part of the mandate to further lower operating costs without compromising the overall design. Taking the design approach to its fullest, the logo for BLD, input into cutlery and package design for the BLD express takeout.