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Project Description:

The space which is now Kassaba has had a few incarnations as a restaurant overs the years and was found in a poor state of repair. The owner commissioned Imagine Building Design to transform the interior into a Mediterranean themed restaurant complete with a new kitchen. A key requirement was an increase in the seating provided as previous restaurants had struggled to accommodate sufficient patrons thus limiting trade, especially through peak times.

The décor is North African in style with a strong influence of Tunisian architecture. The concept proposed needed to be dramatic as the building was not on the traditional restaurant strip so it had to create a buzz via the design and the cuisine.  The atmosphere needed to feel authentic and memorable. The existing features retained included the gas fire housed in the original cottage chimney, the original timber mouldings & windows and the beautiful kauri floor. The project was successfully carried out on a very tight budget and timeframe.

The success of the restaurant is already evident with rave reviews being received on both the décor and the diverse Mediterranean menu. Many customers have expressed their amazement at how the place has been be transformed.

Design Features and Creative Solution:

The plan solution was driven by the need for an increase in seating to over 50. To achieve this a reorganisation of spaces was needed starting with the removal of the large inefficient existing kitchen. The space left behind was transformed into additional dining and now the restaurant seats 56. Freeing up space out front then required a clever, more compact new kitchen out the back. To ensure the new kitchen performed careful consideration was given to the number of staff, their roles and their movements. The outcome has been a great success with the kitchen comfortably coping with a full evening service.

The colour palette is bold traditional Tunisian. The new Islamic styled arches were carefully researched for scale and proportion. The wallpaper on the arches was chosen to represent the detailed timber latticework often found in North African architecture. The arch details are repeated with new bar design. The strongly detailed bar is carefully positioned as the link between the kitchen and the dining room. The retained kauri floor fits in perfectly with the scheme and the aged appearance tells the story of the buildings past.

The light fittings and wall sconces were sourced from Morocco. They are authentic handmade punched tin fixtures which cast a dappled light to the room.  Dimmable halogen downlights provide the balance of lighting from the dark painted timber ceiling. The décor is completed by the arrangement of ornamental hookah pipes in the central wall recesses and the use of Mediterranean artwork.  

Kassaba Restaurant
Kassaba Restaurant
Kassaba Restaurant
Kassaba Restaurant
Kassaba Restaurant
Kassaba Restaurant

Professionals used in
Kassaba Restaurant

About the
Professional

Imagine Architecture (formerly Imagine Building Design) is a multi-award-winning architectural design practice established in 2002, specialising in residential and commercial design. With over two decades of experience and more than 1,000 commissions completed, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance, innovative, and sustainable designs that positively impact lives.

Our journey began in a humble shoebox home office, evolved into historic premises at the Kings Building in New Plymouth, and later to a sleek downtown studio. Now, we have returned to a more personal approach with small studio setups: Tony Biesiek operates out of a studio suite in in Tauranga, while Steven Dixon leads our New Plymouth studio. This agile setup allows us to better serve clients across New Zealand and beyond, with projects extending to Australia and Italy.

At Imagine Architecture, our mission is simple yet profound: “Changing lives through great architecture & design.” We aim to create beautiful, functional spaces that harmonise aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort while fostering a deeper connection to the environment. To achieve this, we integrate Passive House principles, with Tony Biesiek’s certification as a Passive House Designer ensuring our designs meet and exceed the highest standards of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and thermal performance. This approach guarantees healthier, more comfortable spaces that consume significantly less energy while reducing environmental impact.

In addition to Passive House design, we embrace biophilic design principles, emphasising the integration of natural elements into our projects. We believe buildings should enhance occupants’ physical and mental well-being by fostering connections with nature, whether through natural light, ventilation, materials, or spatial relationships. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt’s philosophy of “touching the earth lightly.” We design in harmony with the land, crafting structures that respect and respond to their natural surroundings.

Our projects, regardless of size or budget, are rooted in a commitment to quality and performance. Meeting minimum building code standards is not our goal—exceeding them is. Whether designing a new architectural home, a commercial space, or a bespoke renovation, we focus on maximising functionality, environmental interaction, and energy efficiency without compromising on design excellence.

Our practice thrives on relationships. Many of our commissions come through referrals, reflecting our focus on creating strong connections with clients. Clear, open communication, combined with exceptional service and innovative design solutions, ensures we meet aesthetic, functional, and financial requirements while exceeding expectations.

Imagine Architecture operates on the belief that better choices lead to better buildings. We embrace cutting-edge high-performance technology and sustainable practices to deliver spaces that inspire, endure, and adapt to the changing needs of clients and the environment. From Bay of Plenty and Taranaki to international locations, geography is no barrier to architectural excellence.

If you are seeking innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious design paired with technical expertise and superior communication, Imagine Architecture is the experienced team to bring your vision to life. Together, we can create spaces that not only look extraordinary but also improve lives and respect the planet.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.