Famous French café and patisserie La Cloche Central, located on Featherston Street in central Wellington, replaces a pharmacy that had been onsite for 30 years.

Taking cues from the space’s masculine industrial bones, S&T designed the café to celebrate those existing elements and maximise its natural light and open space. The ceiling was removed to expose the industrial mechanical ducts and services, while an old railway clock was rescued and installed to add to the industrial flavour of the café.

To complement the industrial material palette, the concrete floors were polished, the Resene Alabaster white walls were paired with light E0 eco-plywood, and mild steel joinery units were coated with natural beeswax.

A long leaner draws customers in through the front door while providing a casual barrier between those ordering to take away and those who are seated and dining. It caters for all seating arrangements, from café tables to high tables, quiet nooks, and window leaners.

The food display chiller is at a calculated angle and distance from the front door to provide ease of access before ordering. The barista station is situated at a 45° angle to the door, which allows the barista to engage with passersby and welcome new guests as they enter, while still catering to existing customers.

The calculated spatial layout of the café is not only ergonomic and comfortable, it also streamlines activity, making the café easy to manage and ensuring customers get the best service.