The line is often out the door for this Sunday Brunch favorite in Knoxville’s Old City; consequently, the client opted to move down the street to a larger space. This existing building sat vacant for much of its recent history, until the upstairs was rehabilitated into a single-family residence.
Beyond the schematic design and construction document production, my role as project manager included performing existing conditions documentation, facilitating client meetings, coordinating with consultants, and presenting the proposal to City jurisdictions for design approval. I was assisted by a coworker on the interior design of the restaurant.
The building addition added to the east side of the existing building will house the restaurant support program—restrooms, office, and utility room—and a private dining area.
As to not distract from the existing facade, the addition has a minimalist design and is set back from the public sidewalk. This creates a patio for patrons, as well as housing required utility connections. The patio will have permeable pavers to not only manage stormwater, but also add another splash of greenery.
The clerestory window creates a pseudo light well (section above) to hang live plants and signage, while visually opening up the private dining area to the enclosed patio. With the need to dovetail the new structure into the existing, the ceiling heights were limited; therefore, taller storefront gives the illusion of height from the exterior.
The restaurant is delicate and understated allowing the food and the clients eclectic art collection to take center stage. Our client once described his restaurant decor as “your friend’s great-aunt’s lounge where her life, represented in trinkets, hangs on the walls”. Consequently, the walls were left bare to allow for the rotation of art and collectables.
The interior color palette is largely determined by the existing building and the restaurant’s already established identity. The mint green is OliBea‘s signature color and brightens the dark, existing brick. A penny tile “rug” in the private dining area plays homage to the restaurant’s current location, while reinforcing the client’s desired “great-aunt” vibe.
