Code Black Café, South Melbourne

Code Black Café is a site on Coventry St, right across from the South Melbourne markets. We are Humble were struck by descriptions of the area as a volcanic outcrop with lush green vegetation, elevated above the surrounding land. This landscape, layered together with images of Canvas Town – the tent city that emerged there to house those flocking to Melbourne seeking their fortunes during the gold rush – formed the narrative for the project.

The space is framed by a series of fixed yet floating elements, the espresso bar, the filter bar, and banquette seating. These are imagined as lush green mounds, clad in a sultry green terrazzo. Sitting atop the green base, the surrounding walls are layered with a mixture of American oak and a woven metal mesh forming a series of arched layers that reference the shapes made by the taught fabric of the canvas tents.

The nature of architecture is such that projects don’t leap off the page into reality until some time after you’ve finished your beautiful set of renderings. As such, this adaptable little space opens its doors without seats and with shelves in place instead. Floating, wavy timber shelves line the banquette seats housing all your Code Black Coffee desires. They are looking forward to the day when we can resume our brunching habit, but until then get down to Coventry St, grab yourself a smooth long black and perhaps even a seat in the sun.