Siso Bistro, Auckland Restaurant Development, NZ Interior Architecture Project, Images

Siso Bistro in Auckland, NZ

28 Apr 2021

Siso Bistro Interior

Design: CTRL Space

Location: Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

Siso Bistro Auckland North Island

CTRL Space’s clients bought Remuera’s Banque late last year, intending to make a few nips and tucks. Defined as an upmarket local bistro specialising in raw seafood, it was fairly well regarded by the locals in its prime. More recently, due to a lack of competition in the area and despite being a little tired, it still drew in its regulars – predominantly older men.

Siso Bistro Auckland North Island

The Siso brief was to grow the customer base to appeal more to females to balance the male-dominated venue, and to become relevant to younger crowds in their late 20s and upwards who are moving into the area. The owners wanted to give the local demographic an eatery that’s relevant to the current hospitality climate.

The concept was essentially derived from three key words – intimate, collected, residential.

The idea was to create an intimate and cosy local bar and eatery with subtle residential cues that soften the commercial hospitality experience.

Siso Bistro Auckland North Island Siso Bistro Auckland North Island

Siso was designed to be a refuge from the slick nature of Remuera. Soft, natural moments with texture and character deliver a casual, humble aesthetic, while darker complementary areas offer warmth and shadow to inject a sense of mood and intimacy.

The differing table settings create a casual, friendly dining area. Drapes saturate the rear room, and feature throughout the rest of the space to add softness and help separate spaces. We also layered artifacts and objects on the shelves and hung framed artwork, reinforcing the residential look and feel.

The timber-soaked private dining room is a special oasis that’s lit by flickering candles, and forms a humble and inviting spot.

Siso Bistro Auckland North Island Siso Bistro Auckland North Island

We wanted Siso to have a strong colour identity. The glossy terracotta ceiling brightens the space and helps reflect the light, creating a spacious feel. This colour is reinforced through the bar curtain, table cloths, rugs and artwork.

Using basic, cost-effective materials in creative ways has helped us achieve an impactful space while coming in under budget. The unique application of standard white tiles with wide grouting achieves an elevated look.

Siso Bistro Auckland North Island

The arches were introduced to hide some architectural challenges, disguising a change in ceiling levels, while the placement of the archways hides structural building features and eliminates two awkward existing doorways.

We also managed to create an extra space by knocking out the wall to the old bank vault. Adding a window within the circular opening in the concrete at the front of the building disguises its former purpose.

Siso Bistro Auckland North Island Siso Bistro Auckland North Island

Siso Bistro in Auckland – Building Information

Architect: CTRL Space

Completion date: 2020

Siso Bistro Auckland North Island Siso Bistro Auckland North Island

Photography: Sarah Grace

Siso Bistro, Auckland North Island images / information received 280421

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

NZ Architecture

New Zealand Architecture Designs – chronological list

New Zealand Houses

Auckland TVNZ Television Network Centre Building
Design: Warren and Mahoney Architects
Auckland TVNZ Television Network Centre Building
photo : Patrick Reynolds

New Zealand Architecture News

Recent Architecture in New Zealand

Jacob’s Ladder, Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park, Kaipara Harbour, North Island
Jacob's Ladder
photography : David Hartley-Mitchell
Jacob’s Ladder, Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park

Local Rock House, Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, North Island
Architects: Patterson Associates
Local Rock House
photo : Simon Devitt
New House on Waiheke Island

New Zealand Architect

New Zealand Architecture

Mt. Beautiful Tasting Room in Cheviot, South Island
Mt. Beautiful Tasting Room in Cheviot
image from architects office
Mt. Beautiful Tasting Room in Cheviot

Timaru CBD Development, South Island
Timaru CBD Complex for Bayhill Developments
image from architect

Comments / photos for the Siso Bistro, Auckland North Island Architecture NZ page welcome

Auckland