A former Canadian auto repair garage in Abbotsford, British Columbia has been revamped into the new café concept Au79. Transformed by Australian firm Mim Design, the contemporary venue is appointed with a fecund, indoor botanical garden.
“At Au79, it was important to create a contemporary, functional venue filled with natural light, lush planting, and soft welcoming spaces,” says Mim Design creative director Emma Mahlook. “Inspiration was gathered from a variety of places—from the venue’s new focus on roasting, to the curved rubber marks the old tires made on the walls, which referenced the building, a previous car repair garage.”
Named for the abbreviation for gold on the periodic table, the 6,460-square-foot café is characterized by natural finishes, authentic materials, textured surfaces, brass accents, and earthy details. In addition to the pervasive greenery, the café is punctuated with soft tones of blush and custom furnishings to infuse femininity. Thirteen-foot-tall windows are installed with timber lining boards, while a hand-illustrated feature wall crafted by artist Sammy Barry is also included.
Staghorns and hanging pots further punctuate the space alongside custom furniture. Both in situ cement and terrazzo floors span the interior, customized with brass highlights.
