Chocolate Buddha by Maddison Architects

Sushi house Chocolate Buddha has undergone a renovation inspired by Japanese mid-century architecture. The refit of the restaurant, which has been an institution in Melbourne’s Federation Square since the square opened in 2003, embraces its culinary roots. Maddison Architects’ design complements the simplicity of the food with a neutral and robust palette of hardwood screens, hand-worked blackened steel and raw sheet wall panels. The interior also pays tribute to Federation Square. A delicate field of lights over the communal tables is reminiscent of the square’s catenary lighting, while noren fabric screens around the windows recall the architectural screens of Lab Architecture Studio’s now heritagelisted group of buildings.

Photography — William Watt Maddison Architects — maddisonarchitects.com.au