The resulting space experiments with depth and contrast, embracing moments of darkness and utilising restrained lighting to allow hero moments to occur at the open kitchen and on each table. The intimate setting is designed to feel as if one has descended into a still and quiet cave, immersed within the elements of the earth, where all distraction is removed, and all focus and attention is given to the conversations that each element on the table is designed to have with its guest. Two elevated chef’s tables handcrafted out of granite allow guests to dine while viewing the full creation process of each dish.

Gaea shares its shopfront and entryway with sister-establishment Calère, and so the site required an innovative way to transform the front of the restaurant from a day-time café into an evening fine-dining experience. Embracing the unique relationship between these two establishments, a monolithic timber pivot door is used to create a seamless transition between day-time and night-time use of the tenancy’s lobby. During the day, it allows for Calère’s entry and seating space to be celebrated and utilised, before pivoting to close off the café’s façade and allow for Gaea’s mood, ambience and setting to take centre stage each evening.

A curved feature bulkhead sits above the dining room’s central area, creating a subtle halo effect, encompassing the restaurant’s 16 seats and bringing an understated intimacy to the space. In maintaining symmetry, the dining area is flanked by two sliding doors; one providing an entryway into a private dining room, and the other providing access to back-of-house areas. Timber is used as a recurring language to celebrate entryways and to contrast the rendered surfaces and features. The raw nature of the concrete, textured paint, and stainless steel elements create a spatial experience that is stark and cold, while the customised timber furniture and detailed lighting bring warmth and focus to the dining exchange. ‘Protractor’ lights by PerCapita adorn the dining room walls, offering ambience and flexible lighting for the nearby tables.