Vibrant and Enticing – Alma by Jack McKinney Architects

Despite spatial difficulties presented by a heritage listed building, Jack McKinney Architects has created a vibrant and enticing place to be with Spanish restaurant Alma in Auckland’s bustling Britomart precinct.

Due to the historical importance of the 1930s building, its original fabric could not be altered. The interior is interspaced with exposed concrete columns and has two narrow openings onto the surrounding streets, further dividing the space. The architects approached this challenge with clever planning – by placing the kitchen along the length of one wall, with a facing bar that makes up around half of the restaurant seating, a dynamic sense of drama is created for diners, furthered by the open fire cooking style of the restaurant.

Highly decorative tiled surfaces and a complex palette of complementary colours are used to embrace and heighten the historical elements of the building, which includes the original wood floors as well as the exposed concrete columns. Custom seating elements see built-in banquettes set on the glazed verandah, featuring walnut dowels and a steel frame to reference park benches.

The interior is interspaced with exposed concrete columns and has two narrow openings onto the surrounding streets, further dividing the space.

Highly decorative tiled surfaces and a complex palette of complementary colours are used to embrace and heighten the historical elements of the building, which includes the original wood floors as well as the exposed concrete columns.

With its authentic historical touches and Spanish colours – perhaps fortified with a glass or two of Sangria – the space has a transportive ability for patrons, who are embraced by the soft lighting and vibrant atmosphere of this little Auckland restaurant.