A Lasting Visual Impact – Kudo by kitayama k architects

Hidden within the beloved Hotel Windsor sits Kudo, a gluten-free artisan bakery that celebrates both the time-honoured craft of baking and sensitive design insertions. Within this diminutive yet striking space, kitayama k architects uses timber to soften the existing space and incite dynamic movement.

Kudo may be tucked away from view, but the bakery leaves a lasting visual impact. The interior is wrapped in an alluring warmth that permeates its shell. The contemporary insertion was inspired by the bakery’s signature product, the canelé, as well as the historical setting it resides within. The design was well-received by Heritage Victoria due to its minimal impact on the existing structure.

Hidden within the beloved Hotel Windsor sits Kudo, a gluten-free artisan bakery that celebrates both the time-honoured craft of baking and sensitive design insertions.

Kudo features an elaborate vertical timber frame that echoes the bond brick pattern of the building. The box-like framing, reminiscent of traditional construction scaffolding, is comprised of detailed joints and provides spotlight shelving for the bakery’s products. The silhouette of the canelé inspired the joinery’s fluid geometry of the joinery, which is used as both workbenches and display cabinets. They can also be moved as required, providing an unlimited sense of functionality to suit a variety of needs.

Movement is stirred by the curved timber screens, which were similarly inspired by the shape of canelé. The waved screens not only conceal existing functional aspects of the site, such as cables and ducting, but they also provide shelving as well as cosy dining and waiting areas for patrons to enjoy.