Sofia by Sans-Arc Studio

A light-filled bistro on the edge of Adelaide’s CBD, Sofia by Sans-Arc Studio is a study in adaptive reuse, breathing new life into a 1980s red brick office building.

Located on the ground floor, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant blends into the existing structure while standing out through its clean lines, corrugated facade and curved bullnose. Sofia marks the studio’s fifth hospitality venture with this hospitality group, following their recent project, Part Time Lover. The design approach is similar but more evolved, creating a venue that is both sophisticated and playful. It reflects the history of the original building while engaging with the surrounding street and community.

“Each space has a unique feel and aspect, all with access to light, interest and art,” says Matiya Marovich, director of Sans-Arc Studio.

Sofia features two pavilion-like structures: the bistro and the outdoor dining area. The indoor dining space is divided into three distinct yet interconnected areas, with central booths and a wraparound banquette. Sashless windows open to the street, allowing for an outside connection. At the rear, a green terrazzo-tiled wall conceals the back-of-house areas and provides staff access, while the outdoor dining area sits just beyond the entrance, located on the opposite side of the building. “Underpinning every hospitality project, we believe there should not be any bad seats in the venue. Each space has a unique feel and aspect, all with access to light, interest and art,” says Matiya Marovich, director of Sans-Arc Studio.

The material palette is both robust and warm, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Motifs from the facade, such as the bullnose and corrugation details, are carried through into the interior, which is evident in the corrugated concrete counter along the back wall, blade walls, bar and tabletops. The space is punctuated by pops of colour – speckled benchtops, vibrant artwork and mismatched cushions in yellow, green, orange and pink – complemented by cork flooring, oak timber and subtle textures. In-situ concrete is also used throughout, forming planter beds, counters and terrazzo tops.

The design also prioritises simplicity, avoiding excess or unnecessary detail, so that every element is purposeful, both practically and aesthetically.

Where possible, Sans-Arc Studio takes an innovative approach to design. The building embraces lightweight construction techniques and modular banquette and booth seating, reducing material waste. Cork flooring, eco-certified fabrics, FSC-certified plywood joinery and timber furniture are all carefully chosen to minimise environmental impact. The design also prioritises simplicity, avoiding excess or unnecessary detail, so that every element is purposeful, both practically and aesthetically.

Wanting to foster connection, Sans-Arc Studio has beautifully rejuvenated an old building in Adelaide’s CBD. The project revitalises the space, injecting energy into the precinct while respecting the existing building and its 1980s charm.

Architecture and interior design by Sans-Arc Studio. Build by Blank Build. Landscape design by Emma Sadie Thomson. Joinery by Splintr.