Melbourne's newest flagship café marks the evolution of the brand experience. Grounded in their core philosophy and realised through ongoing collaboration between architect and baker, the execution embodies the passion for continual improvement, refining a successful model through subtle, purposeful design.
Baker Bleu, Cremorne
Baker Bleu Cremorne celebrates ancient, artisanal bread-making with their signature roughly textured, dark-crusted bread, bagels and pastries displayed as art. In poetic contrast, refined recycled aluminium and galvanised steel interiors represent their progressive approach to production.
2025
Cremorne, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Land
Patrons
20pax
Floor Area
175m²
The introduction of a new composite aluminium material mimics the organic distribution and accumulation of alveoli in their signature bread. Composed of recycled content, it reinforces the brand’s broader commitment to sustainability—minimising production waste and implementing compostable materials across the business.
The recycled aluminium material, exclusive to Cremorne, anchors the space. The point-of-sale, which appears almost as a solid block, features a textured elevation meeting a polished stainless-steel top, upon which sits a choreographed display of baked goods.
Extending the alveoli metaphor, the ceilings are lined in recycled aluminium, punctuated with industrial cable trays featuring spotlights. A colour-matched warm grey terrazzo flooring offers a complementary ‘smooth’ transition, where contrast arises from subtle shifts in tonal texture.
A practical industrial reductionist approach is taken throughout the space. The primary architectural intervention within the tenancy is an L-shaped joinery wall, set perpendicular to the entry door, that rationalises the irregular floorplan, providing separation and connection between the retail/café environment and the commercial kitchen.
Smooth galvanised steel walls are fitted with industrial-style air conditioning, both aesthetic and functional. A nod to innovation, modern LED menu boards are installed behind the point of sale and coffee station, quickly displaying new items every day.
Custom-designed suspension shelving employs minimal edge thickness, stretching over long runs of finely folded galvanised steel. The joinery’s depth creates connection between the kitchen and front-of-house, blending form and function. Through ongoing collaboration, an integrated pastry zone was introduced, offering freshly baked goods sold hot from the oven.
Based on the business’s existing reputation and high turnover, the floor plan is devised to accommodate a large number of patrons moving quickly through the tenancy. The main counter features four point-of-sale terminals, with queues forming around a large central American Oak table that neatly displays curated retail products. The inclusion of a dine-in area introduces timber tables and stools that contrast with the metal finishes, expressing tactile qualities in a restrained, reductionist manner.
The dine-in area is fashioned into a seating alcove, with awning windows that open out onto the adjacent street. Bench seating combines folded galvanised steel atop a distinctly structural I-beam base. A curved banquette performs dual functions as both café seating and as an espresso bar for those waiting for or enjoying their coffee and pastries. Soft leather cushions, minimalist American Oak table tops with custom designed bases and solid timber stools work to create a flexible and comfortable environment.
The takeaway servery window is parallel to a custom joinery element that acts as a self-serve water station, highlighted by feature wall lighting and way-finding. Bespoke outdoor seating designed around native gum trees activates the common areas between Baker Bleu and its neighbour Suupaa (also designed by IF Architecture).
Baker Bleu Cremorne distils artisan tradition and industrial precision into a refined, sustainable outcome. Its holistic design supports business efficiencies and superlative customer experience, embodying a relentless drive for thoughtful evolution.
Credits
Photography: Sharyn Cairns
Branding: Studio Round
Contractor: SCR Construction