Just for a moment, let’s take it back to high school chemistry. The class you always used to ditch. Remember that dreaded periodic table? Well, it’s back. And better than ever. Namely Au79. (*hint) It denotes gold. You know, that super coveted element. Melbourne-based studio, Mim Design, took a cue from the highly-valued metal when it came to designing a new space that encompasses a café, bakery, patisserie, and coffee roaster. We must say, they’re in their element.

Upon rolling up the garage door of the former 1950s era auto repair shop, it’s evident that the expansive site has remained relatively intact. Embracing the present while preserving history, thirteen-foot high timber windows showcase the original structure, flooding the café with light and framing neighborhood olive trees.

“At Au79 it was important to create a contemporary functional venue filled with natural light, lush planting and soft welcoming spaces. Inspiration was gathered from a variety of places from the venue’s new focus on roasting, to the curved rubber marks the old tires made on the walls, which referenced the building, a previous car repair garage,” says Mim Design, Creative Director, Emma Mahlook.

“The walls and furnishings incorporate the vibrant green and organic earthy tones of the coffee plant, while soft blush tones and custom furnishings add a touch of femininity.”

Awash in natural finishes, earthy tones, fiddle leaf figs, poppy pink coffee tables, and brass highlights, AU79 looks like perfect place for a vanilla latte. Talk about striking gold.

Photography courtesy of: Peter Clarke