Situated within the Aida Hotel premises, overlooking Kottayam city's backwaters, the site presented an opportunity for us to transform a dilapidated 2,500 sq. ft area into a lively gastro-pub. Tasked with not only expanding and revitalizing the café but also creating a relaxed indoor and outdoor dining space complete with a bar, private dining area, and open kitchen, we meticulously analyzed the existing layout and available additional spaces to ensure seamless integration.

To breathe new life into the space, we stripped away old layers of paint and cement plaster from the existing walls, enhancing the exposed brick masonry by refining the grooves. Standardizing the varying sill heights of smaller openings with a common sill level, clad with durable black granite, ensured resilience against Kerala's monsoon seasons. Introducing strategically positioned brick arches provided essential structural support to the existing roof.

A key design concept centered around utilizing the courtyard as a unifying element for the new program, rather than a mere extension of the restaurant. We introduced a pavilion-style bar with wooden rafters into the courtyard, serving as a distinctive yet cohesive feature bridging the indoor and outdoor zones. The courtyard, terminating at one end, offers a tantalizing glimpse of the show kitchen. A centrally located tree not only adds aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a cooling micro-environment during summers.

In total, the design comfortably accommodates seating for 80 patrons, providing a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their dining experience.