Midi 3121 by Sans-Arc Studio
Tucked between a small park and the train line in Melbourne's Richmond, Midi 3121 by Sans-Arc Studio presents a moment of calm within its gritty, urban surrounds.
Occupying just 40 square metres, the café is a sculptural composition of geometric forms and raw textures, layered within the architectural shell by MA Architects.
Taking cues from the brutalist qualities of the original structure, the fit-out is underpinned by a robust material palette. A poured terrazzo floor and stainless steel shopfront establish a clean, utilitarian base, further articulated through the use of galvanised steel, concrete-toned polished plaster, and recycled spotted gum. These finishes carry the visual language of the exterior inside, reinforcing the architectural continuity between inside and out.
Despite the small footprint, Sans-Arc Studio carves out a series of deliberate insertions, each contributing to a carefully composed sequence that balances graphic boldness with spatial restraint. A timber counter anchors the interior, introducing a handcrafted sensibility that reflects the café's artisanal coffee focus. Along the side wall, a soft green banquette weaves a note of comfort through the otherwise monochromatic scheme, while minimal furniture elements appear as sculptural accents within the volume.
The project arrived at Sans-Arc Studio in its final stages, with the kitchen already built and only a short window remaining to complete the interiors. The result is a considered intervention that builds on what was already in place, quietly refining the material expression and spatial flow without overwhelming the core architectural proposition.
By leaning into the solidity of its surrounds, Midi 3121 cultivates a heightened awareness of form and detail. Larger architectural gestures gradually give way to subtle textural contrasts, guiding the experience from macro to micro. The interior is enlivened by natural light that filters through the shopfront, animating surfaces and creating a cadence that shifts throughout the day.
Unified by its minimal composition and deliberate restraint, Midi 3121 delivers more than just coffee. It offers a composed retreat from the momentum of the street, drawing together craft, materiality and context in a space that feels both grounded and generous.
