When designing a successful restaurant, an architect is responsible for doing so much more than creating a shelter in which to eat. The entrance must be inviting; the bar and waiting area have to keep patrons aesthetically engaged and comfortable; the dining area has to create a setting for appetizing meals that bring patrons back for more; and the kitchen and staff areas have to flow seamlessly.
Matthew Peterson, principal with Element Design Group, Lewes, Del., worked with restaurant owner Eric Sugrue to deliver such a space at
Big Fish Grill in Wilmington, Del. “The design goals were to create a warm, inviting, fun atmosphere for the patrons while creating an efficient kitchen and expedition area for the employees,” Peterson explained. “Eric has a great vision-we
[got] to work with him on making that a reality; from the look and feel of the bar, to the various levels and how to accomplish them, to listening to how he runs the food preparation and delivery, to understand how best to make the flow work.”
The vision of those involved with Big Fish Grill also included sustainable construction. The building is located on a Brownfield site; the HVAC system was designed to modulate to be optimally efficient based on the restaurant’s use, saving energy and money spent on utility bills; and the building materials were selected based on their lifespan. “The materials specified for the building are all long lasting, durable products. We feel that sustainability is putting good, environmentally friendly products in combinations that allow them to last and remain durable,” Peterson said.
One of the durable, long-lasting, sustainable products chosen was the metal roof system, consisting of about 2,000 square feet (186 m2) of Dutch Seam (MRD150) and 100 square feet (9 m2)of 0.032-alumimum PC System (PCX120) panels in Siam Blue from ATAS International Inc., Allentown, Pa. When speaking of the roof, Peterson said,”Really, metal was the only option to complete the look-it was in from the first design sketch we put together.” Peterson added that cost and aesthetics also played a role in selecting metal.
“The metal adds a perfect amount of color to complete the look of the building,” Peterson said. “Using metal allowed us to capture the colors of Big Fish’s logo and present it as a major design feature. From I-95, even, there is no mistake where the building is-but it is not so in your face to be distracting.”
Approximately 10,000 square feet (929 m2), Big Fish Grill is a one-story restaurant with a raised bar area and loft space. Miken Builders, Wilmington, was the builder; MJM Fabrications, New Castle, Del., was the roofing distributor; G. Fedale Roofing, Wilmington, was the roofing contractor; and MacIntosh Engineering, Wilmington, was the structural engineer.
ATAS International Inc., www.atas.com
