balans west
	Restaurant, Earls Court Sometimes the biggest challenge to creating an exciting architectural solution is to overcome opposition from the planning authorities. Our approach is to work with the planners, involving them as early as possible in the design stage. It’s an approach that certainly paid dividends on this project. Balans already had a successful restaurant/café in Soho. For their new Earls Court premises they wanted something more elegant in conception, yet still relaxed in mood. Our solution included windows and doors in galvanised steel finish, with a large expanse of glass to make the bar more visible and allow the restaurant to spill out onto the pavement area. We also opened up the entire restaurant – from the front right through the terrace at the rear – so customers and passers-by could enjoy a full view of the restaurant’s vibrant ambience. Design Features • a curved glazed extension at the rear provides an intimate seating area overlooking a well planted terrace • the bar is made from galvanised steel sheets with a sleek glass top • banquette seating was designed with a subtle wave in warm red nugahyde • waiter stations are located within deep red purpose-made recesses with well detailed joinery • the floor and stairs are in reclaimed oak floor with stairs, and kitchen area’s floor is red industrial concrete • artwork was created by Murphy|Davé inspired by Ben Nicholson Click on a picture, to enlarge and reveal more detail.