Overbudget Breaks from the Restaurant Concept
Overbudget Inc in Toronto is breaking away from the traditional restaurant concept, with its offices featuring Cosentino surfaces.
Chef and restauranteur, Grant van Gameren is the owner of six restaurants in Toronto, Canada. He worked closely with Studio Junction Architect and Design Studio on the design for Overbudget. This was a multi-purpose space to conceptualise, try new recipes and drinks, hold group meetings and organise events.
Founder of Overbudget an one of Canada’s best-known chefs and restaurateurs, the self-taught Grant Van Gameren first rose to prominence as co-owner and head chef of The Black Hoof. He now owns six restaurants and bars in Toronto, including the award-winning Bar Isabel and Bar Raval, as well as El Rey, Tennessee Tavern, Harry’s Charbroiled and PrettyUgly. His newest restaurant, Quetzal, opened in early 2018 and features authentic, regional Mexican cuisine. He recently launched an innovative catering service, Victor Dries, with partner Chris Brown.
The Design
The Overbudget Offices was a complete renovation combining modern Japanese and Scandinavian design influences. Grant van Gameren worked closely with Studio Junction Architect and Design Studio to design the space to be a creative platform and a central hub for partners and employees under the Overbudget Inc. umbrella. The primary functions of the multi-purpose space are to develop and test new recipes and drinks, as well as to hold group meetings and launch events. The space is used by a range of different groups – whether it is a weekly meeting about financials, finetuning a dish, or testing a new cocktail concoction. The space was created to elicit discussion and encourage feedback.
The Surfaces
Functionality is equally as important as the design of the Overbudget Offices. Ultra-compact Dekton and Silestone quartz surfaces play a significant role in the design. There were used throughout as worktops, splashbacks and wall cladding. This allows Van Gameren and his team to work in a hassle-free environment, with practical surfaces that are highly resistant to stains, heat and scratches. Dekton Glacier was used for the kitchen island, bartop, the bar prep area’s worktops and splashback, where it consistently stands up to stubborn stains.
Silestone Charcoal Soapstone was installed for the kitchen worktops and splashback. This created a striking juxtaposition between the kitchen and the rest of the open space. Dekton Glacier was also used for the kitchen island. It provides extreme durability, even when faced with the full force of a busy professional chef.
The architects and designers who worked on the Overbudget offices project were Christine Ho Ping Kong, Peter Tan, and Carlos Arce Cruz.
