The old St.Kilda bicycle shop in the heart of St.Kilda village, became available for the clients to realise their long held vision of an authentic Mexican Taqueria. Next to one of St.Kilda’s original cafes, the Galleon, Radio Mexico inhabits a prominent corner triangular site.

Within the two level existing 1920’s shop is the main Dining, Bar and servery on the Ground Floor and toilets, Prep Kitchen and service areas on the upper level accessed by a restored original staircase. To the corner, an open out door covered terrace extends the space, defined by a perimeter breeze block wall and tea tree lined pergola roof. Linking the two areas is the ‘Taqueria Caravan’, literally wedged in between, housing Kitchen and servery operations whilst to the rear the main Kitchen and Toilets with a new Metal clad Cool room over complete the new assemblage.

The design exercise entailed the insertion of two service elements into and through the building envelope. Upon entering through the tall distinctive diagonal lined timber doors, the main bar clad in black slate tiles, runs across the space.  A fuscia coloured wall forms a backdrop to the fitout and continues through the dining area as a dado line to the shopfront. Simple perimeter bench seating is complimented by pale blue chairs and recycled timber tables. As an extension to the bar, the caravan element forms a service and visual core to the design.

Externally, the  partially covered raised timber terrace inhabits the corner of the site and is also simply fitted out with timber bench seating, milk stools, benches and an outdoor gas fireplace. Filtered afternoon  sunlight bathes the area through the tea tree battens,  to provide and enticing outdoor dining experience.