Ironside Fish & Oyster’s nautical design concept is a celebration of San Diego’s history as a major U.S. seaport and fishing capital. A huge 1920’s warehouse, originally home to Ironside Metal Works, provided a rich architectural canvas with which to work. Transformation of the still-robust structure began with preserving the original beams and hand painted exterior façade in homage to its significant industrial roots.

Our returning client, CH Projects, having partnered with two-star Michelin Chef Jason McLeod, had an ambitious and innovative seafood program in the works. Correspondingly, BASILE created four separate-yet-connected eating areas, each offering a new visual at every turn. Accentuating 14’ ceilings, a bridge-inspired steel trellis with frosted bulbs arches over one side of the space, with globe lights hanging from bronze chains on the other.

Plasma-cut butcher block-topped barstools with anchor hooks swivel to accommodate 2 or 3 people and their belongings. Weighted bar taps and exposed liquor storage expedite service, while copper bar tops, marble tables and mint-green paint accentuate the restaurant’s nautical whimsy. Outside, an 18-foot living succulent wall complements the original facade along with five actuator-controlled flip doors that open to the sidewalk, their panes opening individually to maximize air and minimize glare, and the doors themselves doubling as awnings. With an in-tandem focus on form, function and flow of service, BASILE employed a blend of materials and mixed metals throughout the space, custom designing, fabricating and installing each considered detail.

http://basilestudio.com