Baker D. Chirico Brisbane blends bold design with artisanal craft, featuring a striking plywood ceiling, open-plan kitchen and European-inspired piazza setting for an immersive baking experience.

After years of anticipation, the latest Baker D. Chirico has finally opened its doors in Brisbane’s Newstead, marking the next chapter for the beloved artisanal bakery. Fourteen years after Daniel Chirico first collaborated with Rodney Eggleston of March Studio to design the Melbourne flagship in Carlton – and six years after work began on its latest iteration – the long-awaited space is now open, welcoming customers into a bold and immersive interior.

A sculptural celebration of baking

“The retail space is a true celebration of gluten-laden delights,” Chirico says. “My vision for this second flagship, the first in Brisbane, was to craft a sequel to the brand’s identity, building on the timberwork of Carlton but taking it to bold new heights.”

Embracing Chirico’s vision, March Studio pushed the boundaries of familiar territory. “The result is an awe-inspiring ceiling crafted from CNC-cut plywood, which cascades seamlessly down the walls to form shelving,” Eggleston explains. While Carlton’s design drew its interior inspiration from the woven curves of a breadbasket, Brisbane’s interpretation is slightly more expressive, emulating the delicate, flaky layers of a croissant.

In a direct juxtaposition to the ceiling’s sculptural impact, the materiality of the floor further enriches the sensory experience. “Max Lamb’s terrazzo Marmoreal graces the floor, its playful texture reminiscent of nougat,” Chirico says. “Every detail, from the textures underfoot to the flowing timberwork above, has been thoughtfully curated to create an environment that celebrates the craft of baking.”

A bakery designed for experience

Baker D. Chirico Brisbane is more than just a place to buy bread and pastry – it’s a space designed to immerse customers in the “theatre of baking”. Spanning 240 square metres across two levels, the fitout is carefully orchestrated to maximise efficiency and engagement. “Prep and washing areas were thoughtfully tucked away at the rear, while the ovens and provers took centre stage, filling the space with irresistible aromas,” Chirico explains.

With a clear view from the piazza into the kitchen, the idea to expose the carefully curated equipment was a design priority. “The Fortuna Bun Divider, spiral mixers and pastry sheeters were strategically placed in full view,” Eggleston says. “This transforms the art of baking into a captivating performance for all to enjoy.”

The bakery’s location within Long Island Piazza – the first landscaped Italian-inspired piazza in Newstead – further enhances the venue’s European charm. “On sunny days, the outdoor seating areas encourage customers to linger for hours, often enjoying breakfast and lunch in the same sitting,” Chirico says. “Coupled with our location among the fountains and greenery, it truly evokes a European ambience.” To top it off, a signature red Piaggio Ape – Vespa’s post-war, three-wheeled utility vehicle – proudly bearing the Baker D. Chirico logo, adds a playful and distinctive touch to the alfresco experience. “While the development may be called Long Island, the combination of our Piaggio and the surrounding fountains completes the feeling of a Roman piazza,” Chirico adds.

Challenges and triumphs of a long-awaited opening

The journey to opening Baker D. Chirico Brisbane was not without its hurdles. The venue endured two years of rolling COVID lockdowns before opening its doors. For the collaborators, the challenge was twofold: balancing the pressure of designing a worthy sequel while surpassing the grandeur of the original.

Sourcing unique equipment with aesthetic appeal proved to be another obstacle. “With bread as uniquely moist as Chirico’s, a standard slicer simply wouldn’t cut it,” the founder notes. Four years of research later, the solution was found – a specialised slicer from Germany equipped with a butcher’s blade capable of handling the job.

In the face of adversity, the final result is a bakery that embodies the brand’s commitment to quality and design innovation. The interplay of warm cascading plywood ceilings and polished brass fixtures creates a golden, buttery glow throughout the space, reinforcing the sensory experience. “Every design element of our bakery is thoughtfully chosen to create a warm, engaging and memorable atmosphere,” Chirico says.

With its seamless blend of craftsmanship, functionality and immersive design, Baker D. Chirico Brisbane offers more than just exceptional baked goods; it delivers an experience that lingers long after the last crumb is savoured. As Chirico puts it, “By showcasing the baking process, we invite customers to engage with the craft, making their visit not just a transaction but a memorable experience.”

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