A striking modernist building in Vancouver designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson has been transformed into a community cafe and bar called Ellipsis. SML Studio Architecture renovated the 2,882-square-foot space inside the Waterfall Building, one of Erickson's final architectural works completed in 1996 in collaboration with Nick Milkovich.
The geometric structure, originally designed as an art gallery, features a distinctive angled glass facade that sits at a 45-degree angle to the concrete base. Located within a housing complex near Granville Island, the building's entrance is accessed through a canted triangular concrete portal at its center. The dramatic glass canopy creates soaring ceiling heights that give the interior space its unique character.
SML Studio Architecture carefully preserved Erickson's bold geometric design language while adapting the space for its new purpose as a dual-function venue serving both coffee and cocktails. The renovation accommodates up to 47 patrons in a design that honors the building's architectural heritage while creating a welcoming community gathering place.
"Anchored in inspiring customers to stop, sit, and stay a while, Ellipsis is a dual bar combining coffee, cocktails, and community under one design masterpiece," explained the architecture studio. The designers emphasized continuity with Erickson's original vision through their material choices and spatial arrangements.
The interior design creates a striking contrast between industrial and warm elements. A full-length banquette runs along the back wall, taking advantage of the soaring ceiling height created by the angled facade. Both the built-in benches and dining chairs feature circular seats and bolster-style backs upholstered in burnt-orange velvet, which serves as a bold accent against the otherwise neutral palette.
The material selection reflects both contemporary cafe culture and the building's modernist origins. Polished concrete floors, neutral walls, and brushed stainless steel counters create an industrial aesthetic that complements the building's concrete structure. "Brushed stainless steel surfaces, geometric millwork, and primary shapes – circles, triangles and rectangles – echo Erickson's formal language, while reflective elements are balanced with natural materials such as wood and fabric to evoke warmth and comfort," the studio noted.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the space's transformation from day to night operations. Chrome-finished Bell Portable Lamps by Tom Dixon are positioned on both low black tables and taller brushed-steel high-top tables that match the bar counter fronts. Hidden lighting installed underneath the stainless steel bar counters reflects off the polished concrete floor, creating atmospheric illumination throughout the large space.
As evening approaches, the venue's character shifts dramatically through carefully orchestrated lighting effects. A circular light projection illuminates the back wall, creating a warm glowing disk that draws guests deeper into the space and signals the transition from cafe to bar service. This lighting strategy helps maximize the venue's revenue potential by accommodating different uses throughout the day.
"In a world that moves faster and faster, I wanted to create a space that invites us to slow down, to pause, to meet in the moment," said Ellipsis owner Ming Yang. "It's a cafe, it's a bar, but more than that, it's a space for presence, connection and meaning."
The Waterfall Building joins a growing number of iconic structures being repurposed as hospitality venues. This trend includes recent renovations like the eatery at the Brooklyn Museum, as cafes and bars increasingly occupy architecturally significant spaces. The dual-function model that transitions from coffee to liquor service has become particularly popular among operators seeking to maximize revenue throughout the day.
The project represents a successful example of adaptive reuse that honors architectural heritage while serving contemporary community needs. The renovation was completed through collaboration between SML Studio Architecture for interior design, Tetherstone Construction for building work, and NBD for visual identity design. Photography of the completed space was captured by James Han.
