Case study: Creating a sense of authenticity at Ned's Bake

At Amphis we’re known for providing decorative and practical lighting solutions to residential home builders, but every now and then we’re proud to be part of beautiful commercial projects. Ned’s Bake is one such job that we completed late last year.

With one bakery café in Melbourne’s South Yarra (and glowing write-ups in Broadsheet and Urban List to boot), owner Ned Radojcic called on Amphis to supply product for his upcoming second location in Middle Park. Given that the floor plans of the two venues are quite similar, the aim was to replicate what worked in the original space, ensuring staff had sufficient task lighting while customers felt comfortable in the dining area.

The project

Though both locations share a lot of elements in décor and fittings, such as exposed brick and European-inspired imagery, the new Middle Park bakery has a cosier feel than its older sister because of its black painted ceilings. Dark ceilings evoke a sense of intimacy and cosiness but absorb natural light. To combat this, Signature downlights were placed strategically throughout, amongst existing skylights, providing illumination without ruining the atmosphere. Vega track lighting was installed above key task-oriented areas, vital for brewing coffee and, of course, for showcasing heavenly fresh-baked loaves, croissants and cakes.

Hanging in the main dining area is a pendant lamp not supplied by Amphis, but we were able to work with the specs of the pendant, taking into account the illumination required for the space, to offer the right supporting products to fit the brief. Ned’s Bake is a great example of a collaborative effort between trades, suppliers and client, resulting in an authentic vibe that feels like the local boulangerie you stumbled upon while wandering around a small town in France or Italy.

All photography credited to On Jackson Street.