Weird Harbour

Weird Harbour is a small-scale coffee establishment in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The clients approached us with the idea of opening their second location to strengthen their presence in the South End. From the outset, they expressed their needs for managing heavy foot traffic, a minimal yet functional emphasis on millwork, and strategies to take full advantage of natural light and public exposure.

Our proposal, and the design that followed, responded directly to these needs. Perimeter seating was introduced to draw single or small-group visitors to the light, fastened with marine-grade stainless steel hardware commonly used on boats and vessels. Accessibility was carefully integrated, with wheelchair-ready seating and a fully accessible washroom discreetly located in the back-of-house.

The bar—arguably the most important element—was constructed using solid birch butcher block counters and prefinished birch paneling. This approach maintains a clean, refined visual language that matches the perimeter seating. The wood counters easily allowed for seamless integration of coffee-specific equipment such as pitcher rinsers and waste bin openings.

The project aims to balance function, accessibility, and a refined visual language to support Weird Harbour’s growth and brand identity. The design accommodates high traffic, highlights craftsmanship through functional millwork, in the hopes to create a bright, welcoming environment that connects the café to its public context.