Canberra based Ona Coffee is one of Australia’s most highly regarded specialty roasters. They have a simple goal to create the best and most sustainable coffee in the world. Sustainability is at the core of everything that Ona Coffee do. As part of their commitment to creating a more sustainable future, Ona engages in several projects globally to help reduce their carbon footprint and become a net-zero coffee roaster in the near future.

The latest in this project portfolio is their own Melbourne outpost, which is one of Australia’s first hospitality projects to be completely carbon neutral in operations.

Ona is an adaptive re-use project, using as much of the existing building fabric as possible with recycled and locally sourced materials throughout. Pride of place is the espresso bar clad in recycled brick offcuts diverted from landfill. Sustainability features include being 100 per cent electric, induction cooktops, 20kW of solar on the re-insulated roof with remaining energy requirements provided by 100 per cent GreenPower. A rigorous carbon audit was undertaken to offset any greenhouse gas emissions. 5000 litre rain water tanks, organics waste streams, natural light and ample bike parking were incorporated into the design. Rather than space for cars, a multilevel amphitheatre, that in time will be run wild with greenery, was built by locals and for locals. Sun-drenched but shaded by natives, this built space is for coffee drinkers, food lovers, dogs, kids, prams, wheelchairs.

Photography by Tom Ross.

Dissections
Lighting: ISM Objects, About Space, Ross Gardam, Dowel Jones, Caf Ideas, Beacon Lighting, The Lighting Collective. Finishes: Dulux, At Work with Camira, James Hardie. Fittings & Fixtures: Caroma, Par Taps.