Project Name: North of Brooklyn Pizzeria

Location: Toronto, Canada

Design Team: MRDK

Total Floor Area: 2,550 ft² (237 m²)

Completion: 2025

Photography: David Dworkind

Feature: MRDK's North of Brooklyn Pizzeria demonstrates how innovative material continuity strategies and masterful spatial layering design philosophy fusion techniques can transform a two-story space in Toronto's Etobicoke neighborhood into a contemporary dining architecture exemplar of cinematic narrative and material expressiveness.

This 237-square-meter dual-concept venue dramatically integrates the vibrant energy of North of Brooklyn takeout pizzeria with the refined atmosphere of the upstairs Low Rise bar, presenting itself as a profound meditation on nostalgic Italian design vocabulary integration, contemporary commercial functionality, and architectural experience innovation fusion. Through carefully considered spatial organization and material selection, it creates an architectural environment that seamlessly weaves casual dining functions with refined dining experiences.

The project's most compelling design feature lies in its fundamental challenge and reimagining of material boundaries. Confronting the challenge of creating strong visual impact within limited space while maintaining functional efficiency, the architects employed DTILE molded tiles to fully envelop the ground floor takeout area, flowing continuously from walls to ceiling in a sculptural gesture, even folding outward to form functional merchandise display hooks, blurring the boundaries between surface and fixture. This design strategy creates continuous dialogue between architectural materials and spatial functions, achieving a contemporary fusion effect of aesthetic ambition and practical utility, allowing the space to perfectly echo North of Brooklyn brand's energetic qualities.

MRDK's design language fluently expresses contemporary material-driven architectural vernacular, employing strategic material selection and spatial sequence choreography to redefine dining architectural experiences. A large lightbox awning emblazoned with the North of Brooklyn logo extends from exterior to interior, forming the ceiling of the takeout area, creating a cinematic entrance moment reminiscent of the Star Wars title crawl. Upstairs, the 40-seat Low Rise space centers around a monumental bar clad in tumbled marble mosaic and crowned with a zinc countertop designed to develop character through patination over time, creating an atmosphere interweaving contemporary and nostalgic sensibilities.

Most remarkably, the architects create inventive architectural experiences through clever spatial problem-solving strategies. To address the challenge of low ceiling heights, mechanical systems are concentrated around the perimeter, allowing the central ceiling to be raised. This rounded rectangular zone is highlighted by cove lighting that emphasizes the existing popcorn texture, transforming it into a deliberate design feature, creating striking contrast with the high-gloss painted bulkhead below. New fenestration cuts into the side facade flood the space with natural light, perfectly framing walnut dining tables that cantilever from walls within window niches. This structural design is integrated as part of the architectural language, creating a perfect balance between spatial layering and visual drama.

The restaurant is organized into clear functional stratification. The ground floor houses the North of Brooklyn kitchen and takeout counter, with material envelopment strategy creating an immersive brand experience. Upstairs, the Low Rise bar and dining room present distinctly different atmospheric qualities. Green leather banquettes inspired by Joe Colombo's iconic Tube Chair pair with walnut tables cantilevering from walls, resting on folded steel feet, creating subtle interplay of color, material, and form. A fluted pendant light by In Common With casts a warm glow, setting the tone for an intimate dining experience.

Material strategy continues this harmonious coexistence design philosophy between architecture and brand narrative. Integration with architectural form and functional zoning is reinforced through the use of contrasting materials, including the ground floor's complete DTILE molded tile envelopment, reflecting the brand's modern energetic qualities. Upstairs, the combination of tumbled marble mosaic, zinc countertop, walnut, and green leather evokes the refined sensibility of nostalgic Italian design. Natural daylighting is optimized through the strategy of new window openings in the side facade, with passive design approaches enhancing spatial quality. Tactile variations in materials further strengthen the clarity of functional zoning, demonstrating MRDK's commitment to material innovation and spatial narrative.

Design Team: MRDK, founded in 2013, operates as a nominal partnership integrating two independent Montreal practices under one collaborative space, Guillaume Ménard Design and David Dworkind Architect, having established a pioneering reputation in commercial interior design, residential architecture, and detail-oriented architectural language innovation since its founding. This practice with offices in Montreal, Canada redefines contemporary architects' role in North American design discourse through coordinated integration of design respect for site, client, craftsmen, and materiality.

MRDK brings exceptional detail sensitivity design perspectives and deep understanding of craft-driven approaches to architectural practice. The practice has garnered recognition for its commitment to creating coherent spatial experiences where every element relates to a central narrative, satisfying users' functional requirements and emotional resonance. Its innovative contributions are embodied in the ability to transform client visions and needs into contemporary architectural language with strong materiality and spatial quality.

The firm's design philosophy emphasizes that architecture should transcend functional limitations, designed not merely to satisfy practical requirements but to organically merge with site qualities and user needs. Through deep attention to materiality and spatial sequence, working across diversified works from dining spaces to residential villas to office interiors, they believe the best architecture results from contextually responsive interventions through precise and thoughtful processes of working closely with skilled tradespeople, exploring innovative craftsmanship and materials. MRDK believes architecture should serve as a profound expression of client vision, creating unique architectural experiences through strategic material selection and innovative spatial organization.

Beyond practice, through thoughtful integration of aesthetics with functionality, craft-oriented approaches and material innovation application, and tested detail-driven design wisdom, MRDK has established itself as a significant contributor to contemporary Canadian commercial interior and residential architecture discourse, creating architectural works that are both functionally responsive and maintain material authenticity. Under the continued leadership of Guillaume Ménard and David Dworkind, the firm currently occupies a unique position within Canada's dynamic architectural landscape, focusing on creating spatial experiences that achieve architectural quality through materiality, spatial sequence, and craft sensitivity.