Bluebird Wood-fired Restaurant

At the time of the Project, the concept synopsis was : “A wood fired steakhouse. Inspired by charming mid-century chalets, expansive mountain ranges and cozy getaways, Bluebird is a premier, sophisticated yet casual basecamp. It is the perfect place for visitors and locals alike to unwind after a day in the Banff wilderness.
A contemporary take on a charming mid-century chalet, Banff’s Bluebird restaurant plays off the rich Alpine culture and the primal instinct to seek shelter, fire and to socialize after a bluebird day.”
At the centre of Bluebird’s main dining space is an expansive, hand-laid stone fireplace that extends to the vaulted ceilings. The stonework is an eclectic, imperfect mix of hand selected river rock in varying sizes and salvaged rundle stone, reminiscent of the iconic Bow River Bridge stonework. The double-sided wood burning fireplace grounds the main dining space and brings connection to the diners seated on the upper-level Juliet balcony. The beautiful craftmanship of the fireplace pays homage to the original 1930s building. It is a full structural masonry project which was designed with cinder block, firebrick and stone on a concrete foundation. The biggest challenge was fitting it into the space.