PENTA is a minimalist cafe located in Melbourne, Australia, designed by RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN. A polished grey concrete floor plane is lightly ground back to expose loose ends of aggregate. Orthogonal concrete elements rise from this floor creating a coffee and waiting station, married with terrazzo clad plinths, which form seating. The walls are clad in a veil of perforated aluminum that folds itself across the creases of the walls. Screening the kitchen and a smaller private dining area. Light is balanced within the metallic apertures. Conceptually interior space is suspended at the horizon line between the two opposing elements of concrete and air. The heaviness of the concrete ground plane is juxtaposed to the mass of nothingness – the perforated metal cladding. Deep cigar leaf colored leather folds itself loosely over stainless steel rods creating a cushioned finish to the masonry plinths, whilst fern trees dot themselves around the café casting leafy, fibers shadows across interior metal skin.