Architect Evan Reeves looks over his designs at Bam Bam Boo.
Camera IconArchitect Evan Reeves looks over his designs at Bam Bam Boo. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie        d435836

Tradition meets fresh ideas

Emily BakerEastern Reporter

INSTEAD of "out with the old, in with the new", Design Theory architect Evan Reeves decided to combine the two elements when designing Bam Bam Boo.

From the restaurateur who bought Perth the popular Grand Palace Chinese comes the $2.5 million eatery, which opened in February at 140William on the corner of William Street and Murray Street Mall.

Mr Reeves said he designed the space to provide an authentic Asian feel with a modern fusion.

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"I think ordering using an iPad is important to talk about because it is a bit of a novelty, people love it and it's really easy to use," he said.

"Also, in the very near future, you will be able to sit at the table, jump on to the Bam Bam Boo app, order and pay."

While the addition of technology offers efficiency and a fast-paced atmosphere, the layout oozes authenticity.

A mural designed by illustrator Thomas Sweetman adorns an area created to replicate an old family meals area surrounded by a Chinese streetscape. It extends out to an alfresco area for a unique outdoor eating experience.

Mr Reeves said the open plan kitchen allowed customers to watch the food making process, further adding to the ambience.

"You can see your food coming from the counter, being heated, cooked and you eat it two minutes later," he said.

"Over the other side, you have the duck drying room with the hanging barbecue duck, you've got the noodle drying bath and then you can see people making the dumplings."

Much of the architecture was inspired by the food, according to Mr Reeves.

"This restaurant is really taking all the food ideas, including the kung pao chicken and the dumplings that you would eat in China and putting an Australian spin on it without tweaking it too much," he said.

"I think it offers a better flavour and the food is much richer."