For a space called “Pantry,” we honoured a domestic ethos, but also challenged those expectations. The basketweave floor tile, a staple of home pantries, is a signature element in every Pantry location. Our floor references basketweave, but also hints at heritage tartan, a city subway map, or a circuit board. This interplay between domestic and public, organic and technological, reflects Pantry’s business – the hominess of a fresh meal with the convenience of a bustling city food bar. We also inverted and magnified this idea, creating a wooden ceiling woven in an oversize basketweave pattern.

The concept of weaving wasn’t just a motif; it also informed the design process. Rather than demolish the work of the previous designers, we literally wove our design into theirs. “Sensitive design is about more than using the newest hot recycled material,” says Denizens principal Dyonne Fashina. “If you believe in design as a solution for societal and business problems, as we do, start by honouring what’s already here.”

This interlacing of intention, function, design, materiality, and respect for past work makes Pantry’s King Street West location a bold evolution of the brand. The project builds on the Denizens reputation for thoughtful design built on innovation, sustainability, and impeccable execution.