elements Restaurant - Merit Award Winner

Architect:  Beyond Ordinary Boundaries Architecture
Owner:  Stephen Distler & Chef Scott Anderson
General Contractor:  V.J. Scozzari & Sons
Photographer:   elements staff & Terry Wyllie, AIA.

Project Narrative
The restaurant’s name “elements” speaks to the overall philosophy developed by the Chef.  The architect was encouraged to create a harmony between elements of food, service and environment, while incorporating indigenous materials and highlighting local trades and artisans. The food is “interpretive American” and the environment is to match.

An existing 3, 500 s.f. single story automobile service station of mid-1900’s vintage, long abandoned yet only a few blocks removed from the center of Princeton, was selected as the starting point.  While the restaurant would be “new” there would always be recollection of it’s original function, form and place-”interpretative American”.

Situated at a street corner on approximately a 1/2” acre, the exterior massing and composition were created respectful of the original structure while introducing the “new” vocabulary of elements.  Granite, stacked field stone, steel, maple, teak and a variety of glasses were selected as key elements.  The addition of a mezzanine loft within allows the space to open and rise above.  The main level kitchen situated at its core.

Jury Comments:

• Outstanding vision on part of architect and owner to convert an old gas station into a restaurant.
• Outstanding detail throughout, expresses the restaurant’s name in the intricacy of the architecture.