Marina Cafe Dining Room

The roof was rebuilt to allow for a greater ceiling height and panoramic views into the harbor.

The Building

The Marina Cafe has been one of the most outstanding restaurants on Staten Island for the past 25 years, and is one of only a handful of waterfront restaurants on the island.

In 2001, the owners of the Marina Cafe embarked on a two phase renovation of the restaurant in anticipation of the celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The existing dining room had a very low ceiling, two levels and inadequate ventilation. Also, it did not take full advantage of the magnificent view of the harbor.

Phase 1 involved the renovation of the bar area while phase 2 encompassed the renovation of the interiors of the main dining room, installation of new windows, removal of existing skylights and replacement of the HVAC system.

Repair of the piles supporting the dining room was also required.

Tensile fabric sails are elements that mark the interiors of the dining hall.

The architects opposed the removal of just the skylights and existing ductwork as it would involve major demolition of the existing ceiling and roof, leaving just a small percentage intact.

Instead the roof was completely removed and a new structure built in its place to provide a much higher ceiling with dramatic views of the harbor.

A double curved roof was thus created using sustainable design strategies.

Two walls of floor to ceiling glass facing east and north flood the space with natural light which minimizes the need for artificial light for most of the day, especially in summer.

North-facing operable clerestory windows allow natural ventilation.

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