A Moment of Break: Ellipsis Café
- Jan 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Nestled within Arthur Erickson’s iconic Waterfall Building, a new espresso and cocktail bar honours a modernist masterpiece by inviting guests to slow down.
In the heart of Vancouver, near the bustling Granville Island, stands the Waterfall Building, a 2001 mixed-use landmark designed by the late, legendary Canadian architect Arthur Erickson in collaboration with Nick Milkovich. Its defining feature, a prismatic glass-and-concrete wedge, was originally intended as an art gallery. After years of being underutilized as a rotating event space, the "glazed wedge" has finally found its permanent purpose in Ellipsis.
Breathing New Life into a Landmark
Designed by Mira Yung and Benny Kwok of SML Studio Architecture, Ellipsis is more than just a café; it is a careful restoration. The project required "peeling back" decades of mismatched renovations—residential baseboards, odd murals, and off-kilter bars—to reveal the pure, geometric intent of Erickson’s original design.
By stripping away the "hodgepodge" of the past, the team has re-energized the 2,882-square-foot space, transforming it into a community hub that seats 47 patrons.
"In a world that moves faster and faster, I wanted to create a space that invites us to slow down, to pause, to meet in the moment (...). It's a cafe, it's a bar, but more than that, it's a space for presence, connection and meaning." Ming Yang, Owner of Ellipsis
The Interior: Industrial Edge Meets Velvet Warmth
The interior design leans into the building's dramatic geometry. Because the glass canopy sits at a 45-degree angle, the ceiling heights soar, creating an airy, cathedral-like atmosphere. SML Studio balanced this scale with a palette that feels both industrial and intimate:
Materials: Polished concrete floors and lime-washed walls provide a textured, "lived-in" backdrop.
The Bars: Two stainless steel bars sit symmetrically against the glass. Finished with a "vibration" texture on top and a polished mirror finish on the bottom, they appear to float within the gallery like sculptural objects.
Colour & Comfort: To counter the stark concrete, a long run of banquette seating and circular bolster chairs are upholstered in burnt-orange velvet, adding a necessary layer of warmth.
"Anchored in inspiring customers to stop, sit, and stay a while, Ellipsis is a dual bar combining coffee, cocktails, and community under one design masterpiece" SML Studio
The Magic of Light
At Ellipsis, the passage of time is part of the décor. During the day, natural light pours through the sloped floor-to-ceiling windows, casting shifting shadows that move across the walls like a sundial.
As evening approaches, the space undergoes a cinematic transition. A circular light projection—a glowing orb—appears on the back wall. Initially subtle, it deepens into vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds as night falls, mimicking a permanent sunset. Below the counters, hidden lighting reflects off the polished floors, ensuring the vast space feels cozy and intentional after dark.
A Dual Identity
Ellipsis takes its name from the grammatical symbol for a pause, a nod to owner Ming Yang’s vision of a space that invites presence.
The service is split by design: the bar to the right handles the morning rush of caffeinated drinks, while the bar to the left transforms into a sophisticated cocktail lounge. Whether you are there for a morning espresso or a signature "What’s Your Red Flag" cocktail (a bold mix of rum, chai pineapple, and mango-habanero), the environment encourages you to linger.
Ellipsis Café. Image courtesy of: Sml Studio Architecture Ellipsis Café. Image courtesy of: Sml Studio Architecture Ellipsis Café. Image courtesy of: Sml Studio Architecture Ellipsis Café. Image courtesy of: Sml Studio Architecture Ellipsis Café. Image courtesy of: Sml Studio Architecture Ellipsis Café. Image courtesy of: Sml Studio Architecture
