BVIA on BANK is more than a commercial development - it's a bold vision brought to life, and Cabinex was proud to be involved featuring two Cabinex Rooftop kitchens. At the heart of this project is a commitment to support women in the building industry, revitalize the neighbourhood, and honour the heritage of Melbourne's iconic E S & A building.
Here, we discuss this thoughtfully designed commercial project with Anne Mihelakos to understand how Bvia on Bank is leading the way in commercial outdoor & rooftop BBQ spaces that inspire.
Tell us about BVIA on Bank and what makes this project unique?
BVIA on BANK is a reimagining of place, history, and purpose. Located at 305–309 Clarendon St, South Melbourne, Bvia on Bank restores the iconic 1880s ‘E S & A’ Bank building, while introducing a contemporary structure that honours the past and shapes the future. It’s a bold, thoughtful statement that blends heritage, innovation, and community connection.
One of the elements that made this project unique was leadership; proudly one of the first large-scale commercial projects in Melbourne led by a female team, bridging development, design, and delivery.
Why was it important to restore and reactivate this heritage site?
Restoring this building wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about respect. Respect for craft, culture, and continuity.
The original E S & A Bank building is a key part of South Melbourne’s streetscape. Over time, alterations and neglect had diminished its character, but this restoration ensures the building is not only preserved, but reactivated with purpose.
How does this commercial project contribute to South Melbourne’s community landscape?
Commercially, it creates new opportunities - a premium space for business, retail, and hospitality that brings more life and energy to Clarendon Street. The revitalised site naturally boosts foot traffic, helping neighbouring businesses thrive while activating a much-loved heritage asset for locals with a space that feels familiar and thoughtfully modernized.
Tell us about the inclusion & contribution of the rooftop terraces & commercial Cabinex kitchens?
In a dense, dynamic city like Melbourne, space is precious and how you use it matters. The rooftop terraces aren't just decorative - they’re functional, flexible, and designed to enhance the experience of being here. They offer much needed breathing room. Places to pause, meet, unwind, and entertain in space that is both visual and functional.
These rooftop terraces bring a sense of openness and ease to the workday for our commercial tenants, providing an extension of the workspace that contributes to mental wellbeing. For visitors, they elevate the overall impression of the building and signal quality, attention to detail, and a development that’s been designed with living in mind.
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What do you see as the broader trend of integrating outdoor spaces into commercial developments?
There’s something powerful about stepping outside during the workday, sunshine, breathing in fresh air, or simply changing your surroundings. Access to greenery and natural light isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and support mental wellbeing. Since the pandemic, people have come to value these kinds of spaces even more - for meetings, quiet breaks, or a change of pace. Outdoor areas now play a much bigger role in how we think about work, lifestyle, and connection.
What role do the Cabinex Outdoor Kitchens play in elevating the usability of these spaces?
A defining feature of the rooftop terraces is the integration of the Cabinex Outdoor Commercial BBQ Kitchens, which feel like true and natural extensions of the commercial workplace. They provide functional amenities for BBQs on the rooftop, bar fridges for commercial entertaining, and customised outdoor seating; all of which all integrate seamlessly and tastefully staged as the centrepiece of our terraces; all without comprising our refined design athletic and ode to luxurious outdoor living.
More than just a convenience they reinforce the luxury and exclusivity of the development, offering a premium feature that elevates the experience for workspace users and visitors alike..
How did you approach designing terraces that balance practicality with a sense of luxury?
It came down to purpose and detail. The goal was to create outdoor areas that felt generous and inviting. We focused on materials that would weather beautifully, while thoughtful screening, shading, and seating layouts create a sense of exclusivity while maintaining an open and airy ambiance. The Cabinex team While seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, along with a cohesive design language that bridges the restored heritage and the contemporary addition
How do you see Commercial outdoor entertaining spaces evolving in future developments?
Commercial Outdoor spaces will become integral, blending indoor and outdoor areas that connect with nature. We’ll see even more emphasis on sustainability, green infrastructure that supports biodiversity, and the need for high quality outdoor commercial kitchens & entertaining amenities that can withstand the forever changing weather. All with people and experience as at the heart of design to create spaces that people want to be in, not just pass through.
