Context
In a (confidential) Caribbean Island, there will be a resort that aims to set a benchmark in terms of unique character and personality. The island is a place evoking the sensorial, the artisanal and the restorative. When we were asked to design a restaurant and Lounge in the very heart of the resort, we decided that it should absorb these features as an homage to its homeland. We were asked to propose two designs, similar in concept but one that can host around 175 people and a second one for 75 people. They wanted to see how each would be perceived. This is the bigger version of the Restaurant and Lounge.
The understanding of the context, conditions and typology made easier to propose an architectural response. This brief has been carried out through an analysis of the place’s fundamental characteristics, from its nature and geography through to the urban areas and infrastructures surrounding it. This process made the Restaurant and Lounge a place to appreciate the island itself and the context it is placed in. Making use of its possibilities will allow maximum comfort, enjoyability and use along the year.
Design
Following the circularity of the location, a circular design is proposed, which brings several advantages to the design. The spatial configuration opens up completely towards the sea, enabling outstanding views to the sunset and the Caribbean Sea. It also creates an element that has a higher wind resistance when enclosed, maximizes the exposure to sunlight and allows for a higher flexibility.
The design uses all the available space on the site to push the dining area towards the outer space, creating a ring that maximizes the views. In the heart of the restaurant an interior garden is placed, that structures the circulation and creates a second focus point for the views. With this strategy the restaurant can host up to 180 diners. The BOH spaces are located in the south east, framing the entrance and where the views are not that relevant, leaving all the sea views to the dining spaces.
Interior, exterior or semi public spaces have different qualities that together can create an attractive restaurant and lounge. Generally, in similar type of restaurants, the formal dinning spaces will be designed as interior spaces and the most informal ones can be set up in more and more exterior spaces, depending on the climate. Having a relatively sort rainy season and a very stable and comfortable temperature all year long, can benefit from this and have a diverse set of spaces to mold a unique experience. The orientation of the building follows the prominent north western views of the sea, leaving the BOH spaces at the south east, protecting the restaurant from the main Atlantic winds, that would have an impact on the comfort of the dining experience.
The ultimate mood of the space will be given when all these factors work together, added to the proper selection of the interior architecture materials and its furniture.
Constructive development
This design relies on the characterization of twelve different sectors within the circle, and the particular shape of the columns and difference in height of the roof segments help to this effect. The difference in height allows for the entrance of side light. The BOH spaces are built within the main structure, and with a different concrete pigmentation in order to differentiate its use from the columns and beams. Wooden secondary beams are placed in between the concrete beams in order to receive the wooden boards that will act as the finish of the roof.
Materiality
The principal constructive system of the resort uses reinforced concrete for the structure, and we wanted to procure a continuity, that is why the main structures of the restaurant are made of concrete. Concrete might look like a very flat material that looks the same no matter where it is placed, but it actually has a lot of texture and finish possibilities. White concrete is used in the main structure to give a graceful and elegant aspect, and the BOH elements are pigmented with a warm concrete to give an earthy and natural structure.
Through the island, the use of wooden elements in the traditional construction is very present and we believe it can create a very nice warm contrast with the main structure. The roof finish defines the perception of the Restaurant and Lounge from afar and therefore needs to be a good match to the rest of the materials and the concept of the project. We select a wooden roof that emphasizes the directionality of the roof and uses local materials and techniques. The contrast between a robust and generally cold material such as concrete with a warm and delicate one such as wood creates a very interesting combination in which the user can feel very calm and get a sense of harmony.
Terrazzo flooring. The most characteristic rock of this igneous formation island is basalt and therefore it is the base for its fertile soil. We wanted to use the same material that is present through the island ground for the flooring of the project, but with a contemporary interpretation. Terrazzo has become very popular in modern architecture due to its qualities and newly developed possibilities. Mixing the basalt strong color with a lighter background will emphasize its character while giving luxurious touch.
Interior garden
Interior gardens help to articulate the spaces, and in this project it gives a sense of circulation and helps you understand the geometry of the project. It also has bio climatic benefits such as screening the sunlight or opening an space for the ventilation flow. Aside from the above mentioned, there are two main goals of the Restaurant and Lounge’s interior garden. Firstly, to grow a local environment with endemic plantations with which it is possible interact and learn. A place to decompress. Lastly, to create a secondary focus point in contrast with the sea views, so there is no back facade in the building.
Client
Confidential
Date
2022
Location
Caribbean
Status
In progress
Program
Hospitality
Surface
1000 sqm
Themes
Local, Modular
Author
Maze Studio
Design Team
Javier López-Menchero, James Moya
Renders
Estudio eva