Rachel McLane’s Stunning Interior Designs for The Hertsmere’s New-Look Restaurant and Bar

Rachel McLane Ltd has given a stunning new contemporary look and environmental focus to the interior design of the restaurant at The Hertsmere, Elstree, called Script: Restaurant and Bar. The full-scale refurbishment forms part of The Hertsmere’s ambitious plans to progressively become the home of family golf in Hertfordshire and North-West London.

A challenging, picturesque 18-hole golf course in the middle of the Hertfordshire countryside, The Hertsmere has recently installed a new high-tech, state-of-the-art 26-bay golf driving range, and opened a golf academy which is ground-breaking in its approach focused on customer outcomes. Built about ten years ago, the clubhouse provides facilities to serve food and drink in a restaurant setting which can also be used by golfers and for public gatherings. Award-winning interior design consultancy Rachel McLane Ltd started work on the interior design concepts behind the new-look restaurant about 18 months ago.

“One of the main things that stood out to us about The Hertsmere was the setting of the course and clubhouse, which are amazing and exceptionally beautiful; the course and the driving range have real character and are of a high quality, which we wanted to capture and reflect in our designs. The clubhouse is quite literally that, a place for everyone to meet and socialise and talk over their game with friends, families and children. We wanted to add a bit of a ‘wow’ factor to help match the very high standards of the rest of The Hertsmere.”

Stuart Ritchie, the business’s director, said: “The Hertsmere is a leisure business which owns a golf course, an award winning driving range and now an amazing restaurant which has been separately branded Script: Restaurant and Bar. We wanted to create our own narrative with our ‘fresh approach to golf’ and to give everyone the opportunity to get involved with golf and enjoy our facilities, hence our standalone restaurant in the centre of the facility.”

“Our restaurant is key to this and we wanted it to be welcoming, accessible and appealing as well as reflecting our high standards and the importance we attach to our surroundings. Rachel McLane Ltd has created a stunning space where I hope people will enjoy spending time, be that for a bite to eat after a game of golf, or as a get together of family and friends for a meal. We felt that ‘Script: Restaurant and Bar’ was the perfect name for the restaurant as it combines the idea of us setting our daily changing menu of locally sourced ingredients – which, just like a fantastic script, provides the foundations for an outstanding experience. We are looking forward to welcoming customers to enjoy the new stylish design, stunning views and great menu.”

North Yorkshire-based Rachel and her team of interior designers have created a concept that draws on the importance of landscape, countryside and environmental sustainability, without detracting from the view of the course. “The Hertsmere has a vision to help make golf more sustainable, minimising waste, the use of water, chemicals and fertilisers, and to develop an environment that has a positive impact on local wildlife and supports the wellbeing of its community.”

“The course has a network of public footpaths and trails across its 160 acres. We felt there needed to be a real sense of how rural and parklike The Hertsmere is and to reference environmental and sustainability aspects in the designs – not just in the design look, but also in the materials we used. Whilst the new look of the interior is one that has been very carefully considered with contemporary lighting and seating, we didn’t want it to overpower the positive details of the building, including the views out over the golf course.”

A dominating sloped timber ceiling has now been painted over and a flattened bulkhead area created on the ceiling helps to break up the room into zones. A custom bespoke tree-like structure forms a new centrepiece to the room and is constructed from solid oak, and littered with random lights to break up the mass of ceiling.

An innovative, subtle tiered effect seating system has created booths on a raised deck at the rear where people can look across the curved dining booths by the central tree-form which in turn looks over the lower sofa-type seating at the front window. This was all done to ensure uninterrupted views of the course. A mix of timber seating and upholstered booths separated by fret-cut screens break up the room further to create the sense of different areas within one larger space. The fret-cut detailing is also applied to the glazing using The Hertsmere logo, which must be one of the best now in use in the world of golf. The colour palette is one of subtle tones with punches of colour based on The Hertsmere’s branding.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a Colombian inspired restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design.

Bishop Design was appointed to create a space inspired by South America, bringing the soul, culture, food, music, passion, and craftsmanship of the people to Dubai. En Fuego is a celebration of their richness. They wanted to create a space that would transport guests to places they might never have been.

What was the client’s brief? 

From the onset, the Client clearly envisioned creating a venue that blends exceptional culinary innovation with an intrinsic curation of entertainment and talent, delivering the ultimate social dining experience and bringing something unprecedented to the region. Rather than everything being fabricated architectural repurposing was to play a key part in the design with each piece bringing its own story, adding depth and character to the space.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by South America, predominantly Colombia we wanted to bring the soul, culture, food, music, passion,and craftsmanship of the people to Dubai. En Fuego is a celebration of their richness. We wanted to create a space that would transport you to places you might never have been. The wonder and excitement of these faraway corners enticed us to have fun designing something that would exhilarate the city.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Sourcing the items to fill the ceiling was a challenging task. We often believed we had enough until they were suspended, only then realizing the need for more. This too presented its own challenges, as we strived to ensure that each item exuded the intended Colombian spirit and clearly represented the essence of South America. Fortunately, we successfully managed to capture the vibrant spirit and energy of Latin culture. The venue, as a whole, exudes a lively and dynamic atmosphere, infusing the region with bold, colourful energy. It boasts authenticity and possesses an abundance of character and soul, guaranteeing that everyone will discover their favourite moments within its walls. This is the true beauty of the space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Paul Bishop, the owner, and founder of Bishop Design embarked on a journey to Colombia alongside a team of creative specialists. Together, they explored enchanting and unique antique shops, craft stores, markets, and personal collections. Their mission was to uncover items that would each contribute a distinctive story and soul to the restaurant’s ambiance.

One of these captivating narratives revolves around Oliver, a local gentleman of 74 years who owned a quaint rooftop workshop nestled in the heart of Medellin. Over the past years, he had dedicated himself to crafting intricate models of the region’s iconic decorated buses, known as Chivas. The team’s encounter with Oliver took place at a flea market, where his unwavering commitment to his craft left an indelible impression. A visit to his workshop further solidified their admiration, leading them to acquire every available model for the project. These models represent his final creations, making his legacy a part of En Fuego in Dubai.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Entering the SBID Awards was driven by our desire to be part of a celebration of design excellence. These events serve as a stage where our commitment to quality is recognized on a global scale. The awards offer validation that our designs align with the highest standards, making it a significant step in showcasing our dedication and expertise to a broader audience.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being named a Finalist for the Award is a tremendous honour and validation of the hard work and dedication our team puts into every project. It’s not only a recognition of our design skills but also a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional results. This recognition bolsters our reputation within the industry and among our peers, highlighting our ability to consistently deliver design solutions of the highest calibre.

Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner and Founder of Bishop Design.

The site of a former sunbed shop with residential accommodation on the first floor, our brief from the client was to design a space over 2 floors, and incorporating a large courtyard space, with cues taken from biophilic and sustainable design. With this in mind MGI proposed a complete strip out the interior of the site, retaining as many original features as possible, and reimagined it as a high-quality wine bar and bistro offering small plate meals and cocktails to the people of Standish.

Due to the heritage of the building and its location within the conservation area the local authority were keen to not only protect the fabric of the building but also reinstate elements that were more in keeping with its heritage status. The planning consent had numerous conditions regarding the materiality and design of external doors, windows, etc (all designed in hardwood, sliding sash windows to first floor, all to a heritage standard) and the location of extract flue from the commercial kitchen.

Extensive structural works to the existing building were required in order to open the space up and introduce a new mezzanine level providing a link between the ground and first floors and creating an impressive double height space. Furthermore, some existing features such as the timber beams have been retained in order to maintain the heritage of this building. All Finishes and Furniture specified were carefully chosen to create a rustic/ reclaimed feel to the interior of the site with industrial elements introduce through use of exposed steel, scaffold poles and scaffold planking.

In addition, to soften the space, extensive real and faux planting has been used throughout the interior. At the rear courtyard has been extensively remodelled to include an aluminium and glass canopy over a decked veranda, an external bar, stone paved patio, copper panels and laser cut screens to perimeter walls and Festoon lighting.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a dynamic restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, DesignLSM.

Situated in the heart of London’s Islington, Jiji Restaurant is a new concept that is inspired by a fusion of two international cuisines; Asian and Middle-Eastern.

Curating the aesthetic DNA of the brand, our design worked to reflect and harmonise the clash of cultures, to create a dynamic and welcoming space that plays with the guests’ senses, delivering a standout culinary experience. Careful design consideration was not only given to the restaurant space but also to the display of the branded merchandise that Jiji offers to seamlessly blend into its surroundings.

With a real personal connection to the owners, their refreshing and unique personality was translated not only in the interiors but in the innovative food on the menu too.

What was the client’s brief? 

The restaurateurs behind the award-winning restaurant group, Sumosan, were looking to create a new concept based around the inspiration of the owner’s passion for Middle Eastern cuisine fused with Sumosan’s famed sushi.

DesignLSM were tasked to create a dynamic space that felt relaxed and sophisticated yet with a sense of home and place, creating a destination that guests felt loyalty towards. Energy, anticipation and interest was to be generated by the culinary theatre from the open kitchen pass coupled with vibrant interiors to encourage guest engagement and visual intrigue.

What inspired the design of the project?

The interior design aims to reflect and harmonise the glorious clash of cultures that Jiji’s celebrates. The Asian influence can be seen in the sophisticated joinery of the repeat vertical elements to the gantry beautifully curving around the open bar and the natural timbers selected, whilst the custom, 3-dimensional, stylized portraits introduce energy and personality into the space paying homage to Tel Aviv’s electric nightlife scene. The design intends to create an informal, highly sociable setting; incorporating theatrical elements to reflect the dynamism of the twinned cultures.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Set in an area that is rich in character and period properties, the building holds historic heritage having traditionally been used as a Royal Mail sorting office in the early 1900s. Whilst it is now redeveloped as a multipurpose building, playing home to residential complexes and other restaurants, within the building itself, there were some constraints that we had to adhere to and externally there were limitations with the signage due to the historic nature of the architecture and the sensitivity to the residents within the building.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Jiji has been very exciting to work on from a design perspective, even more so as it has been such a personal project to the owners. We worked closely with our client to create and develop their vision which was born from their passion of food and travel, resulting in the delivery of a stunning restaurant that represents their refreshing and unique personality, translated not only in the interiors but in the innovative food on the menu too.

Our creativity flowed extensively with this project – from carefully curated atmospheric neon lighting to several bespoke items featured, including the striking custom 3D artworks, blue hued geometric floor tiles and the intricately detailed wooden bar front with its patterned relief of circles interspersed with the iconic Jiji logo.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We put a great deal of strategic planning and creativity into our design for Jiji, and when we saw our vision come to life and the positive response it received from the public (as well as restaurant critics such as Giles Coren), both our client and the DesignLSM team felt incredibly proud of what we have achieved. The SBID Awards are renowned for celebrating the best of interior design and this restaurant has earned it rightful place in the running as one of London’s most vibrant new openings. To be in the company of the other finalists is an honour in itself.

Questions answered by Tom Munson, Senior Designer, DesignLSM.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious bar-restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Albion & East.

What was the client’s brief? 

To create a 300 cover bar-restaurant with a grand, centre-piece bar, a very open kitchen integrated into the space and two iconic outside terraces.

What inspired the design of the project?

The building is the former 1930’s Forum Theatre, designed by Mr Stanley Beard who specialised in cinema architecture, but had long since closed and remained abandoned for 15 years until we resurrected it as Teatro Hall. The original interior had an Italian Renaissance style design with high ceilings and large columns. Our inspiration was to resurrect the building in ‘Stile Liberte’, an Italian variant of Art Nouveau and named after Arthur Liberty and the store he founded Liberty’s. We were rediscovering, resurrecting and reawakening and building of grand proportions in a subtle, not slavish, mind to its history.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

With new Brexit laws, delivery of bespoke items made for us in Europe needed careful planning and challenged budgets. Coupled with increases in raw material costs we had to focus hard on design elements which were stand out. Having to work harder than ever before, we didn’t compromise on design and hit budgets through planning and extending our network of suppliers of bespoke and hand made items.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

A grand island bar takes centre stage with a tall backdrop of etched blue Venetian Glass housed in cherry wood, marble bar top and pale parchment under tiled counter. Our Clock Tower is reminiscent of seating in the Waldorf Astoria lobby in NYC. Banquets, with rich midnight velvet seats and pale cream linen curtains, create intimacy. Four handmade Murano glass chandeliers, with over 100 glass columns each, create grandeur that the space demands.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Having followed the awards for several years, I have always been impressed at the quality and diversity of the finalists. It has been a source of interest and inspiration for me over the years as I have been developing my company. SBID is a well recognised and prestigious organisation and it’s an honour to be a finalist with you.

Questions answered by Sarah Weir, Lead Designer and the Founder & Managing Director, Albion & East.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a timeless restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, EDG Design.

What was the client’s brief? 

Singapore’s famed Orchard Road was once lined with fruit plantations, spice gardens and orchard groves (hence its name). But with the country’s modernization these plantations gave way to office towers and shopping malls that we see today. Our brief was to pay homage to this bygone era of the location’s Colonial past, agricultural history and the beauty of the tropics seamlessly merged for diners to enjoy morning, noon and night. Thus the concept of Estate was born, a series of three distinct dining rooms linked to open theatrical food kitchens that celebrate one of Singapore’s favourite pastimes…eating!

What inspired the design of the project?

Using the concept brief as a starting point, we developed a story of a 19^th Century plantation owner living in a grand estate surrounded by lush orchards growing crops of cinnamon, nutmeg, gambir and peppercorns. The architecture of these Colonial houses also served as inspiration. We utilized a similar approach of creating a series of intimate yet interconnected rooms for dining, kitchens and private areas which encourage exploration while creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant thus became a modern interpretation of a grand colonial estate that celebrates its heritage through design, palette, intricate details and gastronomy.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

This building is an iconic landmark on Orchard Road and although constructed in the 1970s, is considered old for Singapore. As such, the building has lower floor-to-floor heights seen in today’s towers; therefore we were challenged to maximize the interior ceiling heights and did so by streamlining mechanical services and adding visual tricks such as blackened mirrors on the ceiling which create the sense of height and depth in a subtle manner. We also found a hidden structural column in the middle of our buffet kitchen which was not on the original architectural drawings. We managed to re-plan the kitchen and dining rooms quickly whilst still maintaining the integrity of the design.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the total transformation from the old space into a beautiful and timeless restaurant and sharing in the positive energy and excitement of our client is what makes design so gratifying. Developing a strong design narrative told through design, overcoming a challenging building and unforeseen challenges, and adapting to a new working model of executing design and construction during the unpredictable heights of Covid-19, we feel especially proud that Estate has come out with the rest of the hotel as an exciting new venue for guests and visitors to enjoy.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

SBID is one of the most well-known and prestigious design awards in our industry. As an international design and branding studio, we feel the opportunity to promote our work through SBID’s platform also helps EDG Design gain visibility and recognition from the voting public as we continue to create exciting and memorable guest experiences through design.

Questions answered by Simon McDonald, Design Director, EDG Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a creative restaurant and bar venue design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, DesignLSM.

What was the client’s brief? 

The Alchemist, an experiential British restaurant and bar group founded in 2010, wanted to create a fresh, new look for their original site located in Manchester’s dynamic Spinningfield’s district.

DesignLSM were tasked to create a visually compelling design that enabled the drinking and dining venue to seamlessly transition from day to night, reflecting the evolution of brand, and invigorated the space with a welcoming and energising ambiance.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of The Alchemist draws inspiration from the origins of the universe – creating an immersive experience for guests that is influenced by the search for the elixir of life and humanity’s continual fascination with our own origins and the subsequent exploration of the universe.

The colours running throughout the design reference the tones created through supernovas and swirling gasses, intertwined with patterns and shapes of orbital pathways of pathways of planets that are represented through curated bespoke furnishing and lighting features.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We were very aware that, due to the height of the ceilings, we needed to create big scale dramas in the space otherwise the design would get lost.

We overcame this by integrating striking lighting features throughout that had been carefully curated from both an atmospheric and design narrative perspective. Each sculptured pendant is influenced by the cosmos, the orbits of planets and satellites. The collective groups are hung in specific positions to create dramatic focal points which enhances the changing ambience of the day and creates dynamic zones within the open plan space – sculptural statements in the day to luminous masterpieces at night.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

From the get-go, the concept was well interpreted and we’re extremely proud of the space and new direction that we have delivered for The Alchemist. Since re-opening, we’re thrilled with the positive feedback received from both the client and the public. Despite there being a vast selection of drinking and dining destinations in the city, The Alchemist continues to set itself apart and remains as one of Manchester’s most renowned and vibrant social hot spots.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The work we completed for The Alchemist went beyond the creation of just a beautiful design, it transitioned the brand into a new era of what they represented, evolving their core DNA. The striking space has cemented The Alchemist as the go-to hot spot in Manchester drinking and dining’s scene, receiving a hugely positive response from the public, press, and the client. The SBID Awards are renowned for celebrating the best of interior design and as we are incredibly proud of what we achieved, we hope this project has earned its rightful place in the running as one of Manchester’s most vibrant new openings.

Questions answered by Yasamin Nikoosimaitak, Marketing Manager, DesignLSM.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Kotak Design.

What was the client’s brief? 

Our client and their executive chef had already established a successful restaurant group in India, and now they want to break into the lucrative British hospitality industry.

When the COVID pandemic hit the United Kingdom, it impacted negatively on the restaurant industry, but our patrons were fortunate enough to stumble onto this beautiful St. Johns Wood venue. To showcase the seasonal food of the Indian subcontinent, the brief read, “build a destination Mayfair restaurant in St. Johns Wood.”

What inspired the design of the project?

As designers, we take pleasure in hearing the stories our clients have to tell via the environments we create for them. Our client desired to highlight contemporary Indian cuisines that reflected the diversity of India’s seasonal produce. We used this concept as a foundation for the restaurant’s branding and ambiance, which we then reflected through the use of a variety of features, including but not limited to lighting, installations, art, the ceiling, etc.

We found a lot of inspiration in the notion of “Ritu” (means seasons). Whether it’s the colour distinction between the areas of seating, an attempt to re-create the verdant scenery of southern India, the setting sun over a wheat field in the north, or the winding dunes of the Rajasthani desert, every detail has been carefully considered. The logo’s six-sided motif was inspired by India’s diverse seasonal patterns and reinterpreted to fit the western four-season format.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We believe the difficulty is in developing a coherent plan for the restaurant’s future given its history of shifting uses. The isolated location of the bar on a lower level, the low ceiling in the lobby, and the prevalence of transitional spaces all led to a feeling of disconnection.

We moved the entrance to the front of the building and installed a raindrop chandelier to make the space more inviting. It’s highly unlikely that regulars will recognise the eatery from its former incarnation. A primary focus of our interior design firm is the development of fully immersive environments. Mr. Srivastava, the owner, has shown tremendous confidence and support in us during this process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The foundation of our interior design studio is the creation of interactive and narrative environments. To be able to do so in a small space while also creating a visual connection that celebrates the hospitality culture.

We’d like to highlight and offer our special thanks to Jaysam contractors for their lovely feature ceilings, Luum for the gorgeous Indian monsoon chandelier in the conservatory, Michele McKinney for her meticulous leaf installation, and Phillip Jeffries, Ted Todd, and Domus for the impeccable final touches (and not restricted to).

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

An entry into awards is to recognise everyone who contributed to the successful completion of the project. To be recognised as an SBID finalist is a testament to the faith that the client placed in us to carry out their vision.

Questions answered by Ravi Kotak, Founder & Design Director, Kotak Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features nine distinctive bar designs by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE.

What was the client’s brief? 

4SPACE was tasked to design nine very distinctive bars for PAPA Dubai, each with different offerings. The Bar Village is made up of little ‘boulevards’ including the Rum Station, Champagne Avenue, Gin Point, And Vodka Lane, Tequila Road, Mezcal Street, Sake Alley, Wine Square, Whiskey Square, and a VIP Lounge called High gate.

What inspired the design of the project?

PAPA Dubai is an exciting 1,580 square meters dining and entertainment destination in the vibrant Atrium complex, the dining and entertainment epicenter of riverside Al Habtoor City. PAPA will take its visitors on an extraordinary culinary and mixology journey through nine glorious bars, each themed with a unique concept. Comfort and soul food are at the very heart of the dining experience. The fascinating bars have been developed in collaboration with Moscow and Dubai’s top bartending figures.

The transformational venue transforms from a sophisticated and immersive dining experience to a chic nightlife venue with DJs and entertainment as evening moves to night. Move from a quiet dinner with friends to one of the city’s best vibes. Feel the energy of this unrivaled sensory-driven experience in Dubai. PAPA Dubai will host some of the world’s most courageous bartenders vying to show off their avant-garde skills throughout the year. Each of the nine bars has been carefully considered and designed by inimitable 4SPACE in a collaboration with Papa’s founder Natalia Freys.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

There were several challenges that 4SPACE had to overcome. Eight different terrazzo surfaces were designed and installed throughout Papas. Cleverly, designers sourced authentic materials and graffiti artists to allow for fully cohesive individuality. 4SPACE presented the clients a 3D design which they executed to perfection. The piece de resistance is the nine thoroughly different concepts within one narrative. The arches unify the overall design.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Unique key features:

Rum Station – Tiki bar concept with tiki-style totem poles and art on the walls and bamboo surface accents with greenery on the ceiling.

Champagne Avenue – terrazzo highlights, bubbly texture with organic patterns used on the arches and moldings and printed on the banquette seating fabrics, and four classic chandeliers,

Gin point and Vodka Lane – retro bar that features an impressive disco ball centered in the arched ceiling and UV paint graffiti on mesh screens.

Tequila Road and Mezcal Street – designed to capture the spirit of South America with sugar skull centered in the archway and lighting inspired by Mexican sombreros.

Sake Alley – the wooden structures over the bar are designed and built based on the Japanese Kumiki joinery method and careful lighting that was chosen to represent a peaceful zen garden.

Wine Court – designed as a wine cellar with four prominent arches and an oversized mirror to reflect the arches into eight, a mixture of bricks and mirrors on the arched ceiling, and copper details inset into the bar and furniture.

Whiskey Square – feels secluded from the other bars, is central in the symmetrical space with sensual onyx lighting and was inspired by Art Deco style, including lighting and detailing on the fascia of the bar.

The Entrance – impressive and eccentric with red pipe and greenery installation that hangs from the ceiling and customized carpet below.

VIP Lounges – the red one serves as an extension to the entrance, represents the brand colour of PAPA and boasts three oversized lighting pendants, while the other is centered with an enormous arch and copper mesh on the wall, black marble on the floor, and gorgeous lounge seating.

DJ Booth – a space that can easily convert into a dance floor because of its entertainment lighting, circular kinetic mirrors, and led lighting.

Female Toilet – designed with banquette seating and comfortable poufs where ladies can take a rest while waiting in the queue, the wall feature is made from triangular screens surrounded by mirrors for Instagrammable selfies and the exciting ceiling feature is made from a pink ball installation with stretched mannequin legs.

Male Toilet – inspired by fun house-style mirrors with led lights and a black ball installation.

Terrazzo is well-known in the industry for its sustainability and eco-friendly properties. Due to its natural composition, terrazzo does not contain any volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOCs are organic compounds that vaporise by temperature changes and high pressure. This leads to emissions, the leading cause of air pollution in urban areas, harming the environment. Architecture is becoming environmentally friendly, and durable, long-lasting materials such as terrazzo are a huge advantage today. 4SPACE is keen to encourage change that benefits the environment and circular economy.

In contrast to wood, tile, and carpeting, terrazzo does not contain grout joints. As a result, there is no need for steam cleaning, energy-wasteful vacuuming, and grout cleaning. Terrazzo is water and highly stain-resistant, therefore easy to manage. Terrazzo is the number one choice for extensive facilities with high foot traffic, such as hospitals, airports, schools, and office buildings. By using terrazzo in construction, 4SPACE ensures exceptional indoor air quality, durable, eco-friendly and low-maintenance flooring and worktop surfaces.

PAPA’s Instagram page has become hype and is attracting a lot of customers who are curious about the design elements in the female toilets. Social media influencers have described PAPA Dubai as one of the most Instagrammable night and bar entertainment venues in the United Arab Emirates because of its unique design. 4SPACE has an impressive network and enviable relationship with industry, lifestyle and entertainment magazines, blogs and influencers, generating vast exposure and traffic for the venue.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Putting our project in front of the eyes of professionals, we appreciate their opinion and the recognition.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Founder & Design Director, 4SPACE.

The project is developed in an old house in the neighborhood of Palermo. A complete reorganisation of the space was carried out, generating two accesses to two spaces of different uses that complement each other according to the hours of operation of the restaurant.

Considering the history of the old houses of Buenos Aires, the courtyards have always been a space of congregation. So the first great design strategy was to create an access courtyard immediately after the façade as a symbol and blow of effect. This allowed to have a new façade of its own language, and as a consequence to preserve the old style of the main façade. From the point of view of operation, the patio is fundamental for the take away model and also explores outdoor post-covid use.

The proposed language was the result of a deep analysis of the elements that define the gastronomic proposal, a proposal that boasts of a type of American pastry. Hence the reference to the old way of “cooling the cake by the window” and its corollary proposal to use multiple windows on the façade of the entrance courtyard.

Another determining element has been the abstract representation of cakes built by cardboard cylinders, as a system of “skins” that cover certain areas such as the entrance arches and the bar back, a place that attracts all eyes in the purchase process.

These “cakes or cakes” also include two traditional symbols of pastry, the strainer and the whisks, both elements we condense into a single piece as a symbol.

The language of interior architecture is a vernacular composition of the typical demolished industrial style. From this word “demolished” started the idea of using elements that simulate an “under construction” area, that is, scaffolding woods, construction irons, metal fabrics. All neutral materials that make up a universe of constructive sieves and background a demolished house where dry vegetation takes possession of an old house that seems to be in a state of abandonment.

Lighting has become a distinctive element built with wooden structure supports and surrounded by dry vegetation, as a poetic act of how vegetation can take an abandoned wooden scaffolding structure.

On the first floor, crossing the symbolic wooden windows and a large vegetation that climbs through them, we find a private room where the high cocktail bar takes presence. We emulate through the symbolic Lagerstroemia tree in the center of the courtyard and the use of wood around the courtyard the idea of the house in the tree. Hence its name Moshu treehouse.

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