█ domu
orlando, fl : [2019]
The client’s restaurant program required a dining area that is distinctly separated from a bar area. This prompted us to explore materials that would provide a positive separation to avoid disjointing the adjacent spaces. We looked to a perforated clay block material that was at once solid yet open. While typically associated with mid-century architecture, the blocks first saw use in the 1930s as a way to transition from building to the yard— a way to mitigate interior architecture with exterior space. Its ubiquitous use in tropical climates ensured enclosure without sacrificing ventilation and light. The clay blocks which we sourced from artisans in Mexico are tactile and richly saturated. The ancient and humble material provided a fascinating springboard that inspired the whole of the approach to the interior.
The interior is informed by a warm and natural, earthy palette; walls, shelving, and counters are constructed from the same diaphanous clay block, which along with concrete terrazzo countertops emphasizes the versatility of the material. A standalone block wall conveys gravitas and lightness while serving as the backdrop to the U-shaped bar. Patterned diffuse sunlight is filtered through the wall into the open dining space beyond.
Brick pavers partially wrap the walls and the reception counter which echoes the materiality and color of the clay breeze blocks. Walls and ceilings are rendered in a similar rose-hued tone. These subtle tonal and textural shifts lend to a saturated space that feels harmonious and warm. Green foliage sits in sharp contrast to the warm orange tone of the modular bricks, reinforcing the blending of interior and exterior spaces. The pinkish undertones of red oak paneling and furniture complement the tonal palette and lend a natural dimension to the interior space.
‘The essence of the beautiful is unity in variety.’ - Felix Mendelssohn
photo credit | Chad Baumer Photography