Saúl Bistro, Pradera Concepcion in Guatemala by Taller KEN

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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination.

Saúl Bistro, Pradera Concepcion in Guatemala by Taller KEN

July 15th, 2015 by Sumit Singhal

Article source: Taller KEN

For “Saúl Bistro Pradera Concepcion” we wanted to challenge this typology of the generic suburban shopping center. Because the project is located at a high elevation, on the road to El Salvador, the client wanted the cozy feeling of a mountain house. To achieve this, the project needed to be separated from the commercial center to no appear like a theme-restaurant.

Image Courtesy © Andres Asturias

Architects: Taller KEN (Ines Guzman and Gregory Melitonov)
Project: Saúl Bistro,Pradera Concepcion
Location: Plaza Concepcion, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Photography: Andres Asturias
Client: Corporation Merino S.A.
Size: 450 sqm
Completed: 2014

Image Courtesy © Andres Asturias

As a result, red corrugated house-shaped containers cantilever out past the usual infill constraints of the shopping mall, giving the project the eye-catching feeling of an art installation or something that is extra-ordinary from the context. This subversive approach to the site gives the clients a stronger commercial presence and questions the conventional building type.This attitude is largely contrasts attitudes for the region regarding retail and commercial projects. Even in big cities, the culture is very car-oriented, and oriented around shopping centers.

Image Courtesy © Andres Asturias

In order to create intimate spaces each container is placed within the existing concrete structural grid of the mall. The interiors are wrapped with natural materials such as finished plywood, felt, and bales of leaves for a rustic and effect. The bathrooms, window boxes and separations between the containers are demarcated by a checker-pattern of traditional handmade cement tile.

Image Courtesy © Andres Asturias

About:

Taller KEN (Ines Guzman and Gregory Melitonov) is an architecture practice in Guatemala City, GT and New York City, US. Projects focus on playful design with social and cultural relevancy.

Image Courtesy © Andres Asturias

Image Courtesy © Taller KEN

Contact Taller KEN (Ines Guzman and Gregory Melitonov)

Tags: Guatemala, Guatemala City

Categories: Plaza, Restaurant

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