ArchShowcase 
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. Estado Puro in Madrid, Spain by James & MauJanuary 17th, 2017 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Infiniski Paco Roncero´s sensitivity towards the new Spanish cuisine was the starting point for James & Mau in their search of a concept that would reinterpret the typical Spanish image, uniting tradition with innovation while cleverly avoiding kitsch or fashion botox. The objective was to allow both Spanish and tourists to identify themselves to the Spanish culture in a modern, sophisticated and fun way.  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas
 Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas The architects had to maximize on the extraordinary location of the restaurant (in front of la Plaza de Neptuno and the Prado Museum). They enclosed those monuments in the project itself by accentuating, amplifying and directing the space towards the axis between Neptune and the Restaurant, effectively integrating the terrace area at street level into the overall concept.  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas This explains the uniformity of walls and ceiling under the same material, much like a skin that will generate not only a directional tension with the axis, but also a sensation of continuity. The skin had to be formed by an element that would repeat itself following a determined proportion that could adopt a variety of forms and like a lattice, play with lighting while creating a subtle movement towards that axis of tension.  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas The architects saw the possibility to give a new life to a legendary Spanish folklore object; the barrette (Spanish comb), transforming it into a fun, yet elegant and sophisticated element. 1000 barrettes were used to create a retro illuminated skin covering ceiling and wall (also serving as an acoustic membrane and a light diffuser).  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas While the barrettes are the essence of the restaurant, they do not take away from the influence that the other elements have in the space. Grey color on floor and walls gives a general neutrality to the base, allowing the leading elements to find more visibility: an imposing piece of Macael marble in its purest state, reinterpreting the traditional bar of Spanish cafeterias. Tables made of natural “iroko” wood that reflects light throughout the space. Stools and chairs in red include a subtle note of color reminding the roses Spanish women put in their hair. Golden metal shelves were inspired by the baskets used in the Spanish markets to expose fruits and vegetables. A transition doorframe between the restaurant and the NH hotel, is composed of various strings of thick black bangs like the hair of a women. You may caress it in order to cross it. The Vegetable gardens on the terrace and inside in a glass box, remind how Paco Roncero’s cuisine is based on traditional Spanish ingredients and flavors. The image of the Spanish beer brand Mahou (sponsor), had to be integrated in the space without breaking its coherence. The architects reinterpreted a 1961 picture of a Mahou advertising campaign so that it perfectly integrates the space in a powerful and surprising way.  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas About the Design Agency James&mau , an architecture and design studio created by Spanish Architect Jaime Gaztelu and Colombian Architect Mauricio Galeano. They have produced projects in Chile, Colombia and Spain going from architecture of buildings and uni-familiar houses to interior architecture and design. James&Mau are also creators and partners of Infiniski, (www.infiniski.com) company specialized in Green construction and architecture, using mainly recycled and non polluting materials.  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas  Image Courtesy © Accreditation photographer Javier Peñas  Image Courtesy © James & Mau  Image Courtesy © James & Mau  Image Courtesy © James & Mau  Image Courtesy © James & Mau
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Categories: Bar, Restaurant |
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