DESIGN NAME: Andalucia Tapas
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Restaurant and Bar
INSPIRATION: The clients Spanish roots led our inspiration and research of Castilian, Gitano culture and prevalent Moorish history of Al Andalus region. Alhambra and the Ancient Madrasah in Granada proved to be endless source of inspiration. The Spanish region is known for horses, olive tree landscape and its specialty hams so we devised a concept that showcases these on a grand scale or used associated elements in the design and detailing.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 30 year old family run restaurant was transformed by fusing a former dining room with a neighboring property and a courtyard to create a modern tapas eatery with two bar areas and private dining. Old courtyard was converted into a restaurant and features stone walls, large mechanical skylights and a fully grown olive tree, alluding to its previous use, whilst acting as a link between private dining and the new bar. Restaurant features ham display cabinet created from Himalayan rock salt.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Since reopening, the bar which is accessed directly from the pavement has proven popular in the area for bar snacks and drinks whilst the bar and restaurant at the rear of the property is also busy beyond client’s expectations. The design is well received by repeat customers and new ones, and after the big refurbishment the generous space unlocked means the customers have larger tables for tapas plates and the staff have better access for service. The opening roof lights give a sense of alfresco Spanish dining on a sunny day in the South of England.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Project was conceived in April 2016 in Sussex village of Ferring. Design Concept was approved in the summer of 2016. Technical drawings and specifications were completed in December 2016. Building works were completed in Summer 2017 with the new restaurant opening in October 2017. Third and final stage of the build process, Wine Bar, was finished in July 2018.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Andalucian horses appeared readily in our research. To bring in related design elements we chose smaller details like horse bridle bits and suspended back cushions to the rear of the fixed seating. Backlighting the jamón display case brings out the unique textures of the Himalayan rock salt lining it and gives warm glow to the room and the salt keeps the humidity low, so it is practical as well as attractive to the customers. The recreation of the iron stud doors and the diamond shape timber with brick floor pattern gives the private dining room a cellar like appearance and suits a lower ceiling.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Former restaurant and kitchen measured 87 meters square. After the redesign the overall area measures 214 meter square.
The space was enlarged by utilizing an existing 71 square meter courtyard and adding 56 square meter of the neighboring property.
TAGS: restaurant, tapas, interior, hospitality
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Village of Ferring has mainly an older demographic but the new design needed to attract younger customers to a traditional Spanish tapas restaurant without alienating existing clientele. Wood & stone buildings, doors, cellars & courtyards appeared heavily in our online research. We introduced traditional materials in a modern way so that the result is Spanish influenced and classy. Applications like the herringbone wood flooring extending over walls & ceilings, & the bespoke wall lights designed by us are unique here. We combined an old dresser, vintage copper bowl & wall taps to create the water station.
CHALLENGE: Extensive alterations and the inclusion of the neighboring property to create a larger separate bar & a restaurant with better accessibility was a challenge. The project was completed in two phases due to complexity and the different structures, ceilings and drainage affected final floor levels. When the original structure was found to be unsound the design needed urgent amendments by us to suit new structure.
ADDED DATE: 2019-02-18 18:29:49
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Blenheim Design, 2018.
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