down 2 earth
Eatery & Cafe
Organic rattan sculptures to form the restaurants interior concept from decoration into functional furniture.
The result is a unique restaurant with a distinctive atmosphere. A one-of-a-kind rattan installation surrounded by a supporting colour concept radiating tropical vibes outside combined with an artsy interior meets retro style inside. These differences complement each other.
The rattan sculpture starts from the tree at the parking lot with a rough and natural look using rattan with skin and wilder shapes leading the visitors into the restaurant in where the sculpture transforms into a well defined and clean look through the space.
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The Story:
The new owners of an already existing restaurant collaborated with me as the designer to imagine a principal concept. The brief was to incorporate the promotion of healthy living and environmental awareness without appearing bohemian or alternative.
The owners became inspired by the vibrant restaurant and cafe scene in Melbourne and sought to have a design that combines art, sustainable and environmentally friendly materials while being modern and exceptional.
I purposed my idea of a two-room concept in which the outside terrace will feature organically shaped rattan sculptures that blend decoration and functional furniture.
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TERRACE
Rattan as progressive approach in design and an environmental friendly alternative.
Rattan is often associated with classic, bohemian, or old school designs and furniture. Many designers and craftsmen follow the old method and styles of working with rattan. In this project, we were able to demonstrate that rattan can be an absolute modern material that can be used for unique and stunning installations like in this Restaurant. I wanted to make a statement that this wonderful material can be a major element in progressive and modern design and architecture.
With its small radiuses and bending technique, it is perfect to create unique, modern and organic forms even in small spaces. Indonesian craftsmen are very skilled and often stuck in traditional tasks while they love to see newer and modern approaches themselves in their daily work. At the same time, rattan is a perfect alternative to wood and other slow-growing materials due to its unique growing characteristics.
Rattan is a palm tree that regrows every 6 months into a new harvesting circle and is therefore very sustainable. It only grows in the rainforest which gives it value, thus ensuring its conservation. Therefore the use of rattan in projects ensures the harvest and actively protects the rainforests in which rattan is cultivated.
Rattan is a palm tree that regrows every 6 months into a new harvesting circle and is therefore very sustainable. It only grows in the rainforest which gives it value, thus ensuring its conservation. Therefore the use of rattan in projects ensures the harvest and actively protects the rainforests in which rattan is cultivated.
Using rattan is safeguarding the existence of the rainforest.
Everything was custom designed and produced.
Because of the organic rattan sculptures it was difficult to find matching furniture to compliment it and fit the concept of contrast and colours.
Thats why all the furniture was custom designed and built just for this restaurant.
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INTERIOR
Exposing hidden roof structure for interior.
The inner room of the existing restaurant had a low ceiling with covered in white painted plywood sheets. It was for sure that this ceiling had to go, but what we did not yet know is what laid behind it.
To figure out what we could install for the new ceiling cover we took a look behind the drop ceiling and found the aesthetic original roof structure made from solid wood.
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Once we saw that, we knew this should be exposed and integrated into the new interior concept.
We exposed the structure and gave an optical support with wood planks.
The original red terrazzo floor we kept and combined it with red mahogany lounge furniture in mid century style as well as interior plant and rattan furniture. Custom wall lamps combined with dark blue wall details, carpets and glass tables are creating a cozy interior lounge.
A blue upholstery bench in front the wall mural and hanging rattan swings are giving the room its eye catching finishing.
© 2019 | Robin Hapelt, SchoeneHeileWelt Designstudio
Down to Earth Cafe and Restaurant, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia