Cultural fusion

The project aim is to transform the gourmet area of a 1950s old, modernist mansion into a space for meetings and celebrations.

 

Cultural Influence

The primary inspiration for the design development was based on elements from the African culture during the colonial period. More specifically, Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion, is one of the most expressive manifestations of African culture in Brazil that founded a strong cultural connection in the arts, cuisine, as well as other African traditions, which in turn, have heavily influenced the project’s design aesthetic.

 

Materials and Furniture

The materials are carefully selected, tying into the history of generations who lived in the land many years ago, and establishing a dialogue between contemporary and ancestral traditions. For example, the lounge area revolves around a key piece: an existing masonry sofa decorated with local works of art, while granitite was used for the counter and bar surfaces. Finally, kokedamas, a Japanese technique created to grow different types of plants in a sphere of moss suspended in the air, is used for decorating the exterior garden.

 

Colour Pallet

The colour palette is comprised of terracotta tones: a reddish-orange hue similar to clay brings a feeling of warmth, cosiness and connection with the earth, and refers to the organic and rustic textures of nature. The terracotta-coloured ceiling is inspired by the earth floor found in the Candomblé terreiros -places of worship for an Afro-Brazilian religion that has been practised in the territory for centuries.