Local design firm Mallol Arquitectos has created the new dine-in bakery space for Krume Bäcker in Panama where ears of wheat define the tables. Other defining design features include its clay plaster wrap to create a neutrally rooted space tonally and texturally.
The counter was built from compacted earth by blending local materials and traditional techniques for the pastry and coffee machines to rest on top of. The wooden furniture is custom-designed using native hardwoods that have been salvaged.
The studio explains the process, noting "The timber, extracted in collaboration with the Guna Madugandí community, undergoes a precise retrieval method using hydraulic saws with biodegradable oils and is kiln-dried over 2.5 months. This process maximises material use, reduces waste, and produces furniture with enhanced durability compared to porous alternatives."
Image Credit: Mauricio Carvajal
What's Driving This Trend
- Earth-friendly Restaurant Interiors
- Integration of sustainable design elements, like compacted earth counters, showcases a growing demand for eco-conscious dining environments.
- Locally-sourced Furnishings
- Using native salvaged hardwoods highlights an increasing trend of sourcing local materials to support community economies and reduce environmental impact.
- Collaborative Material Sourcing
- Innovative partnerships with indigenous communities for timber retrieval offer new avenues for culturally respectful and sustainable resource management.
Who This Affects Most
- Sustainable Construction
- Eco-friendly building materials and techniques are reshaping how spaces are designed, offering a path forward in environmental stewardship.
- Furniture Manufacturing
- Adoption of kiln-dried, salvage-based production methods presents a transformative approach to creating durable and ecologically responsible furniture.
- Hospitality Design
- Prioritization of sustainable and locally-inspired interior designs is redefining the hospitality sector's approach to customer experiences.
