This Epicurean Cafe In Ahmedabad Is A Playful Mix Of Fluidity In Design And Sustainability
Nestled in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, one of the most popular cities in the history of culture, craft and heritage, is home to some of the most gastronomic bites. On one hand, the locals with their traditional recipes, and on the other are globe-trotting gourmands eager to enhance their culinary credentials. For two distinct thoughts of design – luxurious and recycled, to come together and exist parallelly in one space can yield results worth catching one’s attention! Promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly ideology is ‘Plumeria Café’, helmed by Hiloni Sutaria of Hsc Designs, designed to evoke a sense of shock and wonder as soon as you enter. A versatile café during the day and a multi-cuisine restaurant by evening, the spatial rhythm here is all about a multitude of spaces culminating as arcs.
The design vision was simple – a coalescence of division and unity. Despite the strong visual segregation, the interiors merge symphonically to create a relaxed ambience perfect for dining along with earthy vibes. “The space is built upon a symphony of deconstructed arches to create a sense of entry, a sense of awe and to make the space appear larger. The arches were the starting point of the design and the customised furniture and lighting have all been created to respond to it as well as contrast it”, explains Hiloni. “Following our design philosophy, we have tried to implement the design with utmost sustainability looking at maximum reuse of materials and zero wastage by using the scrap and extra materials.”
The most distinguishing feature of this 3,000 square feet space, is the bar table in brass, which flows in a spiralling manner through the entire expanse connecting the serving and the seating area in an endless loop. The curve of the bar table/serving area is fabricated through a combination of computational technology and handmade craftsmanship; acts not only as a visual cue but also as a physical and tactile guiding path through the sense of the space. Shades of beige and caramel brown dominate the interiors that are understated yet absorbing. The holistic materiality of the space even though raw and recycled, exudes opulence and magnanimity.
The tables are made as pods intertwining with each other leaving the possibility of moving the tables for flexible seating whenever necessary. “Most of the pieces in the space have been customized by us. The tables, light fixtures and even placemats (made from scrap material from the furniture pieces) are customised by us. The materials for these furniture pieces are a mix of ply, MDF and teak wood along with repurposed/salvaged MS for the light fixtures. The chairs are the only thing which is sourced from outside, which are from Koss Furniture”, shares Hiloni. The striking chandelier over the bar table is assembled structurally and aesthetically with precision to make sure that the ring angles are aligned at the exact positions.
The parametric spaces create pools of endless reflections making playful pockets for the users. The curved archway that leads people to the cafe entry is made of translucent panels, protecting the entry from heat during the day and illuminated at night creating a directional pathway. The café, though a small space, the convoluted chandelier and serpentine tables add a unique air to this eatery and imbibe a feeling of hedonism. “The challenges faced while designing were the merging of technology and the execution of the same. Also, the project needed to be executed with simple yet striking materials within a controlled budget. Despite this and with the change in many aspects of the site through covid, we made sure to stick to our ethos of sustainable execution of zero waste and ethically sourced materials”, concludes Hiloni.
