Ester Bruzkus Architekten embarked on a distinctive journey while designing the REMI restaurant in Berlin-Mitte, in collaboration with chefs Lode van Zuylen and Stijn Remi. With a meticulous focus on architectural materials known for their quality and craftsmanship, the project mirrors the chefs’ dedication to sourcing and crafting exceptional meals. The result is a harmonious synergy between architectural design and culinary artistry, culminating in an authentic, straightforward, and enjoyable dining experience.
Material Fusion at the Heart of the Design
Central to the restaurant’s ambiance is the open kitchen, akin to a culinary stage, where various architectural materials converge, resembling diverse ingredients in a recipe. From unfinished perforated aluminum to rough stucco, red-colored MDF cabinetry, and transparent lacquered birch, each material contributes to the restaurant’s visual and tactile palette. The volumes of the kitchen, accentuated by overhead rings of lighting, exude a clean and transparent aesthetic, enhancing the overall design cohesion.
Celebrating Material Qualities through Detailing
The design ethos celebrates the inherent qualities of architectural materials, unveiling their textures, thicknesses, and depths through meticulous detailing. Notably, the use of red-colored MDF showcases a unique approach where the color permeates the material’s interior fibers, akin to the revelation of a cross-section, evoking a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship.
Maximizing Site Attributes and Geometry
Situated on the ground floor of the Suhrkamp Verlag building, the restaurant leverages the site’s inherent features, such as exposed concrete ceilings and expansive glass fronts, to preserve a sense of openness. A triangular welcome desk resolves the site’s complex geometry, fostering a serene dining atmosphere conducive to relaxation and enjoyment.
Thoughtful Furniture Selection and Lighting Design
The dining area furnishings, curated by Studio Coucou, feature custom-made tables in fine plywood, polished steel, and Forbo linoleum, complemented by chairs from Please Wait To Be Seated and custom wood banquettes upholstered with Kvadrat corduroy fabric. Lighting fixtures by Valerie Objects and large overhead rings designed by Ester Bruzkus Architekten further enhance the space’s ambiance and functionality.
The Fusion of Design and Dining Experience
REMI’s design narrative underscores the parallels between architectural design and modern gastronomy. By treating architectural materials with the same reverence as culinary ingredients, Ester Bruzkus Architekten has crafted a restaurant that mirrors the essence of a well-prepared meal: vibrant, meticulously detailed, and a testament to the artistry of its creators, chefs Lode van Zuylen and Stijn Remi.
