Plantea Estudio transforms austere concrete shell into Berlin's Acid cafe
Wood, granite and stainless steel elements enrich the otherwise bare concrete interior of this cafe in Berlin, designed by Spanish firm Plantea Estudio.
The cafe is set within a corner building in the city's Prenzlauer Berg neighbourhood, opposite an industrial complex that hosts artist studios belonging to the likes of Ai Weiwei and Olafur Eliasson.
It's the second Acid to open in Berlin, joining another branch in the Mitte district that was also designed by Plantea Estudio.
This latest location came with exposed concrete walls and steel-framed folding doors, which the studio was fond of but said felt "somewhat impersonal", so it set out to create an interior that was more in line with Acid's identity.
"The project introduces a series of elements designed to bring functionality, comfort, lighting and sound, while also softening the atmosphere to create a warmer, more domestic interior, without losing coherence with the building's original architectural language," the studio said.
A tall wooden volume was erected along the cafe's rear wall, with built-in metal shelving that showcases loaves of bread, packs of coffee and some service equipment.
The volume also helps conceal a flight of stairs that leads down to the cafe's basement, and supports the weighty wooden speakers that play music throughout the day.
Coffee machines and the cafe's pastry offering are displayed on a lengthy counter with a stainless steel top and granite base.
"Though substantial in size, its muted tones echo the surrounding concrete, allowing the wooden background and other elements to take visual precedence," the studio explained.
Just in front is a square wooden table that displays more merchandise, positioned beneath a three-tier Japanese paper lamp by German industrial design brand Ingo Maurer.
A bulbous vase crafted by ceramicist Raul Mouro was also placed here.
Customers can sit on a long wooden bench near the cafe's entrance, which is accompanied by a series of metal tables.
More tables and chairs were placed at the edge of the room, illuminated overhead by ceramic pendant lights from Berlin-based artist Wendy Taylor.
There's also an abundance of outdoor seating for when the weather permits.
The Acid cafe in Mitte has a similarly minimalist appearance, having been designed by Plantea Estudio to emulate the grittiness of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Its interior features an abundance of stainless steel and grey-painted surfaces, contrasting with chestnut wall panelling and red Ferrés tiles.
The photography is by Daniel Farò.
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