An architectural marvel in Medellín’s heart
Step inside Medellín’s Masa Café, where Studio Cadena has transformed conventional design boundaries with this unique concept. In the heart of Colombia‘s vibrant city, the architecture firm has erected a series of plywood columns creating a vast, open space that feels like a stylized forest. These 31 columns, soaring up to six meters high, stretch to meet a stark concrete ceiling, crafting a unique atmosphere unencumbered by walls.
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The non-load-bearing elegance
This striking interior isn’t merely about aesthetics. The slender columns, although non-load-bearing, serve as spatial guides. “They do not carry the building; they carry the room,” highlights Studio Cadena. Freed from structural duties, these columns guide movement and filter light, establishing a layered space without traditional barriers. The design concept allows visitors to experience a fluid, inviting environment.
A repetitive yet impactful design
Founder Benjamin Cadena explains, “The space’s atmosphere is shaped by repetitive design.” Each of the 31 wooden columns adds to the architectural harmony of the six-meter tall room between two slabs. Plywood was carefully chosen for its light-reflecting properties, infusing the space with a diffused warmth. The stylistic approach continually engages those inside, offering a sense of rhythm and tranquility.
Materials of refined simplicity
The cafe’s exposed concrete structure reveals the building’s raw shell, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Wood, stainless steel, and an elegant marble counter are the few materials selected to define the space’s subtle elegance. As Cadena mentions, “It was an intentional choice, reducing the design to essential elements that shape the space’s use and feel over time.”
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Seamless indoor-outdoor connection
A view into the café’s production area draws visitors deeper into the space, while one side opens to a lush outdoor haven, seamlessly extending the wooden columns towards nature. This architectural approach underscores a deep connection between indoor and outdoor experiences.
Unveiling Forest 31: Natural textures over colors
Studio Cadena prioritizes texture over color, allowing untreated materials to speak volumes. The subtle contrast between the existing structure and new additions creates an inviting ambiance. Natural elements and patrons bring life and color to this serene setting.
Photography is by Juan Camilo Roa, capturing the essence of a space reimagined. Studio Cadena’s Masa Café stands as a testament to innovative architecture and thoughtful design, with its heavily stylized forest taking center stage.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about Studio Cadena’s design at Masa Café?
Studio Cadena’s design at Masa Café features 31 plywood columns creating a vast, open space that feels like a stylized forest. These columns stretch up to six meters to meet a stark concrete ceiling, crafting a unique atmosphere without traditional walls.
What purpose do the plywood columns serve?
The plywood columns are non-load-bearing and serve as spatial guides. They guide movement and filter light, establishing a layered space without traditional barriers and offering a fluid, inviting environment.
What materials are used in Masa Café’s design?
The café’s design uses plywood, stainless steel, and an elegant marble counter to define its space. The minimalist aesthetic is maintained by revealing the exposed concrete structure.