Local studio Box 9 has creatively employed bricks crafted from recycled construction waste to rejuvenate the London restaurant, Kid. This approach, focused on sustainable restaurant design, is situated in the vibrant heart of Soho. The 3,300-square-foot (307-square-meter) eatery combines two previously separate units, presenting a contemporary twist on a traditional Turkish mangal grill.
Seamless Design Solution: Sustainable Restaurant Transformation
“The site’s two shopfronts provided an opportunity to merge their distinct looks through a cohesive design strategy,” explains Lou Davies, co-founder of Box 9. On Frith Street, a charming Victorian upper storey with unique brick patterns hearkens back to Soho’s trading history, while Bateman Street features a modern elevation blending effortlessly with residences above.
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Brick: A Timeless Connection
The choice to utilize brick extends beyond aesthetics; it acknowledges the material’s storied place in hospitality. Reflecting chef Sertaç Dirik’s Turkish heritage, brick is emblematic of traditional fireplaces and cooking methods, uniting the restaurant’s contemporary charm with its historical roots. This design not only honors tradition but also infuses sustainability into the modern dining experience.
“Brick has long stood at the heart of restaurant design, kitchens, and open-fire cooking, presenting an authentic link to Turkish culinary traditions and the Soho architecture,” Davies notes. The use of recycled materials throughout further emphasizes the restaurant’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Diverse Interiors for a Unified Experience
Box 9’s design approach harmonizes the restaurant’s dual spaces. The Frith Street side embodies a Victorian aesthetic, whereas the Bateman Street side embraces modernity. Guests enter through an understated door, greeted by the central grill crafted from Kenoteq‘s innovative K-Briq bricks, composed of at least 90% recycled waste and boasting minimal carbon emissions. This hallmark of design sets the tone for an environmentally conscious dining environment.
The studio’s ambition to embrace brick throughout the design was rooted in practicality and heritage. “Using brick on every surface resonated with the essence of wine cellars, kitchens, and traditional grills,” says Davies. “It prioritized function over opulence.”
Innovative Spaces Reflecting Heritage
Utilizing a classic brick bond for Frith Street, and a soldier bond on Bateman Street, the restaurant exemplifies a blend of old and new. A cozy wine room offers seating for 14, constructed entirely from brick. Downstairs, an open bakery doubles as an events room furnished with bespoke tables by Jan Hendzel Studio, adaptable for various occasions. This integration showcases a forward-thinking strategy, marrying sustainability with a nod to the past.
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The design also aimed to mirror the distinctive culinary style of the chef, whose familial ties to Mangal II are pivotal. “We wanted Kid to embody Sertaç’s unique personality, deeply rooted in Turkish cooking practices, especially the art of cooking with fire,” Davies explains.
As London’s dining scene flourishes, Kid joins a lineup of fresh openings, like the French restaurant Cassette and a new-age London pizzeria designed by Isern Serra.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
How does Box 9 use bricks in the restaurant design?
Box 9 uses bricks crafted from recycled construction waste to rejuvenate the London restaurant, Kid, presenting a contemporary twist on a traditional Turkish mangal grill. The use of recycled bricks throughout the design emphasizes the restaurant’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.
What is the significance of the brick choice in the restaurant?
The choice to utilize brick acknowledges the material’s storied place in hospitality and reflects chef Sertaç Dirik’s Turkish heritage. Brick is emblematic of traditional fireplaces and cooking methods, uniting the restaurant’s contemporary charm with its historical roots.
What design approaches were used for the restaurant’s two spaces?
The design approach harmonizes the restaurant’s dual spaces by embodying a Victorian aesthetic on the Frith Street side and modernity on the Bateman Street side. This integration showcases a forward-thinking strategy, marrying sustainability with a nod to the past.
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