In the area of Kissamos, near the village of Nopigeia, we designed the Aruba cafe, which will complement the Maracaibo restaurant, with which they share the same courtyard. The area did not help us in planning, as it does not have a view of the sea or a mountain, nor is it located in any point of interest. Therefore, creating a strong concept was one way. First, we functionally designed the interior space with a kitchen where snacks are prepared, a small seating area for the winter and a bar that extends into the courtyard area. Then, we designed the exterior space in functional continuity of the bar and determined courses and stops based on this and the existing plantings - flower beds.
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Shading the courtyard area was our main priority, as it is located in the south where the sun is present all day. Thus, we focused on designing a pergola that would draw interest along with the interior space behind it, drawing the eye away from the existing "neutral" building. Under the large pergola, monastic handmade tables were designed and placed and built-in seating areas were created as a continuation of the plantings. Power and wired network were installed at each table so one can work while enjoying their brunch or cocktail.
The Caribbean atmosphere, apart from the name, was given by the materials and colors. The stools are pieces of palm trunk, the wooden structures are from hand-finished tropical timber and finally, the pergola lining and covering is from bamboo canes. Handmade fabrics from Aruba and Curaçao, in addition to shading, give the element of movement. Tropical plants in the flower beds, in the courtyard and around the building, on the roof both outside and inside, completed the summer-tropical vibe.