PALMA converts abandoned brick interior to achara restaurant along the mexico coastline

mexico-based firm PALMA converts a dilapidated structure into the achara restaurant, sited in the western coastal village of sayulita. the interior is characterized by its original brick masonry barrel vaulting overhead. in the restaurant intervention, given the narrow proportions of the space, PALMA situated the kitchen at the center of the space, allowing occupants to access the back patio. the space is thus divided between a front dining area with a direct relationship to the street, and a more intimate dining space in the rear. the front of house includes the bar as a backdrop while a bench-planter in the back patio accommodates larger group seating.

all images by luis young

PALMA makes use of the kitchen as a centerpiece for the space. a light parota wood structure finished with wicker paneling wraps the kitchen area while allowing air and light to circulate through. low masonry walls enclose the kitchen and serve as a base to anchor the columns. the kitchen articulates the front and back dining areas and fosters interaction with the guests. the intervention introduces a fresh and casual atmosphere with such expressive local materials as clay, parota, wood, and copper. the wooden structure consists of double columns raised slightly above the low walls with steel anchors. a soft, warm lighting condition is emitted from stained bamboo pendants and copper lighting fixtures.

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project info:

architecture firm: PALMA

design team: ilse cárdenas, regina de hoyos, diego escamilla, juan luis rivera

location: sayulita, nayarit, mexico

collaborators: tonatiuh armenta

project year: 2018

photography: luis young