autoban clads london's babaji restaurant with handmade ceramic tiles

autoban clads london’s babaji restaurant with handmade ceramic tiles
photography by ed reeve

istanbul-based design studio autoban has designed the interior of ‘babaji’, a restaurant in london’s soho neighborhood that specializes in turkish cuisine. the scheme’s materiality makes several allusions to traditional turkish design, and showcases the country’s artisan culture through particular craft techniques.

the white stove emerges from its blue tiled background

a dominant feature of the interior is the vivid blue ceramic tiles that call to mind the veins found in marmara marble. traditional turkish iznik tiles are also incorporated across different surfaces, and similar patterns are also used on some of the soft furnishings. the tiles were created by craftsmen in istanbul, at one of the few remaining ateliers left in turkey still producing handmade ceramic products.

a dominant feature of the interior is the vivid blue ceramic tiles

as the restaurant is housed within a late 19th century brick building, the exterior has been kept relatively simple. the texture of the façade has been attained by plastering and painting over a metal structure, resulting in a naturally weathered surface. the vivid blue tiles that dominate the interior of the restaurant are dramatically revealed through large glass windows, drawing diners inside.

the tiles were handmade by craftsmen in istanbul, one of the few remaining ateliers left in turkey

autoban designed much of the furniture exclusively for babaji, alongside some additional signature pieces from the studio’s existing furniture collections. inlaid detailing is found in the wood banquette seating and tabletops, while brass patterns have also been placed on the back of the banquettes, making the design feature visible from the outside of the restaurant.

inlaid brass detailing is found in the wood banquette seating and tabletops

the ground floor is arranged around a large stove that forms a contemporary interpretation of turkey’s traditional stone pide ovens. additionally, there is a larger dining area at first floor level and a kitchen and smaller dining area in the basement.

much of the furniture was designed exclusively for babaji

the ground floor is arranged around the stone pide oven

the restaurant is located in london’s soho district

the restaurant is housed within a late 19th century brick building

the texture of the façade has been attained by plastering and painting over a metal structure