Olga Nur Restaurant
A chronological investigation regarding the usage of dowels reveals its expansive utilization in manufacturing and woodworking. Tracing influences as integral structural elements for Japanese shrines (AD 690) to reliable constructional elements in a ship for Leif Erickson’s saga (AD 1000), dowels have today, found reality in a new domain. A rhythm-filled picturesque expression, reflecting the beauty of a majestic land painted with powdery white sand beaches, immaculate rain forests, Arquitetos Associados have recounted a tremendous personification of Brazil’s topography. Belo Horizonte now stands acquainted with a design marvel. Arquitetos Associados crowned the completion of Olga Nur Restaurant by defining the project with a distinctive ceiling, furnishing it in character, with a wave-like topography. A rather conscious notion of wonderment is induced into the observers, who witness the 80,000 dowels suspended from the roof canopy. With each dowel unique in length, the ceiling can be held synonymous to an inverted wave-like topography.
© Gabriel Castro / Reverbo
The design philosophy is to amalgamate the intramural ambiance with that of the street, while, promoting a clear distinction between the two. With the clever employment of special lighting and a strict color pallet, the intimate interior stands in contrast with the informal exterior where a set of tables paired with orange chairs are positioned by the sidewalk and fabric pergolas stand suspended sheltering spaces. Wood, black lacquer, building steel rods and glass have been used authoritatively, while the unique and vivid furniture design of steel shelving units and wine cellar and Olga high wooden bench-in pinus-is also created by Arquitetos Associados.
© Gabriel Castro / Reverbo
Project Info:
Architects: Arquitetos Associados
Location: Belo Horizonte – State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Architect in Charge: Carlos Alberto Maciel, Paula Zasnicoff
Area: 160.0 sqm
Project Year: 2015
Photographs: Gabriel Castro / Reverbo
Collaborators: Gabriel Nardelli, Isabella Flach Gomes, Luiz Gustavo Pataro, Mariana de Paula, Matheus Cardoso
Lighting: Gilza Carvalho
Construction: Rodrigo Fulgêncio – R. Fulgêncio Engenharia; TLV Solution; TLV WoodWork
By: Aleeshba Saigol
Aleeshba is an architect who champions the philosophy that simplicity and clarity are the foundation of great design. A 2017 Honors graduate from Punjab University, she blends theory with practical expertise to create functional, minimalist spaces. As an editor, Aleeshba brings a strong narrative perspective to her work. She is passionate about socially responsive design, believing that regional constraints often spark the most innovative solutions. Her work is driven by context, curiosity, and a commitment to purposeful exploration throughout the design process.