Nina+Co, a London-based studio, transformed an empty space near Aldgate East station into Ara, a restaurant defined by responsibly sourced, tactile materials. The project was commissioned by Turkish chef Murat Kilic, who admired Nina+Co’s sustainable approach on his previous restaurant, Silo. To reflect a zero-waste philosophy, the design combines clay plaster walls, recycled plastics, and elm wood salvaged from diseased trees. The raw clay plaster adds a warm, earthy tone throughout the space, while recycled plastic forms the curved bar, softened by bar stools from Danish brand Hay.
Modular, Repairable Furniture and Circular Design
Working with bespoke joinery firm Craftworks Productions, Nina+Co created furniture including modular benches built from elm slabs. These benches connect with simple sliding blocks, allowing for easy repair and reconfiguration without extra fixings. The seating features removable cushions upholstered with fabric made from waste pineapple leaves, and natural latex foam replaces traditional polyurethane padding. Other sustainable touches include pendant lights woven from foraged reeds and mirror frames crafted from seaweed. Vintage furnishings such as rush-seated dining chairs and pots lend character, while living plants and three sunken trees emphasize a connection to nature.
Circularity and Resource Efficiency at Every Turn
The floor uses reclaimed galvanized steel panels, which were originally intended to be covered by parquet made from salvaged pine beams. Choosing to keep the metal panels saved resources and installation costs. Offcuts from stainless steel kitchen cladding were repurposed as wall sconces, and salvaged terracotta tiles add patina to bathrooms and corridors. The entire design prioritizes future reuse; for example, the bar was assembled using mechanical fixings instead of glue to allow dismantling. Nina+Co describes itself as a “material-driven, activist interior design studio” that consistently incorporates sustainability and circularity in its work.